10 Underrated Anime That Deserve More Love

Let’s be real—not every anime gets the spotlight it deserves. While big hitters like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer dominate conversations, there are plenty of hidden gems out there waiting to be discovered. These underrated shows might not have massive fanbases or mainstream hype, but they’re packed with heart, creativity, and stories that stick with you long after the credits roll.

Underrated Anime That Deserve More Love

If you’re tired of watching the same popular titles and want something fresh, here are 10 underrated anime that deserve more love. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your watchlist.

1. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)

Type: TV
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 8, 2016 to Mar 25, 2016
Premiered: Winter 2016
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:55 (JST)
Producers: Aniplex, Kadokawa Shoten
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Source: Manga
Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological
Themes: Time Travel, Thriller
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: Sure, Erased has a cult following, but it never quite broke into the mainstream. This psychological thriller combines time travel with a murder mystery, and the result is nothing short of gripping.

What It’s About:
Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist, has a unique ability called “Revival,” which sends him back in time to prevent tragedies. When someone close to him is killed, he’s thrown back 18 years to his childhood, tasked with solving a series of kidnappings and murders in his small town. The mix of suspense, nostalgia, and emotional depth makes it unforgettable.

Why You Should Watch It: If you love shows that keep you guessing, Erased will have you hooked. The character development is top-notch, and the ending—controversial as it may be—is something you’ll want to discuss with friends.

2. Mushi-shi

Type: TV
Episodes: 26
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 23, 2005 to Jun 19, 2006
Premiered: Fall 2005
Broadcast: Sundays at 00:00 (JST)
Producers: Marvelous Entertainment, Avex Entertainment, SK Japan
Licensors: Funimation, Sentai Filmworks
Studios: Artland
Source: Manga
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Themes: Supernatural, Iyashikei
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: Despite its stunning visuals and deep storytelling, Mushi-shi tends to fly under the radar. Maybe it’s because it’s slower-paced, but that’s part of its charm.

What It’s About:
Ginko, a wandering “Mushi-shi” (mushi master), travels through a beautifully crafted world helping people deal with “mushi”—mysterious, supernatural beings that coexist with nature. Each episode is a standalone story, making it a perfect choice for laid-back, thoughtful viewing.

Why You Should Watch It: If you’re into atmospheric, philosophical anime that explore themes of life, nature, and human connection, Mushi-shi is a must-watch. Plus, the art and soundtrack are absolutely stunning.

3. March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion)

Type: TV
Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 8, 2016 to Mar 18, 2017
Premiered: Fall 2016
Broadcast: Saturdays at 23:00 (JST)
Producers: Aniplex, NHK, Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: Shaft
Source: Manga
Genres: Drama, Slice of Life
Themes: Psychological, Iyashikei
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: This heartfelt drama about a shogi prodigy deserves way more attention for its emotional depth and breathtaking animation.

What It’s About:
Rei Kiriyama is a quiet, introverted teenager dealing with the pressures of being a professional shogi player. Along the way, he finds solace in an endearing family of three sisters who help him navigate his struggles with depression, self-worth, and belonging.

Why You Should Watch It: The emotional storytelling hits hard, and the balance between serious themes and lighthearted moments is perfect. It’s not just about shogi—it’s about life.

4. Barakamon

Type: TV
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 6, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
Premiered: Summer 2014
Broadcast: Sundays at 01:30 (JST)
Producers: VAP, Nippon Television Network
Licensors: Funimation
Studios: Kinema Citrus
Source: Manga
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Themes: Iyashikei, Coming of Age
Demographic: Shounen
Duration: 22 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: A slice-of-life masterpiece that’s criminally overlooked, Barakamon is the kind of feel-good anime that leaves you smiling.

What It’s About:
Seishuu Handa, a calligrapher with a temper, is sent to a remote island after an embarrassing outburst. There, he meets a group of quirky villagers who teach him about life, art, and finding joy in the little things.

Why You Should Watch It: It’s wholesome, hilarious, and full of heart. The dynamic between Handa and the kids on the island (especially the mischievous Naru) is pure gold.

5. Welcome to the NHK

Type: TV
Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 10, 2006 to Dec 18, 2006
Premiered: Summer 2006
Broadcast: Mondays at 00:00 (JST)
Producers: Victor Entertainment
Licensors: Funimation, ADV Films
Studios: Gonzo
Source: Novel
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Themes: Psychological, Otaku Culture
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 24 min. per ep.
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)

Why It’s Underrated: This dark comedy-drama about social anxiety and isolation hits close to home for many, but it’s often overlooked due to its heavy themes.

What It’s About:
Tatsuhiro Satou, a reclusive NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), believes he’s the victim of a conspiracy by the NHK broadcasting company. With the help of a mysterious girl, Misaki, he starts to confront his fears and break free from his self-imposed isolation.

Why You Should Watch It: It’s raw, relatable, and incredibly thought-provoking. If you’ve ever felt stuck in life, this anime will resonate with you.

6. Silver Spoon (Gin no Saji)

Type: TV
Episodes: 11 (Season 1)
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 12, 2013 to Sep 20, 2013
Premiered: Summer 2013
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:45 (JST)
Producers: Aniplex, Dentsu, Fuji TV
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Source: Manga
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Themes: Agriculture, Coming of Age
Demographic: Shounen
Duration: 22 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: From the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist comes this completely different yet equally compelling story about farm life.

What It’s About:
Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy, enrolls in an agricultural high school, thinking it’ll be an easy escape from academic pressure. Instead, he learns the hard truths of farm life while discovering new friendships and a deeper understanding of himself.

Why You Should Watch It: It’s a refreshing change of pace with a unique setting. Plus, the mix of humor and heartfelt moments makes it an absolute gem.

7. The Tatami Galaxy (Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei)

Type: TV
Episodes: 11
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 23, 2010 to Jul 2, 2010
Premiered: Spring 2010
Broadcast: Fridays at 01:00 (JST)
Producers: Fuji TV, Kinoshita Group Holdings
Licensors: Funimation
Studios: Madhouse
Source: Novel
Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Psychological
Themes: Time Travel, Slice of Life
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: This mind-bending series is an artistic marvel, but its unconventional storytelling might turn some people away.

What It’s About:
A nameless college student gets stuck in a time loop, reliving his university years in search of the “perfect” college experience. Each episode explores a different path he could have taken, with hilarious and sometimes tragic results.

Why You Should Watch It: The fast-paced dialogue, unique art style, and existential themes make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

8. Planetes

Type: TV
Episodes: 26
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 4, 2003 to Apr 17, 2004
Premiered: Fall 2003
Broadcast: Saturdays at 18:00 (JST)
Producers: Bandai Visual, NHK
Licensors: Bandai Entertainment
Studios: Sunrise
Source: Manga
Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi
Themes: Space Exploration, Workplace
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: Despite its realistic take on space exploration, Planetes often gets overshadowed by flashier sci-fi anime.

What It’s About:
Set in 2075, the story follows a team of “debris haulers” who clean up space junk orbiting Earth. While the premise sounds mundane, the show dives deep into the lives, dreams, and struggles of its characters, offering a surprisingly emotional journey.

Why You Should Watch It: It’s a grounded, thought-provoking take on humanity’s relationship with space. Plus, the characters feel real and relatable.

9. Ping Pong The Animation

Type: TV
Episodes: 11
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 11, 2014 to Jun 20, 2014
Premiered: Spring 2014
Broadcast: Fridays at 00:50 (JST)
Producers: Dentsu, Fuji TV, Tatsunoko Production
Licensors: Funimation
Studios: Tatsunoko Production
Source: Manga
Genres: Drama, Sports
Themes: Competitive Sports, Psychological
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: Don’t let the quirky animation style fool you—Ping Pong is a masterpiece of storytelling and character development.

What It’s About:
The anime follows two friends, Smile and Peco, as they navigate the competitive world of ping pong. It’s not just about the sport—it’s about passion, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

Why You Should Watch It: The animation might take some getting used to, but the storytelling is next-level. It’s raw, emotional, and incredibly inspiring.

10. A Place Further Than The Universe (Sora yori mo Tooi Basho)

Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 2, 2018 to Mar 27, 2018
Premiered: Winter 2018
Broadcast: Tuesdays at 20:30 (JST)
Producers: AT-X, Movic, Warner Bros. Japan
Licensors: Crunchyroll
Studios: Madhouse
Source: Original
Genres: Adventure, Comedy
Themes: Friendship, Travel
Demographic: Seinen
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older

Why It’s Underrated: This coming-of-age adventure about four girls traveling to Antarctica deserves way more love.

What It’s About:
Each girl has her own reason for embarking on the journey, from chasing dreams to seeking closure. Together, they form a tight-knit bond as they face challenges and grow as individuals.

Why You Should Watch It: It’s heartfelt, empowering, and beautifully animated. Plus, the depiction of Antarctica is absolutely breathtaking.

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So, there you have it—10 underrated anime that deserve more love. Whether you’re into psychological thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or artistic experiments, there’s something on this list for everyone. Give these gems a chance, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite show.