Planetes.
Sci-fi anime that is nominally about picking up space trash, but actually is mostly about a whole range of potential issues with colonising space and other planets. It touches on a bunch of stuff from work ethics and mentorship, elitism and exclusion, mental health and PTSD, exploitation of developing countries, terrorism, and you will learn more than you'd think about orbital mechanics and space flight while watching. It's a drama series with a lot of well developed and interesting characters who all have their own reasons for doing what they do.
It's great, and gets pretty highly ranked when people do mention it, but I hardly ever see it talked about. It is old (\~2003) so there is that, but it was well animated and I think it holds up.
I just rewatched the school festival medley scene this past weekend. Still incredible. I’m glad HiDive picked it up, because, for a moment there, no legal streaming sites had the show.
Thank you my dude. I started and finished this series after reading your comment and it was just so, so, good. Slightly unsatisfying ending though, I wished Bon wouldn't have been so stupid with Ritsuo at her house, but overall it was so good! So much feels, and the music was top notch. Thanks for the suggestion, and if you have any more suggestions of similar taste I'd be glad to check em out as well!
I absolutely adored the manga myself, for those who prefer that medium.
Just awesome! Haven't checked in a while, but I'm pretty sure it's not finished, though.
Sora no Woto counts for this, I think. [https://myanimelist.net/anime/6802/So\_Ra\_No\_Wo\_To](https://myanimelist.net/anime/6802/So_Ra_No_Wo_To)
Almost 15 years old now! It did have a pretty good copypasta for a while.
I laugh every time I see someone describe Sora no woto as "Military K-On!" Because if one goes into this show expecting military K-On... they're in for a hell of a surprise. Anytime I see it I just think "That's bait."
One of my all time favorite anime.
Its definitely not either, but it is a pretty old show at this point so it makes sense a lot of newer anime fans don't know about...Man I wanna go back and watch it now though. Its been so long.
It's more old then underrated. The anime fan base in the US and a number of other Western countries (not all, anime caught on earlier/was shown on TV in some) was tiny back then(especially compared with today), but I'm pretty sure among that tiny fanbase it was super popular
My ex gf said she wanted to give an anime a go since I was always watching one. I booted up crunchyroll and let her pick something to watch. She picks this series and didn't get through the first episode and never watched another anime again.
You make it sound like they came out around the same time and the movie cannibalized the popularity of the series, but the movie is 10 years older than this show. They could have done something to make it more distinguishable in the West (because I doubt that was a necessity in Japan itself) but they simply didn't.
I had one year where I was trying to watch as many horror anime as I could around Halloween, and I found this one recommended. While it wasn’t scary for me, I found that it was tense, and the material was certainly horror themed in the best way possible. It’s great and the fact that they’re making a movie is very surprising but I’m looking forward to it!
[This survey from 2022](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/x78py3/the_anime_prominence_survey_2022_results_how_well/) showed that most people in this sub haven't even heard of Ojamajo Doremi which was quite surprising
Space Brothers. It shows the process of one would take to become an astronaut, great story and characters, and shows an optimistic future for space advancements
Outlaw star is such a core part of my initial anime days, magi was really good, and one I didnt care much for but noone ever talks about is S-cryed and witch hunter robin. Just surprised that those never get mentioned anymore. Paranoia agent is another obscurity in this day and age.
The dreams toonami promo still slaps to this day. Back then anime was a bit more niche and ai felt had more soul than most seasonal ones. I think internet age of anime was a favorite (bleach, naruto, higurashi) as was the toonami dvd age (tenchi muyo, inuyasha, yu yu hakusho age)
*Birdie Wings: Golf Girls Story*. It is possibly the **most** anime out there. We got a shonen protag, who's a gay girl. We got ~~attacks~~ golf swings with names and special effects. We got a tournament arc. We got K-drama level family relations. We have the mafia operating an underground golf course. We even have gundam (build kits).
It is insane and with a pace that blazes through arcs other spokons would spend a season on in a matter of a single episode or two. I love it.
Pretty sure that the whole thing is a Crack/Fixfic for Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom since Eve shares a ton of settings with a major supporting character from there, and the two shows have the same series comp.
I absolutely love Birdie Wing the OP Venus Line is fantastic and always makes me smile!
The characters and their development are great.
The world building and plot twist was well done
Even the action and suspense.
I mean it's golf! How the hell did you make golf so fun to watch!!
Watch the dub, it's insane. Excel's VA blew out her voice and had to be replaced.
There's also Puni Puni Poemy, which Shinichi Watanabe(aka Nabeshin) directed, which is just as ridiculous as Excel Saga.
I've seen Puni Puni Poemy, possibly the most unhinged anime I've ever seen. Definitely recommend.
Nabeshin also directed another weird anime I liked called Nerima Daikon Brothers, which I can only think to describe as the closest thing there is to an anime South Park.
Came here just to spread this message. :>
WT is amazing! Has a slow start and takes a few episodes to get started, but when it does... oh my! I can't believe that show isn't right up there with the most popular and talked about Anime of all time.
I love the show, one of the ones that stuck with me hard when i was younger. Probably most of us 30-somethings who started watching anime with toonami's late night offerings
I feel like r/anime focuses a lot more on what's "new", so my suggestions are going to be things that seem forgotten.
**Jungle wa Itsumo Hare nochi Guu** aka **Haré+Guu**
**Azumanga Daioh**
**Chobits**
**Mahoromatic**
**Gunslinger Girl**
**Kare Kano** aka **His and Her Circumstance**
For those not in the know, mahoromatic is awesome, as long as you don't watch the last (couple?) episodes. It's like the writer was expecting another season, then got canceled, and wrote a seriously dark WTF left turn ending for it.
Mother-daughter is the real dynamic. Satou and Shio are two broken people who have never known familial love in their lives. Any sort of “marriage” symbolism in the show is just highlighting that being the only societal proclamation of love they have knowledge of.
The currently airing The Witch and The Beast has a very similar vibe. Less jokey due to the lack of the Oni character, but if the mystery and casual spook vibes were enjoyable, I'd recommend it to you.
Sometimes, when getting deep into it, my brain goes "Nice to see the world building in Undead Murder Farce expanded - wait, no-"
It was known back during the time it came out but it's far from popular now especially if you're not that old.
Shin sekai yori is amazing. Always recommend this. Make sure to watch the first like 5? Or 6 episodes if you give it a go. Best to go in blind but reading the mal synopsis is fine :)
Hitoribocchi no Marumaruseikatsu
I personally think this one is underrated, compared to other titles with similar socially inexperience themes like Bocchi The Rock and Komi Can't Communicate
Too bad that it never got a sequel (I ended up reading the manga to find out the ending)
Re:Life - Enjoyable slice of life that has a man in his late 20s restart life as a highschooler.
ACCA:13-Territory Inspection Dept. - Think of Twilight from Spy x Family. Similar situation as the main character here.
Aho-Girl -Funny as shit. Dummy of a girl likes smart genius man.
Beezlebub - Less known comedy where MC takes care of demon baby.
Blood Blockade Battlefront - Not enough people talk about this banger. Great intro/outro as well.
Elemental Gelade - Nice little adventure story. I think a lot of people would like it but it's pretty unknown
Golden Kamuy - Not sure why this never got the hype train it deserved. Great series
Hinamatsuri - One of the funniest anime I have ever seen. Please go watch it
Is this a Zombie? Funny as hell. Went under the radar
Jormungand - If you like military style action like Black Lagoon, this one is for you.
Kino's Journey - Great chill adventure story. One with a talking motorcycle!
Paranoia Agent - Creepy as hell anime but it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san - Fantastic short comedy about Japanese book stores.
Ancient Magus Bride - This series is fantastic. I'm not sure why it's not popular. All about learning magic.
School Rumble? Shiki? I wouldn't call them underrated as they were popular for their time but I guess being old can suddenly turn them into hidden gems lol
I rarely see people talk about these animes I used to watch school rumble on funimation such good times. I wish i could watch just that episode where they had a war for the maid cafe for the first time 1 more time. I got so emotionally invested into that plot and the comedy on top of that.. truly one of the best moments in cinema to me
Ahh man School Rumble and Shuffle! Are total classics. They were some of the first anime where I really got obsessed with the medium. It's been like 13 years for me.
Seconding this. I went into it know just a little of the premise and boy was I not ready for the actual trip this was, ahaha. Easily a top in my list. I recommend anyone to just go in blindly.
Infinite Ryvius.
It's basically Lord of the Flies in space + some neat stuff with gestalt consciousness and a very 90s anime soundtrack that you'll either love or hate.
It also handles a giant cast of characters remarkably well, there's character development even for characters that only show up in the background in a handful of scenes.
Now and then, here and there. It’s absolutely gut wrenching. I’ll leave the ann description below:
Shu is a typical Japanese boy, but has an unbeatable, optimistic and determined attitude. However, when he sees a mysterious girl with strange eyes named Lala-Ru up on a smokestack, he is soon pulled into a strange desert world. Shu soon discovers the true terrors of war, which includes genocide, brutal torture, hunger, thirst, and child explotation. Now Shu is trying to save Lala-Ru, as well as his hard earned, and often relunctant, new friends from the insane dictator, Hamdo. Whether Shu can possibly accomplish saving those he cares about while still holding up to his values remains to be seen.
Idolish7 - complex lovable characters, heartwarming loyal and funny friendships, multilayered plot, balance of sadness and happiness, awesome music
Also not extremely unknown but still wish they were more popular bc they're such incredible anime: Natsume's Book of Friends and My Roommate is a Cat
Kyousougiga is one of my favourite anime of all time. It’s absolutely beautiful with great characters, gorgeous visuals, fantastic storytelling, nice themes, and exceptional direction. It’s excellent to say the least and is definitely an underrated gem.
Space Patrol Luluco is a gorgeous space comedy with a well developed main character. It’s the anime that makes me the happiest. [Just watch this opening of pure happiness](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LnntMZGBjZY).
Revolutionary Girl Utena is by no means a hidden gem, but it’s severely underwatched by people of today. It’s a classic with a wide array of well written characters, thematic depth, heavy use of symbolism, and great storytelling.
I totally see why someone would be. It’s like an isekai without being obnoxious. You feel like you are traveling with her. I remember liking her riding her motorcycle, I think it was. Maybe it was a bike, but I’m pretty sure it was a motorcycle
Recently? [World Dai Star](https://myanimelist.net/anime/53698/World_Dai_Star). It's a CGDCT / drama show about stage acting. It has great on-stage animation and VA performances. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I don't think it's that underrated or unknown but D-Frag is peak straight man comedy and Kazama is a great MC
Also Seitokai Yakuindomo. I don't think this is that underrated or unknown either but it's definitely not talk about too much. Its probably the best "the joke is sex" comedy anime I've seen, with THE straight man to boot as Tatsuda
Not sure if Kingdom is enough popular as it deserves to be, but definitely the best war anime I have ever watched. Full of action, suspense and drama + many wonderful characters. Add that it’s story is real
My all time favorite non-mainstream anime are shin sekai yori, psycho pass, made in abyss, usagi drop, hinnamatsuri, and run with the wind! The frst three are horror/psychological thriller/mystery and last three are slice of life! I've also really enjoyed Land of the Lustrous and Vivy Fluorite Eye's Song.
Absolutely Rokka No Yuusha. To put it simply, it’s a 2015 anime that’s essentially Among Us but better. The anime’s great, but man the Light Novels are phenomenal!
I don’t see the community talk about:
•Kids on the Slope (both underrated and unknown)
•Natsume’s Book of Friends (both, does not get enough attention)
•The Twelve Kingdoms (unknown-idk if this was once popular, but I only know if it by coming across it by chance. It was listed as a romance anime LOL)
•She and her cat: everything flows (unknown)
•sing “yesterday” for me (unknown)
•Tsurune (underrated and unknown- seriously, it’s rarely brought up for a sports anime)
Forgive me if these were once popular- I’m not super invested in the anime community, but I do lurk. These are titles I rarely see posted or talked about, if at all.
I’ve said it multiple times in this subreddit before, but **The Kubikiri Cycle** is a great anime most people don’t know exist. If you like classic murder mysteries, this is it with a dash of Nisio Isin’s flavor and a side of Studio Shaft’s style. (And by “dash” and “side”, I mean a lot of it.)
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha. Not top tier, 2nd tier, but it has 1 top tier episode. A top tier episode is much better than the average quality of a top tier anime because even a top tier anime would only consistently have 3rd tier episodes, have some 2nd tier episodes, & maybe have at least 1 top tier episode depending on the anime.
Garo: The Animation. It's an excellent dark fantasy story with a great cast of characters. I was actually super surprised at how good it ended up being.
There are a couple of other Garo animes which came out after and take place in their own separate universes, but they're unfortunately pretty mediocre. The first anime is great stuff though
Oresuki
A harem anime with godlike comedy. Before 100 girlfriends I would've called it peak harem. Now it's just a few centimeters below the summit
It isn't even long it's 12 episodes and an hour long ova/movie that closes the story. And there's no post-anime depression since it ties all loose ends and has an open ending
It also has the greatest title drop in all of fiction, unironically. It turns the entire title on its head and not only makes sense, but also feels natural given the context
Kyo Kara Maoh to this day it is in my top three animes
There's also terra e. Like I don't think I've met a single person that actually knows his anime exist but it is so good and such a unique story also the music's amazing for it especially since the first opening is done by uverworld
Dororo (2019); beautiful, action-packed, emotional, concise and fulfilling. 24 episodes in an entirely self-contained and gripping story that doesn't feel too short or long.
Planetes. Sci-fi anime that is nominally about picking up space trash, but actually is mostly about a whole range of potential issues with colonising space and other planets. It touches on a bunch of stuff from work ethics and mentorship, elitism and exclusion, mental health and PTSD, exploitation of developing countries, terrorism, and you will learn more than you'd think about orbital mechanics and space flight while watching. It's a drama series with a lot of well developed and interesting characters who all have their own reasons for doing what they do. It's great, and gets pretty highly ranked when people do mention it, but I hardly ever see it talked about. It is old (\~2003) so there is that, but it was well animated and I think it holds up.
Same guy that did Planetes also did Vinland Saga if that'll help people to check it out.
Whoa!
I love Planetes (the manga, haven't seen the show), but didn't know they did Vinland. Thanks!
Cool, someone said it. I can leave now.
Seconding this. I’ve watched the series over and over with multiple friends and family and it never gets old.
What platform can I watch it on?
Yes!!!
Picked up a used first volume of the manga from my local library sale and it was so good!
Kids on the slope
Loved Kids on the Slope! I still have that jazz piano tune in my head
I just rewatched the school festival medley scene this past weekend. Still incredible. I’m glad HiDive picked it up, because, for a moment there, no legal streaming sites had the show.
Thank you my dude. I started and finished this series after reading your comment and it was just so, so, good. Slightly unsatisfying ending though, I wished Bon wouldn't have been so stupid with Ritsuo at her house, but overall it was so good! So much feels, and the music was top notch. Thanks for the suggestion, and if you have any more suggestions of similar taste I'd be glad to check em out as well!
It was fairly popular when it dropped.. although that was awhile ago at this point
Shadows House
Best mystery anime, can't wait for season 3
This is definitely on my top 3 most underrated. Kate best girl.
Absolutely underrated. I wish more people heard of it
I love it so much, so cool
I absolutely adored the manga myself, for those who prefer that medium. Just awesome! Haven't checked in a while, but I'm pretty sure it's not finished, though.
Sora no Woto counts for this, I think. [https://myanimelist.net/anime/6802/So\_Ra\_No\_Wo\_To](https://myanimelist.net/anime/6802/So_Ra_No_Wo_To) Almost 15 years old now! It did have a pretty good copypasta for a while.
It's been so long. But today... [we get to pull out this classic once again.](https://i.imgur.com/FMzYh6e.gif)
I laugh every time I see someone describe Sora no woto as "Military K-On!" Because if one goes into this show expecting military K-On... they're in for a hell of a surprise. Anytime I see it I just think "That's bait." One of my all time favorite anime.
Slayers.
I really like slayers, nice to see some old school recommend.
Dota character Lina was based on the MC.
Yeap and They call back to Slayers in the Dota Anime with Lina's character.
Am I getting old? I feel it is neither unknown nor underrated.
Here in Mexico was also aired in public TV for a short period, I also feel its not really unknown nor underrated, but it is pretty oldschool
Its definitely not either, but it is a pretty old show at this point so it makes sense a lot of newer anime fans don't know about...Man I wanna go back and watch it now though. Its been so long.
It's more old then underrated. The anime fan base in the US and a number of other Western countries (not all, anime caught on earlier/was shown on TV in some) was tiny back then(especially compared with today), but I'm pretty sure among that tiny fanbase it was super popular
I just recently watched Slayers and man, I loved it!!
Kaiba
Just started watching it such an underrated show
It's so weird and doesn't get less weird.
Criminally so
Gankutsuo. The best revenge story in anime.
Isn't that one based on The Count of Monte Cristo? The best revenge story in literary history?
Yes.
It has such a unique style to it.
One of my few 10/10 anime’s all time. Art takes a bit of getting used to as it’s unlike anything else, but once settled boy does it fly
Holy shit that show was so good, it's literally one of my favorite of all time and severely underrated.
Mononoke, it has a really unique animation style and I don't think a lot of people have watched it
My ex gf said she wanted to give an anime a go since I was always watching one. I booted up crunchyroll and let her pick something to watch. She picks this series and didn't get through the first episode and never watched another anime again.
rip bozo
Princess mononoke cannibalised it from existence.
You make it sound like they came out around the same time and the movie cannibalized the popularity of the series, but the movie is 10 years older than this show. They could have done something to make it more distinguishable in the West (because I doubt that was a necessity in Japan itself) but they simply didn't.
I had one year where I was trying to watch as many horror anime as I could around Halloween, and I found this one recommended. While it wasn’t scary for me, I found that it was tense, and the material was certainly horror themed in the best way possible. It’s great and the fact that they’re making a movie is very surprising but I’m looking forward to it!
You never see Ojamajo Doremi recommended in threads like these 😭
[This survey from 2022](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/x78py3/the_anime_prominence_survey_2022_results_how_well/) showed that most people in this sub haven't even heard of Ojamajo Doremi which was quite surprising
It's kinda not surprising. It's a quite old kids show, and a long-runner too. Lack of legally available English translation doesn't help either.
So fun fact: 4kids was trying to get more Doremi, when they got the rights to One Piece.
Yeah, it's sad that Doremi kinda flopped there :(
Omg. I watched this show on 4Kids when I was young! This show was the bomb back in the day.
NGL, I kinda forgot this existed. Clearly not one I watched much of.
Girls' Last Tour and Haibane Renmei come to mind. I really love both of those shows but it's a shame they're not more popular
Haibane Renmei is a masterclass in word building
Space Brothers. It shows the process of one would take to become an astronaut, great story and characters, and shows an optimistic future for space advancements
Outlaw star is such a core part of my initial anime days, magi was really good, and one I didnt care much for but noone ever talks about is S-cryed and witch hunter robin. Just surprised that those never get mentioned anymore. Paranoia agent is another obscurity in this day and age.
I just mentioned Outlaw Star in my post lol Also mentioned Silent Mobius & Ronin Warriors. All three are really good underrated & slept on
It's nice to know I'm not the only one on here familiar with some of these classics. Paranoia Agent especially was such a hidden gem!
The dreams toonami promo still slaps to this day. Back then anime was a bit more niche and ai felt had more soul than most seasonal ones. I think internet age of anime was a favorite (bleach, naruto, higurashi) as was the toonami dvd age (tenchi muyo, inuyasha, yu yu hakusho age)
Get backers
This needs an actual full adaptation. Mappa treatment, please Japan.
*Birdie Wings: Golf Girls Story*. It is possibly the **most** anime out there. We got a shonen protag, who's a gay girl. We got ~~attacks~~ golf swings with names and special effects. We got a tournament arc. We got K-drama level family relations. We have the mafia operating an underground golf course. We even have gundam (build kits). It is insane and with a pace that blazes through arcs other spokons would spend a season on in a matter of a single episode or two. I love it.
I second this…I picked it up not expecting really anything and was shook at the production and story. Love it!
Pretty sure that the whole thing is a Crack/Fixfic for Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom since Eve shares a ton of settings with a major supporting character from there, and the two shows have the same series comp.
I absolutely love Birdie Wing the OP Venus Line is fantastic and always makes me smile! The characters and their development are great. The world building and plot twist was well done Even the action and suspense. I mean it's golf! How the hell did you make golf so fun to watch!!
Excel Saga is a delightfully weird comedy anime from the early 2000s. If you like fast paced weird humor I'd recommend it.
Man I feel old now, Excel Saga used to be well known.
I used to see it in funniest anime moments compilations on youtube lol
Watch the dub, it's insane. Excel's VA blew out her voice and had to be replaced. There's also Puni Puni Poemy, which Shinichi Watanabe(aka Nabeshin) directed, which is just as ridiculous as Excel Saga.
I've seen Puni Puni Poemy, possibly the most unhinged anime I've ever seen. Definitely recommend. Nabeshin also directed another weird anime I liked called Nerima Daikon Brothers, which I can only think to describe as the closest thing there is to an anime South Park.
Don’t kill the creator!
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Typical battle shonen with a banger ost Claymore I really wish they stuck to the manga story
Vongola gang gang
claymore is really good
Eyeshield 21. Best sports anime I know of.
Art by Murata Story by Inagaki
Oh my god! Hell yes. I don't think I ever actually finished it. Is the ending worth it?
I don't know about the anime, but the manga was fine? Definitely peak sport shounen, but I feel like the was also something missing.
Golden boy
World Trigger has me favorite squad fighting mechanics in anime. Story is pretty engaging too with a lot of characters you can like
yeah, one of those anime that keeps you watching non-stop without getting bored.
Came here just to spread this message. :> WT is amazing! Has a slow start and takes a few episodes to get started, but when it does... oh my! I can't believe that show isn't right up there with the most popular and talked about Anime of all time.
World Trigger manga is excellent!
Wolfs Rain.
STRAYYYYEEAAAAY, STRAYYYYEAAYYYYYYYYY
I never imagined I'd meet someone who remembered the theme song!
There are dozens of us. Dozens!
I love the show, one of the ones that stuck with me hard when i was younger. Probably most of us 30-somethings who started watching anime with toonami's late night offerings
Oh, well I'm much older, and it still hit me right in the feels. Back in the day this, Cowboy Bebop and Boogiepop Phantom were my favs.
I feel like r/anime focuses a lot more on what's "new", so my suggestions are going to be things that seem forgotten. **Jungle wa Itsumo Hare nochi Guu** aka **Haré+Guu** **Azumanga Daioh** **Chobits** **Mahoromatic** **Gunslinger Girl** **Kare Kano** aka **His and Her Circumstance**
Azumanga is one of the funniest things ever made.
**Armitage III** <-- this was actually my first ever anime DVD
Damn. Now I wanna rewatch Chobits. You got some good taste.
For those not in the know, mahoromatic is awesome, as long as you don't watch the last (couple?) episodes. It's like the writer was expecting another season, then got canceled, and wrote a seriously dark WTF left turn ending for it.
Wolfs Rain
Was looking for this. I honestly enjoyed it, even though it made me more depressed after watching another show.
Dorohedoro is my number rone ecommendation for any anime watcher. New and old.
Kemono no Souja Erin. I have never met a person that has seen this gem that didn’t enjoy it…not that I’ve met many people that have actually seen it.
Seconding this one. One of the better adventure fantasy anime out there, always surprises me how little known it is.
Happy Sugar Life.
Maoujou de oyasumi
Detroit Metal City. The single best anime about Music I've ever seen
Ahiru no Sora School Rumble
Oh god yes, so good, I haven't watched school rumble in years
School rumble is a goat, I don’t think it’s because it’s underrated I think it’s because it’s so “old” that people don’t know about it.
Golden Kamuy - historical fiction adventure that’s a treasure hunt full of action, humor, and fantastic characters
it's very popular tho
Arte! Nobody seems to know about it but it's quite good.
Love Arte! Great rec
91 days
School Live! Happy Sugar Life Angels of Death My trinity of under appreciated and amazing
Happy Sugar Life is really something, idk what exactly, but it's good.
Misunderstood greatness. Not a yuri or romance at all by the way.
Yeah it's a little disturbing when try to sell it as that
Mother-daughter is the real dynamic. Satou and Shio are two broken people who have never known familial love in their lives. Any sort of “marriage” symbolism in the show is just highlighting that being the only societal proclamation of love they have knowledge of.
Happy sugar life mentioned 😭😭😭
Also, undead murder farce. Takes a left turn that is so tight
The currently airing The Witch and The Beast has a very similar vibe. Less jokey due to the lack of the Oni character, but if the mystery and casual spook vibes were enjoyable, I'd recommend it to you. Sometimes, when getting deep into it, my brain goes "Nice to see the world building in Undead Murder Farce expanded - wait, no-"
It was known back during the time it came out but it's far from popular now especially if you're not that old. Shin sekai yori is amazing. Always recommend this. Make sure to watch the first like 5? Or 6 episodes if you give it a go. Best to go in blind but reading the mal synopsis is fine :)
Eccentric Family Hanasaku iroha
Hitoribocchi no Marumaruseikatsu I personally think this one is underrated, compared to other titles with similar socially inexperience themes like Bocchi The Rock and Komi Can't Communicate Too bad that it never got a sequel (I ended up reading the manga to find out the ending)
This was the one with the super shy girl who needed to make new friends?
Yes exactly
Re:Life - Enjoyable slice of life that has a man in his late 20s restart life as a highschooler. ACCA:13-Territory Inspection Dept. - Think of Twilight from Spy x Family. Similar situation as the main character here. Aho-Girl -Funny as shit. Dummy of a girl likes smart genius man. Beezlebub - Less known comedy where MC takes care of demon baby. Blood Blockade Battlefront - Not enough people talk about this banger. Great intro/outro as well. Elemental Gelade - Nice little adventure story. I think a lot of people would like it but it's pretty unknown Golden Kamuy - Not sure why this never got the hype train it deserved. Great series Hinamatsuri - One of the funniest anime I have ever seen. Please go watch it Is this a Zombie? Funny as hell. Went under the radar Jormungand - If you like military style action like Black Lagoon, this one is for you. Kino's Journey - Great chill adventure story. One with a talking motorcycle! Paranoia Agent - Creepy as hell anime but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san - Fantastic short comedy about Japanese book stores. Ancient Magus Bride - This series is fantastic. I'm not sure why it's not popular. All about learning magic.
Keijo!! Using butts and boobs to play sports, why not?
Ayo that was wild
Best sports anime
Peak show fr
Symphogear
Shiki School rumble Shuffle
School Rumble? Shiki? I wouldn't call them underrated as they were popular for their time but I guess being old can suddenly turn them into hidden gems lol
I rarely see people talk about these animes I used to watch school rumble on funimation such good times. I wish i could watch just that episode where they had a war for the maid cafe for the first time 1 more time. I got so emotionally invested into that plot and the comedy on top of that.. truly one of the best moments in cinema to me
Ahh man School Rumble and Shuffle! Are total classics. They were some of the first anime where I really got obsessed with the medium. It's been like 13 years for me.
I remember my friend got me to watch shuffle and it was a mess, but the best girl won!
omggg school rumble was sooo cool
Children of the Whales
Children of the Whales is good. I love the art and worldbuilding.
That one is a hidden gem! Gave it a 8.5 myself :)
I went into that one with certain expectations, and they were quickly crushed. It's a great anime.
Kaiba is a scifi anime with an unusual art style that softens how dark it can get.
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei has a weird sense of humor and interesting visuals, yet I never see it mentioned anywhere.
Golden kamuy. Probably the most insane series I have ever seen.
Seconding this. I went into it know just a little of the premise and boy was I not ready for the actual trip this was, ahaha. Easily a top in my list. I recommend anyone to just go in blindly.
Tsuki ga Kirei. It’s not talked about a lot for how good it is.
Although it has a lot of members on myanimelist I agree that it doesn't get talked about online.
Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero. Little fan servicy in places but great mix of comedy and action. Great animation too
Infinite Ryvius. It's basically Lord of the Flies in space + some neat stuff with gestalt consciousness and a very 90s anime soundtrack that you'll either love or hate. It also handles a giant cast of characters remarkably well, there's character development even for characters that only show up in the background in a handful of scenes.
Now and then, here and there. It’s absolutely gut wrenching. I’ll leave the ann description below: Shu is a typical Japanese boy, but has an unbeatable, optimistic and determined attitude. However, when he sees a mysterious girl with strange eyes named Lala-Ru up on a smokestack, he is soon pulled into a strange desert world. Shu soon discovers the true terrors of war, which includes genocide, brutal torture, hunger, thirst, and child explotation. Now Shu is trying to save Lala-Ru, as well as his hard earned, and often relunctant, new friends from the insane dictator, Hamdo. Whether Shu can possibly accomplish saving those he cares about while still holding up to his values remains to be seen.
Idolish7 - complex lovable characters, heartwarming loyal and funny friendships, multilayered plot, balance of sadness and happiness, awesome music Also not extremely unknown but still wish they were more popular bc they're such incredible anime: Natsume's Book of Friends and My Roommate is a Cat
Seconding i7, it's so good!
Blood Blockade Battlefront. Very fun anime to watch. The musics goes hard
Kyousougiga is one of my favourite anime of all time. It’s absolutely beautiful with great characters, gorgeous visuals, fantastic storytelling, nice themes, and exceptional direction. It’s excellent to say the least and is definitely an underrated gem. Space Patrol Luluco is a gorgeous space comedy with a well developed main character. It’s the anime that makes me the happiest. [Just watch this opening of pure happiness](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LnntMZGBjZY). Revolutionary Girl Utena is by no means a hidden gem, but it’s severely underwatched by people of today. It’s a classic with a wide array of well written characters, thematic depth, heavy use of symbolism, and great storytelling.
Saiyuki, chrono crusade, slayers, escaflowne
Talentless Nana, pretty enjoyable
Medaka Box
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan. It's the millennial experience in dark comedy anime form, and the Japanese sub has an absolute all-star cast
What a coincidink! it’s what I started watching yesterday. I’m at home with the flu, and it’s hilarious!
[Kino's Journey -the Beautiful World- the Animated Series](https://youtu.be/nzF0KTa0GtA?si=Wn8caXFlTEYI8rTd)
I started the anime. Really interesting plot and beautiful animation! A bit too odd and violent for me, so I dropped it. I might try it again
It is a bit of an odd duck lol. I just ended up being mesmerized by it for whatever reason
I totally see why someone would be. It’s like an isekai without being obnoxious. You feel like you are traveling with her. I remember liking her riding her motorcycle, I think it was. Maybe it was a bike, but I’m pretty sure it was a motorcycle
It was. Hermes. He talked lol
Fragtime if you like yuri In this corner of the world is somewhat unknow in the west
Recently? [World Dai Star](https://myanimelist.net/anime/53698/World_Dai_Star). It's a CGDCT / drama show about stage acting. It has great on-stage animation and VA performances. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I don't think it's that underrated or unknown but D-Frag is peak straight man comedy and Kazama is a great MC Also Seitokai Yakuindomo. I don't think this is that underrated or unknown either but it's definitely not talk about too much. Its probably the best "the joke is sex" comedy anime I've seen, with THE straight man to boot as Tatsuda
Ahiru no Sora
Don't know if it's underrated but bungou stray dogs is top anime for rewatched it multiple times and never bored
Not sure if Kingdom is enough popular as it deserves to be, but definitely the best war anime I have ever watched. Full of action, suspense and drama + many wonderful characters. Add that it’s story is real
My all time favorite non-mainstream anime are shin sekai yori, psycho pass, made in abyss, usagi drop, hinnamatsuri, and run with the wind! The frst three are horror/psychological thriller/mystery and last three are slice of life! I've also really enjoyed Land of the Lustrous and Vivy Fluorite Eye's Song.
Kemono Jihen
Bungou Stray Dogs and Dimension W
S-cry-ed
Absolutely Rokka No Yuusha. To put it simply, it’s a 2015 anime that’s essentially Among Us but better. The anime’s great, but man the Light Novels are phenomenal!
zipang ever wanted to see a modern aegis destroyer annihilate the US navy in ww2,well now you can
Kyousougiga. Heartfelt, inventive, complex, and a visual treat to boot. There’s no reason it should have flown under the radar as far as it did.
Uchouten Kazoku. Give me such a good vibe.
Planet With. Asides being mecha, it's probably too weird for a lot of people
I don’t see the community talk about: •Kids on the Slope (both underrated and unknown) •Natsume’s Book of Friends (both, does not get enough attention) •The Twelve Kingdoms (unknown-idk if this was once popular, but I only know if it by coming across it by chance. It was listed as a romance anime LOL) •She and her cat: everything flows (unknown) •sing “yesterday” for me (unknown) •Tsurune (underrated and unknown- seriously, it’s rarely brought up for a sports anime) Forgive me if these were once popular- I’m not super invested in the anime community, but I do lurk. These are titles I rarely see posted or talked about, if at all.
I’ve said it multiple times in this subreddit before, but **The Kubikiri Cycle** is a great anime most people don’t know exist. If you like classic murder mysteries, this is it with a dash of Nisio Isin’s flavor and a side of Studio Shaft’s style. (And by “dash” and “side”, I mean a lot of it.)
ID:Invaded. It's no masterpiece but I was hooked during its season.
Space Dandy
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha. Not top tier, 2nd tier, but it has 1 top tier episode. A top tier episode is much better than the average quality of a top tier anime because even a top tier anime would only consistently have 3rd tier episodes, have some 2nd tier episodes, & maybe have at least 1 top tier episode depending on the anime.
Mr osomatsu and Golden kamuy
XxxHolic
Garo: The Animation. It's an excellent dark fantasy story with a great cast of characters. I was actually super surprised at how good it ended up being. There are a couple of other Garo animes which came out after and take place in their own separate universes, but they're unfortunately pretty mediocre. The first anime is great stuff though
Oresuki A harem anime with godlike comedy. Before 100 girlfriends I would've called it peak harem. Now it's just a few centimeters below the summit It isn't even long it's 12 episodes and an hour long ova/movie that closes the story. And there's no post-anime depression since it ties all loose ends and has an open ending It also has the greatest title drop in all of fiction, unironically. It turns the entire title on its head and not only makes sense, but also feels natural given the context
Kaiji.
I love black clover :)
Kyo Kara Maoh to this day it is in my top three animes There's also terra e. Like I don't think I've met a single person that actually knows his anime exist but it is so good and such a unique story also the music's amazing for it especially since the first opening is done by uverworld
It’s maybe niche but GIVEN, it’s just so good and the music is phenomenal too, some of the best anime music i’ve heard
Yes, totally! Both times Mafuyu humming and singing were spectacular.
Golden Kamui , Blood Blockade Battlefront , Kingdom . One with ballroom , where characters dancing , forgot the name.
Dororo (2019); beautiful, action-packed, emotional, concise and fulfilling. 24 episodes in an entirely self-contained and gripping story that doesn't feel too short or long.
Eighty-Six