Whenever we hear about legendary anime, titles such as Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan tend to be the first to come to mind. But there is a whole world of underrated anime out there that is just waiting to be explored. These underdogs deliver compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and awe-inspiring visuals. Buckle up.
Why Underrated Hidden Gems of Anime Should Get Your Attention
While the popular titles take center stage, underrated series offer new ideas, new ways of storytelling, and new genres. These anime may not always get the attention they deserve, but once you get into them, you’ll understand why they’re masterpieces in their own right.
6. Megalo box – An Underdog Story with a High-Tech Twist
- Genre: Sports, Sci-Fi, boxing
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
What Happens When Boxing Meets Exoskeletons? Picture Rocky Balboa meets cutting-edge technology. This is Megalobox, a swashbuckling boxing anime. In it, Joe, also known as “Junk Dog,” scraps in underground matches until he gets taken under the wing of Yuri, a champ with attitude. The result is a hard-edged, high-ride story about a world where pugilists equip themselves with advanced exoskeletons to push their abilities. The fight scenes are intense, and the emotional rollercoaster that Joe goes through is something every boxing anime (or sports anime) fan will be able to connect with.
Why You Should Watch If you enjoyed Hajime no Ippo, then Megalobox will resonate with you through its raw grit, epic training montages, and shocking twists. It’s the classic underdog story in a futuristic package.
5. Seraph of the End: Humanity’s Last Stand Against Vampires
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Teen Fantasy
- Streaming on: Prime Video
Vampires, Fierce Monsters, and the Struggle to Survive Seraph of the End turns the table with a virus that kills all adults, and the world becomes vulnerable to cannibalistic vampires. As long as humanity is in the air, Yuuichirou Hyakuya, a tenacious young kid, emerges to take revenge. With betrayals, heart-racing action, and a shock that smashes you like an express train, this anime takes elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and an intense struggle between humans and vampires.
Why You Should Watch The emotional tension is high, and the action scenes are stunning. If you enjoy Attack on Titan or The Promised Neverland, this one’s for you. The relationships between the characters, especially Yuuichirou, and his vampire “brother,” are full of drama.
4. Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction: A Slice of Life with a Twist
- Genre: Slice of Life, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
Teen Drama Meets Alien Apocalypse Here’s an anime that takes the ordinary and blends it with the extraordinary. Dead Dead Demon’s Destruction is an anime that shows two high school buddies, Kadou and Ontain, go about their daily lives as a spaceship from space looms in the background of Tokyo. This slice-of-life anime flips the idea of an alien invasion on its head—what if the aliens aren’t even invading?
Why You Should Watch This series is a riotous but brainy take on life, underlaid by a creepy tone of existential fear. It’s an ideal fusion of comedy and sci-fi, and the reaction of the characters to the ominous alien threat strikes uncomfortably close to home.
3. InuYashiki: The Old Man and the Teenage Killer
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Body Horror, Superhero,
- Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll
What Does It Feel Like When an Old Man and a Teenager Turn into Death Machines? Inu Yashiki is a bizarre yet engrossing story of Ichirou Inuyashiki, a typical old man who becomes a robot of advanced technology after an alien accident. On the other hand, Shishigami, a rebellious teenager, also becomes a robot with killing abilities. While Inuyashiki employs his new powers to rescue people, Shishigami embarks on a murder spree. The conflict of ideology and personality between these two is both intriguing and pathetic.
Why You Should Watch This anime delves deep into themes of morality, power, and the purpose of life in a manner not many others do. Dark, action-packed stories are always a fan favorite, and Inu Yashiki should be one of yours.
2. Pluto: A Dark Murder Mystery in a Robotic World
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Superhero, Action
- Streaming on: Netflix
Astro Boy Meets Murder Mystery Pluto takes the familiar world of Astro Boy and flips it on its head with a deep, dark murder mystery. In a world where robots and humans coexist, someone is killing the strongest robots. The main character, a robot detective named Gesicht, is tasked with solving the murders, but things get more complicated the deeper he digs. It’s a slow-burn anime, but the drama, plot twists, and existential crisis it leaves you with will keep you hooked.
Why You Should Watch It’s a gritty retelling of the original Astro Boy story, full of heavy questions regarding humanity, AI, and existence. If you enjoy philosophical mysteries, Pluto is a must-see.
1. Scissor Seven: A Laugh-Out-Loud Assassin Story
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
- Streaming on: Netflix
When an Assassin Becomes a Barber Scissor 7 is quite possibly the strangest anime available. Get to know Seven, an assassin with a bad memory who works part-time as a barber. This offbeat, humorous show takes us through Seven’s misadventures as he attempts (and fails) to complete his assassinations while also providing flawlessly executed haircuts. It’s like taking a crazy cocktail of slapstick humor, action, and nonsense.
Why You Need to See It’s funny, crazy, and surprisingly deep, with themes of self-discovery, purpose, and the quest for meaning. And it’s just fun—who wouldn’t want to watch an assassin blow it this badly?
Conclusion: The Underappreciated Anime That You Need to Know
These underrated anime masterpieces showcase the vast diversity in the medium, from high-tech boxing battles to deep, existential questions about robots and humanity. Whether you’re in the mood for an intense fight, a dark mystery, or some good laughs, these series have something for everyone. Don’t let these hidden gems slip under your radar—give them a chance, and you might just discover your next favorite anime.
FAQs
1. Are these overlooked anime streamed on platforms?
Yes, all of these anime are on major streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix. Check your local libraries for streaming access!
2. Is Megalobox like Hajime no Ippo?
Yes, if you enjoy the action and gritty nature of Hajime no Ippo, Megalobox provides the same emotional rollercoaster ride but with a futuristic setting.
3. What is so special about Dead Dead Demon’s Destruction?
The teen drama coupled with an alien apocalypse results in the ideal mixture of humor and existential horror, which makes it stand apart from other anime.
4. Is Pluto worth watching for mystery enthusiasts?
Yes! If you enjoy profound, navel-gazing mysteries with a sci-fi flair, Pluto is an excellent option.
5. Why should I be watching Scissor 7?
If you crave a blend of action, comedy, and feel-good moments, Scissor 7 is one crazy ride that you will not want to pass up.