Discover the Hidden Gems: 10 Underrated Anime You Must Watch in 2025

Introduction

Anime has exploded in popularity, with series like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan commanding massive audiences. Yet, beneath the mainstream spotlight lies a collection of underrated anime that deserve far more recognition. These hidden gems, often overlooked due to limited marketing, niche genres, or competition with blockbuster releases, offer compelling stories, rich character development, and stunning animation. As of July 27, 2025, we’ve curated a list of 10 must-watch underrated anime that promise to captivate fans seeking fresh and unique experiences. Whether you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, or psychological thrillers, these series are worth adding to your watchlist.

Why Underrated Anime Matter

Underrated anime often slip through the cracks because they lack the promotional push of mainstream hits or cater to specific audiences. However, their quality rivals that of popular series, with intricate narratives, innovative animation, and emotional depth. Exploring these shows not only enriches your anime experience but also supports creators who craft exceptional stories outside the limelight. Sources like ScreenRant, FandomSpot, and MyAnimeList highlight these titles as overlooked masterpieces, praised by dedicated fans and critics alike.

The Top 10 Underrated Anime

1. Planetes

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
• Release: 2003–2004
• Studio: Sunrise
• Why It’s Underrated: Despite winning the Seiun Award for best science fiction series, Planetes remains overshadowed by flashier sci-fi anime. Its grounded approach and focus on everyday workers make it a unique gem.
• Synopsis: Set in 2075, Planetes follows the crew of the DS-12 “Toy Box,” a team tasked with clearing space debris between Earth and the Moon. Ai Tanabe, an optimistic newcomer, joins the underfunded Debris Section, navigating personal dreams and team dynamics. The series blends realistic space exploration with themes of ambition, loss, and human connection, earning praise for its character-driven storytelling and social commentary.
• Why Watch: Its meticulous attention to scientific accuracy and relatable characters, like the hotheaded Hachirouta Hoshino, make it a standout. Available on limited platforms, it’s a must for sci-fi fans seeking realism.

2. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
• Release: 2018 (Season 1), Season 2 in Fall 2025
• Studio: Gonzo
• Why It’s Underrated: Overshadowed by more action-heavy fantasy anime, Kakuriyo’s gentle pacing and focus on cooking and folklore appeal to a niche audience.
• Synopsis: Aoi Tsubaki, a college student who can see ayakashi (spirits), is whisked to the Hidden Realm to marry Oodanna, an ogre-god, to settle her grandfather’s debt. Refusing marriage, she opens an eatery at his inn, using her cooking to connect with spirits and uncover her past. The series blends Japanese mythology with heartwarming character arcs.
• Why Watch: Its lush visuals and Aoi’s journey of independence make it a delightful watch. Stream it on Crunchyroll or Funimation.

3. Zetsuen no Tempest

• Genre: Action, Mystery, Psychological
• Release: 2012–2013
• Studio: Bones
• Why It’s Underrated: Despite comparisons to Death Note for its mind games, Zetsuen no Tempest was outshined by other Studio Bones hits like Fullmetal Alchemist.
• Synopsis: After his sister’s murder, Mahiro Fuwa teams up with Yoshino Yorita to seek revenge, guided by the exiled mage Hakaze Kusaribe. Their quest involves magical artifacts and a battle to save the world, infused with Shakespearean themes from The Tempest and Hamlet. The series balances action, romance, and moral dilemmas.
• Why Watch: Its intricate plot and emotional depth make it a gripping experience. Available on Crunchyroll.

4. Sonny Boy

• Genre: Isekai, Psychological, Sci-Fi
• Release: 2021
• Studio: Madhouse
• Why It’s Underrated: Its abstract storytelling and lack of mainstream appeal kept Sonny Boy from widespread fame, despite critical acclaim.
• Synopsis: A group of students, led by Nagara, is transported to a surreal dimension where they gain mysterious powers. As they navigate bizarre rules and personal struggles, the series explores themes of youth, identity, and societal pressure. Its experimental animation and philosophical depth set it apart.
• Why Watch: Perfect for fans of thought-provoking narratives, it’s a visual and intellectual feast. Stream on Funimation.

5. Paranoia Agent

• Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Mystery
• Release: 2004
• Studio: Madhouse
• Why It’s Underrated: Directed by Satoshi Kon, Paranoia Agent is less celebrated than his films like Perfect Blue, yet it’s a masterful exploration of the human psyche.
• Synopsis: A mysterious figure, Lil’ Slugger, attacks people with a baseball bat in Tokyo, sparking a police investigation. As victims’ stories intertwine, the series delves into societal fears and personal trauma, blurring reality and delusion.
• Why Watch: Its haunting narrative and Kon’s signature style make it unforgettable. Available on Funimation.

6. His and Her Circumstances (Kare Kano)

• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
• Release: 1998–1999
• Studio: Gainax, J.C.Staff
• Why It’s Underrated: Overshadowed by newer romance anime, Kare Kano remains a classic for its raw portrayal of teenage emotions.
• Synopsis: Yukino Miyazawa, a seemingly perfect student, hides her true self until she meets Soichiro Arima, who sees through her facade. Their evolving relationship explores vulnerability, love, and self-acceptance.
• Why Watch: Its realistic character dynamics and humor resonate deeply. Stream on limited platforms or check physical releases.

7. Akudama Drive

• Genre: Action, Cyberpunk
• Release: 2020
• Studio: Pierrot
• Why It’s Underrated: Despite a strong debut, Akudama Drive was quickly forgotten amid the seasonal anime churn, despite its stellar ending.
• Synopsis: In a dystopian Japan, a group of criminals, including Swindler, is hired for a high-stakes heist. As they uncover a conspiracy, the series delivers intense action and emotional catharsis, culminating in a memorable finale.
• Why Watch: Its vibrant animation and gripping plot make it a cyberpunk must-watch. Available on Funimation.

8. Guin Saga

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Release: 2009
• Studio: Satelight
• Why It’s Underrated: Based on a legendary novel series, Guin Saga is obscure outside Japan, partly due to its cliffhanger ending and lack of a second season.
• Synopsis: Guin, a warrior with a leopard head and no memories, protects the twin heirs Rinda and Remus of the fallen Parros kingdom from the Mongauli army. Their journey is filled with magic, battles, and mystery.
• Why Watch: Its epic scope and retro fantasy vibe appeal to fans of Berserk. Stream on Netflix or Crunchyroll.

9. Raven of the Inner Palace (Koukyuu no Karasu)

• Genre: Historical, Mystery, Fantasy
• Release: 2022
• Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
• Why It’s Underrated: Aired during a crowded Fall 2022 season, it was overshadowed by hits like Chainsaw Man.
• Synopsis: Ryuu Jusetsu, the Raven Consort, uses her mystical powers to solve supernatural mysteries in an ancient Chinese palace. Her encounters with Emperor Koushun unravel court secrets and her own past.
• Why Watch: Its blend of history and fantasy, plus a strong female lead, makes it a gem. Stream on Crunchyroll.

10. Space Dandy

• Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
• Release: 2014
• Studio: Bones
• Why It’s Underrated: Despite being created by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), Space Dandy didn’t achieve the same fame, possibly due to its episodic nature.
• Synopsis: Dandy, an alien hunter, roams the galaxy with his robot QT and alien Meow, chasing rare species in hilarious, self-contained adventures.
• Why Watch: Its vibrant visuals and humor make every episode a delight. Stream on Funimation or Crunchyroll.

Where to Watch

These anime are available on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix, though availability varies. For instance, Planetes may require physical media or alternative sources due to limited streaming options. Check platforms like Crunchyroll or Funimation for specific titles.

Challenges in Discovering Underrated Anime

Underrated anime often face hurdles like poor marketing, niche genres, or release during competitive seasons. For example, Raven of the Inner Palace aired alongside Chainsaw Man in Fall 2022, limiting its visibility. Fans on platforms like Reddit and MyAnimeList note that limited streaming access, as with Planetes, also hinders popularity. Despite these challenges, their quality shines through in fan reviews and niche communities.

Why These Anime Stand Out

Each anime offers something unique:

• Planetes excels in realistic sci-fi and character depth.
• Kakuriyo blends folklore with heartwarming storytelling.
• Zetsuen no Tempest weaves complex narratives with literary flair.
• Sonny Boy challenges isekai norms with philosophical depth.
• Paranoia Agent delivers psychological intensity.
• Kare Kano captures raw teenage emotions.
• Akudama Drive stuns with cyberpunk action.
• Guin Saga offers epic fantasy with a retro charm.
• Raven of the Inner Palace merges history and mystery.
• Space Dandy shines with humor and creativity.

Community Insights

Fan discussions on Reddit (e.g., r/anime post on Planetes) and MyAnimeList praise these series for their quality but lament their lack of mainstream attention. For instance, Akudama Drive’s ending is lauded as “one of the best” by MyAnimeList users, yet it faded quickly. Similarly, Guin Saga’s cliffhanger ending frustrates fans, but its epic scope earns love from those who discover it.

Conclusion

These 10 underrated anime showcase the diversity and creativity of the medium, from the grounded realism of Planetes to the whimsical charm of Kakuriyo. They may not have the fame of Demon Slayer, but their compelling stories and passionate fanbases make them must-watch. Dive into these hidden gems on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix, and share them with fellow fans to give these masterpieces the recognition they deserve.

Key Information Table