Ranking the Best Underrated Anime of 2023

In 2023, the anime world saw the emergence of several major franchises, but there were also numerous underrated series that didn't receive the attention they deserved. Here's a list of 10 underrated anime series from 2023 that certainly deserve more recognition. This year has been exceptional for anime enthusiasts, with a wide array of outstanding series that includes both new hits and beloved returning favorites. From the sequels of Vinland Saga and Jujutsu Kaisen to new additions like Oshi no Ko and Frieren, 2023 has provided an abundance of diverse and captivating series for fans to enjoy.

Despite the dominance of major franchises like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer this year, many outstanding anime were overlooked. Some series struggle to gain attention due to limited publicity and less eccentric characters.

As 2023 comes to a close, it's important to recognize the underrated anime that didn't receive the attention they deserve. So, here are the ten most underrated anime of the year.

10. Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion

Crunchyroll

Based on the manhwa of the same name, this hidden gem of an anime first aired in Spring 2023. The plot revolves around Park Eunha, who unexpectedly becomes the side character, Raeliana McMillian, in a novel. Raeliana is a close friend of the female lead, Beatrice. Despite knowing her fate is to be poisoned by her fiancé, Raeliana refuses to accept this destiny. Unable to leave her persistent fiancé, she strikes a deal with Duke Noah Wynknight, the male lead of the novel.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

9. Blue Orchestra

Crunchyroll

Debuting in Spring 2023, Blue Orchestra has maintained its status as one of the most underrated anime of the year, despite its compelling plot. The series chronicles the journey of Hajime Aono, a former award-winning violin prodigy who abandoned music following his father's scandal.

Hajime is struggling to find a new career path while living with his mother and attending high school. Everything changes when he meets Ritsuko Akine and hears her play the violin, inspiring him to pursue a musical career once again. But facing his past trauma and reigniting his passion for music proves to be more challenging than he anticipated.

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

8. Good Night World

Netflix

Good Night World, a Netflix series adapted from a manga, delves into the importance of family and the essence of humanity. Following a fractured family of four, they unknowingly join forces in the online game "Planet" without realizing their true connections. The plot revolves around the Akabane Family, featuring battles against monsters, clashes with rival guilds, and the intrigue surrounding the game's ultimate objective, "Black Bird." As the storyline blurs the lines between the virtual and the real world, it takes an unpredictable turn.

Where to watch: Netflix

7. The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague

Crunchyroll

The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague stands out as one of the top comfort anime series of 2023. With its gentle pace, minimal drama, and truly soothing nature, it offers a delightful escape for viewers. This series presents a heartwarming, uncomplicated romance featuring an endearing couple, charming supporting characters, and a unique blend of supernatural and office elements.

Watch Himuro, an office worker belonging to a race of supernatural beings, as he navigates the challenges of living a normal life. Join him as he meets his colleague Fuyutsuki, a calm woman with a talent for finding simple solutions to his unconventional problems. Catch the series on Crunchyroll.

6. Dark Gathering

Netflix

Dark Gathering is a captivating blend of horror and suspense, complete with chilling scenes that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around Keitarou Gentouga, a college freshman with a strong spiritual presence that attracts spirits. Despite trying to live a normal life, he becomes a private tutor for Yayoi Houzuki, the cousin of his childhood friend Eiko Houzuki.

Yayoi possesses a unique ability to see spirits, with two pupils in each eye. Following the tragic death of her parents in a car accident, she is determined to find the powerful spirit that kidnapped her late mother's soul. Aware of Keitarou's abilities, she enlists his help in her dangerous quest to locate the malevolent spirit.

Where to watch: Netflix/Prime Video

5. Undead Girl Murder Farce

Crunchyroll

This underappreciated anime first aired in the Summer of 2023. Taking place in 19th-century France, the plot kicks off with the homicide of the spouse of vampire aristocrat Jean Duchet Godard. The crime occurs in their residence, yet the nearby human officials are hesitant to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

Catch the action as Godard enlists the help of a specialized pair of private detectives with a talent for the supernatural. Tsugaru Shinuchi and his partner, Aya Rindou, are a unique and eccentric duo from Japan, on a mission to reclaim what was stolen from them. Available to watch on Crunchyroll.

4. Ron Kamonohashi: Deranged Detective

Crunchyroll

The story, based on a Shonen manga by Akira Amano, centers around two detectives, Totomaru Isshiki and Ron Kamonohashi. Totomaru may not have the necessary skills for the investigative team in the Metropolitan Police Department, but that doesn't hinder his determination to assist others.

Conversely, Ron, once a highly promising detective, now lives a solitary life and lacks the drive to work. Yet, Totomaru may hold the key to reigniting Ron's former passion.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

3. Ragna Crimson

Prime Video

Ragna Crimson is a Shonen fantasy that debuted in Fall 2023. It unfolds in a realm where dragons dominate the sky, sea, and earth. Those who dare to challenge and triumph over them must possess extraordinary strength beyond that of regular humans.

You can watch the story of dragon hunter Ragna, who teams up with the enigmatic Crimson to defeat the dragons, on Amazon Prime. Both Ragna and Crimson are determined to take down the dragon monarchs despite being vastly different beings.

2. My New Boss Is Goofy

Crunchyroll

The anime series My New Boss is Goofy premiered in Fall 2023. This slice-of-life office show centers around Kentarou Momose, who switches jobs to escape his previous boss’s harassment. Worried that he would encounter similar issues at his new job, Momose is surprised to find that his new boss, Yuusei Shirosaki, is a goofy, kind, and somewhat clumsy individual. Despite this, Shirosaki proves to be a competent and respected leader among his colleagues. While the animation may not be top-notch, the captivating story more than makes up for it.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

1. Insomniacs After School

Prime Video

Insomniacs After School is an engaging tale that delves into the themes of personal development and embracing individuality. The narrative revolves around Ganta Nakami and Isaki Magari, two high school students grappling with their own struggles. Ganta's difficulty in getting a good night's sleep leaves him feeling irritable and withdrawn, while Isaki, despite her carefree facade, conceals her own battle with insomnia from those around her.

You can watch this on Amazon Prime.

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

Crunchyroll stands as the ultimate destination for streaming anime, offering popular titles such as One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. With the help of ExpressVPN, users can enjoy unrestricted access to the platform's complete library, no matter their location outside the US.

If you are overseas, simply follow these steps to gain access to Crunchyroll's complete library:

1. Register for ExpressVPN, which provides high-speed servers and ensures a secure, private connection from anywhere in the world.

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 all your favorite anime, and maybe discover some new ones.

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

Furthermore, you have the option to stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can opt for a subscription. Additionally, there is a 14-day free trial available if you are undecided.

You can check out our other anime coverage here.

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Editor's P/S

As an avid anime fan, I'm thrilled to see the recognition given to these underrated anime of 2023. Each series brings something unique and captivating to the table, from the intriguing plot of "Raeliana McMillian" to the heartwarming romance of "The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague." It's wonderful to see these hidden gems finally getting the attention they deserve.

However, I can't help but feel that there are still many more underrated anime out there that haven't been mentioned. The anime community is vast and diverse, and there are countless series that deserve recognition for their creativity, storytelling, and beautiful animation. I encourage fellow anime enthusiasts to explore beyond the mainstream titles and discover these lesser-known gems. By supporting these underrated anime, we can help ensure that they receive the recognition they deserve and continue to enrich the anime landscape with their unique contributions.