To date, thousands of anime have been released with thousands of characters with different casts and different plots. Some of them remain underrated while some become overrated.
Coming to particular anime, according to some critics and fans, some anime got more appreciation than they deserved. Whether it is related to characters or adaptation or the plot, something has become just too much for the audience to gulp and that's why it fell into the category of overrated anime.
So, here are the names of the most overrated anime that must have caught your attention at times!
ActionAdventureFantasy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2011 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
148
X (also known as XTV) is an anime adaptation of Clamp's acclaimed manga, blending elements of action, supernatural thriller, and dark fantasy. Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, it originally aired on October 3, 2001, captivating fans with its intense atmosphere.
Set in Tokyo during the final days of 1999, the story follows Kamui, a young esper who returns to his hometown after a six-year absence. His arrival marks the beginning of a struggle tied to humanity's destiny.
Kamui soon learns about two rival organizations, each eager to claim him and another gifted individual as pivotal forces in an impending battle that will determine the world's fate. The narrative explores the burden of destiny and personal sacrifice.
The anime concludes with Kamui's ultimate sacrifice, as he creates a barrier to protect humanity. Despite its ambitious characters and intricate plot, X is often criticized for convoluted storytelling and lackluster theme songs, contributing to its reputation as an overrated series.
Nevertheless, the visual design and animation were widely praised, earning X a dedicated fanbase despite its flaws.
Recommended:
ActionComedySci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2015 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
One Punch Man has garnered significant acclaim, yet many consider it somewhat overrated within the anime community.
Although the show’s straightforward premise and repetitive plot structure may not resonate with every viewer, it stands out for its remarkable animation and breathtaking action scenes.
The series injects humor and satire into the superhero genre, with Saitama’s deadpan demeanor delivering genuinely comedic moments.
Despite its shortcomings, One Punch Man deserves praise for its top-tier production quality and its ability to engage audiences through visually impressive battles and a clever, tongue-in-cheek narrative style.
Recommended:
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
1989 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
291
Dragon Ball Z, also known as Dragon Ball Z: Super Saiyan Son Goku, was directed by Mitsuo Hashimoto and written by Takao Koyama.
This series blends science fiction with martial arts, set during a time when an asteroid threatens to destroy Earth.
From this asteroid, a mysterious ship arrives, bringing with it Lord Slug—a nomadic alien and the story's main antagonist.
Lord Slug's mission is to annihilate all life on Earth, leaving Goku, the beloved protagonist, as humanity's only hope.
Dragon Ball Z has faced criticism for its less original plot and standard villain archetypes, yet its dynamic storytelling and unexpected twists keep viewers engaged.
While this movie may not appeal to every fan, it remains an easy and entertaining watch for most audiences.
Despite its flaws, the series holds a timeless quality that makes it worth your time and attention.
Recommended:
ActionComedySci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
SPECIAL
Season:
2005 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Gintama has earned widespread acclaim and considerable hype, standing out for its distinct mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt storytelling—even as some label it overrated.
The series expertly weaves sharp parodies with meaningful character arcs, supported by a diverse roster of lovable, relatable characters. Its witty banter, smart cultural jokes, and exhilarating battles have left a significant mark on the anime landscape.
Though Gintama's style may not suit every viewer, it rightfully deserves recognition for crafting a memorable, entertaining experience. With so much to offer fans, it’s easy to see why it remains a must-watch.
If you're seeking an anime that delivers laughs, drama, and action in equal measure, Gintama is one series you simply shouldn't overlook.
Recommended:
AdventureComedySupernatural
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
150
Zatch Bell! debuted on April 6, 2003, and quickly became a popular series, even inspiring a film adaptation. The anime captured the attention of many viewers with its intriguing world and dynamic episodes.
The storyline, however, incorporates familiar themes found in other fantasy and adventure anime. It follows the tale of mystical creatures called Mamodo, who arrive on Earth as part of a millennial tournament held once every 1,000 years.
These Mamodo possess supernatural powers and rely on spellbooks that only humans can activate by reading aloud. Though each Mamodo has a unique set of spells, notable characters like Zeno Bell and his twin brother, Zatch Bell, share some similarities in their magical abilities.
Despite its lack of groundbreaking originality, Zatch Bell! evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for many fans. For a generation of anime enthusiasts, it remains a cherished part of their childhood and holds a special place in their memories.
AdventureFantasy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2000 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
224
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is often touted as one of the best entries in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise and has garnered a strong following since its release on April 18, 2000. Blending themes of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, the anime offers multiple seasons filled with intense duels and dramatic storytelling.
The narrative follows Yugi, a high school student who faces a series of challenges tied to the mystical Duel Monsters card game. The series features a diverse cast, all engaged in strategic, high-stakes card battles that shape their friendships and destinies.
Despite its popularity, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is sometimes labeled as overrated due to its partial and often loose adaptation of the original manga.
Many fans and reviewers believe that the manga provided a deeper and more balanced story, while the anime was criticized for unnecessary exaggeration. Nevertheless, it is still praised for its character development and the dynamic way it brought the source material to life.
AdventureComedySci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
76
Set in the eccentric world of the year 300X, the comedy-adventure anime Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo portrays a society ruled by the tyrannical Maruhage Empire. Sweeping through the lands, Emperor Tsurulina IV commands his soldiers to invade villages and forcibly shave everyone's heads, enforcing a bizarre form of control.
Against this odd tyranny stands the quirky rebel Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, who wields the unique power of controlling his nose hairs as formidable weapons. Teaming up with other unlikely heroes, he forms a group to challenge and resist the emperor's outrageous rule.
Directed by Hiroki Shibata, the anime debuted on November 8, 2003. Viewers could originally watch it on platforms such as Cartoon Network and Jetix, making it accessible to a global audience.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
1997 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
276
Pokémon is a globally recognized anime celebrated for its blend of fantasy, comedy, and adventure. Premiering on April 1, 1997, the series quickly captured audiences with its distinctive storyline and imaginative world.
The plot centers on Ash Ketchum, an ambitious young Pokémon trainer. Accompanied by his loyal partner Pikachu and friends such as Goh, Ash journeys through various regions, battling formidable opponents and striving to become a Pokémon master.
These competitions, often called Pokémon Leagues, pit trainers against each other, with the victors gaining control over the defeated Pokémon. While the series' battles are engaging, frequent plot repetition and a lack of fresh characters in episodic stories have been points of criticism.
Despite these flaws, the captivating fictional universe earned Pokémon a massive following. This revolutionary anime didn’t just influence fans—it shaped the industry itself, demonstrating how a single show can leave a lasting legacy and highlight the potential impact of anime worldwide.
ActionDramaFantasy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2009 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Developed by Capcom, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings achieved global recognition for its dynamic storytelling and action-packed sequences. Directed by Itsuro Kawasaki and Shin Itagaki, the series was envisioned as a remarkable project by its creative team.
The anime is available on both the Funimation channel and Animax, making it accessible to a wide audience. The narrative unfolds across various provinces, each locked in a fierce struggle for power and control.
Central to the story are the two Demon Kings of Owari, Masamune and Yukimura, who face off in intense battles against the formidable Nobunaga. Their ambition to unify the land drives them into relentless conflict with any who stand in their path.
Despite their determination, the series concludes with the eventual defeat of Masamune and Yukimura, bringing an end to their dramatic quest for dominance.
ActionDramaSupernatural
Source:
Visual novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2010 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Set in the late Edo period of 1860, Hakuouki follows Chizuru, a young woman who embarks on a quest to find her missing father. Disguised as a boy, she is attacked by crazed swordsmen who mistake her identity.
Once her true gender is revealed, the group decides to keep her in their midst. Chizuru grows close to Toshizo, one of her captors, forming a significant bond as secrets and mysteries steadily come to light, straining their relationship.
Chizuru discovers that Toshizo is actually a demon, while her father harbors ambitions to dominate the human world. These revelations drive the plot and shape the dynamics between the characters.
Although the anime’s dark atmosphere and fantasy-driven animation have earned praise, many criticize the convoluted storyline. This mix of strong visuals and weak narrative is a key reason Hakuouki is considered overrated by some fans.
ActionComedyFantasy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
1998 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
27
Directed by Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yu☆Gi☆Oh! is a science fantasy adventure anime centering on Yugi Mutou, a young boy who is frequently bullied at school.
Everything changes for Yugi when he solves an ancient artifact known as the Millennium Puzzle, unknowingly becoming host to a mysterious spirit.
With the spirit's presence, Yugi gains newfound confidence and is no longer targeted by bullies. The entity eventually reveals itself as a memory-lost Pharaoh from ancient times.
Determined to help, Yugi supports the Pharaoh through a series of challenging games, facing intricate opponents and dark supernatural forces along the way.
Blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and suspense, Yu☆Gi☆Oh! stands out for its unique plot and memorable character designs, making it a notable favorite among anime fans.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2002 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
192
Pokémon Advanced, the second installment in Pokémon The Series: Ruby and Sapphire, is known for its action-packed adventures set in the vibrant Hoenn region.
Despite featuring a familiar storyline that closely follows previous Pokémon series arcs, it continues to enjoy widespread popularity and acclaim. Ash Ketchum, along with his loyal companion Pikachu, embarks on a new journey to collect Gym Badges and compete in the Hoenn League.
Throughout their quest, they're joined by Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, as well as May and her brother Max, making for a well-rounded traveling team. However, many argue that its repetitive plot contributes to its overrated reputation.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
1999 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
52
Originally released on July 2, 1999, and created by Rin Horuma with contributions from multiple developers, Medabots transports viewers to the futuristic year of 2122. Here, Ikki Tenrio, the main character, owns a robotic companion known as a Medabot.
Ikki is not alone—children everywhere have their own Medabots equipped with advanced artificial intelligence. These robots are designed for competition, leading to thrilling battles among rival teams.
The series skillfully blends action and adventure, delivering intense matchups while exploring camaraderie and rivalry. In addition, Medabots incorporates comedic moments and engaging science fiction concepts, making it a dynamic and entertaining anime experience.
ComedyMusicRomance
Source:
Visual novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2013 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Premiering in 2009, "Princess Lover!" was penned by Makoto Nakamura and helmed by director Hiromitsu Kanazawa. At its core, the story follows Arima Teppei, whose life takes a dramatic turn after losing his parents in a tragic accident.
Following this loss, Teppei’s grandfather steps in as his guardian and expects him to become the next heir to the influential Arima Group Corporation. This new responsibility forces Teppei to adapt quickly to a lavish, unfamiliar world.
The narrative introduces several prominent characters such as Charlotte Hazelrink, Sylvia van Hossen, Seika Hōjōin, and Yū Fujikura. Their interactions with Teppei shape both his personal growth and the progression of the story.
Despite its setup, "Princess Lover!" is often considered overrated partly due to its reliance on a clichéd plot commonly found in many other anime series. The show tends to prioritize fan service and sexual themes over deeper storytelling, making its characters appear self-absorbed.
ActionAdventureMecha
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2000 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
"Clockwork Fighters: Hiwou's War" (Jikū Bōken Nūmamonjaa), written by Masaharu Amiya and directed by Itsurō Kawasaki, introduces us to a unique festival known as the Festival of Demons. Amid this bizarre event, two seemingly harmless demons take center stage.
These playful demons, eager to build their own group, set out to recruit new companions. Their quest leads them deep into the woods, where an unexpected adventure unfolds, drawing them into a series of mishaps and comedic moments.
Scoring 5.25, the series achieves a modest reception, yet it is often considered overrated. While blending elements of action, fantasy, and comedy, "Clockwork Fighters: Hiwou's War" struggles to fully resonate with audiences, despite its creative premise.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2001 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
100
Also known as Kirby of the Stars, Kirby: Right Back At Ya! is a blend of comedy and fantasy anime that has captured the interest of many viewers.
The series was created by Masahiro Sakurai and written by Sōji Yoshikawa, who also served as one of the directors. The story follows Kirby, a pink, childlike creature who rarely speaks coherently.
Kirby's signature talent is his unique ability to absorb his enemies' magical powers by inhaling them. After crash-landing on Planet Popstar, he befriends siblings Tiff and Tuff, and quickly becomes part of their world.
As the anime progresses, Kirby and his friends team up to face the sinister Emperor Nightmare. Meanwhile, Nightmare constantly schemes to destroy Kirby by unleashing a variety of monstrous foes.
ActionMechaSci-Fi
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
52
Also known as Super Robot Life-Form: Transformers: Legends of the Microns, this anime blends mecha, sci-fi, and adventure genres into one action-packed series.
Transformers: Armada premiered in August 2002, directed by Hidehito Ueda. The show centers on the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons, sparked by the emergence of small Transformers called Mini-Cons.
These Mini-Cons grant their masters a significant power boost, shifting the balance between factions—helping them either attack or defend in the ensuing battles.
The ongoing struggle often leads to the destruction of Earth, as both sides relentlessly clash. The series received criticism for its direction, bulky character designs, and repetitive plotlines.
Many viewers felt the story became stagnant, as the Earth faced repeated devastation throughout the episodes.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2002 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
56
Rockman.EXE, better known as MegaMan NT Warrior, is a science fiction adventure anime adapted from the popular video game series.
Directed by Takao Kato and written by Kenichi, it aired on Cartoon Network and centers on Lan Hikari and his digital companion, MegaMan. The show follows their unique friendship as they confront threats from Net crime organizations.
Supporting characters like Roll, Glide, IceMan, and GutsMan appear regularly throughout the series, adding variety and depth to the story.
Although the anime closely mirrors the Battle Network games, it introduces a notable change: unlike the game, the series does not confirm Lan and MegaMan as twin brothers, creating a subtle difference in their relationship dynamic.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
1999 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
48
Monster Rancher, also known as Monster Farm, is directed by Hiroyuki Yano and written by Shōji Yonemura. The story centers on Genki, a young boy who finds himself trapped in a fantastical world called Monster Rancher.
Genki embarks on a quest to defeat the evil force known as Moo, with the only way to succeed being the revival of the legendary Phoenix.
Throughout his journey, Genki befriends a monster and a girl named Holly, forming a close-knit team. The anime earned a respectable 7 out of 10 rating, but faced criticism regarding its character development.
The primary shortcoming of the series lies in the lack of growth and evolution for its heroes, which left some viewers disappointed.
ActionAdventureSports
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
1967 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
52
Speed Racer, also known as Mach GoGoGo, is a classic automobile racing anime directed by Hiroshi Sasagawa. The series follows the adventures of a talented teenage driver named Gō Mifune, who aims to become the world's greatest race car champion with the support of his friends and family.
Gō competes in high-speed races using the Mach 5, a unique car built by his father. While Speed Racer has earned acclaim for its energetic storytelling, its popularity often overshadows the lack of meaningful character development within the series.
The show's creators seemed more focused on expanding its fan base than evolving its characters. Aside from introducing new villains, there was little effort to explore deeper character change, making its overrated status understandable.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2002 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
51
Also known as Explosive Shoot Beyblade, Beyblade was one of the best in anime. It was directed by Toshifumi Kawase and written under the pens of Kazuhiko and Tatsuhiko Urahata.
The whole anime focuses on a group full of kids who are bounded by certain teams. These teams and individuals battle with another team by using their Beyblades.
The one whose blade crosses the others is considered to be the winner or the one who spins till the last is also on the list of winners.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
52
Sonic X is an adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog (a video game series), directed by Hajime Kamegaki. It was written by Hiro Masaki (episodes 1 to 52) and Kiyoko Yoshimura (episodes 53 to 78).
Dealing with anthropomorphic animals who somehow got teleported to planet Earth. It happened while they were saving their friends from Doctor Eggman.
Coming to the protagonist, Sonic The Hedgehog was saved by a human named Chris. Chris helps Sonic in finding his friend while the doctor and his robots go out of control.
In the end, we see Sonic and all his friends return to their world with the help of Chris.
They together entered outer space with a new creature named Cosmo. The team also meets with some adventure while fighting aliens called Metarex.
ActionMechaSci-Fi
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2007 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
The 2003 Aransumi and Kiyotaka directorial series named Eiken is the depiction of Densuke Mifune. He is a schoolboy who went into a mysterious Club of Eiken.
This club is populated by women while Densuke is the solo man. The overrating facts come when anime talks about too much of sensuous things rather than keeping it with the storyline.
At times it appears to be funny but also gets annoying with the semi-porn qualities. However, the romance theme at a certain point appeared to be pure.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
MOVIE
Season:
1990 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
With different titles like Dragon Ball Z: The Decisive Battle for the Whole Earth and Supper Battle in the World, the anime was based upon a comic of the same name.
It covers the story of a normal day on Earth when the protagonist Goku and his friends were living a normal life.
But suddenly everything changes when a giant tree appears on the earth. This tree has threatened the world to observe the planet.
To take the responsibility of saving the Earth, Goku started solving things and defeated the culprit named Saiyan pirate Turles.
The anime was directed by Daisuke Nishio for the first release on 7 July 1990. It has themes like adventure, action, and science fiction.
ComedyRomance
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2010 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Mayoi Neko Overrun! with a score of 6.66 has ranked among one of the best anime in terms of popularity.
It is about a high school student named Takumi Tsuzuki with a childhood friend named Fumino spending most of the time at school, he goes to work at a cake shop named Stray Cats Confectionery.
The ordinary days of Tsuzuki have transferred into chaos after the arrival of Nozomi Kiriya. She is a mysterious beauty.
The reason behind its overrated thing is showing too much sweetness and then too much of chaotic things in one transition.
The randomness of anime has become somewhat of a negative point but still popularly made it go well in the current time.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
1996 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
64
The one who deserves the number one position is Dragon Ball GT which has the genre of adventure and fantasy comedy.
It came under the directorial of Osamu Kasai, having access through Cartoon Network. Just like any other Dragon Ball anime, Goku is again a protagonist who goes on a journey to find his identity and get back his old self.
Unlike other anime that revolve around action, it goes more with adventure. It all started when Emperor Pilaf wanted to have world domination but was interrupted by Goku Son which thus made him turn into a child.
To save the world and planet, Goku went on an adventure to find Blackstar Dragon Balls which became the core. Dragon Ball GT is still an anime that you need to look forward to.
While it may not be the best Dragon Ball installment out there, it is still an entertaining anime altogether and so, fans need to reach out to this series to continue cherishing their beloved Dragon Ball franchise.
AdventureComedy
Format:
OVA
Season:
2002 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Having a unique story of a hamster called Hamtaro, the title of the series was an adaptation of the manga written by Ritsuko Kawai.
With multiple adaptations, the anime got dubbed into many languages because of its popularity. A 10-year-old girl named Laura had a Hamster pet.
The story progresses when this Hamster tries to make friends, almost every day, and go on adventures. His adventure includes many other friends that are included in a group called The Ham-Hams.
They met at a certain clubhouse that was built by Taisho.
AdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
SPECIAL
Season:
2003 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
With a rating of 6.55 out of 10 (myanimelist), Naruto: Akaki Yotsuba no Clover wo Sagase became famous for its synopsis and themes.
Joining the mission of Konohamaru Naruto went to have crimson four leaves that grant any wish. The only reason behind collecting the four-leaf clover is to prevent the death of Yoshino.
This unique clover is located in a forbidden area where reaching has become almost an impossible thing. But for these two, Naruto and Konohamaru, it has become an adventure to achieve their goal.
If one compares this Naruto series with others then the plot was not as strong as compared to others.
But since it was a Naruto franchise, it has got popular.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
SPECIAL
Season:
1997 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy is an anime with action and adventure with family drama. It goes around the story of Goku Junior who is the great-grandson of the protagonist Goku.
Unlike Goku, Goku Junior was not a brave fighter as he constantly got surrounded by bullies. The story takes a turn when Goku Junior realizes that he needs to change before losing Pan.
It leads to the remembrance of Dragon Ball, thus setting off the mission of getting Dragon Ball which was once told by his grandmother.
The reason behind its overrated fact is the choice of leaving the core material behind and returning to the same roots of Dragon Ball.
Just to get the attention, makers converted Goku into a kid and repeated the same plot, as the earlier seasons.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
MOVIE
Season:
1990 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Directed by Daisuke Nishio, Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest was based on the book of the same name by Akira Toriyama.
It is also known as The Strongest Guy in the World. The overrated element enters Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest with its theme of science fiction and martial arts that just becomes too much at a certain point in the anime.
The story goes around Oolong and Gohan who are in the search of Magical Dragon Balls. The evil name Dr. Kochin has used this Dragon Ball to reset his master named Dr. Wheelo.
Dr. Wheelo died because of an avalanche that happened 50 years ago and carries the desire of becoming the strongest fighter in the world.
ActionFantasy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2004 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
One of the most famous Japanese anime is Ragnarok: The Animation which came in 2004, 6 April. The romance and fantasy were mixed in a series with perfect balance.
However, characterization in some episodes became just over the need. The protagonist named Roan is a swordsman having the goal to gain power and protect his childhood friend, the latter is the love interest, Yufa.
The story progresses when the Dark Lord, an evil entity, has created chaos in the world with 7 crystals.
These seven crystals represent 7 types of ambitions but got sealed. The only one who can change things is the protagonist Roan by defeating Dark Lord.
ActionEcchi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Also known as Battle Vixens, Ikki Tousen covers anime with martial arts. The manga of the same name got its anime adaptation in October 2003.
The anime is set in the Kantō region where a competition related to territorial supremacy happened between 7 high schools.
These schools have fighters with jewels named Magatama that contain creations of Warriors of three kingdoms of Ancient China around 1800 years ago.
The protagonist named Hakufu Sonsaku is a highly skilled fighter who has a strong sense of personality. She was made to conquer all the seven schools as per her destiny but the more dangerous side of life comes and changes the whole history.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2017 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
51
Getting released on 21 October 2002 under the direction of Waruo Suzuki, the anime is an adaptation of the manga series of the same name.
It is a fantasy that goes around a card game Duel Masters. The whole plot revolves around 5 civilizations that consist of some earthly elements like fire, water, light, and also darkness, and nature.
The protagonist is Shobu Kirifuda, a young boy who loves to play card games. He with his duel loves to bring the Monsters present in the card into existence.
The only mission Shobu carries is to become one of the greatest, like his father. The real problem lies in the identity of characters that resemble other animated characters of different series and thus have no uniqueness in them.
ActionMechaSci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2000 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Pilot Candidate, a 2000 series comes with action and drama. It goes with the story of planet Zion which has become the last hope for mankind to survive.
On the other hand, legions of victims are aimed to destroy humans and all of their existence. To stop the ongoing destruction, the five humanoid fighting weapons named Ingrids came forward.
The title comes with the choice of the best pilots who would be considered Pilot Candidates. They would be the ones who can turn the fate of planet Zion.
Whether it is characterization, plot (coming back in), dubbing, or design, everything made Pilot Candidate fall under the category of overrated anime.
Some events and things in the anime remained senseless, like why Pilot has many abilities and why other girls don’t have them, why the universe is at a slow pace, and many more.
ActionEcchiSupernatural
Source:
Manga
Format:
OVA
Season:
2010 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Qwaser of Stigmata or Qwaser of Stigmata: Portrait of the Empress is an anime full of supernatural elements and romance, directed by Hirakeko.
It was the story of two schoolchildren named Mafuyu and Tomo. They both have faced isolation from other students like Miyuri and HanaBoth the leading characters take turns when they become responsible for a Russian named Alexander Sasha.
They tried to help Alexander but he was found unconscious. To show gratitude towards Mafuyu and Tomo, Alexander decided to take revenge upon the tormentors.
The anime got so popular that it resulted in a renewal named The Qwaser of Stigmata II.
ActionAdventureEcchi
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2012 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Themes like ecchi, fantasy, swordplay, women warriors, and adventure became the roots of Queen's Blade: The Exiled Virgin. The story starts with a competition where the next queen of the place would be decided.
The warrior would be considered the one who would rule the country according to the ongoing tradition. Terms and conditions of being a warrior are that of 12 years of age, need to be intelligent, and the need native of that country.
The rules include murder and the use of any weapon. According to some reviews, the anime was not even the best but at the same time not even worse.
The story sometimes progresses well while other times it seems to be a predicted one.
ActionComedyEcchi
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2009 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
The story of Natsuru Senō was a really attractive one and that's why it has got appreciation. It covers the theme of romantic comedy and action that was directed by Yasuhiro Kuroda.
Natsuru had a crush on a beauty named Sakura. The story gets twisted when he changes into a girl as he was shown as Kämper.
Kämper is a female fighter who must fight with the rest of the Kämper who were not part of a team.
His transformation from girl to boy and back again has given him a difficult time, especially through emotions. It ends with the division in the Kämper as red and blue.
The other exception is the white who works between these two Kämper.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
2001 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
25
Mahiro Maeda's fantasy, romance, and adventure anime named Final Fantasy: Unlimited is full of entertainment. It is based on the life of two siblings who are on a quest for their missing parents.
The story has its base with Ai and Yu Hayakawa while they travel through Wonderland with other characters like Lisa Pacifist and Chobi in search of their parents.
They were joined by Mary and Joe Hayakawa, who is being pursued by the Gaudium Lords. Other notable characters include the Unlimiteds, Kaze and Makenshi, Knave, Miles, Cid, Lou Lupus, Fungo, and Moogle.
The multiple characters revolving around the same plot line has become one of the disadvantages as per the popularity.
ActionComedySci-Fi
Format:
TV SHORT
Season:
1998 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
14
Parody and surreal comedy were the main focus of Hideyuki Tanaka's directorial named Super Milk-chan Show. With the focus on a 5-year-old superheroine, Milk, the anime was released on 18 June 1998.
The protagonist Milk might be a superhero but she doesn't possess any power. She lives with robot maid Tetsuko and a pet Hanage, a slug.
The story goes with each episode where the President gives a new mission to Milk. Doesn't matter whether she completes the mission or not, Milk never forgets to celebrate her success by having sushi.
It also goes with different characters like Hanage, Doctor Eyepatch, and Landlord.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Original
Format:
OVA
Season:
1997 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
7
Agent Aika is an action and post-apocalyptic anime directed and produced by Katsuhiko Nishijima. The story is related to the time when a massive earthquake happened and most of the world sank into the ocean.
The protagonist named Aika decided to dig the artifacts and the cities from the ocean. She works with a company while searching for a material named Lagu.
In the mission of doing so, they met Rudolf who wants to use Lagu to change the world by destroying the people and replacing them with young women.
It's not just Rudolf who served as a villain but also his sister Neena. Coming to the protagonist then she has got an extraordinary fighting ability and defeated Rudolf.
ComedyEcchiRomance
Source:
Visual novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Released on 12 July 2003, the anime was directed under the category of romantic comedy. The story is set in the countryside of Japan in an all-boys boarding school.
This school is also said to be the last remaining Paradise for men on earth. The story progressed when all girl's schools decided to stay at the boy's school for a month to see whether opposite genders can go well with each other.
The protagonist named Yuusuke Takazaki comes into the story with his perverted roommates. When the girls arrived, one of them named Midori excitedly hugged the protagonist.
The whole series goes with the question of how these two are related to each other and become too much at the times.
AdventureComedyEcchi
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV SHORT
Season:
2003 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Yorifusa Yamaguchi's directorial Mouse is an action-pack anime, written by Hiroyuki Kawasaki. The story is of 400 years when a family of thieves steals property and money.
The main motivation of these thieves is to steal anything that can be stolen. The only identity of these thieves lies under the name called Mouse.
It goes with the lead character named Sorata Muon who has taken the responsibility of being the next Mouse.
He has three assistants to help him steal from the Art Museum and Towers. They have done different kinds of stealing but never got caught.
Coming to the reason behind it being overrated then it could be related to showing the story and characters as larger than reality.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
1999 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Reign: The Conqueror was directed by Yoshinori Kanemori and Rintaro. It is a science fiction adventure plus a supernatural anime that was based upon a light novel written by Hiroshi.
The anime was released on 14 September 1999 under the pen of Sadayuki Murai. It is set in 356 BC when Alexander the Great has just arrived in Greece.
It would be his destiny to be the one who would destroy the world. After getting the Crown, Alexander the Great became king of the Macedonians and started conquering nature with great speed.
Meeting and facing Darius the Third in a war, Alexander the Great changed into a devil which became his real destiny.
The only thing that made it overrated is the art design, nothing like Japanese art, and the complexity of the story and plot.
The same goes with the subplot where Aristotle chasing Platohedron is almost uninteresting.
ComedyMechaRomance
Source:
Visual novel
Format:
OVA
Season:
2004 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
3
Akane Minax, an anime with comedy and romance, has got attention due to its characters but at the time, it became too much.
The story of Jouji Gouda was not as appealing as it was shown to the audience. The plot revolves around Jouji, a transfer student who fell in love with Akane at first sight.
Getting her guts collected, she proposed to him on the first day of her school. Akane has never found her attractive, but annoying, and wanted to get rid of her.
On the other hand, Jouji never gave up and expressed her love from time to time in front of Akane which made him uncomfortable at times.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
MOVIE
Season:
1994 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly was released on 9 July 1994 as an anime adaptation of the comic name Dragon Ball written by Akira.
The protagonist named Mr. Satan fights with his old rival as he is taken to an island. Getting the company of Android 18 to make sure of the payment before leaving the town which was for World martial arts tournaments.
After reaching the island they found that the rival didn't want to fight but had created a force of bio warriors to go against Satan.
According to critics and fans, Dragon Ball Z is one of the least loved in the Dragon Ball franchise because of the senseless plot and unwanted action scenes that were seen coming back again and again in the story.
ComedyEcchiMecha
Source:
Original
Format:
OVA
Season:
1999 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
6
Science fiction and sex comedy anime, named Amazing Nurse Nanako, was released in July 1999 with multiple episodes. It was written by Rasputin Yano and directed by Yasuhiro Kuroda.
The detailing of series was about a 16-year-old named Nanako who works as a nurse in the hospital of Dr. Ogami.
Being a clumsy character, she got treated cruelly, including physical abuse. A romantic turn comes in the series when Ogami comes to rescue her in a dangerous situation.
A little bit of the psychological effect of Ogami, fluctuating between the evil scientist and then a common man, has become a typical thing, resulting in the characterization of overrated anime.
ActionSupernatural
Source:
Other
Format:
OVA
Season:
1998 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
2
Also known as Makai Tenshō: Jigoku Hen, it is a Yasunori Urata directorial with themes like dark fantasy horror and supernatural.
The series is based on a novel of the same name written by Futaro Yamada. Many people confuse Ninja Resurrection with Ninja Scroll but they both had different terms for the story.
The story of Ninja Resurrection is from the Tokugawa era. It is the time when Christians were getting persecuted in Japan.
A rebellion occurred in 1637-1638, named Shimabara Rebellion a leader called Amakusa Shirō came forward to resist the government and its forces who are attacking Christianity, resulting in his death.
AdventureComedyFantasy
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2004 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
52
Superior Defender Gundam Force was released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its franchise. It has action and comedy coming with the pack of family drama.
The story is set in a future world where a happy peaceful place exists with humans and robots. This peaceful life got destroyed by an evil force named Dark Axis.
To take control of this evil, the city has established a Super-dimensional Guard. The protagonist named Shute became in charge and went with the first battle.
The other character is Captain Gundam who activated a mysterious power source to get the victory. The anime has got mixed reviews but still became a famous one in the line of action and adventure.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Source:
Video game
Format:
OVA
Season:
1998 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
2
Influenced or inspired by the video game series of the same name, the anime was released on 21 January 1998.
It was produced by multiple productions but was written by the solo writer Ryōta Yamaguchi. The story starts with Jun Kazama watching Kazuya Mishima being thrown away by his father Heihachi.
Result of this, Kazuya was considered dead; however, he survived to take revenge. The only way to do this is to sell the body to the devil.
The story then goes 16 years into the future where everything again comes to the same with a world-fighting tournament.
In the beginning, anime was great to watch as it was giving back to back information about the plot.
But as time went on, the pillar started declining and made it one of the overrated anime.