Anime tends to follow the trends of the current hour; thus, when mentioning big-named shows, it is inevitable that Attack on Titans or Demon Slayer is thrown in. However, with barely any recognition in recent memory, there lie some rare gems beyond these big names. While they may not trend across the board on social media, these rather underrated series have given audiences rich storytelling, emotional resonance, and artistic style on par with their more popular counterparts.
So if you are looking for something that is not mainstream anime ahead of 2025’s deadline for yourself, this following pick of 10 underrated anime is just for you.
1. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
Episodes: 12
Erased is an expression of the shortcut of life, encompassing a time travel affair colliding with suspense. Upon the backdrop of the series follows Satoru, a mangaka with a peculiar ability: he can go back in time, a few moments before a tragedy occurs. His case is when he goes back 18 years after his mother is murdered since he must save not only her but also the childhood classmates, who were to become victims of kidnapping.
Why underrated? Positive criticism was never rewarded with fame, for the series instead competed with major shōnen titles. Its emotional storytelling and gripping mystery simply leave it untouched by memory.
2. Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama
Episodes: 11
Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe of Cowboy Bebop fame, this anime tells the story of two enigmatic teenage boys as they terrorize Tokyo with an assortment of cryptic bombings. Behind the explosions lies a shady past and a message about how society treats the lost youth.
Why underrated? In 2014, it was relegated to being a brief, over-shadowed flick against longer-running series, and still, despite that, remains one of the most highly intellectual anime-thrillers to date.
3. Paranoia Agent (Mousou Dairinin)
Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Horror
Episodes: 13
This is a surreal nightmare conceived by legendary director Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika), revolving around a figure known as “Lil’ Slugger” who mysteriously attacks random targets across Tokyo. But every story revealed through the perspective of the victim will show deeper themes related to stress, escapism, and urban pressure.
Why underrated? Not everybody can digest its abstract storytelling, but this one is a gem for those who like their mind pushed by series.
4. 91 Days
Genre: Drama, Historical, Mafia, Revenge
Episodes: 12
Set in the Prohibition era, 91 Days is one cinematic mafia revenge tale. The Vanetti crime family slaughters Angelo’s family, and years later he returns under a new identity to engineer his revenge.
Why underrated? With the exception of about a couple of months, the biggest revenge title in recent years is frequently overlooked when comparing against the flashy shōnen. The dark atmosphere and realistic storyline make it properly appealing for a mature anime fandom.
5. A Place Further Than the Universe (Sora yori mo Tooi Basho)
Genre: Slice of Life, Adventure, Drama
Episodes: 13
This heartwarming anime shows four high school girls who want to go to Antarctica. This seemingly simple premise allows for one of the most emotional and inspiring journeys in anime.
Why underrated? It never got the mainstream attention of slice-of-life hits like Your Lie in April, but fans who discover it swear up and down about how much it has changed their lives.
6. Shiki
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
Episodes: 22
For anybody who loves a good creepy atmosphere and solid horror, Shiki is an absolute must-watch. In a small rural village, people mysteriously begin to die one by one, and a doctor slowly realizes that the truth regarding these deaths is a terrifying one that deals with vampires.
Why underrated? Since its release in 2010, it has suffered the fate of being buried under shows of greater mainstream popularity at that time. To this day, horror anime fans recognize it as one of the very few gems created in the vampire genre.
7. Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon)
Genre: Music, Drama, Romance
Episodes: 12
This anime explores friendship, jazz music, and love in 1960s Japan, the same period that it was made in. It is a beautiful combination of music and coming-of-age drama.
Why underrated? Music anime barely ever get the limelight unless they’re idol-focused, but Kids on the Slope has an authentic and deeply emotional experience to offer.
8. Barakamon
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Episodes: 12
The lighthearted yet meaningful story that follows Seishuu Handa, a professional calligrapher who retreats to a remote island after an embarrassing outburst, learning life lessons from the quirky villagers and the spirited girl.
Why underrated? While fans of slice-of-life adore it, many anime watchers miss out because it is not your kind of action fast-paced show. The magic lies in the series’ simplicity and feel-good vibe.
9. The Garden of Sinners (Kara no Kyōkai)
Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
Format: Movie Series
This dark and stylish series of films produced by ufotable (Fate/Stay Night, Demon Slayer) looks at murder mysteries and supernatural battles through the lens of the troubled character Shiki Ryougi.
Why underrated? Despite ufotable’s gorgeous animation, it sometimes pales behind Fate and Demon Slayer. However, it is one of the studio’s most visually and thematically rich works.
10. Great Pretender
Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama
Episodes: 23
Great Pretender steers the story of Makoto Edamura, a con man who is pulled into international scams filled with clever tricksters. Each scheme arc takes place in a different country where big-time heists take place.
Why underrated? It was a missed opportunity becoming a household name even with global streaming. However, those who’ve seen it laud its stylish animation, jazzy soundtrack, and clever storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Anime is more than just the trending titles that dominate every season. The series above prove that hidden gems can be just as thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable. From psychological thrillers like Paranoia Agent to heartwarming adventures like A Place Further Than the Universe, there’s something here for every anime fan. So before 2025 ends, make sure to add these 10 underrated anime to your watchlist—you might just find a new favorite that mainstream fans have been sleeping on.
