Anime fans always talk about big names like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and One Piece, but what about the hidden gems? Some anime don’t get the recognition they deserve, even though they have great storytelling, unique characters, and amazing animation. If you are looking for underrated anime, this list is for you!
Here are 10+ underrated anime that deserve more love.
1. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
A gripping mix of mystery, time travel, and emotions, Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist who has a special ability called “Revival.” This lets him go back in time just before a tragedy happens, allowing him to prevent it. When his mother is murdered, Satoru is sent back 18 years into the past to stop a string of child kidnappings. The anime balances suspense, drama, and heartfelt moments perfectly.
Watch Erased Full Anime online: Netflix, Crunchyroll
2. The Great Pretender
This stylish heist anime follows Makoto “Edamame” Edamura, a con artist who gets tricked by a more experienced scammer named Laurent Thierry. Together, they take on big-time criminals in elaborate scams across the world. The art style is unique, and the storytelling keeps you engaged till the end. If you love heist movies like Ocean’s Eleven, you’ll enjoy this one.
Watch The Great Pretender Full Anime online: Netflix
3. Mushishi
Mushishi is a beautiful, slow-paced anime that explores supernatural beings called “Mushi.” Ginko, the main character, is a “Mushi Master” who travels the world to understand these creatures and help people affected by them. Each episode tells a different, thought-provoking story, making it a relaxing yet fascinating watch.
Watch Mushishi Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Hulu
4. 91 Days
Set in the Prohibition Era, 91 Days follows Angelo Lagusa, a man seeking revenge on the mafia family that killed his parents. He infiltrates the organization and slowly works to take them down. If you love mafia stories with deep emotions and intense action, this is a must-watch.
Watch 91 Days Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation
5. Kaiba
A hidden gem by Masaaki Yuasa, Kaiba is a surreal sci-fi anime set in a world where memories can be transferred between bodies. The art style looks simple and cartoonish, but don’t be fooled—it explores deep themes about identity, love, and class struggles.
Watch Kaiba Full Anime online: Crunchyroll
6. Paranoia Agent
This psychological thriller by Satoshi Kon follows a mysterious boy known as “Lil’ Slugger,” who attacks people with a golden baseball bat. As the police investigate, the story unfolds into a surreal and disturbing look at society’s fears and anxieties.
Watch Paranoia Agent Full Anime online: Funimation
7. Barakamon
A wholesome and funny slice-of-life anime, Barakamon follows Seishuu Handa, a calligrapher who moves to a small island after an outburst ruins his career. There, he meets energetic villagers who change his perspective on life and art.
Watch Barakamon Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation
8. A Place Further Than the Universe
This inspiring anime follows four girls who dream of visiting Antarctica. Their journey is filled with struggles, growth, and emotional moments. It’s a perfect coming-of-age story that will warm your heart.
Watch A Place Further Than the Universe Full Anime online: Crunchyroll
9. Terror in Resonance
This anime follows two mysterious teenagers, Nine and Twelve, who commit terrorist attacks while leaving cryptic messages. As a detective tries to track them down, the truth behind their actions slowly unfolds. It’s a thrilling and emotional story about justice and revenge.
Watch Terror in Resonance Full Anime online: Funimation, Hulu
10. Samurai Flamenco
If you love superheroes and comedy, Samurai Flamenco is for you. It starts as a lighthearted story about a wannabe hero but evolves into something much deeper, with unexpected twists.
Watch Samurai Flamenco Full Anime online: Crunchyroll
11. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
A hilarious twist on the isekai genre, The Devil is a Part-Timer! follows a demon lord who is forced to work at a fast-food restaurant in modern-day Tokyo after losing his power. It’s a fun mix of comedy and action.
Watch The Devil is a Part-Timer! Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation
12. Re:Creators
In Re:Creators, characters from anime, manga, and video games come to life in the real world. As they interact with their creators, chaos ensues. This anime offers a unique take on storytelling and the power of creators.
Watch Re:Creators Full Anime online: Amazon Prime Video
13. Hyouka
A beautifully animated mystery anime, Hyouka follows Oreki, a student who prefers to conserve his energy but gets pulled into solving intriguing school mysteries by an energetic girl named Chitanda.
Watch Hyouka Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation
14. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
This emotional anime follows siblings trying to survive after a massive earthquake hits Tokyo. It’s realistic, heartbreaking, and a must-watch for anyone looking for an impactful drama.
Watch Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 Full Anime online: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Conclusion
There are so many underrated anime out there that deserve more love. Whether you’re into mystery, sci-fi, slice of life, or action, this list has something for everyone. Have you watched any of these? Or do you have a favorite underrated anime that’s not on this list? Let us know in the comments!
