In the vast ocean of anime, there are countless hidden gems that remain underrated despite their brilliance. Each anime on this list offers a unique and exceptional experience that should not be missed.
Golden Time: The story revolves around a college student named Banri Tada, who lost his memories due to an accident. Upon starting his freshman year at law school in Tokyo, Banri encounters a fellow student named Mitsuo Yanagisawa. Mitsuo is trying to escape from his childhood friend and neighbor, Koko Kaga, who has been relentlessly pursuing him since they were kids.
As Banri and Mitsuo form a friendship, Banri finds himself drawn to Koko’s eccentric and outgoing personality. However, complications arise when Banri discovers that he has romantic feelings for Koko, leading to a love triangle between Banri, Mitsuo, and Koko.
Welcome to the NHK: This underrated anime follows the journey of an anti-social protagonist a young college dropout named Tatsuhiro Satou, who suffers from severe social withdrawal and believes that he is a victim of a conspiracy called the NHK (Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai), which he imagines as a secret organization plotting to keep him and other hikikomori (socially withdrawn individuals) isolated and dysfunctional.
As Satou struggles to cope with his isolation and paranoia, he encounters Misaki Nakahara, a mysterious young woman who claims to be able to cure him of his hikikomori ways. Despite his initial skepticism, Satou agrees to participate in Misaki’s “Project to Cure Hikikomori,” hoping to find a way to reintegrate into society.
Samurai Champloo: A Japanese anime series created by Shinichirō Watanabe, known for his work on “Cowboy Bebop.” Set in an alternate version of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), “Samurai Champloo” follows the adventures of three unlikely companions: Mugen, Jin, and Fuu.
Mugen is a wild and unruly swordsman with a unique fighting style that incorporates breakdancing and acrobatics. Jin is a reserved and disciplined ronin (masterless samurai) skilled in traditional swordsmanship. Fuu is a young and spirited girl on a quest to find a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers.
The trio’s paths cross when Mugen and Jin get into a heated confrontation at a tea house, inadvertently causing chaos and destruction. Arrested by the authorities, Mugen and Jin face execution until Fuu intervenes, offering them a chance at freedom in exchange for helping her find the samurai who smells of sunflowers.
Sonny Boy: A Japanese anime series created and directed by Shingo Natsume, known for his work on “One Punch Man” and “Space Dandy.”
The story of “Sonny Boy” revolves around a group of high school students who find themselves trapped in a mysterious alternate dimension. After a strange phenomenon engulfs their school, the students discover that they possess supernatural abilities, ranging from teleportation to manipulation of reality itself.
As they navigate this strange new world, the students must grapple with their newfound powers and the implications of being cut off from the outside world. With no adults or authority figures to guide them, they form alliances, forge rivalries, and confront the existential challenges of their situation.
Kaiba: Set in a futuristic universe where memories can be digitized and transferred between bodies, “Kaiba” follows the journey of a young boy named Kaiba who wakes up in a strange, unfamiliar world with no memories of his past. As Kaiba embarks on a quest to uncover his identity and piece together his fragmented memories, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motives and agendas.
Throughout his journey, Kaiba navigates a world rife with social inequality, political intrigue, and ethical dilemmas surrounding the use and abuse of memory technology.
Tsuritama: Yuki Sanada, is a socially awkward high school student who struggles to make friends and connect with others. Yuki’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Haru, a cheerful and eccentric young boy who claims to be an alien.
Haru convinces Yuki to join him in fishing, as he believes that fishing is the key to saving the Earth from an imminent alien invasion. Alongside them are Natsuki Usami, a skilled and passionate fisherman, and Akira Agarkar Yamada, a mysterious Indian government agent tasked with monitoring Haru.
Silver Spoon: Written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of “Fullmetal Alchemist.” The story follows a high school student named Yuugo Hachiken, who enrolls in Ooezo Agricultural High School to escape the pressures of his academic life in the city. Despite having no background in farming or agriculture, Yuugo finds himself immersed in the rural lifestyle as he navigates the challenges of school and farm work.
“Silver Spoon” combines elements of comedy, drama, and slice-of-life storytelling to explore themes such as self-discovery, the importance of pursuing one’s passions, and the realities of rural life in modern Japan. It offers a unique and insightful look into the agricultural industry and the individuals who dedicate their lives to it.
Princess Jellyfish: Tsukimi Kurashita, a socially awkward and introverted young woman who has a passion for jellyfish. Tsukimi lives in Amamizukan, a shared apartment building filled with otaku women who have various obsessions, such as trains, dolls, and historical figures.
Tsukimi’s life changes when she meets a stylish and fashionable woman named Kurako, who rescues Tsukimi’s pet jellyfish from a pet shop. However, Tsukimi soon discovers that Kurako is actually a cross-dressing man named Kuranosuke Koibuchi, the son of a prominent political figure.
As Tsukimi and Kuranosuke form an unlikely friendship, they navigate the complexities of adulthood, romance, and self-discovery. Alongside Tsukimi’s fellow otaku roommates, they confront societal expectations and challenge gender norms, all while pursuing their dreams and passions.
Haibane Renmei: The story centers around a group of characters known as Haibane, who live in a walled-off town called Glie. The Haibane resemble humans but have small, angelic wings and halos above their heads. They also have mysterious names that are derived from their dreams.
The protagonist, Rakka, awakens from a cocoon with no memory of her past life and becomes the newest Haibane in Glie. She is taken in by the kind residents of Old Home, where she begins her journey of self-discovery and integration into Haibane society.
As Rakka navigates life in Glie, she forms close bonds with her fellow Haibane and learns about the town’s rules and customs. She also encounters Reki, an older Haibane who serves as a mentor figure but harbors secrets and struggles of her own.
These underrated anime series offer a wealth of captivating storytelling, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes that deserve more recognition within the anime community. So, the next time you’re searching for your next anime obsession, consider exploring these overlooked treasures waiting to be discovered.
