Introduction
Anime is a world of endless possibilities, with stories ranging from epic battles to heartwarming romances. While popular shows like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer dominate the conversation, there are countless underrated series that deserve your attention. In this list, we’ll explore ten anime that might not be on your radar but are must-watches in 2024.
1. Moriarty the Patriot: A Dark Twist on Sherlock Holmes
Overview: Moriarty the Patriot takes the classic Sherlock Holmes stories and flips them on their head by focusing on the infamous villain, Professor Moriarty. Set in 19th-century England, this anime delves into the psyche of a criminal mastermind with a mission to overthrow the oppressive upper class.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its clever storytelling and morally complex characters, Moriarty the Patriot hasn’t received as much attention as it deserves. It offers a fresh perspective on the Sherlock Holmes mythos with high-quality animation and a gripping narrative.
Where to Watch: Available on Anime Go
2. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!: A Love Letter to Animation
Overview: This anime follows three high school girls with dreams of creating their own anime. It’s a celebration of creativity and the art of animation, filled with imaginative sequences and a quirky sense of humor.
Why It’s Worth Watching: Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is a hidden gem that captures the essence of what makes anime special. Its unique art style and passionate characters make it a standout series that often flies under the radar.
Where to Watch: Stream it on Anime Go
3. Vinland Saga: A Viking Tale of Revenge and Redemption
Overview: Set in the Viking era, Vinland Saga tells the story of Thorfinn, a young warrior seeking revenge against the man who killed his father. The anime explores themes of violence, honor, and the true meaning of a warrior’s life.
Why It’s Underrated: While Vinland Saga has a loyal fanbase, it hasn’t reached the mainstream success it deserves. With its breathtaking animation and deep character development, this is a series that will leave a lasting impact.
Where to Watch: Available on Anime Go
4. ID: INVADED: A Mind-Bending Mystery
Overview: ID: INVADED is a psychological thriller that follows a detective who dives into the subconscious minds of serial killers to solve crimes. The anime is a complex puzzle, combining elements of science fiction, mystery, and psychological drama.
Why It’s Worth Watching: This anime challenges its viewers with intricate storytelling and thought-provoking themes. It’s a must-watch for fans of mind-bending narratives that keep you guessing until the end.
Where to Watch: Stream it on Anime Go
5. Beastars: A Mature Exploration of Society and Identity
Overview: In a world where anthropomorphic animals coexist, Beastars tackles issues of identity, prejudice, and societal roles. The story follows Legoshi, a quiet wolf, as he navigates his feelings in a society that judges him based on his species.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its critical acclaim, Beastars remains underappreciated by the wider anime community. Its mature themes and unique art style set it apart from typical high school dramas.
Where to Watch: Available on Anime Go
6. Dr. Stone: Science Meets Adventure
Overview: Dr. Stone follows Senku, a teenage genius who awakens thousands of years after humanity is petrified in stone. He sets out to rebuild civilization using the power of science, combining educational content with thrilling adventure.
Why It’s Worth Watching: Dr. Stone is an underdog in the shonen genre, offering something different from the usual battle-heavy series. Its focus on science and problem-solving makes it both entertaining and educational.
Where to Watch: Stream it on Anime Go
7. The Great Pretender: A Stylish Heist Thriller
Overview: The Great Pretender is a stylish anime that follows a group of con artists as they pull off elaborate scams around the world. Each arc takes place in a different location, with vibrant animation and a jazzy soundtrack.
Why It’s Underrated: This anime blends humor, drama, and action with top-notch storytelling, yet it hasn’t received the widespread attention it deserves. Its unique premise and international appeal make it a standout series.
Where to Watch: Available on Anime Go
8. Astra Lost in Space: A Sci-Fi Adventure with a Heart
Overview: Astra Lost in Space follows a group of students stranded in space after their spaceship is mysteriously transported thousands of light-years away. The series is a mix of survival adventure and mystery, with each character bringing something unique to the story.
Why It’s Worth Watching: This anime is a hidden gem in the sci-fi genre, offering a well-paced story with unexpected twists and emotional depth. It’s perfect for fans of space adventures and character-driven narratives.
Where to Watch: Stream it on Anime Go
9. March Comes in Like a Lion: A Deeply Emotional Journey
Overview: This anime follows Rei Kiriyama, a young shogi player dealing with loneliness and depression. March Comes in Like a Lion is a poignant exploration of mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its critical acclaim, this series remains under the radar for many anime fans. Its slow-paced, introspective storytelling might not appeal to everyone, but those who connect with it will find a deeply rewarding experience.
Where to Watch: Available on Anime Go
10. Run with the Wind: An Inspirational Sports Drama
Overview: Run with the Wind follows a group of university students as they train to compete in a prestigious long-distance relay race. The anime focuses on themes of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth.
**Why It’s Underrated:** Run with the Wind doesn’t have the same level of recognition as other sports anime like Haikyuu!! or Kuroko’s Basketball, but its heartfelt story and well-developed characters make it a standout in the genre. The series beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of the team, making it an inspiring watch for anyone.
Where to Watch: Stream it on Anime Go
Honorable Mentions:
- The Promised Neverland (Season 2): Despite its divisive reception, the continuation of The Promised Neverland still offers a gripping story worth checking out for those who enjoyed the first season.
- Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day: An emotional tale of friendship and loss, perfect for fans of tear-jerkers.
- Mob Psycho 100: From the creator of One Punch Man, this series is packed with action, humor, and a surprising amount of heart.
How We Chose These Anime:
When selecting these anime, we considered several factors, including storytelling, character development, animation quality, and overall impact on viewers. We also looked at audience reception, checking ratings on MyAnimeList and other review sites to ensure these series are truly hidden gems. These anime may not have the largest fanbases, but they offer unique experiences that stand out in the vast world of anime.
Conclusion:
The world of anime is incredibly diverse, and there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a mind-bending mystery, an emotional journey, or a thrilling adventure, these underrated anime have something special to offer. So, the next time you’re searching for something new to watch, give one of these series a try—you might just find your next favorite anime.
