When it comes to anime, people usually lean towards the most trending anime series, and often miss out the actual underrated gems. There are several underrated anime series with gripping storyline and great characters that can keep a person hooked till the last episode. To make it easier, here's a list of must-watch underrated anime series that should not be missed at all.
Charlotte
First on the list is Charlotte, a 13-episode anime series that follows the story of Yuu Otosaka. Yuu is not an ordinary high-school student, he has the ability of possessing a person's body for mere five seconds. Using his powers he has aced various scholarships and been on top of his class. But, there's more to Yuu’s unnatural powers.As the story proceeds, the mystery behind Yuu’s powers are revealed, and he learns how to upscale his power. There are several twists in the series that will keep the person at the edge of their seat.
The only complaint that one would have after completing the series is, the director should have started the story from the end as it would have given more depth to the character and made the storyline more interesting.
Charlotte is available on both Crunchyroll and Prime video.
Erased
Erased or Boku dake ga inai machi, is a Japanese manga with 8 volumes which was later adapted into anime. It is a short 12-episode series that follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year old mangaka, who travels 18 years back in time to prevent his mother's death.Satoru’s “ revival " ability helps him prevent various such incidents, which also involves catching a serial killer, aka the antagonist of the series. The series has been a fan favorite for many anime fans, who's only regret is that they didn't know about the series sooner.
The series is available on Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Prime video. Its live adaptation is available on Netflix.
Mushishi
Mushishi is an anime series based on a Japanese manga. Despite having 10 volumes in the original comic, the TV adaptation encompasses all the narrative elements within just 26 episodes. The show revolves around Ginko, the main character, who possesses the extraordinary ability to perceive Mushi—these are among the earliest known organisms but remain unseen by ordinary humans.
As the narrative unfolds, Ginko presents himself as a Mushi specialist and embarks on journeys to explore more about Mushi and assist those afflicted by them. "Mushishi" seamlessly merges an enigmatic plot with deep philosophy, complemented by crisp, clear animation that enhances its appeal.
Mushishi can be streamed all at once on platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
Summer time rendering
The 2022- released anime series, Summer time rendering, is adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name. It has a total of 25 episodes and is laced with mystery and thriller.
The protagonist of the story, Shinpei Ajiro, shifted to Tokyo after his parents’ death and only returns after he finds out that his childhood friend, Ushio, passed away. Suspicions start to rise as Shinpei gets to know about the strangle marks on Ushio’s body, leading him to believe that Ushio's death was not an accident but murder. As he tries to solve the mystery, he is joined by Ushio's sister, Mio. The antagonist of the story goes by the name of "Shadow" who's lurking in the island, with backstory that will keep the watcher hooked to the screen.
The series takes the watcher on a ride full of mystery, thriller, and supernatural presence. Summer time rendering is available on Disney+.
Anohana: The flower we saw that day
Anohana is one of those hauntingly beautiful series that remains with the person till the end. Released in 2011, Anohana is a short series with only 11 episodes. It follows the story of Jinta Yadomi who started seeing the ghost of her Meiko (Menma).
Initially shocked, Jinta believed she might be imagining things but eventually embraced the truth. Menma's spirit lingered in the earthly realm because she hadn’t completed her final desire. Taking this as her duty, Jinta began assembling Menma's circle of friends to help achieve her unresolved wish. Yet, the twist lies in the fact that Menma does not recall what her wish was. This narrative delves into themes of camaraderie, envy, and the profound impact one's passing has on those left behind.
This delightful show can be found on Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Just Watch.
Here are several top-tier underappreciated anime series that deserve greater acknowledgment. Although certain enthusiasts may argue that these shows thrive in their current niche status, genuine anime aficionados understand that exposure often enhances quality. Therefore, consider this list a collection of hidden treasures within the anime realm—series that every viewer ought to add to their must-watch roster.