Anime fans are always on the lookout for the next big series to binge-watch, but in the vast world of anime, some amazing titles get overshadowed by mainstream hits. If you’re looking for hidden gems, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’re diving into 10 underrated anime you definitely missed, each offering unique storytelling, unforgettable characters, and compelling worlds that deserve more attention. Whether you’re a seasoned anime lover or just starting, these titles are sure to captivate you.
1. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Release Date: 2016
Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller
Director: Tomohiko Itou
Cast: Yūki Furukawa, Risako Sakamoto
Where to Watch: Netflix
Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, a man who has the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragic events. When his mother is murdered, Satoru finds himself sent 18 years into the past, just before a series of child abductions occur. To prevent these crimes, Satoru must navigate his childhood while trying to uncover the identity of the kidnapper. The show beautifully combines time-travel mechanics with a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is one of those underrated anime you definitely missed that will keep you hooked until the very end.
2. The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!)
Release Date: 2013–2022
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural
Director: Naoto Hosoda
Cast: Yōko Hikasa, Ryota Ohsaka
Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll
When the Demon Lord Satan is transported to modern Tokyo, he loses his powers and must adapt to life as a human. Taking on the identity of Sadao Maou, he gets a job at a fast-food restaurant to make ends meet. This hilarious series blends comedy and fantasy in a fresh way, showing the trials of Satan as he learns what it means to be a regular human while still scheming to take over the world. Underrated anime you definitely missed often include gems like The Devil Is a Part-Timer!, which offers a fun and unique perspective on the fantasy genre.
3. Mushishi
Release Date: 2005–2006
Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural, Mystery
Director: Hiroshi Nagahama
Cast: Chiaki Nomura, Tomoaki Maeno
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Mushishi explores the life of Ginko, a wandering “Mushi Master” who travels the countryside studying mushi—ethereal beings that exist in the world but are invisible to most people. The series follows Ginko’s encounters with strange mushi-related phenomena and the individuals affected by them. Each episode presents a philosophical, reflective story that highlights human interaction with nature and the unknown. Mushishi is one of the underrated anime you definitely missed if you enjoy deep, contemplative narratives that explore the complexity of existence.
4. Paranoia Agent (Mousou Dairinin)
Release Date: 2004
Genres: Psychological, Thriller, Mystery
Director: Satoshi Kon
Cast: Shōzō Iizuka, Mikako Tabe
Where to Watch: Hulu
Created by the legendary Satoshi Kon, Paranoia Agent delves into the dark side of the human psyche, following the mysterious appearances of a strange boy named Lil’ Slugger who attacks people with a baseball bat. The victims’ stories intertwine with the fabric of urban legends and personal trauma. Paranoia Agent is often considered an underrated anime you definitely missed, as it blends surrealism, social commentary, and horror into a gripping psychological thriller.
5. Texhnolyze
Release Date: 2003
Genres: Sci-Fi, Psychological, Action
Director: Hiroshi Hamasaki
Cast: Kazuya Nakai, Akira Ishida
Where to Watch: Funimation
In a dystopian future, the city of Lux is on the verge of collapse. Texhnolyze follows Ichise, a fighter who loses his limbs and is transformed into a cyborg with artificial limbs known as “texhnolyze.” The series is a deep dive into themes of societal decay, human willpower, and the struggle for survival. Texhnolyze is a deeply cerebral show that offers a unique and thought-provoking experience, making it an underrated anime you definitely missed if you’re into complex, dystopian narratives.
6. Mononoke
Release Date: 2007
Genres: Supernatural, Mystery, Horror
Director: Kenji Nakamura
Cast: Takahiro Sakurai, Jūzō Itami
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Mononoke tells the tale of the Medicine Seller, a mysterious figure who exorcises vengeful spirits known as “mononoke.” To defeat these creatures, he must uncover their Form, Truth, and Reason. The unique art style, combined with a psychological and supernatural storyline, makes Mononoke stand out. It is not your typical horror anime, as it weaves deep philosophical themes into its eerie, atmospheric world. For anyone searching for underrated anime you definitely missed, Mononoke is a masterpiece that deserves more recognition.
7. Beastars
Release Date: 2019–2021
Genres: Drama, Psychological, Mystery
Director: Shinichi Matsumi
Cast: Chikahiro Kobayashi, Sayaka Senbongi
Where to Watch: Netflix
In a world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, Beastars follows Legoshi, a wolf struggling with his predatory instincts as he navigates life in a school filled with herbivores and carnivores. The series tackles themes of prejudice, identity, and desire, with Legoshi’s internal conflict providing emotional depth. Beastars is more than just a high school drama with anthropomorphic animals—it delves into complex societal issues and human emotions in a way that few anime have attempted. This is one of the underrated anime you definitely missed if you’re looking for something deep and thought-provoking.
8. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
Release Date: 2016–2017
Genres: Drama, Historical, Slice of Life
Director: Shinichi Omata
Cast: Akira Ishida, Takahiro Sakurai
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu explores the art of rakugo, a traditional form of Japanese storytelling. The series follows the life of Yotaro, an ex-convict who becomes an apprentice to a rakugo master. Over the years, the series delves into the complexities of human relationships, ambition, and the shifting nature of storytelling in post-war Japan. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu is one of those underrated anime you definitely missed if you appreciate historical drama and character-driven narratives.
9. Nana
Release Date: 2006–2007
Genres: Drama, Romance, Music
Director: Morio Asaka
Cast: Akemi Kanda, Kae Araki
Where to Watch: Hulu
Nana tells the story of two women, both named Nana, who meet by chance and form a close bond despite their very different lives. One is a punk rock singer, and the other is a shy woman looking for love in the big city. Their emotional journeys through love, loss, and friendship are heart-wrenching and complex. Nana remains an underrated anime you definitely missed, especially if you’re a fan of music-centric dramas and character development.
10. Silver Spoon
Release Date: 2013–2014
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama
Director: Tomohiko Itou
Cast: Ryouko Shiraishi, Nobunaga Shimazaki
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Silver Spoon follows Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy who enrolls in an agricultural school. Struggling to adapt to farm life, Hachiken learns the value of hard work and the importance of connection with nature. Silver Spoon is a heartfelt exploration of rural life and personal growth. Its focus on education, agriculture, and self-discovery provides a refreshing take on slice-of-life anime. Though it didn’t receive the mainstream recognition it deserves, Silver Spoon is an underrated anime you definitely missed if you want something both educational and inspiring.
