The anime world is vast, and while many series gain worldwide fame, countless gems remain underappreciated. If you’re looking to explore beyond mainstream favorites, here’s a list of underrated anime cartoons that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Drama
Plot: Satoru Fujinuma has the ability to rewind time to prevent tragedies. When his mother is murdered, he travels back to his childhood to solve a series of kidnappings and change the future.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its compelling story and emotional depth, Erased often gets overshadowed by more action-oriented series.
2. The Great Passage (Fune wo Amu)
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
Plot: A group of colleagues works together to create a dictionary, exploring the power of words and human connection.
Why It’s Underrated: Its slow pace and unique premise might not appeal to everyone, but it’s a beautifully crafted story about passion and perseverance.
3. Barakamon
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
Plot: A calligrapher moves to a remote village to find inspiration and ends up forming bonds with the quirky locals.
Why It’s Underrated: This heartwarming series balances humor and life lessons but often flies under the radar compared to bigger slice-of-life titles.
4. 91 Days
Genre: Historical, Crime, Drama
Plot: Set during Prohibition, the story follows Angelo Lagusa’s quest for revenge against the mafia family that killed his parents.
Why It’s Underrated: Its gripping narrative and dark themes deserve more recognition, especially for fans of crime dramas.
5. Shiki
Genre: Horror, Supernatural
Plot: A mysterious epidemic turns the inhabitants of a small village into vampires, leading to a battle between the living and the undead.
Why It’s Underrated: With its eerie atmosphere and psychological depth, Shiki is a chilling gem for horror fans.
6. Planetes
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Plot: A team of space debris collectors navigates the challenges of their work and personal lives in a realistic portrayal of near-future space travel.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its unique setting and thoughtful themes, Planetes often gets overlooked in favor of flashier sci-fi titles.
7. The Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Plot: A high school girl is transported to a magical world where she must learn to embrace her destiny as a queen.
Why It’s Underrated: With rich world-building and complex characters, this series deserves more attention from fantasy lovers.
8. A Place Further Than the Universe
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Plot: Four girls embark on an emotional journey to Antarctica, chasing dreams and building friendships along the way.
Why It’s Underrated: Its heartfelt narrative and stunning animation often get overlooked in favor of more mainstream adventure series.
9. Paranoia Agent (Mousou Dairinin)
Genre: Psychological, Thriller
Plot: A series of mysterious attacks by a roller-skating assailant unravels into a surreal exploration of urban paranoia.
Why It’s Underrated: This masterpiece by Satoshi Kon challenges viewers with its mind-bending storytelling but remains lesser-known.
10. Dennou Coil
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery
Plot: In a world where augmented reality is the norm, a group of kids uncovers secrets about their digital surroundings.
Why It’s Underrated: Its innovative premise and emotional depth make it a must-watch for sci-fi fans, yet it remains relatively obscure.
Conclusion
These underrated anime cartoons showcase the diverse storytelling and creativity that the medium offers. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming tales, thrilling mysteries, or fantastical adventures, these hidden gems promise to leave a lasting impression.
