Written by Joseph Cesar
A genre on its own, the Japanese-made “art” of animation is astounding in all aspects. Anime has created such a large impact on the culture of its origin, Japan, that it inevitably went global—touching the lives of millions of people all over the world. No, anime is not just cartoon. It’s so much more than that.
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There is a plethora of choices out there—different genres, different niches—when it comes to what to watch. Sometimes too many. With that, a lot of wonderful series can easily be overlooked because of the sheer amount of anime constantly coming out. So, in this list, we’ve rounded up some underrated anime series that are not as popular as the most mainstream ones, but are really worth the watch!
5. Gintama
Starting off the list with this amazing piece of anime, Gintama follows the life of Gintoki and his friends. Seems simple enough…but as you watch on, the deeper the story unravels. Gintama is a mix of comedy, action, drama, sci-fi, parody, and, honestly, just a fusion of all genres. If you’re looking for a long, heartwarming series then this is the anime for you as it has over 300 episodes and is still ongoing!
4. Katekyo Hitman Reborn!/ Reborn!
Reborn! is one of those animes that cannot really be explained without sounding ridiculous, but I’ll try anyway. One day, Tsunayoshi Sawada gets tutored by a toddler wearing a suit who claims to be the world’s greatest hitman, while also telling him that he is next in line to be the mafia boss of the Vongola family. So, yeah…this action-adventure-sci-fi doesn’t really make sense on paper, but it truly is amazing.
3. Jūni Taisen
If you’re looking for a lot of action with few episodes, this is the anime for you. Jūni Taisen is an anime that revolves around the concept of the 12 zodiac signs. These 12 signs are personified through characters with different abilities and are pit against each other until only one remains. Despite it being heavy in action, the show didn’t shy away from character development as well as smart twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.
2. Code Geass
This sci-fi, mecha*, action masterpiece is simply spectacular. Now, if you’re not a mecha fan, I still highly encourage Code Geass because it is so much more than that! The character development, specifically, is one of the best I’ve ever seen in an anime. Although disclaimer: this anime will play with your feelings hard. So brace yourself.
*Mecha – a science fiction genre playing on the themes of giant robots and machines.
1. Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma
Last, but definitely not the least, is Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma. This is a relatively new anime with a captivating story of an underdog meeting people, making allies and enemies alike, and his journey to the top. However, it is so much more than just an individual effort, as highlighted in the anime is the value of camaraderie and teamwork. Also, the food they cook look soooo good.
Animes can be surprisingly relatable, with a lot of values that can be learned from it. Given that, anime, like any film or piece for art, can be very personal and subjective, so you may love the ones in this list, or you may hate them. Nonetheless, finding the perfect anime for you is trial and error—so try away!
What is your favorite underrated anime? Tell us in the comments section below!
