The Japanese anime industry has grown dramatically, with blockbusters like My Hero Academia, Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan winning the hearts of fans around the world. Pokémon has become a household name, but many other titles are still struggling to gain recognition.
Many excellent anime series fail to attract a large audience for various reasons. It may be difficult for Western fans to find them on streaming platforms or DVD sets, or they may have been overshadowed by more famous titles.
With a steady stream of new anime appearing every season, it's inevitable that some special series will fall under the radar, leading to low viewership. We've updated this list to provide more information for anime enthusiasts looking for underrated gems.
7 Underrated Anime Worth Watching
1. Tsumi's book
This anime tells the story of Natsmi, a young girl who discovers a mysterious book that takes her to fantasy worlds.
Filled with adventure and magic, Books of Tsumi delivers themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery as Tsumi finds her way through different worlds, meets strange creatures, and overcomes through many different challenges. With beautiful visuals and touching storytelling, the series delves into the power of imagination and the importance of believing in yourself.
2. Barakamon
Barakamon revolves around Handa Seishu, a talented calligrapher who, after a public incident, moves to a rural village on the island to rediscover his passion for art.
Through interactions with quirky villagers, especially an energetic young girl named Naru, Handa learns valuable life lessons about creativity, community, and personal growth. . The series brilliantly combines elements of humor, drama, and slice-of-life, delivering a heartfelt depiction of self-discovery and the joys of simple life.
3. Monsters
In this psychological thriller, Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon, faces the moral dilemma of having to choose between saving the life of a young boy or city mayor.
His decision sets off a chain of events that leads to a complex plot involving murder, manipulation, and the search for a mysterious figure known as “Johan Liebert.” Monster delves into deep moral questions while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with suspenseful plot twists and well-developed characters.
4. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
5. Busy
Mushishi follows the journey of Ginko, a “Mushi Master” who travels across feudal Japan to research and deal with mysterious creatures known as “mushi”. These supernatural creatures exist beyond normal awareness, often causing supernatural phenomena and affecting human life.
Each episode of Mushishi presents a stand-alone story, exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and the fragile balance between humanity and the natural world. With its serene atmosphere and thought-provoking stories, Mushishi offers a unique blend of fantasy and philosophical storytelling.
6. Space Brothers
Space Brothers revolves around the aspirations of two brothers Mutta and Hibito, who dream of becoming astronauts. After Mutta lost his job, he decided to pursue his childhood dream and applied to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut program.
The film follows Mutta's journey through the rigorous selection process, his training along with other candidates and his determination to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. With a blend of humor, drama, and scientific accuracy, Space Brothers delivers an inspiring story about perseverance and following one's dreams.
7. Aria series
The Aria series invites viewers into the enchanting world of Neo-Venezia, a futuristic city on the planet Mars that mirrors Venice. The story follows the adventures of Akari Mizunashi, a young girl training to become a “diver,” a boater who searches the city's canals.
Through Akari's encounters with her teammates and the city's residents, the series celebrates the beauty of everyday life, the importance of cherishing small moments, and the transformative power of love. Friend. With its serene atmosphere, breathtaking vistas, and gentle storytelling, The Aria Series offers a tranquil escape into a world of wonder and discovery.
