Ever feel like everyone's talking about the same few anime? Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer – they're undeniably fantastic, but the world of anime is so much vaster! As a newcomer, it can be easy to stick to the most popular titles, but you'd be missing out on a treasure trove of incredible stories that deserve way more love.
This isn't a list of "bad" anime, far from it! These are shows that, for various reasons, didn't quite hit the mainstream popularity levels they deserved. Some start off a little slow but build into something truly spectacular, while others are simply hidden gems that flew under the radar. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and prepare to add some truly unique and rewarding experiences to your "Plan to Watch" list!
"Underrated" in the anime world often means a few things:
Why should you care? Because some of the most profound, inventive, and emotionally resonant anime experiences are found in these lesser-known titles. They offer fresh perspectives and often leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Why it's underrated: Erased was quite popular upon its release, but its initial buzz has somewhat faded compared to other thrillers. It’s a fantastic entry point for newcomers, offering a compelling mystery without relying on complex genre tropes. Some felt the ending was a bit rushed, but the journey to get there is exceptional.
What makes it special: Imagine being able to go back in time, not just to a specific moment, but to your childhood self, in order to prevent a tragedy. That's the premise of Erased. Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist, possesses an ability he calls "Revival," which sends him back moments before life-threatening incidents. When he's wrongly accused of a murder, he's sent back eighteen years to his elementary school days, giving him a chance to solve a series of abductions and murders from his past, including one that directly impacts his present.
This show is a masterclass in suspense and character development. The mystery is genuinely gripping, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional core – Satoru's journey to protect his childhood friends – is incredibly powerful. It's a **slow burn** in the sense that the mystery unfolds gradually, but every episode builds expertly on the last.
Why it's underrated: This anime is a bit of a quiet masterpiece. It doesn't have explosive action or dramatic reveals in every episode. Instead, it offers a sophisticated, character-driven narrative with a unique aesthetic that might not immediately grab those looking for high-octane entertainment.
What makes it special: Set in a fictional kingdom divided into 13 states, ACCA follows Jean Otus, a high-ranking member of the organization "ACCA," which oversees these states. His job involves traveling, inspecting, and ensuring all is well. Sounds simple, right? But as Jean goes about his routine, rumors of a coup begin to swirl, and he finds himself at the center of a political conspiracy.
The brilliance of ACCA lies in its atmosphere, intricate world-building, and subtle storytelling. It's a "slice of life" mixed with a spy thriller, focusing on dialogue, character interactions, and the subtle unfolding of events. The jazz-infused soundtrack and distinct art style contribute to its laid-back yet intriguing vibe. It's the kind of show that rewards patience, gradually revealing its depth and complexity.
Why it's underrated: Odd Taxi was a pleasant surprise of 2021 that, despite critical acclaim, didn't achieve the massive social media virality of some other titles. Its unique art style (anthropomorphic animals) might initially deter some, but underneath the quirky visuals lies one of the most intelligent and well-crafted mystery dramas in recent memory.
What makes it special: Don't let the animal characters fool you; this is a deeply human story. The protagonist is Hiroshi Odokawa, a walrus taxi driver with a sardonic outlook on life. His mundane daily interactions with his passengers—a variety of eccentric animals—slowly begin to intertwine, revealing clues to a missing person's case. The narrative is a complex web of interconnected storylines, leading to an incredibly satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
Odd Taxi is a masterclass in dialogue and subtle foreshadowing. Every conversation, every seemingly insignificant detail, eventually plays a crucial role. It's a **slow burn** that builds tension through clever writing rather than flashy action. If you love a good mystery that makes you think, this is an absolute must-watch.
Why it's underrated: At 99 episodes, Space Brothers is a commitment, and its more grounded, realistic approach to pursuing dreams means it lacks the explosive fantasy or action common in many popular anime. This might make it a **slow start** for some.
What makes it special: Forget magical powers or giant robots; Space Brothers is about the incredibly human journey of two siblings, Mutta and Hibito Nanba, who as children promise to become astronauts. Hibito achieves this dream first, becoming an American astronaut, while Mutta's career hits a snag. At 31, and feeling like a failure, Mutta gets an unexpected chance to try out for JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) to become an astronaut, just like his brother.
This anime is incredibly inspiring, heartwarming, and often hilarious. It meticulously details the rigorous training, emotional challenges, and sheer dedication required to become an astronaut. It's a "slow burn" in the best way possible, allowing you to deeply connect with the characters and truly understand the weight of their aspirations. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Why it's underrated: While critically acclaimed and beloved by those who've seen it, Mushishi remains a relatively niche title compared to mainstream hits. Its episodic, atmospheric nature and lack of overarching plot might not appeal to everyone looking for continuous narrative progression.
What makes it special: Mushishi follows Ginko, a "Mushi Master" who travels the land helping people affected by "Mushi" – primordial, invisible life forms that exist between the natural and supernatural worlds. Mushi are not inherently good or evil; they simply exist, and their interactions with humans can sometimes lead to strange, often unsettling, phenomena.
Each episode is a self-contained story, delving into different aspects of human nature, folklore, and the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. It's a profoundly tranquil and thought-provoking series, with stunning naturalistic animation and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. It's a perfect show for unwinding and reflecting, offering a unique blend of mystery, wonder, and subtle horror. The "slow burn" here is the gradual accumulation of wisdom and understanding about the world it presents.
Why it's underrated: As a sports anime, it faced stiff competition, and its focus on the grueling, less flashy sport of long-distance running (ekiden) might not immediately captivate everyone. It **starts slow** as the characters are mostly reluctant participants.
What makes it special: This isn't your typical flashy sports anime. Run with the Wind tells the story of a group of university students, many of whom are total novices, who are coerced into forming a Hakone Ekiden relay team. The Hakone Ekiden is one of Japan's most prestigious and brutal university relay races, covering over 200 km over two days.
What makes this anime truly special is its incredible character development and realistic portrayal of effort, pain, and camaraderie. Each character has their own reasons for running, their own struggles, and their own moments of triumph. It's a journey of self-discovery, pushing past limits, and finding strength in unity. The "slow burn" comes from seeing these disparate individuals gradually transform from reluctant runners into a cohesive, dedicated team. It’s incredibly inspiring and will make you want to go for a run yourself!
Why it's underrated: While it gained a dedicated following, Golden Kamuy isn't as widely known as other action-adventure series. Its unique blend of intense action, historical accuracy, dark humor, and bizarre moments can be a lot to take in, and it might not fit neatly into a single genre box.
What makes it special: Set in the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War in early 20th century Hokkaido, Golden Kamuy follows Saichi "Immortal" Sugimoto, a veteran searching for a hidden cache of Ainu gold. His only clue is a map tattooed onto the bodies of escaped convicts. He teams up with an astute Ainu girl named Asirpa, whose father was involved with the gold.
This anime is an absolute wild ride! It seamlessly blends thrilling action sequences, intricate historical details (especially about Ainu culture and survival skills), and some of the most genuinely hilarious and bizarre comedic moments you'll ever see. It **starts as a desperate treasure hunt but evolves** into something far more complex and profound, exploring themes of survival, revenge, and cultural preservation. It’s a true hidden gem that continually surprises.
Why it's underrated: This is a truly unique and visually ambitious anime that can be incredibly confusing in its first few episodes. Its non-linear storytelling and abstract themes require patience and a willingness to embrace the chaotic wonder it presents. Many might drop it before it truly clicks.
What makes it special: Where do I even begin with Kyousougiga? It's a vibrant, colorful, and utterly bonkers journey into a bizarre alternate Kyoto, a world brought to life by a powerful monk's drawings. Our protagonist, Koto, is a fiery young girl who crashes into this "Mirror Capital" searching for her missing mother. What follows is a visually stunning, emotionally rich, and deeply philosophical exploration of family, creation, and belonging.
The animation is incredibly fluid and imaginative, often feeling like a moving painting. It’s definitely a "**slow burn**" in terms of understanding what's going on, but if you surrender to its unique rhythm, you'll be rewarded with a profound and incredibly moving story that sticks with you long after it ends. It's a true hidden gem that deserves a much wider audience.
Why it's underrated: This is a historical drama about Rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. It's incredibly dialogue-heavy, relies on subtle character expressions, and deals with mature themes, which can be a turn-off for viewers looking for more conventional anime action or fantasy.
What makes it special: This anime is a masterpiece of storytelling. It delves into the lives of Rakugo performers across generations, focusing on the complex relationships, rivalries, and passions that drive them. The first season primarily acts as a flashback, detailing the intertwined lives of two immensely talented Rakugo apprentices, Kikuhiko and Sukeroku, and the woman who loves them both, Miyokichi.
What Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju lacks in flashy animation, it more than makes up for in its incredible voice acting, nuanced character development, and deeply emotional narrative. It's a **slow burn** that draws you into a world of traditional artistry, exploring themes of legacy, jealousy, love, and performance with breathtaking depth. This show is often hailed as one of the best dramas of the decade by those who have seen it, and it's a profound experience.
Why it's underrated: This anime is a shining example of how phenomenal 3D CGI can be when used correctly, yet many anime fans still have a bias against it. Its philosophical themes and the initial strangeness of its "gem people" characters might also require an open mind. It definitely **starts off as an intriguing world-building exercise before the deeper plot kicks in**.
What it makes special: In a distant future, Earth is inhabited by sentient, crystalline life forms known as Gems, who are constantly at war with the Lunarians, beings who seek to harvest their bodies for decoration. Phos, a young and fragile gem, is desperate to contribute to the fight but is too brittle. Instead, they are tasked with compiling an encyclopedia, a duty they find unfulfilling. As Phos tries to find their purpose, they undergo profound physical and emotional changes.
Land of the Lustrous is a visual marvel, with incredibly fluid action sequences and stunning character designs that fully utilize the 3D medium. Beyond the aesthetics, however, lies a deeply philosophical and surprisingly dark story about identity, change, suffering, and what it means to be alive. The characters, despite being literal gems, are incredibly endearing and relatable. It's a masterclass in world-building and character evolution, making it an absolute must-watch for anyone willing to try something truly unique.
There you have it! Ten incredible anime titles from the last decade that might not be on everyone's radar, but each offers a truly rewarding viewing experience. Whether you're looking for a gripping mystery, a heartwarming journey, or a thought-provoking philosophical tale, this list has something for every newcomer ready to explore beyond the mainstream.
What are your thoughts? Have you seen any of these? Do you have your own "underrated" picks from 2010 onwards that newcomers should know about? Share your recommendations in the comments below – let's help each other discover more amazing anime!