The Top 10 Underrated Action Anime Gems You Must Watch

Introduction: Where the True Gems Hide (Underrated Action Anime)

Anime fans know the big names—Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Attack on Titan. But beyond these titans lies a world of hidden treasures: shows that deliver explosive battles, emotional storytelling, and unique worlds, yet never got the hype they deserved.

Today, we dig into the most underrated action anime gems—series overlooked due to timing, niche marketing, or unusual styles. Yet, each of them holds the kind of brilliance that could rival or even outshine mainstream hits.

1. 91 Days (2016) – Prohibition Noir with Bullets and Betrayal

Set during America’s Prohibition era, 91 Days is a revenge thriller unlike anything in modern anime. A young man named Avilio infiltrates a mafia family to avenge his parents’ murder, leading to a spiral of betrayals, shifting alliances, and blood-soaked shootouts.

• Why it’s a gem: The noir atmosphere, careful pacing, and morally complex characters make this a standout among action dramas.
• Why underrated: Released in 2016, it got buried under shonen juggernauts despite critical praise for its mature storytelling.

2. The Fable (2024) – The Assassin Who Can’t Kill

Based on a cult-favorite manga, The Fable follows a legendary hitman forced to live as an ordinary civilian for one year—without killing. Of course, trouble finds him, sparking hilarious brawls, brutal shootouts, and sharp comedy.

• Why it’s a gem: The mix of comedy and crime action keeps you guessing, while fight choreography is as slick as the humor.
• Why underrated: Animation critiques and limited streaming (locked on Disney+) prevented it from reaching wider audiences in 2024.

3. Go! Go! Loser Ranger! (2024) – Superheroes Turned Villains

In a world where “heroes” are corrupt and defeated monsters are forced to fake staged battles, one rebellious soldier decides to destroy the system from within. Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is both a parody and a dark action series.

• Why it’s a gem: A satirical twist on sentai tropes, mixing stealth assassinations, emotional depth, and stylish fights.
• Why underrated: Its parody concept and modest promotion made it appear niche, keeping it out of the mainstream spotlight.

4. Dorohedoro (2020) – Gore, Magic, and Madness

Few anime are as chaotic yet captivating as Dorohedoro. Following Caiman, a lizard-headed man hunting sorcerers in the dystopian slum called the Hole, it blends magic duels, martial arts, body horror, and dark comedy in a surreal world.

• Why it’s a gem: Inventive world-building, gruesome yet stylish action, and a cultishly unique tone.
• Why underrated: The CGI style turned some fans away, despite its dedicated following and upcoming continuation.

5. Golden Kamuy (2018–) – Survival and Gunfights in the North

Golden Kamuy is both a survival epic and an action-packed treasure hunt. A war veteran and an Ainu girl team up to search for hidden gold, battling against convicts, rival soldiers, and nature itself in early 20th-century Hokkaido.

• Why it’s a gem: Blends historical accuracy, thrilling shootouts, and brutal survival combat with cultural storytelling.
• Why underrated: Rough early animation and its niche historical setting prevented a global breakthrough, even though later seasons improved greatly.

6. Akiba Maid War (2022) – Cute Uniforms, Bloody Turf Wars

On paper, Akiba Maid War sounds absurd: maid cafes fighting like yakuza gangs. But in execution, it’s a bloody, hilarious, and action-packed series of gunfights, betrayals, and turf wars, all under the neon glow of Akihabara.

• Why it’s a gem: A bizarre blend of comedy, gunplay, and commentary on otaku culture.
• Why underrated: Its unusual concept scared off casual viewers during a stacked anime season.

7. Kingdom (2012) – Ancient War on an Epic Scale

Kingdom adapts the Chinese Warring States period into a massive saga of battlefield strategy, alliances, and character growth. It follows an orphan boy rising to become a general across brutal wars.

• Why it’s a gem: Tactical grand-scale battles, detailed strategies, and emotional rivalries on par with Game of Thrones.
• Why underrated: The infamous rough animation of its early seasons discouraged viewers, though later arcs vastly improved.

8. Brave Bang Bravern! (2024) – Mecha with Heart and Explosions

A throwback to classic mecha anime, Brave Bang Bravern! delivers everything fans love: military pilots, giant robot duels, alien invaders, and high-energy bromance.

• Why it’s a gem: Its explosive mecha battles and strong directing give it more depth than most new robot shows.
• Why underrated: Initially dismissed as a standard military anime, it didn’t gain hype until deeper themes emerged.

9. Viral Hit (2024) – Fighting for Fame

Adapted from a hit webtoon, Viral Hit follows a bullied teen who learns martial arts and becomes a NewTube sensation. What begins as staged fights quickly spirals into real-life battles with gangs and criminals.

• Why it’s a gem: Raw, realistic fight choreography and a relatable underdog story.
• Why underrated: Overshadowed by flashier series and uneven animation despite its strong premise.

10. Ishura (2024) – Clash of Demigods

After the demon king’s death, demigods and warriors fight to fill the power vacuum in Ishura. What follows is a mix of tournament-style battles, political maneuvering, and mythic-scale duels.

• Why it’s a gem: Diverse fighting styles and lore make every battle distinct and strategic.
• Why underrated: A slow start led to early drop-offs, but later episodes showcased breathtaking fights and world-building.

Final Thoughts: Why These Gems Deserve Attention

These underrated action anime gems prove that brilliance doesn’t always equal mainstream popularity. From the noir grit of 91 Days to the chaotic violence of Dorohedoro, from the battlefield glory of Kingdom to the comedic mayhem of The Fable, these series offer fresh perspectives on action storytelling.

If you’re tired of the same old mainstream titles, dive into these gems. They might not have the spotlight, but they pack more heart, innovation, and explosive battles than many popular shows combined.

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