10 Underrated Short Anime Worth Discovering

Amidst the vast number of anime series released each year, it is inevitable that some exceptional ones may go unnoticed. Therefore, presented here is a compilation of ten brief anime series that truly deserve greater acknowledgment. In the midst of the ceaseless stream of anime offerings, a handful of remarkable series effortlessly blend into obscurity as each new season brings a fresh influx of content.

The anime world offers such a depth and variety that it's impossible to fully grasp with just a handful of titles. Once you become hooked, you'll find yourself diving into an endless collection of shows; it's mind-boggling to comprehend the seemingly bottomless pit.

What sets anime apart is the fact that its excellence isn't determined by the length of the series or the genre. A 12-episode slice-of-life drama can be just as captivating as a 1,000-episode Shonen series, depending on one's personal preferences. From heartwrenching romance to gripping thrillers, we present to you a list of the top 10 short anime series that deserve more recognition.

1. Forest of Piano

Netflix

Forest of Piano is a captivating anime series adapted from the acclaimed manga by Makoto Isshiki. This compelling tale revolves around two boys from contrasting backgrounds who share an unwavering love for the piano. Kai Ichinose, raised in the red-light district by his mother, who works as a prostitute, defies the odds by skillfully playing an abandoned piano hidden in the depths of the mysterious forest. Meanwhile, Shuuhei Amamiya, hailing from a privileged family, harbors aspirations of following in his father's footsteps to become a distinguished pianist.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. Guardian of the Sacred Spirit

Introducing HIDIVE

Immerse yourself in a gripping historical anime series that transports you to a world ravaged by a devastating drought and relentless famine. Follow the remarkable journey of Balsa, a young woman entrusted with the monumental responsibility of safeguarding Chagum, a vulnerable prince.

The young boy is fated to meet his demise as commanded by his father, the Emperor, and serve as a sacrificial offering to the Water Spirit. Amidst this circumstance, their tale unfolds as they set forth on a quest, forging an unwavering connection and endeavoring to find a solution that can rescue the world without resorting to sacrifice.

Watch on: HIDIVE

3. Eden of the East

Crunchyroll

Eden of the East is a sci-fi mystery series that also incorporates a romantic subplot. The story kicks off with the narration of an event referred to as "Careless Monday," in which a failed terrorist attack fails to cause any harm. Surprisingly, this incident is promptly forgotten, and people return to their normal lives.

Saki Morimi's world is completely shaken when she crosses paths with Akira Takizawa, who suffers from amnesia and wrongly believes himself to be a terrorist. Despite his suspicious demeanor, Saki and Akira quickly forge a friendship, only for them to become embroiled in an electrifying game of death. As the plot thickens and more secrets are unveiled, Akira's connections to the enigmatic Careless Monday slowly emerge.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

4. Kids on Slope

Introducing Crunchyroll

Step into the mesmerizing world of Kids on Slope, a captivating story that revolves around three students with unique personalities and diverse circumstances. This underrated gem combines flawless storytelling, relatable characters, and enchanting musical performances, providing viewers with all the reasons to indulge in its brilliance.

The content fragment

Follow the journey of Kaoru Nishimi as he begins his first year of high school in Kyushu. Due to his father's frequent moves, Kaoru has always struggled to make friends. However, everything changes when he encounters Sentarou Kawabuchi and Ritsuko Mukae. Through their friendship, Kaoru rediscovers his love for music and breaks free from his introverted nature.

Watch it on: Crunchyroll

5. Ghost Hunt

Crunchyroll

Ghost Hunt is an exceptional horror anime that remains relatively undiscovered. With its intriguing premise, the series delves into the captivating world of ghost-hunting through eight distinct cases. Notably, the show incorporates real-life ghost theories, adding a relatable touch to the supernatural elements. The story revolves around Mai Taniyama, who finds herself in the employ of Kazuya Shibuya following an accidental mishap that damages his ghost-hunting equipment.

As Mai becomes further entangled in each new paranormal investigation, her latent psychic powers gradually awaken. Alongside her, the team comprises a diverse range of individuals, including a researcher, a monk, a Catholic priest, a Shinto priestess, a spirit medium, and even a high school girl.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

6. Given

Crunchyroll

Presented is a poignant series that explores the themes of boys' love and music, focusing on Mafuyu Sato and his fellow bandmates. This captivating storyline delves into the depths of heartbreak and the journey towards freeing oneself from the chains of the past. Despite his quiet demeanor, the main character carries a Gibson guitar, even though he lacks the ability to play it.

Mafuyu, struggling with his past trauma, crosses paths with Ritsuka Uenoyama and becomes a member of his band, all while uncovering his passion for music. The narrative also delves into the intricate dynamics among the bandmates and Mafuyu's childhood companions.

Streaming available on: Crunchyroll

7. Carole & Tuesday

Netflix

Carole & Tuesday is a captivating sci-fi music anime series centered around the serendipitous encounter of two girls. Bound by their shared love for music, they choose to embark on a journey together, living under the same roof and striving to establish their unique identity.

Yet, their aspirations seem insurmountable in a society where artificial intelligence dominates the music industry, accounting for a staggering 99% of all compositions. This awe-inspiring narrative unfolds on Mars, half a century after humanity's migration to the planet. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as an enigmatic manager takes notice of their extraordinary talent.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. Summer Time Rendering

Crunchyroll

Embark on an exhilarating journey filled with intrigue, otherworldly entities, and heartbreaking events in Summer Time Rendering. This captivating tale revolves around a time loop that ensues in order to prevent certain calamities. Our protagonist, Shinpei Ajiro, returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his childhood sweetheart, Ushio Kofune, only to unexpectedly find himself transported back in time.

Additionally, his friend Ushio, who was believed to be dead, unexpectedly reappears before him. Upon discovering the existence of "shadows" and the impending catastrophe that could strike the island, Shunpei must unite with her to conquer this imminent danger.

Watch on: Crunchyroll

9. Death Parade

Crunchyroll

After death, to everyone's surprise, the first thing you encounter is a bar. Death Parade is a captivating anime series that delves into the very essence of what it means to be human. Upon their demise, a chosen few enter a unique establishment known as Quindecim in pairs.

Here, they are faced with a crucial test, devised by the bartenders, to ascertain whether their souls deserve a chance at reincarnation or if they are bound for eternal oblivion. These tests involve perilous games, gradually unveiling the innermost secrets of each patron, all while risking the fate of their very souls.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

10. Terror in Resonance

Introducing Crunchyroll

Join us as we unveil a captivating psychological mystery drama in Terror in Resonance. Witness the shocking events surrounding a terrorist assault on a nuclear facility in Japan, leaving the authorities perplexed with only a cryptic message: the word "VON" scrawled in chilling red. With the enigma unsolved by law enforcement, a remarkable duo of adolescent boys emerges from the shadows, embracing the moniker "Sphinx."

The two unknown boys challenge and intimidate the police, causing chaos throughout Tokyo. Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki becomes entangled in the turmoil as the public and the entire police department are manipulated.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

For anime fans worldwide, Crunchyroll is the ultimate destination to stream top-quality content such as One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. And with the help of ExpressVPN, you can now enjoy the complete collection on Crunchyroll regardless of your location outside the United States.

To access Crunchyroll's complete range of content while overseas, simply follow these steps:

1. Register for ExpressVPN, a reliable service with high-speed servers that ensures a secure and private connection regardless of your location.

Connect to any location across the United States with Express VPN. With 24 diverse options available, ranging from New Jersey to Santa Monica, you have the freedom to choose your preferred spot.

Explore Crunchyroll online and indulge in a wide array of your beloved anime series, along with the opportunity to discover new ones.

Accessing Crunchyroll's US lineup offers a distinct advantage. For instance, users in Hong Kong are limited to less than 100 titles, whereas the US provides access to nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. Moreover, you have the option to stream anime on Crunchyroll for free by opting for an ad-supported plan, or you can choose to subscribe. Additionally, there is a 14-day free trial available in case you are undecided.

You can check out a few of our other lists below and our other anime coverage here:

Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Editor's P/S

1. As an anime enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for hidden gems that deserve more recognition. This list of 10 underrated short anime series is a treasure trove for those who want to explore beyond the mainstream. From the heartwarming Forest of Piano to the thought-provoking Eden of the East, each of these anime offers a unique and captivating experience.

2. What I appreciate most about these short series is their ability to pack a powerful story into a concise format. They prove that anime doesn't need to be long and drawn out to be impactful. Each episode is packed with emotion, character development, and stunning animation, leaving you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or just starting out, I highly recommend checking out these underrated gems. You won't be disappointed!