There’s almosttoo muchanime out there. It’sa great problem to havefor an anime-lover, as there’s no shortage of series in any genre for fans to watch. If there is a downside to the incredible amount of animation out there, it’s that some shows fly under the radar for way too long. While series likeDragon Ball, One Piece,andAttack on Titanget an incredible amount of views thanks to their quality and popularity, there are a ton of underrated anime series that deserve a lot more attention than they get.
While most series don’t stack up to the three mentioned above,they’re still excellentin what they try to achieve. It doesn’t matter if they’re a romance series, shōnen, or something a little edgier - some series just didn’t get the views that they probably could have.
Classroom of the Elite
Cast
Classroom of the Elite is a Japanese anime series set in the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, where students are ranked based on merit. The story follows Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a seemingly ordinary student who conceals his exceptional intelligence and skills, as he navigates the complex social dynamics and cutthroat competition to climb the school’s ranks, exploring themes of ambition, strategy, and human nature.
Classroom of the Eliteis one of the best edgy modern anime series around. It stars Ayanokoji Kiyotaka as he attends one of the most competitive high schools in Japan in an attempt to findsomeone as smart as him. He came from the White Room, a brutal room that strips kids of their emotions and turns them into the smartest, most dominant people they can be. Itexcels in what it tries to beand doesn’t turn its back on what it is for the entirety of the series.
This is an exceptional anime for anyone who loves a main character so much stronger and smarter than the other characters that it almost becomes a joke. Ayanokoji is alwaysat least 10 steps aheadof everyone around him. If someone thinks they caught him by surprise, he intends for that to happen. Not only does he possess a genius-level intellect, but he’s able to fight several people at once without taking any damage too.
The Elusive Samurai
The Elusive Samurai is set during the Kenmu Restoration between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. It follows Hojo Tokiyuki, a young boy whose family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. Accompanied by a priest and his followers, he seeks revenge using his extraordinary abilities to evade capture.
It’s surprising thatThe Elusive Samuraiisn’t more popular than it is.It won the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award, one of the highest honors in all of Japan’s manga industry. Another winner from the same year was the hugely popularFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End,and past winners have included mega-hits of the anime genre likeBleach,one of the best sports anime of all time inHaikyuu!,and many more. There’s a lot to love aboutThe Elusive Samurai,adding to its potential popularity.
The Elusive Samuraihas absurdly good animation. It also features a great story with a simple but thought-provoking premise. In Feudal Japan,whenThe Elusive Samurai’sstory takes place, it was normal for most Japanese people to commit ritual Seppuku when they were dishonored. Tokiyuki Hojo didn’t, however, and because he lived through his clan’s potential annihilation,he’s able to lead a revoltagainst the incredibly evil man who betrayed him.
Animated By Project No.9, Based on the Light Novel By Saekisan and Hanekoto
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten follows the story of Amane, who lives alone in an apartment, and Mahiru, the beautiful girl next door. After a chance encounter on a rainy day where Amane assists her, Mahiru begins to help with his household chores, leading to the development of their relationship.
It’s hard to find a good romance anime.There are plenty of anime that are considered to be romantic, but at their core, they aren’t. Many romance anime feature weird harems, uncomfortably young characters, or more unrealistic stories that don’t make sense outside the realm of fantasy.The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rottenis a legitimate romance anime in a world of pretenders. It’s a great, simple, wholesome story that’s perfect for anyone who wants a bit of romance without any of the weird undertones.
Dan Da Dan’s Romance Feels More Real Than in Romance Anime Thanks to a Bold New Approach
Dan Da Dan makes Momo and Okarun’s relationship more grounded by allowing them to navigate real-life issues like miscommunication and overcome them
While it might not be entirely realistic, it’s a lot more real than an overwhelming majority of its competition. It stars two incredibly relatable characters as they navigate the complexities of high school, find out more about each other and themselves, and in true romance anime fashion,eventually fall in love.
Record of Ragnarok
Record of Ragnarok is an anime adaptation of the manga works by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui. In the show, the gods have convened to decide the fate of humanity. Determining that they have failed to justify their existence, they are sentenced to extermination until a valkyrie pleads for one final chance. To redeem themselves, humanity will send its best warriors to face off with the gods in a tournament with the help of the valkyries
Record of Ragnarokisone of the simplest anime seriesreleased in the past decade in the best way possible. It stars a litany of gods from different pantheons across a variety of cultures as they take on humanity’s best fighters in an all-or-nothing tournament arc. Tournament arcs are alreadysome of the best tropes in anime, andRecord of Ragnarokis a tournament the entire time. It features gods like Zeus, Poseidon, Shiva, and more as they take on even more mythical humans.
Some of the people representing humanity include Adam from the Bible, Jack the Ripper from England, and even the swordsman Kojiro from Japan. The fact that a series can bring togetherso many cultures and beliefsso well is impressive enough, but to pit them against each other in vicious combat makes the series even better.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian follows transfer student Alya, who maintains popularity and top grades while feigning indifference toward her classmate, Kuze Masachika. Unknown to her, Kuze understands Russian, which she occasionally uses to flirt. This dynamic sets the stage for an unpredictable romance.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russianis another romance series much closer to reality than everything it competes against. While it does have a pretty uncomfortable character in Yuki, the rest of the series is a solid piece of anime. It features Masachika Kuze and his new classmate, Alisa Kujo (known as Alya), and their budding relationship. The premise of the show is that Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian, and Masachikaactually speaks the language.
Dandadan Introduces Controversial Anime Romance Trope, But Pulls It Off Flawlessly
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Alya doesn’t know that her crush knows exactly what she’s saying, and he’sworking hard to hide it from her.It’s a simple premise that creates a lot of funny and romantic moments other series don’t come close to. It also has surprisingly good animation for such a straightforward series. Alya’s eyes are animated with a rainbow of colors, and the world they live in looks vibrant and worth exploring as well.
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability follows Prince Lloyd, who retains memories of being a sorcerer in a past life. Now reincarnated, he navigates the challenges of royal life as a 10-year-old while pursuing mastery of his magical skills.
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Abilitymight have one of the longest titles in anime, but it’s an amazing series that accomplishes its goal with style. It’s agreat isekai seriesin which the main character actually gets reincarnated back into the world he came from, but this time, he’s reincarnated as the 7th Prince. While he was a weak commoner before,he comes back to his worldas a royal with a huge pool of mana to draw from and even more resources to use to his heart’s content.
It’s a great anime because of how strong the main character is. There aren’t many characters in the series who can come close to him in terms of strength, and thatmakes the show even better.Prince Lloyd is also a maniac on the battlefield, turning archdemons into his pets thanks to his power.
The Most Notorious “Talker” Runs the World’s Greatest Clan
The Most Notorious Talker Runs the World’s Greatest Clan follows Noel, grandson of the legendary Seeker Overdeath, who strives to surpass his grandfather’s strength despite being born into the weakest class as a Talker.
The Most Notorious “Talker” Runs The World’s Greatest Clanis one of the edgiest anime series released in years. It features a purportedly weak character with ambition working his way up to the top of the world. LikeArifureta,Notorious “Talker"is a great series for what it does. It doesn’t pretend to be light-hearted, nor does it waste time trying to justify the actions of its main character. Noel Stollen isa deceptive, manipulative characterfrom the start to the finish.
LikeClassroom of the Elite,Noel Stollen will do anything to get what he wants. He realizes that his Talker class is considered to be the weakest in the world, buthe couldn’t care less.With his allies at his side, he’ll create the strongest clan in the world before he turns 20, setting the scene for a great second season when it finally comes out.
A Sign of Affection
A Sign of Affection follows college student Yuki Itose, who navigates the challenges of university life. When her senior, Itsuomi Nagi, assists her one day, he opens her eyes to a new world, sparking a blossoming romance between them in this pure love story.
A Sign of Affectionis one of the best romance anime to come out in years. It’s wholesome, touching, and altogether realistic. It’s two main characters are heart-warming, honest, and vulnerable in a genrewhere that’s rare to find.The only bad part, if it can even be considered bad, is thatA Sign of Affectionisonly one season long. It doesn’t have any bloat, leaves no stone unturned, and tells a great story through its run time.
A Sign of Affectionstars Yuki, a deaf college student attending class and hanging out with her friend Rin. When she meets the multilingual Itsuomi, her whole world is turned upside-down for the better. Their relationship is one of the best in the romance genre. While other couples feel forced, Yuki and Itsuomi go togetherlike peanut butter and jelly.
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again is a 2024 television series that follows an elderly couple who, through mysterious circumstances, find themselves transformed back into their youthful selves. As they navigate their newfound youth, they must reconcile their past experiences with their newfound vitality and adjust to the challenges and opportunities that come with being young again.
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Againis anotherexcellent romance seriesthat’s only one season long. Through less than 15 episodes, viewers get to experience one of the mostwholesome relationships in anime.The premise of the series is that a normal grandpa and grandma find a golden apple in their orchard, allowing them to turn young again. While their lifespans don’t change, their physical bodies do, allowing them to relive their youth and fall in love with each other all over again.
It’s an insanely touching series that stands out from other romance shows. Grandpa and grandma had already been together for more than a few decades when they turned young again,and it shows.They know each other incredibly well, letting audiences around the world see what true love can really look like.
Bocchi the Rock!
Bocchi the Rock! follows Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou, a shy high school student with social anxiety who dreams of becoming a rock musician. Despite her introverted nature, Bocchi joins a band called Kessoku Band and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and friendship. Set against the backdrop of a lively music scene, the series explores themes of personal growth, teamwork, and the power of music to connect people.
IfBocchi the Rock!was the number one anime in the world, it would still be considered underrated.This show is amazing, full stop. Bocchi is one of the most adorable, most genuine, and most relatable characters in all anime.Bocchi the Rock!stars the titular Bocchi as she navigates her new friendships are her ridiculous abilities on the guitar. She’s a socially awkward girl who loves playing her favorite instrument but can’t muster up the courage to play her best in front of her friends or a live audience.
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In one of thebest moments in anime,Bocchi eventually reveals her true talents to her friends and fans, shredding her guitar like Slash himself. When she’s not putting on a masterclass in music, she’s trying to avoid socialization at all costs like a true awkward kid.
