When it comes to Anime, there were many gems that you all may have missed.
They would have been masterpieces that touched the hearts of fans. But, it was a misfortune that made them go unnoticed and thus, underrated.
There would be many reasons which led to this. Sometimes good anime series have been sabotaged by the same studio.
Of course, it would be unknowingly or by accident. A little carelessness while fixing a release date or a sequel can cost a lot.
Another prominent factor is the sheer number of anime content getting produced.
In such a situation, there are very high chances for an anime to get ignored, eclipsed, or even forgotten!
Other factors are mostly related to – poor marketing, bad titles, or even some other anime contemporary that eclipsed it.
You would have watched an anime and wondered – How did I miss this? Why isn’t anyone speaking about it?
Why are there so few reviews? Unfortunately, that’s how the world is. We at ENTOIN have recognized such animes and compiled them as a list.
Do go through them and watch them know why we have made this list.
Read on, to explore the uncelebrated and forgotten anime.
AdventureDramaFantasy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2023 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
28
"Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End" follows the story of an elven mage, Frieren, who was part of a legendary group that accomplished the impossible by defeating the Demon King. Their victory made them renowned heroes in their land.
For Frieren, however, defeating the Demon King was only the beginning of her journey. Long after the adventure ends, she sets out alone to collect powerful spells scattered across the continent. Along the way, she faces the painful loss of close friends, which profoundly impacts her outlook on life.
This loss prompts Frieren to a deep realization—one that will shape her destiny and influence the future of those around her. Beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant, this anime stands out as an exceptional and underrated masterpiece.
Recommended:
DramaSci-Fi
Source:
Other
Format:
OVA
Season:
1988 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
110
"Legend of Galactic Heroes" is a classic sci-fi anime that aired across 110 episodes between 1988 and 1997, spanning an impressive nine years. Despite its ambitious scale and lengthy run, it often flew under the radar for many anime fans.
Adapted from a ten-volume series of novels, this anime stands as one of the most extensive OVA series of its time. Yet, its grandeur was not widely recognized when it was released.
The story unfolds amidst an epic conflict between two interstellar superpowers, focusing on the strategic maneuvers and personal ambitions of their influential leaders.
Blending elements of drama, military tactics, and space opera, its complex themes made it challenging to attract a mainstream audience during its original era.
Recommended:
DramaPsychologicalSports
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2014 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
11
"Ping Pong The Animation" was primarily aimed at a seinen audience—referring to young adult viewers. The series skillfully blends elements of drama and psychological intrigue, offering a captivating experience that stands out for its simplicity and depth.
Despite receiving praise from critics for its artistic style and storytelling, the anime did not achieve widespread popularity. Factors such as limited marketing and certain controversies may have contributed to its modest reception.
The story of Makoto Tsukimoto resonated with a select group of fans but ultimately reached a smaller audience. With only one adaptation, it struggled to gain the attention it deserved in the broader anime community.
The show's unique visual approach and narrative structure set it apart, though some feel it could have been tailored more to inspire and motivate its viewers. Nevertheless, "Ping Pong The Animation" remains a remarkable and underrated gem.
Recommended:
ComedySci-FiSlice of Life
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2012 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
99
Space Brothers stands out as a unique blend of the slice-of-life and sci-fi genres, offering something uncommon in anime.
Premiering in 2012, this series ran for 99 episodes until 2014, faithfully adapting the beloved manga. Its storyline may appear simple, yet it captivates with intriguing themes surrounding UFOs and space exploration.
The anime is often regarded as a Seinen work, focusing on the journeys of two brothers who chase their dream of becoming astronauts. Along the way, viewers are treated to both humor and deeply reflective moments.
Despite achieving high rankings, Space Brothers struggled to gain widespread attention and received surprisingly few reviews, making it a hidden gem for anime fans.
Recommended:
ActionDramaFantasy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2017 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
"Houseki no Kuni," also known as "Land of the Lustrous," is a visually stunning anime that premiered in 2017, spanning a concise 12 episodes, all televised upon its release.
Classified as a Seinen series, it struggled to achieve mainstream popularity despite its unique artistic style. Set in a post-apocalyptic world shattered by meteor strikes, the story presents a fresh take on survival and identity.
The central conflict revolves around two factions: the resilient Gems and the enigmatic Lunarians. The Gems, native to this world, strive valiantly to defend themselves from relentless Lunarian attacks.
The narrative closely follows the journeys of Phos and Cinnabar, both considered weaker Gems. Their shared challenge is to discover ways to contribute meaningfully within their society, adding depth to their character arcs.
Blending slice-of-life themes with a compelling fantasy setting, this anime offers a unique and engaging experience, earning praise for both its storytelling and captivating visuals.
DramaPsychologicalThriller
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2010 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
"Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin" is a remarkable yet underrated historical anime set in 1955 Japan. It delves deep into the harsh realities of the time, exploring themes of hardship and perseverance.
This 2010 series spans 26 episodes and closely follows the story of Mario Minakani, a teenager sent to a correctional facility. The narrative provides a gripping look into his life behind bars, reminiscent of Stephen King's "The Shawshank Redemption."
Despite its powerful storytelling, "Rainbow" never achieved widespread popularity. The series focuses on boys trying desperately to find hope amidst relentless suffering and cruelty.
Characters like the brutal guard Ishihara and the unsympathetic doctor Sasaki contribute to the intense atmosphere, making life unbearable for the inmates. As a seinen anime, "Rainbow" further distinguishes itself by portraying the boys' later lives in a mature and realistic manner.
ActionDramaMusic
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2021 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song follows the journey of Vivy, the first AI created to act on her own free will. Motivated by a desire to spread happiness, she performs heartfelt songs for visitors in an amusement park, even though she often goes unnoticed.
One day, weary of her monotonous routine, Vivy encounters an AI from the future with an urgent request for help. This unexpected meeting throws her into a high-stakes mission—to prevent a devastating war set to occur a century later.
With little time to comprehend the gravity of her new role, Vivy finds herself responsible for the fate of the world. Along the way, she also discovers a much-needed escape from her ordinary existence.
ComedyDramaMystery
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2009 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
15
"Bakemonogatari" is a 15-episode anime series that delves into supernatural themes, centering on a unique vampire storyline. Despite its intriguing premise, it is often overlooked among anime enthusiasts and can be considered underrated.
The series originally aired on television in 2009. While it achieved moderate popularity within certain circles, it did not manage to achieve top rankings or widespread mainstream recognition.
Supernatural aspects play a crucial role in the show's commercial appeal, while the underlying romance adds an additional layer of depth and interest for viewers.
However, "Bakemonogatari" has faced criticism for its frequent use of strong language and scenes of violence. The story follows Koyomi, who must navigate the aftermath of surviving a vampire attack and its consequences.
With a stronger emphasis on its horror elements, the series might have attracted a larger audience and achieved greater success.
ActionComedyFantasy
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2022 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
20
Minoru Kageno has always dreamed of controlling events from the shadows, avoiding the spotlight and steering the course of things unseen by others.
Driven by this desire, he orchestrates much from behind the scenes—until his life takes an unexpected turn after a tragic accident.
This twist of fate grants him a second chance: he is reincarnated in a new world as Cid Kagenou, blessed with extraordinary abilities beyond anything previously imagined.
Continuing his penchant for subtle influence, Cid steadily moves toward his goal of becoming the ultimate power operating from the background. As his influence grows, he edges closer to realizing his lifelong ambition—but the journey to rule from the shadows is far from over.
PsychologicalThriller
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2007 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
"Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor" follows the story of Kaiji, a man drifting aimlessly through life with little motivation or ambition for the future.
His situation turns dire after a former colleague deceives him, leaving Kaiji burdened with a massive debt that he cannot repay.
Desperate and with no one to turn to, Kaiji is forced into the hazardous world of gambling, hoping to win enough money to clear his debt quickly.
However, Kaiji soon discovers that the path he's taken is fraught with danger, betrayal, and ruthless opponents, making survival in this world a constant struggle.
DramaRomanceSlice of Life
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2011 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
11
AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day may be well-known now, but it was considered underrated until recently. Over time, its emotional depth and storytelling have earned it widespread recognition in the anime community.
This short series consists of only 11 episodes, yet it delivers a powerful narrative. Along with its sequel and several spin-offs and side stories, it offers a complete and immersive viewing experience.
The story centers on Jinta Yadomi, a recluse whose quiet life takes a dramatic turn as he encounters supernatural phenomena. These extraordinary events push him and his friends to confront their shared past.
The intriguing element of mystery adds a thrilling layer to the series, keeping viewers engaged. While the anime does explore dramatic themes, it manages to strike a careful balance, avoiding excessive melodrama.
The show's use of realism enhances its emotional impact, lending authenticity to the characters and their relationships. This careful blend of drama, mystery, and genuine emotion creates a truly memorable anime experience.
ComedyDramaMusic
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2007 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
23
Nodame Cantabile, released in 2007, is an anime series comprising 23 episodes that aired within the same year. Although it initially received only modest attention, it is based on a manga that achieved significant commercial success.
At first, Nodame Cantabile did not garner widespread recognition, but over time it built a dedicated fanbase. With its realistic portrayal of the world of music, the anime stands out for its depth and authenticity.
While elements of drama and romance are woven into the narrative, many viewers were especially drawn to its focus on music and slice-of-life themes. The series truly shines in these aspects.
The plot is straightforward: it follows the journey of two musicians as they meet and grow closer, discovering love through their passion for music.
AdventureMysteryPsychological
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2008 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Kaiba was honored with the 2008 Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival—an impressive accomplishment for an anime that remained largely under the radar.
This series consists of 12 episodes, which was its original intended length. It blends elements of science fiction, the supernatural, and mystery to create a unique storytelling experience.
In addition to its dramatic depth, Kaiba features moments of romance and levity, further strengthening its case as an outstanding contender for critical recognition.
At its core, Kaiba is a thoughtful and introspective anime. The story encourages viewers to reflect on themes of mindfulness and acceptance.
Despite featuring the enigmatic protagonist who awakens in a vacant room, Kaiba remains relatively obscure. While reviews are scarce, the anime continues to maintain a high ranking among those who have discovered it.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2007 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is a 26-episode anime that first aired in 2007. The series was initially met with strong praise from viewers, both domestically and internationally.
Its reception was particularly positive in the American market, earning numerous favorable reviews and achieving significant popularity during that year.
Compared to many other historical-themed anime, Moribito performed remarkably well, likely due to its appeal to a broad, general audience rather than a niche group.
Despite this, the anime did not garner as much attention as one might expect. Fans of the series often find its underrated status quite surprising.
To date, there has been only a single adaptation of this impressive story.
MysteryRomanceSlice of Life
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2012 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
22
Hyouka is a 22-episode anime that originally aired in 2012. The story follows Houtarou Oreki, a reserved high school student whose life takes a turn when he's drawn into a series of intriguing mysteries.
The anime explores Houtarou's relationships and growth as he interacts with classmates and delves into the secrets hidden within his school. Each episode unravels a new puzzle, transforming simple school life into captivating enigmas.
Based on the "Kotenbu" light novel series, Hyouka delivers the same captivating narrative found in the books. The franchise even inspired a live-action adaptation in 2017 called "Hyouka: Forbidden Secrets," which received a positive response, though its sequel was less successful.
After acquiring new rights holders in 2015, Hyouka's reputation grew as more people discovered its charm. The series illustrates how mysteries may lurk in everyday situations, challenging viewers to stay engaged.
The cleverly crafted plot invites the audience to piece together clues and attempt to solve the mysteries alongside the characters. To fully appreciate Hyouka, viewers should remain attentive, as every detail could be significant.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2014 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
24
"Yona of the Dawn" is a captivating shoujo anime that remains underrated despite its engaging storyline. Released in 2014, the series consists of 24 episodes, drawing inspiration from the original manga.
The narrative follows Princess Yona, whose life changes dramatically after she witnesses a devastating coup. Her family is tragically wiped out in a single night, leaving her to survive on her own in a world filled with danger.
The anime explores Yona's journey as she learns to stand on her own and fights back against the forces that threaten her. Many viewers, especially female audiences, find her growth and resilience deeply relatable and inspiring.
Blending elements of romance and fantasy, the story takes Yona through trials during her exile, making it an emotionally rich experience. However, the sequel, "Akatsuki No Yona," did not achieve the same level of success.
ActionDramaSports
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2021 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
"Sk8 The Infinity" centers around two teenagers, Reki Kyan and Langa Hasegawa, who share a deep passion for skateboarding. Their journey begins as they seek to improve their skills and embrace the thrill of the sport together.
They enter an underground, illegal skateboarding competition known as 'S', where the adrenaline runs high and the course winds through a dangerous, abandoned mine.
The high risks don't deter the skaters, who are determined to impress with their moves and prove themselves among their formidable peers.
As the series progresses, the intensity rises, revealing remarkable character growth and personal challenges that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
"Sk8 The Infinity" is the perfect show to binge, offering excitement, drama, and an addictive storyline that's sure to captivate anime fans.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2002 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
45
"The 12 Kingdoms" began as a novel series, which later served as the foundation for its anime adaptation. Spanning 45 episodes, the anime aired between 2002 and 2003, captivating a niche but devoted audience.
The series' release significantly boosted the sales of all seven light novels, bringing renewed attention to its intricate world.
Blending magical realism with supernatural fantasy, "The 12 Kingdoms" delivers an exhilarating narrative. Despite high critical rankings, it remained largely underappreciated, accumulating fewer reviews than it deserved.
This lack of widespread recognition suggests it didn’t reach the audience it merited. The story follows Youko, a girl determined to live a normal life amidst increasingly extraordinary circumstances.
The series shifts into a reverse isekai when a mysterious man—distinctly out of place—appears, signaling the start of Youko’s journey. The anime deeply explores her personal struggles, growth, and the many challenges she faces.
Sci-FiSlice of Life
Source:
Original
Format:
ONA
Season:
2008 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
6
"Time of Eve" is a short yet impactful anime series comprising only six episodes, which aired between 2008 and 2009. It stands out as a distinctive entry in the sci-fi genre, blending elements of technology and mecha themes.
The story centers on android housekeepers who operate under strict regulations set by society. Among them is Sammy, an android who serves faithfully in the household of his owner, Rikuo.
Driven by curiosity, Rikuo discovers mysterious activity logs related to Sammy and embarks on a quest to uncover the hidden secrets behind her existence. This intriguing investigation forms the heart of the anime's narrative.
Following its initial release, "Time of Eve" was adapted into a movie. Although neither the series nor the film initially received widespread attention, their compelling storytelling garnered recognition when the anime won the 2010 Tokyo Anime Award.
ActionAdventureDrama
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2006 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
103
D.Gray-man has gained popularity in recent years, but that wasn't always the case. Initially, the series struggled due to limited publicity, which prevented it from reaching a wider audience when it first aired.
Many anime released before 2010 faced similar challenges. Although D.Gray-man later received a sequel, it did not attract much attention compared to the original series.
One of the strengths of D.Gray-man was its manga, which already had a dedicated fan base even before the anime adaptation was announced.
While the anime’s release did not dramatically boost manga sales, it still had a positive influence and increased overall interest in the franchise.
The series consists of 103 episodes. In 2016, Funimation acquired the rights to the latter half of the anime, which previously belonged to Dentsu. This shift marked a pivotal moment, as the anime's popularity began to rise significantly.
ActionDramaMecha
Source:
Original
Format:
OVA
Season:
1988 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
6
Gunbuster was another sad case of a classic anime that went unnoticed. It’s a space travel-related anime that has “aliens” in it.
They are insectoids who call themselves Space Monsters. They were dangerous aliens who wanted to eliminate mankind.
The story focuses on how Noriko Takaya and Kazumi Amano fight to save the planet.
The anime also shows the internal struggles these two characters go through. The anime was released via OVA in 1988.
It was a time when a lot of alien sci-fi movies came out.
Maybe this was the reason why it did not get the expected response. However, it got popular in the late 2000s.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2008 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
51
Soul Eater is a long anime (51 episodes) that was released in 2008. It had run for close to a year on TV.
This anime got a decent ranking and enough votes on myanimelist. It gathered a lot of fans through its source material – manga.
It has a story similar to The Promised Neverland. It is a story themed in an academy at Death City, headed by Shinigami.
They train Death Scythes who fight the evil forces. The story shows the struggles of these fighters and mankind in fighting evil.
Though the anime became popular later on, it was not known initially. There could be multiple reasons for it.
Comedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2004 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
69
A shounen comedy, Yakitate!! Japan – is a 69-episode-long anime which were telecasted over two years.
It was an adaptation of the manga.
It failed to gather enough fan base but, it maintained a decent ranking and rating.
If we talk about reviews, it hasn't many so it's hard to judge before watching.
The story revolves around Azuma, a boy who wants to create bread "Ja-pan" as many countries have their signature bread.
To fulfill his dream, he moves to Tokyo. So, this anime involves baking and cooking with passion.
ComedyDramaSports
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2003 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
51
This is a Shoujo anime. Hence, the viewer base for this was wider.
It has 51 episodes which were aired in one year. One of the characters in it is based on a real person – Dio.
It is one of the rare sports anime which showed acrobatics and circus items. Though it may have bored the elderly audience, it attracted the younger ones.
The anime is safe for teenagers. Unfortunately, it could not get enough viewers or reviews.
Thus it's ranked poorly. It was a decent anime that could have done better.
ComedyRomanceSlice of Life
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2004 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
Are you interested in romance movies that have a love triangle? Or some conflict among a romantic pair?
If so, School Rumble is for you. Tenma and Kenji seem like the ideal couple, in this anime.
But, only time can tell how far they’d go as they face different issues. It was a 2005 anime and went unnoticed for a long time.
It had 26 episodes and this led to a slow broadcast then. Though it is a general romance anime, it is overtly Shounen.
The tilt is obvious in the plot and the narration. Since it is a school anime, it found many fans today.
The anime’s conflicting tone will grab your attention and force you to complete it.
HorrorMysteryPsychological
Source:
Visual novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2006 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
When They Cry is a horror anime that did fairly well, commercially. It was also a success in the reviews.
Critics gave it a reasonable rating. There were a lot of reviews and therefore the ratings were credible.
It was released in 2006 and had 26 episodes. Geneon later gave Funimation the license to distribute it as the performance was not as much as they expected.
Funimation dropped it in 2011 and it was only in 2015 that it found a distributor.
It was Sentai Filmworks. They rebranded and distributed it better. As a result, the sales went up and the anime got justice.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2016 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Drifters is a 2016 anime that has 12 episodes. It is an adaptation of its manga.
It is predominantly a Seinen anime with a historical backdrop. Perhaps this was the reason it went unnoticed overseas, for a long.
The protagonist – Toyohisa gets teleported after he is wounded in a battle. He finds the new world strange and tries to blend in.
This assimilation leads him to a warlord – Oda. The rest of it is about the events in the other world.
Its fans have been waiting for its next season, which is long due. Read more about it on ENTOIN.
DramaMystery
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2010 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
With only 12 episodes, House of Five Leaves was a short anime. It was a Samurai anime with Akitsu being the lead samurai.
It had the backdrop of the Edo era in Japan. It shows Akitsu’s survival and his struggles.
The anime was Seinen and also had some mystery to its plot. Though it’s not clear why it underperformed, you must not doubt its impact.
Five Leaves was the name of the gang which Akitsu joins. Samurai animes usually get a warm welcome in the anime world.
However, there are a few ones like House of Five Leaves, which could not.
DramaMysteryPsychological
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2004 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Paranoia Agent was a 2004 anime that received the Silver prize in animation in the same year.
It has been ranked fairly high and has a decent share of reviews. It had 13 episodes in total.
It was hard to fit it into a single genre. This is because it’s a mix of Supernatural and Dramatic events.
There’s also an element of psychological thrill to it. The tale revolves around 2 detectives – Ikari and Maniwa.
They are on a mission to identify a strange killer. This anime went unnoticed due to poor publicity and a few controversies.
Its source material was also controversial.
DramaMysteryPsychological
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2009 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
11
Eden of the East was released in 2009 and won 2 awards shortly after that.
They were – the Animation Kobe award and Best TV Series award. However, it made its way into this list as it was initially misunderstood.
The anime would have been a failure if not for the decent publicity it got.
The producers also had very few means back then. It is a pre-2010 anime that has only 11 episodes.
The tale is about Akira Takizawa and Saki Morimi. His dementia is what the anime portrays.
It faced a lot of brickbats for the violence, graphic, and adult scenes. Also, the use of terrorism and death games caused a lot of controversies.
It was reported to have a lot of graphic scenes and profanity. However, this did not stop it from finding the right viewers.
It had romance, action, sci-fi, and mystery in the right balance. It was more of a mature audience’s entertainer.
ComedySci-FiSlice of Life
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2012 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Tsuritama is based on its manga series. It has only 12 episodes that were concluded very quickly.
It was another sports anime which was Shoujo. It had many light and hilarious moments.
It was initially marketed as a sci-fi anime (which it is). But, the aspect of sci-fi is very minute in it and the major focus is shifted to slice of life.
This may have caused it to look confusing. As a result, it has very few reviews and only a fair rating.
The figures could have been improved with the help of some OTT platforms.
ComedyRomanceSlice of Life
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2015 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Saenai Heroine no Sodate-kata means Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend. This anime is an adaptation of its light novel series.
It is predominantly an ecchi anime with a tinge of comedy. Being a short series, it only had 12 episodes.
The tale deals with Tomoya Aki who’s an otaku fan. He lives, breathes, and eats otaku.
He forms a circle with a few female acquaintances. This is to build a game.
However, he realizes a lot of things during it. This anime could connect with many viewers and twang a chord in their hearts.
This is precisely why it became successful, though a little late. But when it comes to success, it was not as much as it should have been.
DramaHorrorMystery
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2005 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
The right description of Hell Girl would be – Psychological thriller. The main concept in this anime is that of the Hell correspondence.
It’s a website that lets someone take their grudge out. Behind it sits Ai Enma who uses 3 dolls to carry out the task.
Now, here comes the divine retribution – which most don’t know about. The people who use it to take revenge will have to pay Enma.
She will condemn them to hell for it. Such a storyline was never seen or played out in other animes.
Hell Girl got mixed reviews and reached enough viewers. However, it could have done better with its uniqueness and ingenuity.
It was an adaptation of its manga which gave it the bare minimum views. The sequel got more or less the same reviews.
It had 26 episodes and was categorized as R – 17+. The movie came under scrutiny for scenes glorifying violence and dark rituals.
It also had a summary alternative for those who wanted a shorter sequence.
ActionAdventureMecha
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2013 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
As a mecha anime, it did well. It came out in 2013 when mecha had become an old genre.
The reviews were mixed and the ratings were positive. However, the anime fared poorly, at the box office.
It is a plot that is engulfed in conflict. There is a slow but consistent drag of events in the anime.
Apart from a few directorial and conceptual errors, it was a standard anime.
Later, it got a sequel and some side stories that fared worse than the original anime.
ComedyRomance
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2014 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
10
This was a 2014 anime that had just 10 episodes. It was the time when producers were releasing anime on TV rather than OVA.
It received only 19,000 votes on Myanimelist. This is a very less number for such a historical-themed anime.
The plot revolves around a carefree lad named Saburou. He is thrown back into the historical Sengoku era.
Here, he meets General Nobunaga Oda. The anime shows these two people resemble each other.
He is then forced by the General to be a proxy for him. It then goes on to show the difficulties he faces.
This anime also showed the life of the legendary Japanese General. Perhaps the historical niche anime could not impress overseas viewers.
Most of the anime’s commercial success and popularity depends on them. However, anime performed well in Japan.
DramaMechaPsychological
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
1999 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
The mecha anime Infinite Ryvius thrilled the viewers with its epic concept. It was one of the first mecha anime and had released back in 2000.
This was a time when the world had just started to know automation. Though it’s rated at 7.4 on myanimelist, it has very few reviews.
The greater the review, the better its ranking is. You may find 9.0 and above anime with very few reviews.
This is not a reliable indicator. The one with 7.0 having twice or thrice the former’s reviews is more reliable.
This anime also had a touch of spice and military conflicts in it.
ComedySlice of LifeSupernatural
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2005 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
The 2005 anime Kamichu! had only 12 episodes. It aired on TV and maybe this led to the lower reach.
It was an era of transition from OVA to TV. Producers during this time had a tough decision to make whether it should be released in OVA format or on tv.
Yurie Hitotsubashi, the protagonist is a simple girl. Her naivety is exposed when she got desperate to make a boy notice her.
There are hilarious scenes when Yurie tries to become the local God. Some of these involve Yurie blessing and cursing people, and attending meetings with other Gods, and even aliens.
This plot contains some slice of life with supernaturalism.
ActionAdventure
Source:
Other
Format:
TV
Season:
2007 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
5
Afro Samurai is an action anime. The adventure element in it complements the action scenes.
It first aired in 2007 in 5 episodes. Later the creators joined hands with some others and made it a movie.
This did well. Afro Samurai has got a decent rank and moderate reviews. Most of it was mixed but never disapproved of the concept.
The protagonist – Afro must find a way to reach number 1. This is to seek revenge for his father’s unfortunate death.
It became more popular as a video game than a manga/anime. This overshadow did not affect the net earnings, much.
ActionDramaMystery
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2001 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
26
Noir is a 2001-long series anime. It aired 26 episodes in 2001. This was a huge feat and tough for the creators.
Since it was an original work, there were no existing fans. It later got a similarly themed work – Madlax.
In 2007, El Cazador de la Bruja was released. This was also considered a part of the series.
These three series are seen as a Trilogy. Noir, the name was synonymous with fear in the anime.
The anime was the right combination of action, drama, and realism. Yet, it could not find the right audience and remained obscure.
ComedyDramaMystery
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2014 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Hamatora had 12 main episodes which were released in 2014. Apart from that, it had a sequel and a spin-off version.
These have performed pathetically and have not yet found any success. It was a concept that started as a manga and later became an anime.
Hamatora is a portmanteau of Yokohama and the Japanese word for trouble-shooter. It’s one of the detective-themed animes that made it into this list.
It also had an element of mystery and supernaturalism in it. Though the creators refrained from making it Seinen, it has some aspects of it too.
Today, this is a reasonably popular anime series.
ActionMysterySupernatural
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2011 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
The Mystic Archives of Dantalian is an adaptation of its light novel. It was released in 2011 with 12 episodes and a side story.
This side story found very few takers. This was also a historical-themed anime. The tale talks about Huey and his grandfather Disward.
Book lovers would love this anime as it’s based on libraries and books. It was one of the best portrayals of supernaturalism in a historical context.
Despite its impressive design work and characterization, it couldn’t get enough views. This can be attributed to poor distribution channels and publicity.
ComedySlice of Life
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2015 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Castle Town Dandelion is a charming anime series set in a world where a royal family possesses superpowers and must compete for the throne through popularity votes.
The story follows the lives of the nine Sakurada siblings, each with their own unique abilities, as they navigate daily life and campaign for the crown.
With comedic moments and heartwarming interactions, the series explores themes of family bonds, personal growth, and the challenges of public life. Castle Town Dandelion captivates viewers with its endearing characters, relatable family dynamics, and a delightful blend of slice-of-life and supernatural elements.
ActionSci-Fi
Source:
Manga
Format:
OVA
Season:
1996 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
4
Birdy the Mighty is an adaptation of the manga Tetsuwan Birdy. The anime had 13 episodes and aired in 2008.
It belongs to the category which got decent rankings but a low view count.
It has a reverse Isekai theme which is overshadowed by action. You can call it sci-fi but that would be only a little right.
Cephon Altera, the protagonist is birdy. Birdys are people from the Space Federation. The anime documents Cephon’s life on Earth.
Many light moments went unnoticed in the plot. This anime in one way tried to show us our true selves like a mirror.
ComedyHorrorSupernatural
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2018 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
97
Gegege no Kitaro has been largely forgotten and obscure. It could gather only a few reviews and made little commercially.
It was a 2018 anime that concluded in 2020. Maybe it’ll take more time to peak in popularity.
It was a Shounen anime that had a high scope for success. It had the right blend of humor and supernaturalism.
The existence of a “Gegege no Kitaro” makes the plot interesting. It is about a fictional world in the 21st century.
It had a lot of adaptations that were taken from the source material. The manga itself was not popular.
It can still become popular with the right distribution.
ActionDramaSports
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2021 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
An anime about an extreme Indian sport that requires intense physical strength and strategic minds.
One day Tatsuya Toigoshi was going to the gym, where he found some other students playing Kabaddi.
First, he made fun of them and the game as Tatsuya is a skilled soccer player and respects no other game other than the game he plays.
But soon he gets interested in the game and now is a champion at it. He starts respecting it and acknowledges its importance.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
1998 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
24
This concept sold over 14 million copies of its light novels. These novels were the source material for its later manga and anime adaptations.
It was conceptualized in 1996 while the anime came out 3 years later. It had 23 episodes which ran till 2003.
The story is about a young lad named Orphen. He’s a money lender and a financial whiz that operates a cartel in Totokanta.
The anime shows how he got into a series of conflicting issues. These led him to be dragged into a lot of catastrophes.
It went unnoticed because of the poor marketing campaign. Another reason why this was left out was due to the differences that cropped up in the manga and novels.
This spin-off was not a success and left viewers confused.
Slice of Life
Source:
Original
Format:
OVA
Season:
2023 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
Princess Principal is a captivating anime series set in a steampunk-inspired version of 19th-century London. The story revolves around a group of five exceptional young girls who are spies for the Commonwealth.
Disguised as students at the prestigious Queen's Mayfair School, they carry out covert missions to protect the nation and maintain the delicate balance of power. Each member of the team possesses unique skills and backgrounds, contributing to their dynamic and intricate strategies.
As they navigate a world of political intrigue, espionage, and hidden agendas, their loyalty and trust are put to the test. The series combines thrilling action sequences with thought-provoking storytelling, unravelling a complex web of alliances and secrets.
Princess Principal showcases breathtaking animation, intricate plot twists, and a diverse cast of compelling characters. It explores themes of trust, friendship, and sacrifice, immersing viewers in a world where appearances can be deceiving and loyalties can shift in an instant.
With its blend of suspense, drama, and steampunk aesthetics, "Princess Principal" offers a thrilling and immersive experience for anime enthusiasts.
Drama
Source:
Video game
Format:
MUSIC
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
1
It is an awesome anime if one is a fan of K-Pop or J-Pop groups. The anime is about a girl named Tsumugi Takanashi.
She is a sweet, kind, and hardworking girl who manages an idol group named IDOLiSH7. This is a group of seven talented and good-looking men.
One day Tsumugi's father ordered her to fire four of the seven members, as they are too many for an idol group.
But she cannot do this as she is committed to this group and its members. She wants the group and everyone in it to succeed.
The show is very intense and full of competitive situations. It is a must-watch for viewers who like a little tension in the story.
ActionComedyDrama
Source:
Light novel
Format:
TV
Season:
2011 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere is a13 episode long anime.
It has a prequel that many fans may not have heard about. It was mainly an action movie like the current one.
Toori Aoi, the protagonist wishes to regain his homeland. This is when a critical issue occurs and they wish to capitalize on it.
It is in the backdrop of the 17th Century – thereby making it historical as well.
This anime showed a lot about Japan and its history during that era. It was categorized as PG – 13 which let kids watch it.
If you need to know about the medieval Japanese age, do watch this. It can also be termed educative, for the role it played in awareness creation.
It had a sequel called Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere II. This was the continuation of the same plot.
Since the previous one ended as a cliffhanger, this was necessary.
ActionComedy
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2013 (Fall)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
22
Parody animes are usually a success and make great money too. However, the case of Samurai Flamenco is different.
It is also a game-based anime. The game came out as an adaptation of the anime.
Masayoshi, who becomes Flamenco during the night, faces a dilemma. His vigilante activities leave a trail and he is caught soon.
He soon finds a companion named Gotou. This anime had 22 episodes which were aired over one year.
Critics attacked it for the violence and profanity in it. However, it was praised for being supernatural humor which was entertaining.
Hope it gets noticed by potential fans.
AdventureFantasySci-Fi
Source:
Original
Format:
TV
Season:
2011 (Winter)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
11
Fractale is an adaptation of the manga of the same name. It was engulfed in controversy soon after its release in 2011.
Mutsumi, the designer of the manga wrote a blog saying the work was “uninteresting”.
Though it was removed soon, it had stirred a hornet’s nest. The director then told the production committee to discontinue the manga.
Though Mutsumi apologized later, the damage was done. It was a simple plot that showed the events on an island and its secret.
One of the main reasons it went underrated was this controversy. The creators had lost their morale.
ActionDramaHorror
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2012 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
13
The 13 episodes of Zetman were an adaptation of its manga series. It aired in 2012.
Being a seinen anime, it focused on action and romance. Most Seinen anime do it as a part of the plot.
This is because the target audience is the youth. Zet and Alphas make up the two camps in this plot.
The story focuses on their conflict and its consequences. The Zets come across as the good guys.
However, this belief will undergo rapid change as you watch it. It was controversial for the mild nudity and that led to it being downvoted.
It lacked both reviews and rankings. This is a sad fact for such an anime.
ActionAdventureComedy
Source:
Video game
Format:
TV
Season:
1999 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
48
Monster Farm or Monster Rancher was the adaptation of its manga series. It had one more spin-off version too.
It was 48 episode long series that was released in 1999. Genki, the protagonist was an otaku lover.
The isekai world begins when Genki gets teleported to a different dimension. His mission to stop evil is what fills the anime with excitement.
It was rated low and received very few reviews. Its sequel flopped and so did the spin-off.
Though the direction was bad, its storyline did not deserve such a rating.
ActionDrama
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2014 (Spring)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Riddle Story of Devil is a Shoujo anime. It is too deep in its niche that it failed to attract an audience.
This was also the reason why it did not perform as expected. It is a school-based anime too.
Usually, anime that has a frame of reality does badly if they are too niche.
This is exactly what happened here. Though they got a decent share of reviews, they failed at the box office
It became popular only later as folks heard about the story of Tokaku Azuma. This was the protagonist who appeared in reviews.
Most of the viewers came after consuming the source material.
ActionDramaSports
Source:
Manga
Format:
TV
Season:
2019 (Summer)
Status:
Finished
Adult:
No
Episodes:
12
Rugby fans will love this anime as it is all about the sport, of rugby. The story starts with a guy named, Riku Haruma who has joined the high school.
Even if he is in high school, he is still clueless about his future and what he wants to do. He does not seem to be interested in most of the things there.
But one thing caught his eye. It was rugby. He was always got fascinated by the jumps and swoops made by the rugby players.
He wanted to do that so he started playing rugby. Riku became so good at the game that he joined the high school rugby team.
Things take an interesting turn in his life and now he has rugby in his life that has made his clueless life a little better.