Top 10 Underrated Anime That Deserve More Attention
Alright, anime fam, let’s talk about those hidden gems. You know, the ones that don’t flood your timeline with fan theories, don’t have a million AMVs set to Linkin Park songs, and definitely aren’t plastered across every Hot Topic wall.
These are the anime that quietly drop, do their thing, and disappear into the void—unless you’re lucky enough to stumble across them.
So, let’s do some anime archaeology and dig up ten shows that deserve way more hype than they got. You might find your next obsession here.
1. Ergo Proxy – Cyberpunk Existential Crisis
Ever wondered what Blade Runner would be like if it had an anime cousin? Ergo Proxy delivers cyberpunk dystopia, deep philosophical questions, and an art style that screams “moody gothic Tumblr aesthetic.”
It’s not an easy ride—this one makes Neon Genesis Evangelion look like a casual Sunday morning cartoon—but if you love slow-burn mysteries with a side of existential dread, this is for you.
Our Advice: Don’t binge-watch this in one go. Let each episode marinate in your brain. It’s like drinking expensive whiskey—you sip it, not chug it.
2. Kaiba – The Acid Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed
Imagine if Adventure Time had a baby with Black Mirror, and that baby grew up in a Salvador Dalí painting. That’s Kaiba.
On the surface, it looks like a kid’s show with its simplistic, rounded animation. But don’t let the art fool you—this show is dark. Like, “your consciousness isn’t safe, and your memories can be stolen” dark.
3. Dennou Coil – The AR Future We Were Actually Promised
Dennou Coil came out in 2007, and somehow, it predicted the AR craze before Pokémon Go was even a concept. This show follows kids exploring a world where augmented reality is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Think of it as Stranger Things meets Ghost in the Shell, but with less horror and more tech intrigue.
4. Princess Principal – Victorian Steampunk Spy Girls
Sherlock Holmes meets Mission Impossible, but make it anime.
Princess Principal follows a group of young spies in an alternate steampunk London. It’s stylish, intelligent, and features an amazing jazz soundtrack that gives Cowboy Bebop a run for its money. Also, the storytelling is non-linear, so expect Pulp Fiction-style jumps between timelines.
Our Advice: Don’t let the cutesy character designs fool you. This show has some serious political intrigue and high-stakes espionage. Stick with it.
5. Shin Sekai Yori (From the New World) – The Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller
At first, Shin Sekai Yori feels like your typical coming-of-age supernatural story. Then it punches you in the gut. Then it keeps punching.
This is Lord of the Flies meets Akira, exploring a seemingly utopian society where psychic powers have developed—and how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Our Advice: Don’t Google spoilers. Seriously, just don’t. The twists hit way harder if you go in blind.
6. The Big O – Bruce Wayne of Anime
What if Batman had a giant robot? That’s basically The Big O. It has noir vibes, amnesia-fueled mysteries, and an episodic format that slowly reveals a deeper conspiracy. The aesthetic? Straight-up 1940s detective flick meets Neon Genesis Evangelion.
7. Bartender – Anime ASMR for the Soul
No explosions, no high-speed chases—just a dude making cocktails and changing lives. Bartender is an anime that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It dives into the psychology of people seeking comfort in a drink, with stories that hit surprisingly deep.
8. Planetes – Blue-Collar Space
Most space anime go full Star Wars with epic battles and space politics. Planetes focuses on something more mundane—cleaning up space debris. But that’s where it shines. It’s a deeply human story about ambition, relationships, and what it really means to dream big.
Our Advice: Watch this if you need motivation. It’s a great reminder that even small jobs matter in the grand scheme of things.
9. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 – The Disaster Movie That Feels Too Real
If you think Your Name made you emotional, get ready for Tokyo Magnitude 8.0. It’s a realistic take on what would happen if a major earthquake hit Tokyo, following a young girl and her little brother as they struggle to survive. It’s beautifully animated but absolutely devastating.
Our Advice: Watch this when you’re in the mood for something emotional but meaningful. It’s a reminder to appreciate life and be prepared for emergencies.
10. House of Five Leaves – Samurai, But Make It Slow and Sad
Most samurai anime are flashy. House of Five Leaves is quiet, melancholic, and beautifully introspective. It follows a timid ronin who gets involved with a morally gray gang, leading to a character study rather than an action-packed adventure.
Our Advice: Don’t expect sword fights every five minutes. Instead, treat it like a slow-burn indie film.
Final Thoughts
The anime industry is a giant beast, and sometimes, incredible series slip through the cracks. If you’ve been stuck rewatching Attack on Titan or waiting for the next season of Jujutsu Kaisen, maybe it’s time to go off the beaten path.
Try one of these underrated picks of the best anime genres. You might just find a new favorite—one that you get to hype up before it becomes mainstream.
And trust me, there’s nothing better than being that person who gets to say, “Oh, you just discovered Ergo Proxy? Cute. I’ve been a fan for years.”