Many of us are familiar with anime series like Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. They’re iconic and widely discussed. However, there are some anime that don’t receive the attention they truly deserve. Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of these incredibly good yet underappreciated anime series and show them some love!
1. DNAngel
- Aired: April 2003-September 2003
- Studio: Xebec
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Action
I believe I read the manga before watching the anime. It was really cute, and I’ve rewatched it several times—I still adore the story. It’s straightforward, but that’s part of what makes it so beautiful. It resonates with your emotions and brings back memories of simpler days.
The main character, Daisuke, is an angel who steals artwork to avert world destruction—if we simplify it a bit.
- Hart, Christopher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 07/07/2015 (Publication Date) - Drawing with Christopher Hart (Publisher)
- Shinjuku Press (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 128 Pages - 05/02/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Yoai, Yoai (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 08/24/2021 (Publication Date) - Rock Point (Publisher)
Fun fact: Vic Mignogna (Edward Elric, Tamaki Suoh, Zero Kiryu) performs the English opening song, and it is truly enchanting!
2. Devils Line
- Aired: April 2018
- Studio: Platinum Vision
- Genres: Action, Romance, Supernatural
I’ve reviewed this anime a few times already. I haven’t noticed a lot of discussion among fans, so I would categorize it as quite underrated. If you look it up, you may find a few images, but be aware that it contains mature themes mixed with some questionable content. Be sure to add the word anime when searching to avoid some unsettling results.
So far, I’m enjoying the storyline. Vampires coexist with humans, needing to be very careful because they possess strength that can easily harm humans. They can also succumb to frenzy and can kill upon seeing blood. Naturally, there’s discrimination against them and strict laws that limit their way of living since they are perceived as dangerous and can lose control easily.
Nonetheless, beneath it all, the vampires are fundamentally human. Most merely desire to lead normal lives, work, fall in love, and not be loathed by others.
3. Full Moon o Sagashite
- Aired: April 2002 to March 2003
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Genres: Music, Romance, Comedy
This is yet another fantastic yet underappreciated anime. Even though it varies from the manga, I still cherished it. It was one of the first OTPs and ships for me, and I cried through both the anime and the manga.
The story centers around Mitsuki Kouyama, a young girl battling throat cancer, who longs to become a professional singer and reach her friend Eichi, who has relocated to America. When two shinigami inform her that she has only a year left to live, Mitsuki chooses to pursue her dream with their assistance, despite the dangers involved.
4. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
- Aired: October 5, 2024 – March 15, 2025
- Studio: Madhouse
- Genres: Historical, Mystery, Science Fiction
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth presents a historical narrative set in a period when science and philosophy were still evolving. It revolves around a boy named Orb, who becomes captivated by Earth’s movements and the universe. He sets off on a quest to uncover the truths of the world, struggling to align his own beliefs with those surrounding him.
I truly appreciated how slow and contemplative the narrative was. It has a meditative quality, allowing me the space to reflect on my own viewpoints. The animation was uniquely elegant, although there were times it became a tad difficult to comprehend. The character development was subtle, which I valued. Additionally, Orb’s progression was not rushed. While it may not appeal to everyone, it possesses a quiet charm that resonated with me!
5. Slam Dunk
- Aired: October 16, 1993 – March 23, 1996
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Genres: Comedy, Sports, Drama
Slam Dunk is a beloved sports anime that chronicles the journey of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who gets drawn into playing basketball to impress a girl. He begins as clueless and clumsy but gradually finds a passion for the sport and strives to enhance his abilities.
I absolutely adored Slam Dunk. The humor was perfectly timed, and the character development was exceptional. Hanamichi’s awkwardness and relentless determination made him easily relatable, and I found myself far more invested in the games than I had anticipated.
- Banno, Eri (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 02/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Japan Times (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- ToWin, Explore (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 463 Pages - 10/18/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
What I appreciated most was how Slam Dunk adeptly balanced comedy and drama. It never took itself too seriously, yet still delivered some truly emotional moments. It’s one of those feel-good anime that inspires you to cheer for the underdog, and honestly, I was rooting for Hanamichi and his team from beginning to end!
6. Space Brothers
- Aired: April 1, 2012 – December 28, 2014
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
Space Brothers narrates the tale of two brothers, Hibito and Mutta, who share a childhood aspiration of becoming astronauts. While Hibito fulfills his dream and reaches the moon, Mutta faces setbacks and self-doubt, yet his resolve drives him forward.
Be warned: this series will definitely tug at your heartstrings. It’s not solely about space missions—it also dives into the characters’ personal growth. Watching Mutta’s journey felt like following a real individual, someone who isn’t flawless but strives to give their best.
The pacing was well-executed, and even in slower moments, they built up to something of significance.
7. Mononoke
- Aired: July 2007 – September 2007
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological
Mononoke is a standout series known for its originality. The storytelling approach is quite unconventional, compelling viewers to ponder deeply about feelings of regret, guilt, and human nature. It’s unfortunate that it remains one of the most underrated psychological anime, even years after its premiere in 2007.
I was thoroughly impressed by how the animation complemented the eerie, unsettling atmosphere of the narrative—it’s unlike anything I’ve encountered. Admittedly, it’s not a casual watch, but the complexity and audacity of it all makes it truly worthwhile.
The plot follows the Medicine Seller, a mysterious wanderer who hunts down malevolent spirits known as mononoke. However, there’s a twist: to vanquish them, he must uncover their mononoke, which is essentially the source of their strength, intimately linked to their Form, Truth, and Regret.
8. Medalist
- Aired: January 5, 2025 – Mar 30, 2025
- Studio: C2C
- Genres: Sports, Drama, Slice of Life
Medalist narrates the journey of a young figure skater named Maru, who, following a series of unfortunate events, strives to make a mark in the competitive figure skating arena.
I must admit, I did not anticipate becoming so emotionally attached to Medalist. Its exploration of the pressures surrounding competitive sports resonated deeply with me, and Maru’s resilience in adversity was incredibly motivating. The skating sequences were gorgeously animated, capturing the sport’s grace and intensity.
For anyone who enjoys tales of overcoming adversity with a heartfelt focus, Medalist should be on your watchlist!
9. Girls Band Cry
- Aired: April 6, 2024 – June 29, 2024
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Genres: Drama, Music
Another hidden gem is Girls Band Cry. The series follows a group of high school girls who come together to create a rock band as a means to cope with their personal struggles and express their feelings through music.
Even though musical anime typically don’t pique my interest, I found this one surprisingly enjoyable. The music set the mood perfectly for the emotional scenes. The characters felt real and relatable, making it easy to connect with their individual journeys. Overall, I was cheering for them to navigate their challenges and grow.
10. Cross Game
- Aired: April 5, 2009 – March 28, 2010
- Studio: SynergySP
- Genres: Coming-of-age, Romantic Comedy, Sports
At first glance, you might assume that Cross Game is merely another typical sports anime. But you would be mistaken! Cross Game expertly intertwines sports with poignant emotional moments, crafting a heartfelt narrative featuring complex characters who encounter struggles, errors, and growth throughout.
Cross Game follows Kou, a gifted baseball player dealing with the sudden loss of his childhood friend, Wakaba. As he navigates grief, familial expectations, and his passion for the game, he finds unexpected solace in her younger sister, Aoba, who shares his enthusiasm for baseball.
Which of these underrated anime have you already experienced or discovered? Do you have any favorites? Please share in the comments below, and as always, keep smiling!