Hidden Gems: 8 Underrated Anime That Cult Fans Adore

Popular shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan are well-known in the anime community, but there are also some lesser-known cult classic series that deserve recognition. Here are eight of the best ones.

The anime genre is expansive, offering a wide range of shows with captivating stories and impressive animation. Shows like One Piece and Naruto have been dominant in the industry for a considerable amount of time.

Over time, a number of seasonal shows such as Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man have gained global popularity. Despite this, there are still some old-school anime franchises that have gone unnoticed by the mainstream community. However, they continue to have a devoted following among anime fans, solidifying their status as cult classics.

1. Serial Experiments Lain

Amazon prime

Starting off the list is one of the most unique anime series that also offers a deep exploration of mental health issues.

The storyline of Serial Experiments Lain follows the life of a 14-year-old girl named Lain, who resides with her family in a Japanese suburb. After discovering that her classmates have received an enigmatic email from a deceased peer, Lain's world takes a chilling turn when she herself receives the same email and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

2. Ghost in the Shell

IMDb

Adapted from a manga with the same title, Ghost in the Shell is an anime with a cyberpunk atmosphere. Despite its initial lack of success during its 1995 release, the film gained a devoted following after its home video debut and is now considered a cult classic.

You can watch Ghost in the Shell on Prime Video. The plot is set in a society where cybernetic technology is used to replace body parts, leading to an increase in crime rates in Japan. The anime film centers around a high-ranking officer's quest to track down a enigmatic hacker called the Puppet Master to uncover the source of the crimes.

3. Inuyasha

Crunchyroll

From the mind of Rumiko Takahashi comes Inuyasha, an anime series that delves into Japanese mythology with a darker tone. Unlike Takahashi's other works, Inuyasha features a significant amount of bloodshed, making it a must-watch for fans of violent anime. Set in the Sengoku Era, the story follows Kagome Higurashi, the reincarnation of the ancient priestess Kikyo, who is transported to the Sengoku Period after falling into a well. There, she encounters Inuyasha, a half-demon, half-human protagonist.

Despite being one of the anime shows that popularized the Isekai genre in the US, Inuyasha remained underrated for years.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu

4. Mushi-shi

Crunchyroll

Introducing an anthology series that is an anime adaptation of the manga, falling under the supernatural genre. If you're in the mood for a horror anime, this is worth giving a try. The story follows Mushi, unseen creatures that coexist with humans and are only perceived by a select few. Our main character, Ginko, also known as the Mushi Master, has made it his mission to study Mushi and aid those impacted by their presence.

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

5. Captain Tsubasa

Crunchyroll

Captain Tsubasa is an anime that has inspired many to pursue a career in football. Despite its initial popularity, it seemed to have faded into obscurity over time.

The 1978 FIFA World Cup was a major inspiration for mangaka Yoichi Takahashi, leading to the creation of the captivating narrative of Captain Tsubasa. The series follows the story of Tsubasa, an 11-year-old boy with a deep passion for football and aspirations of becoming a professional player. Viewers witness Tsubasa's journey as he perseveres through various challenges in pursuit of his dreams.

Streaming platform: Crunchyroll

6. Claymore

IMDb

Claymore is a dark fantasy series centered on Yoma, supernatural creatures with a craving for human flesh. A secretive organization develops human-Yoma hybrids to combat these beings, employing female warriors to eliminate Yoma. Despite their significant role, these warriors only receive modest compensation for their efforts.

Unfortunately, Claymore's compelling storyline did not receive the attention it deserved due to subpar marketing. This is a common issue in the manga and anime industry, where series with distinctive narratives often go unnoticed without effective promotion.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

7. The Ancient Magus’ Bride

Crunchyroll

The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a seamless combination of supernatural and slice-of-life themes. Originally published in a monthly magazine in 2013, the series gained popularity due to its unique blend of genres. The story revolves around Chise Hatori, an orphan who struggles to find acceptance within her own family and society.

Watch on Crunchyroll.

8. Yu Yu Hakusho

Crunchyroll

Get ready for the live-action adaptation of the underdog series "Yu Yu Hakusho" coming to Netflix soon. Don't miss the opportunity to compare it with the original source by watching it this weekend. The series includes supernatural elements that will give you chills, as it follows the story of a young delinquent who is reincarnated as a spirit investigator after a tragic accident.

You may not be aware that Yu Yu Hakusho has been around for 20 years, and like the Dragon Ball series, it first aired on Cartoon Network.

Streaming available on: Crunchyroll

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

ExpressVPN allows you to unlock Crunchyroll's extensive anime library from anywhere in the world, giving you access to popular series like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

When you’re overseas, follow these simple steps to access Crunchyroll’s complete range of

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN, with its high-speed servers and secure, private network available globally.

Connect to any location in the US with Express VPN, offering 24 different spots from New Jersey to Santa Monica. Visit Crunchyroll online to start streaming your favorite anime and discover new ones.

Accessing Crunchyroll's US library offers a significant advantage. For instance, Hong Kong users are limited to fewer than 100 titles, whereas the US collection includes close to 1,000 movies and TV shows.

Additionally, you have the option to stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with ads, or you can opt for a subscription. There is even a 14-day free trial available if you're undecided.

You can check out 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 a long-time anime fan, I'm always on the lookout for hidden gems that have flown under the radar of the mainstream. This list of eight underrated anime is a great starting point for anyone looking to expand their anime horizons. From the mind-bending Serial Experiments Lain to the enchanting Ancient Magus' Bride, there's something for everyone on this list.

2. One of the things I love most about anime is its diversity. There are so many different genres and styles to choose from, and this list of underrated anime is a perfect example of that. Whether you're a fan of action, adventure, comedy, or drama, there's sure to be something on this list that you'll enjoy. So if you're looking for something new to watch, I highly recommend checking out these eight cult classics.