As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of immersion in the vibrant world of Japanese animation, I can confidently say that “Toilet-bound Hanako-kun” and “Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World” are undeniably among the most underrated gems from the last decade.
If you’re an anime enthusiast, you’ve had plenty of top-notch content to indulge in during the last ten years. Series such as “Demon Slayer” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” have gained significant attention recently, while timeless classics like “One Piece” continue to captivate audiences with its ever-growing episode count. It can be tempting to immerse yourself in the hype surrounding these popular shows, but it’s essential not to overlook hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Everyone loves a good hidden gem, especially when they introduce you to a new subgenre or art style. Finding them is the issue, but we’ve got you covered — Looper has taken a deep dive into Reddit, IMDb, and YouTube to find out which anime shows hardcore fans wish people would stop sleeping on. After watching these shows to confirm that they’re indeed worth your time, we’ve come up with a list of the most underrated anime from the last 10 years. Read on to find out which shows you absolutely need to see.
Barakamon (2014)
As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “Barakamon” is an anime series that follows my journey as a troubled artist, a calligrapher named Seishu Handa, who’s sent to the tranquil Goto Islands after a heated argument at an exhibition. Here, I find myself engaging with the quirky islanders, particularly a spunky little girl named Naru Kotoishi. Despite my attempts to immerse myself in my art, the locals seem to have other ideas! This peaceful retreat is not as serene as I anticipated, but it’s helping me learn to connect with the world and find inspiration beyond the confines of my own thoughts.
In a similar vein to some delightful, underrated anime series portraying everyday life, “Barakamon” offers a straightforward and enjoyable watch with a touch of gentle humor. Fundamentally, this heartwarming one-season anime revolves around pausing to savor life before attempting to encapsulate its spirit through an artistic perspective. Unlike the clichéd narrative of an artist who retreats only to birth groundbreaking new visions, “Barakamon” posits that authentic inspiration arises from living, feeling grass beneath your feet, and forging connections with others. The protagonist, Handa, eventually comprehends that producing art solely for its own sake results in unoriginal and uninspiring work. It is only when he learns to accept and engage with the world – and the community – around him that he discovers his genuine artistic expression.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits” is an anime, falling under the genre of supernatural fantasy romance. The story revolves around Aoi Tsubaki (voiced by Nao Tôyama), a college student who has the unique ability to see spirits and travel between our world and the spirit realm, known as the Hidden Realm. One day, she is drawn into the spirit realm by an alluring ogre named Ōdanna (voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi). It’s revealed that Aoi’s deceased grandfather once made a deal with this spirit world, promising his granddaughter’s hand in marriage to settle a debt.
In the anime, “Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits,” Aoi skillfully extricates herself from an arrangement by agreeing to work at the inn Tenjin’ya owned by Ōdanna. There, she encounters and wins over various Ayakashi, such as Ginji, a shapeshifting nine-tailed fox played by Shun’ichi Toki, and Kasuga, a tanuki portrayed by Mitsuki Nakae. As Aoi proves to be quite handy in the kitchen, she takes on the role of chef at the bed and breakfast. She delights the spirits with her human dishes while growing closer to Ōdanna over time. Although the series doesn’t offer much complexity, it offers a delightful slow-building romance between Aoi and Ōdanna. One unique aspect of the series is its emphasis on ASMR elements, focusing more on Aoi’s culinary craft than the central relationship. However, it truly shines in showcasing a wholesome, gradual development of love without excessive toxicity or drama.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari (2023)
In Japanese legends, objects around the house can develop spirits known as tsukumogami, and not all of these spirits are benevolent. The anime series “Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari” follows the life of Hyōma Kunato (Takeo Ōtsuka), a member of the Saenome clan, who specialize in tsukumogami exorcism. This family’s duty is to calmly interact with and seal these spirits to the spirit world, typically by engaging in dialogue with them.
Following the death of his twin elder siblings at the hands of a spirit, Hyōma develops an abusive attitude towards the tsukumogami he was supposed to assist. To him, these items are potentially harmful and could attack at any moment. What’s more, he harbors a strong belief that all such spirits should be completely eliminated. In an attempt to correct Hyōma’s behavior, his grandfather arranges for him to live in a dwelling inhabited by tsukumogami in the mortal world, under the supervision of a human caretaker – a young girl named Botan Nagatsuki (Yûki Takada), who is herself imbued with the spirit of a deity.
In the backdrop of a captivating Japanese folklore, “Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari” explores themes such as emotional healing, coping with loss, overcoming traumatic experiences, and breaking free from a pattern of mistreatment. The core narrative emphasizes the importance of forging new bonds and learning to rely on others during this challenging personal odyssey.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Migi & Dali (2023)
Similar to Cheryl and Jason Blossom from “Riverdale,” the title characters of “Migi & Dali” share a hidden truth and an indestructible connection. Just like “Riverdale,” which is renowned for some of television’s most unexpected twists, “Migi & Dali” is a testament to groundbreaking storytelling that combines aspects of psychological horror, suspense, mystery, and dark humor within a narrative set in a small town. Here, the unusual and disquieting are the norm.
In this remarkable anime set primarily in 1990, we follow the tale of twin siblings Migi (portrayed by Shun Horie) and Dali (Ayumu Murase), who were adopted at five after their biological mother was tragically killed. To secure their new life together, they present themselves as a single child named Hitori to an affluent couple from Origon Village. The duo spends their days probing into the mystery of their mother’s death, with revenge in mind once they discover the culprit.
As a passionate gamer and anime enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the mesmerizing score of Sebu Hiroko and the exceptional voice acting that makes “Migi & Dali” stand out in 2023. This anime has garnered acclaim for its unique blend of comedy and a rather grim narrative. Some might say it’s criminally underwatched, as Redditor u/Queue_Jumping_Quack put it: “It reminded me of David Lynch’s work with its portrayal of small-town America, as if the mangaka drew inspiration from ‘Blue Velvet’.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut (2021)
The TV show “Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut” takes vampire lore from popular culture like “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Twilight,” and sets it against a backdrop of a Cold War-inspired alternate history, where space exploration becomes a race between superpowers post World War II. In this series, the Union of Zirnitra Socialist Republics represents the Soviet Union, while the United Kingdom of Arnack stands for the United States. To ensure success in space travel, given humanity’s vulnerability, the UZSR devised an unorthodox solution – using a vampire cosmonaut named Irina.
Titled “The N Project,” or referring to “Nosferatu,” the Russian space program, UZSR, plans an experiment by launching a vampire into space. In this universe where vampires are prevalent but treated as inferior beings, this venture offers a transformative moment for astronaut aspirant Irina Luminesk (Megumi Hayashibara). She learns under human supervisor Lev Leps (Kôki Uchiyama), despite her animosity towards his kind. This unique blend of science fiction, romance, and comedy presents an engaging narrative that delves into the strength of shared ambitions and how these mutual passions can help surmount prejudice. Don’t miss out on this captivating tale!
Available on: Crunchyroll
Go! Go! Loser Ranger! (2024)
Similar to many top-tier shōnen stories, “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” constructs its Super Sentai narrative within a complex world, making it necessary for viewers to pay attention to the various components. However, “Go! Go!” goes beyond being just another Sentai spinoff like the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” Instead, it challenges the typical coming-of-age plot by portraying it from the perspective of a vanquished villain fighting against his former oppressors, drawing parallels with the gritty anti-hero series “The Boys” for some viewers.
13 years ago, the fittingly named Villainous Army of Evil attempted an invasion on Earth. However, they were swiftly vanquished by the Divine Dragon Rangers and their powerful Divine Tools, weapons capable of permanently eradicating the nearly immortal soldiers from the Villainous Army. Over a decade has passed since then, and all that is left of the Villainous Army are its foot soldiers.
In this underappreciated anime, the survivors are subjected to routine humiliation by their captors, who make them relive their tragedies every Sunday in front of a crowd. One character, Footsoldier D (Yūsuke Kobayashi), eventually decides he can’t take it anymore and plots to overthrow his oppressors from within. This thought-provoking anime delves into the complexities of morality, suggesting that those considered “good” may easily slip into roles of oppression themselves.
Available on: Hulu
Raven of the Inner Palace (2022)
In a fictional depiction of ancient China, the captivating anime titled “Raven of the Inner Palace” showcases stunning visuals and an emotionally resonant soundtrack. This series seamlessly merges historical fantasy with mystery and elements of the supernatural. The narrative unfolds as it follows the adventures of the Raven Consort, a unique position that has been passed down through generations within the secretive heart of Ye Ming, the powerful imperial fortress where Emperor Xia Gaojun (Masaaki Mizunaka) dwells. Unlike other consorts, the Raven Consort’s duties revolve around the supernatural. She possesses mastery in dark arts and lives in isolation, employing her magical abilities to expel spirits, recover lost items, summon spirits, cast curses, and perform various tasks as requested — however, she must never meet the emperor in person.
16-year-old Liu Shouxue (Saku Mizuno), who has taken on the latest role, is an orphan with naturally silver hair that she dyes black to conceal her lineage as a descendant of a family punished for treason. “Raven of the Inner Palace” is a story about her life, delving into her journey to uncover her past and navigate the intricate web of politics within the inner palace court. The series’ stunning costumes, art, and historical background provide a breathtaking escape from reality. User u/SilifkeninYogurdu enthusiastically praised the show in the r/anime subreddit, saying: “On a scale of 10? More than 10, even 10,000… I can’t quite put it into words, but Raven of the Inner Palace was such an amazing artistic series, visually stunning and the storyline is captivating. I couldn’t get enough of it.
Available on: Crunchyroll
The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies (2024)
In the realm of anime, “The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies” stands out for its enchanting palette of gentle, ethereal pastels. This production offers an alluring Romeo and Juliet-inspired tale, where the magical girl Byakuya Mimori (voiced by Mai Nakahara) is dispatched to quell a malevolent organization with world domination ambitions. Amongst this organization’s upper echelons lies one of the king’s key advisors, a tactician named Mira (Yūki Ono). However, their adversarial roles are turned on their heads when Mira encounters Byakuya and develops feelings for her. As fate would have it, they form an unlikely friendship, a bond that neither of them can afford to let their superiors discover.
This engaging anime titled “The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies” offers a delightful change from the prevalent theme of somber and tormented magical girls. Unlike series such as “Puella Magi Madoka Magica,” known for its dark undertones and intense moments, like the controversial death scene that left many viewers feeling uncomfortable, this show is more akin to a sugary treat – think cotton candy. Its romantic scenes are equally sweet and endearing. The only drawback is that each episode is just 12 minutes long, making it possible to finish the entire series in one sitting!
Available on: Crunchyroll
Kemono Jihen (2021)
As the proud holder of the Winter 2021 Anime Trending award for favorite supernatural series, “Kemono Jihen” is my go-to for a gripping dark fantasy adventure that delves into body horror within the shonen genre. In this story, I play the role of Kohachi Inugami (voiced by Junichi Suwabe), a tenacious tanuki investigator leading the Inugami Strangeness Consultancy Office based in Tokyo. I’m summoned to a secluded Japanese mountain village by a concerned inn hostess, who fears that her livestock are being mysteriously mutilated and rotting away within a single night. Let the mystery-solving begin!
In that location, Kohachi encounters Kabane Kusaka, a teenage boy who spends his time laboring on a farm rather than attending school like other kids his age. Kabane is a half-ghoul, seeking answers about his family history and past. Their lives improve when they team up to investigate the murders together.
For fans of anime who appreciate Japanese mythology, especially yōkai tales, “Kemono Jihen” is a delightful series. It has been likened to both “Demon Slayer” and “Tokyo Ghoul,” which can only mean good things. What truly sets this show apart is its compelling storytelling. As IMDb user dylank-92408 puts it, the narrative delves deeply into mythical folklore, and the characters are skillfully crafted. At times, the series can get quite dark as it explores the backstory and lore of the characters.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (2020)
At Kamome Academy, a school known for its Seven Mysteries, a charming first-year student named Nene Yashiro (Akari Kitō) seeks assistance. The academy is said to host a wish-granting spirit girl who dwells in a third-floor bathroom stall, similar to Moaning Myrtle from the “Harry Potter” series. Stricken with affection for a popular senior, Nene decides to appeal to the ghostly figure known as “Hanako-san of the Toilet,” hoping she’ll help her win his heart.
In a turn of events unexpected, Hanako isn’t the girl she thought she was dealing with but a boy ghost who lacks proficiency in ghost magic. Nene, while meddling with powers beyond her understanding, swallows a mermaid scale, transforming into an assistant to a mermaid – essentially, a fish. Moved by sympathy, Hanako shares his curse with Nene, unintentionally linking their souls together. Facing the reality of this eternal bond, they establish a friendship and start collaborating to preserve harmony between the school’s human and supernatural communities.
“Toilet-bound Hanako-kun” is delightful, amusing, and enjoyable for all ages, making it an entertaining watch for everyone. Furthermore, its captivating art style, characterized by vivid colors and bold lines, adds depth and intrigue to the show’s lighthearted and heartwarming narrative.
Available on: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World (2016)
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” falls under the ‘Isekai’ anime category, which features characters being transported to a mystical realm (often unwillingly) and developing personally during their stay. The narrative revolves around Natsuki Subaru, a high school-aged gamer, NEET, and recluse (a term from Japan meaning severe social withdrawal), who is voiced by Yūsuke Kobayashi. During his routine trip home from the convenience store, Natsuki finds himself whisked away to a fantasy world resembling an RPG setting, where he forms bonds and even develops feelings for a silver-haired half-elf named Emilia, who is next in line to become queen.
In the captivating animation by studio White Fox, titled “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World”, Natsuki acquires a remarkable skill named “Return By Death”. This unique talent allows him to return to a specific save point whenever he perishes. However, there’s a condition – he must never reveal this secret to anyone. If he even tries, mysterious forces appear as a warning, potentially causing harm not only to himself but also to others. The most striking aspect of the series is the remarkable growth exhibited by Natsuki. Similar to other time-loop narratives, he learns valuable lessons with each cycle. Superior storytelling, an enchanting soundtrack, and the charming character Rem contribute to making this anime one of the standout productions in recent years.
Available on: Crunchyroll
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2024-10-31 14:31