Hey there, anime fans! Whether you're a seasoned otaku or just starting to explore the world of Japanese animation, you know that there are a ton of amazing shows out there to discover. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why today, I want to share with you six underrated anime that I think are absolutely worth your time.
These shows may not have the same level of popularity as some of the more mainstream titles, but they all have something special to offer. Whether you're looking for heartwarming slice-of-life stories, philosophical adventures, or behind-the-scenes looks at the anime industry, there's something on this list for everyone.
So without further ado, here are six underrated anime that you should definitely check out:
"Barakamon": This anime is a beautiful and heartwarming slice-of-life story about a young calligrapher named Handa who moves to a small island community to find inspiration. Along the way, he forms deep connections with the local residents and learns valuable lessons about art, life, and love. The characters in this show are so lovable and relatable that you'll find yourself rooting for them from the start. Plus, the beautiful scenery of the island is simply breathtaking.
"Kino's Journey": This philosophical adventure anime follows a young traveler named Kino and her sentient motorcycle Hermes as they journey through a series of strange and mysterious countries. Each episode features a new location with its unique customs and values, which leads to some deep and thought-provoking discussions about morality, society, and the human condition. While not every episode is a hit, the animation is stunning, and the show's themes are sure to leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
"Haikyuu!!": This anime is perfect for sports fans or anyone who wants to feel like they're part of a team. "Haikyuu!!" follows the journey of a high school volleyball team as they strive to become champions. The animation is dynamic, and the characters are all unique and likable. This anime is so well done that even if you're not a sports fan, you'll still find yourself cheering for the team.
"The Eccentric Family": This fantasy anime is set in modern-day Kyoto, where humans and tanuki (a type of Japanese raccoon dog) coexist. The show follows the Shimogamo family, a group of tanuki who are also shape-shifters, as they navigate their lives and relationships with humans and other tanuki. "The Eccentric Family" has a unique and whimsical atmosphere, and the characters are all colorful and memorable.
"Kokoro Connect": This supernatural anime follows a group of high school friends who are suddenly forced to switch bodies with each other. As they try to figure out the cause of this phenomenon, they also learn more about themselves and each other. This anime has a great balance of drama, humor, and romance, and it's a great example of how anime can explore complex emotions and relationships in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
"Shirobako": This anime is a behind-the-scenes look at the anime industry itself. The show follows a group of young women who work in various positions in an anime studio, from the production assistants to the voice actresses. "Shirobako" is a great insight into how anime is made, and it's filled with interesting and relatable characters.
If you've already watched these six shows and are hungry for more underrated anime recommendations, here are a few honorable mentions:
"A Silent Voice": This movie is a beautiful and emotional story about "A Silent Voice": It's a movie that explores the themes of bullying, redemption, and forgiveness. The main character, Shoya, has a troubled past of being a bully in elementary school, but when he reconnects with his former victim, Shoko, he begins to understand the impact of his actions and seeks to make amends. "A Silent Voice" is a poignant and powerful movie that will leave you with a lot to think about.
"Honey and Clover": This slice-of-life anime follows a group of college students as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, including love, career, and friendship. The characters are all complex and relatable, and the show's themes of self-discovery and personal growth are universal.
"March Comes in Like a Lion": This anime follows a young professional shogi player named Rei as he struggles to find meaning and purpose in his life. The show deals with heavy themes like depression, loneliness, and trauma, but it does so with sensitivity and grace. The animation is stunning, and the characters are all deeply human and sympathetic.
"Mawaru Penguindrum": This surreal and symbolic anime follows the story of two brothers who must search for the "Penguindrum," a mysterious object that they hope will save their terminally ill sister. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric and enigmatic characters, and the story takes on themes of fate, family, and identity. "Mawaru Penguindrum" is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful anime that will keep you guessing until the very end.
So there you have it, folks! Six underrated anime that are definitely worth watching, plus a few honorable mentions for good measure. Now, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot on the couch, and get ready to embark on some amazing anime adventures!
And if you've enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other content on the website. We've got everything from reviews of the latest anime releases to deep dives into the history of the medium. It's all here, and we promise it's just as entertaining as this post. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover your next favorite anime!
And hey, why did the anime character refuse to fight? Because it wasn't his genre!
These shows may not have the same level of popularity as some of the more mainstream titles, but they all have something special to offer. Whether you're looking for heartwarming slice-of-life stories, philosophical adventures, or behind-the-scenes looks at the anime industry, there's something on this list for everyone.
So without further ado, here are six underrated anime that you should definitely check out:
Barakamon
"Barakamon": This anime is a beautiful and heartwarming slice-of-life story about a young calligrapher named Handa who moves to a small island community to find inspiration. Along the way, he forms deep connections with the local residents and learns valuable lessons about art, life, and love. The characters in this show are so lovable and relatable that you'll find yourself rooting for them from the start. Plus, the beautiful scenery of the island is simply breathtaking.
Kino's Journey
"Kino's Journey": This philosophical adventure anime follows a young traveler named Kino and her sentient motorcycle Hermes as they journey through a series of strange and mysterious countries. Each episode features a new location with its unique customs and values, which leads to some deep and thought-provoking discussions about morality, society, and the human condition. While not every episode is a hit, the animation is stunning, and the show's themes are sure to leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
Haikyuu
"Haikyuu!!": This anime is perfect for sports fans or anyone who wants to feel like they're part of a team. "Haikyuu!!" follows the journey of a high school volleyball team as they strive to become champions. The animation is dynamic, and the characters are all unique and likable. This anime is so well done that even if you're not a sports fan, you'll still find yourself cheering for the team.
The Eccentric Family
"The Eccentric Family": This fantasy anime is set in modern-day Kyoto, where humans and tanuki (a type of Japanese raccoon dog) coexist. The show follows the Shimogamo family, a group of tanuki who are also shape-shifters, as they navigate their lives and relationships with humans and other tanuki. "The Eccentric Family" has a unique and whimsical atmosphere, and the characters are all colorful and memorable.
Kokoro Connect
"Kokoro Connect": This supernatural anime follows a group of high school friends who are suddenly forced to switch bodies with each other. As they try to figure out the cause of this phenomenon, they also learn more about themselves and each other. This anime has a great balance of drama, humor, and romance, and it's a great example of how anime can explore complex emotions and relationships in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Shirobako
"Shirobako": This anime is a behind-the-scenes look at the anime industry itself. The show follows a group of young women who work in various positions in an anime studio, from the production assistants to the voice actresses. "Shirobako" is a great insight into how anime is made, and it's filled with interesting and relatable characters.
Some honorable mentions
If you've already watched these six shows and are hungry for more underrated anime recommendations, here are a few honorable mentions:
A Silent Voice
"A Silent Voice": This movie is a beautiful and emotional story about "A Silent Voice": It's a movie that explores the themes of bullying, redemption, and forgiveness. The main character, Shoya, has a troubled past of being a bully in elementary school, but when he reconnects with his former victim, Shoko, he begins to understand the impact of his actions and seeks to make amends. "A Silent Voice" is a poignant and powerful movie that will leave you with a lot to think about.
Honey and Clover
"Honey and Clover": This slice-of-life anime follows a group of college students as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, including love, career, and friendship. The characters are all complex and relatable, and the show's themes of self-discovery and personal growth are universal.
March Comes in Like a Lion
"March Comes in Like a Lion": This anime follows a young professional shogi player named Rei as he struggles to find meaning and purpose in his life. The show deals with heavy themes like depression, loneliness, and trauma, but it does so with sensitivity and grace. The animation is stunning, and the characters are all deeply human and sympathetic.
Mawaru Penguindrum
So there you have it, folks! Six underrated anime that are definitely worth watching, plus a few honorable mentions for good measure. Now, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot on the couch, and get ready to embark on some amazing anime adventures!
And if you've enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other content on the website. We've got everything from reviews of the latest anime releases to deep dives into the history of the medium. It's all here, and we promise it's just as entertaining as this post. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover your next favorite anime!
And hey, why did the anime character refuse to fight? Because it wasn't his genre!
