Discover the Hidden Anime Gems of the 2010s You Absolutely Must Watch!

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The 2010s were a golden era for anime enthusiasts, marked by the emergence of groundbreaking series such as “Attack on Titan”, “Haikyuu!!”, and “My Hero Academia”. These shows captivated audiences worldwide, with Eren Jaeger’s struggle for liberty, Hinata Shoyo’s volleyball advancements, and Izuku Midoriya’s heroic journey becoming weekly events. The success of these titles led to a flood of merchandise, fan communities, and additional adaptations, cementing their place in anime history.

In a sea of anime shows vying for viewers’ interest, it was unavoidable that some true treasures would be overlooked. Beneath the surface of the biggest hits were lesser-known yet equally exceptional anime narratives unfolding. While they certainly had devoted fanbases, they embodied the variety, ingenuity, and artistic flair that characterized anime in the 2010s. However, compared to more popular series, they remain underappreciated. Here are ten of the most undervalued and overlooked anime series from the 2010s.

10
‘Blood Lad’ (2013)

Blood Lad is an anime about the supernatural realm that centers around Staz Charlie Blood, a strong vampire who governs the peculiar Demon World. Although he has a fearsome reputation among his subjects, in truth, Staz is captivated by human culture, with a specific fascination for Japanese animation and comics. When the human girl named Fuyumi Yanagi unexpectedly arrives in the demon world, dies, and becomes a spirit, Staz makes a promise to revive her.

Entertaining Vampire Comedy

One unique aspect that differentiates the anime series “Blood Lad” from others in its genre is its original and humorous spin on vampire folklore. The animation is lively and dynamic, effectively portraying the thrilling escapades of Staz and his friends. Each character, such as his power-hungry siblings or his ghost girlfriend, plays a significant role in Staz’s adventure. The humor is odd yet endearing, contrasted by an undercurrent of emotional depth that makes “Blood Lad” a hidden treasure worth discovering.

9
‘C [Control]: The Money and Soul of Possibility’ (2011)

C [Control]: The Essence of Hope in a Shattered Economy

In this tale, we journey to a bleak future where the International Monetary Fund has left destruction in its wake, with one’s financial standing dictating their very existence. Our hero is a diligent economics student named Kimimaro Yoga, yearning for stability and comfort in his life. After an unexpected meeting with a mysterious figure, Kimimaro finds himself catapulted into the treacherous Financial District, a realm where fortunes are made and lost through high-stakes games and contests.

Questions the Foundation of Economy

This anime offers a fresh, thought-provoking take on the conventional “bargain with the devil” theme. With its captivating visuals and breathtaking scenes, it delves into the destructive power of greed and the institutions that foster it. The lead character, Kimimaro, is a complex protagonist who faces off against various competitors in cut-throat competitions. While he doesn’t always emerge triumphant, the show skillfully discusses capitalistic systems through its compelling narrative.

8
‘Silver Spoon’ (2013)

Instead of continuously striving to meet his parents’ high standards, a diligent young man named Yuugo Hachiken decides to attend Ooezo Agricultural High School, situated in the rustic landscapes of Hokkaido. Believing he can handle anything that comes his way, Yuugo finds himself overwhelmed by the farming expertise of his peers and grapples with adapting to the demanding physical labor and the distinct hardships associated with rural living.

Slice-Of-Life Served With Life Lessons

Moving beyond the usual fast-paced action and outlandish storylines found in most anime, Silver Spoon offers a refreshingly down-to-earth and relatable slice-of-life series. It focuses on themes like personal development, self-exploration, and the importance of dedication, all set against the backdrop of agricultural life. The show seamlessly blends humor and emotion while providing informative glimpses into farming, highlighting both its pleasures and challenges. At the heart of the story is Yuugo’s inspiring transformation from a city dweller to someone who finds value in rural living.

7
‘Poco’s Udon World’ (2016)

Based on the manga series penned and illustrated by Nodoka Shinomaru, Poco’s Udon World narrates the tale of Souta Tawara, a web designer, who goes back to his tranquil hometown in Kagawa Prefecture after the demise of his father. As Souta sifts through his late father’s belongings at the family-run udon restaurant, he encounters a young boy named Poco. This mysterious boy asserts himself to be a shape-shifting tanuki, causing quite an upheaval in Souta’s life.

Simple and Touching Narrative

In Poco’s Udon World, although it might appear simple at first glance, the show delves deeply into complex themes such as family, grief, solitude, acceptance, and the significance of preserving one’s cultural identity. At first, Souta is hesitant to reconnect with old friends and memories, but with Poco by his side, he gradually learns to let go of his reservations and appreciate the beauty and joy in the world around him. The animation style is playful and engaging.

6
‘Kotoura-san’ (2013)

In the realm of Kotoura-san, possessing mind-reading abilities isn’t seen as a desirable superpower but rather a curse. This is troublesome for Haruka Kotoura, a girl with this ability, as it leads to immense suffering and isolation due to misunderstandings and rejection by her peers, even her own parents. However, everything transforms when Haruka encounters Manabe Yoshihisa, a compassionate boy who embraces her for who she truly is.

A Tale of Empathy and Acceptance

A genuine friendship is something we all deserve, yet sometimes it takes time to reach a state of joy and acceptance. It can seem nearly impossible unless you’re open to the idea of forging connections by opening up your heart. What makes Kotoura-san unique is its skillful blend of humorous moments with profound emotion, reminding us that life can be absurd and should not always be taken too seriously.

5
‘Ascendance of a Bookworm’ (2019)

As a passionate movie reviewer, I found myself immersed in the captivating journey of “The Rise of the Bookworm,” an adaptation from the acclaimed Japanese light novel series penned by Miya Kazuki and beautifully illustrated by You Shiina. The tale revolves around Urano Motosu, a dedicated book lover to the point of obsession, who experiences an unfortunate accident that leads him to be reborn as a girl named Myne in a world reminiscent of the Middle Ages – a realm devoid of printing presses and where books are exclusive luxuries for the privileged few. Determined and resilient, Myne embarks on an inspiring quest to create her own books, a testament to the power of knowledge and human spirit in the face of adversity.

Smart and Immersive Isekai Anime

In the vast landscape of anime, isekai stories are commonplace, often emphasizing intense battles and missions involving mechanical devices. However, Ascendance of a Bookworm distinguishes itself through its painstaking construction of its world and unwavering concentration on the singular challenges faced by the character, Myne. The series stands out due to its meticulous portrayal of the book-making process, which imbues it with an air of realism that transcends the boundaries of fantasy.

4
‘Run with the Wind’ (2018)

In the realm of sports-themed anime productions, it was Haikyuu!! that garnered most of the attention throughout the 2010s, while Run with the Wind remained relatively unknown. The narrative revolves around Kakeru Kurahara, a once-elite runner who abandoned his aspirations following a painful rift with his track team. However, an unforeseen change occurs in his life when Haiji Kiyose, a senior student from his university, persuades him to join an ambitious plan: participating in the illustrious Hakone Ekiden marathon.

An Inspiring Underdog Story

A sports anime wouldn’t be complete without a motley crew of underdogs banding together to create an unlikely team, which is exactly what you find in Run with the Wind. As they go through rigorous training, they encounter numerous physical and emotional hurdles. However, as they persevere, they forge deep connections that help each character discover their unique abilities. The animation beautifully conveys the thrill of the races and the gracefulness of running scenes, while the well-rounded characters make the story incredibly inspiring.

3
‘Drifters’ (2016)

In the criminally overlooked anime from the 2010s titled “Drifters,” we find a captivating blend of action and fantasy. This series snatches history’s most renowned leaders and warriors from their specific time periods, transporting them into an enigmatic alternate reality. The main character, Shimazu Toyohisa, a samurai hailing from the Battle of Sekigahara, is part of the “drifters,” who find themselves embroiled in a conflict against the “ends,” another faction composed of historical figures with extraordinary powers. Their battle will ultimately decide the destiny of this world.

R-Rated Anime With High Entertainment Value

In the heart of “Drifters”, lies a grisly conflict that may not appeal to everyone. The story features challenging terrains to traverse, partnerships to forge and dissolve, and tactics to plan. What sets this series apart is its distinctive narrative steeped in history, and it vividly portrays the intense, multi-layered battles using striking animation. It’s a visual treat, but it’s also quite unusual and mature, so tread carefully.

2
‘Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation’ (2015)

The story, titled Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation, primarily focuses on Sakurako Kujou, a brilliant yet peculiar osteologist with an exceptional knack for bone analysis. Her fascination often leads her to intriguing locations. After encountering Shoutarou Tatewaki, a meticulous high school student, she guides him and together they embark on a sequence of peculiar investigations aimed at unraveling peculiar mysteries.

Elevates the Detective Genre

Although the storyline of this anime could initially seem gloomy, it skillfully blends somber themes with an amusing, quirky humor, along with a group of endearing characters. Sakurako’s distant demeanor provides a sharp contrast to Shoutarou’s practical outlook, and their growing camaraderie lends a warm appeal to the investigations they undertake together. Furthermore, the series masterfully builds an air of mystery and intrigue that leaves one puzzled as to why it didn’t garner more recognition.

1
‘Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits’ (2018)

In the anime titled “Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits“, the protagonist, Aoi Tsubaki, a girl who can see spirits, gets entangled in the hidden spirit realm. Following the demise of her grandfather, who shared the same powers, she uncovers that he had taken on a debt to an ogre-god called Oodanna. To settle this debt, she must run an inn for spirits, prepare mouthwatering meals for them, and cultivate profound relationships with these otherworldly creatures.

Slice-of-Life with a Focus on Food

This anime fits into the isekai category, but what sets it apart is its exploration of culinary arts. This blend is both calming and captivating. The show’s portrayal of traditional Japanese entities and traditions, combined with cooking as a tool for survival, provides an engaging backdrop for Aoi to emerge as a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her practical yet compassionate nature resonates instantly with viewers. Additionally, the series is visually stunning, offers a mystical setting, and has a soothing, everyday-life atmosphere.

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2025-02-23 19:02