The 5 Most Underrated Anime TV Shows, Ranked
Many anime series released over the years slip under the radar. This results in them becoming relatively unknown and seldom discussed among fans. Anime has flourished over the past two decades, beginning with Dragon Ball, and followed by the rise of the Big Three: One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. While these iconic series certainly deserve their acclaim, many gems from the early 2000s have been overlooked due to inaccessibility and limited initial interest.
For instance, horror anime such as Hell Girl and sports-focused titles like Hikaru no Go illustrate this trend. Their unique premises could have fared better with today's audience, considering the expanded global appeal of anime. Furthermore, even latter series like My Roommate Is a Cat struggle to attract the recognition they merit. Here are some underrated anime worth enjoying for their compelling narratives, stunning visuals, and intriguing character arcs.
5. Sonny Boy (2021)
In Sonny Boy, the cold and detached middle schooler Nagara finds himself in an alternate world alongside his classmates. Here, they discover supernatural abilities while attempting to return home. As their journey unfolds, tensions mount among the students.
Sonny Boy is celebrated for its engaging lessons woven into the narrative. While it may initially confuse viewers, this aspect encourages them to re-watch and uncover details missed during their first viewing. With its deeply developed characters, this anime invites audiences back for further exploration.
4. Hell Girl (2005-2006)
Hell Girl introduces Enma Ai, a supernatural figure who condemns individuals to hell when their names are entered on a mysterious website. Entering a name comes with a grave cost: eternal suffering after the person's natural life ends.
With its chilling premise and intricate storytelling, this anime captivates many viewers. While most episodes focus on self-contained narratives, an overarching story develops, intertwining themes across the series, engaging audiences in unexpected ways.
3. Hikaru no Go (2001-2003)
When Hikaru Shindo discovers a haunted Go board in his grandfather's shed, he encounters the spirit of famed Go player Fujiwara-no-Sai. Partly merging with Hikaru, Sai seeks to help him excel at the game.
Hikaru no Go shines as an underrated sports anime, praised for its lovely soundtrack and skillful storytelling. The rivalries, unique premise, and character growth elevate this series, making it difficult not to connect with the characters and their journeys. It's a cherished part of classic anime that deserves wider appreciation.
2. My Roommate Is a Cat (2019)
In My Roommate Is a Cat, author Mikazuki sees the world as bleak until he rescues a cat from his parents' grave. This cat, embodying Mikazuki's own discontent, inspires him to craft a story centered around a murderous feline.
This heartwarming slice-of-life anime artfully depicts the unique bond between pet and owner. Interestingly, its narrative flows in two directions: one segment showcases Mikazuki's experience with the cat, while the other presents the cat's unique perspective and observations, adding depth to the storyline.
1. Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari (2023)
Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari follows Hyouma Kunato, a Saenome tasked with sealing away tsukumogami, spirits that inhabit everyday objects. While Saenome usually seal spirits peacefully, Hyouma's past traumas complicate his journey. To foster cooperation with the tsukumogami, he moves in with a family of spirits.
Visually striking, this anime offers a fresh viewpoint on the supernatural genre, often portraying spirits as inherently malevolent. By exploring more amicable relationships between humans and tsukumogami, Mononogatari captivates viewers with dynamic fight scenes, a vibrant cast, and remarkable character development.
Earlier, SSP told about all Harry Potter movies: ranked from worst to best.
