The Top 25 Hidden Gem Anime Series That Deserve Your Attention

Summary

Hulu, Funimation, Crunchyroll

Kaleido Star is a hidden gem within the world of anime. It chronicles the journey of a young girl named Sora as she relentlessly pursues her dream of becoming a performer on the esteemed Kaleido Stage. Boasting visually stunning animation and an uplifting narrative, Kaleido Star unquestionably merits greater appreciation.

In essence, this article delves into numerous unsung anime series that warrant greater recognition. From Sonny Boy to Kaleido Star, these shows present distinct and engrossing stories that fans ought to unearth and relish.

Anime's popularity has skyrocketed in recent times, leaving fans curious about the most overlooked anime series of all time once they have finished watching the renowned ones. While shows like My Hero Academia or Attack on Titan achieve mainstream success, there are many hidden gems in the anime world that are greatly underrated.

Currently, there is an abundance of highly acclaimed anime series being released, making it impossible for enthusiasts to keep up with all of them. As a result, some exceptional shows tend to get overshadowed. These underrated anime series possess the same level of brilliance as the massively popular Dragon Ball.

25 Sonny Boy

Year Released	2021
Number of Episodes	12
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

Sonny Boy is an exceptionally captivating anime that stands out for its visually stunning animation. The story revolves around a group of high school students who find themselves transported to a seemingly featureless world. Amidst the conflicts and power dynamics within the class, the protagonist Nagara, isolates himself and maintains a connection only with his sole friend, Nozomi. Although Sonny Boy didn't gain as much attention as other popular anime series of 2021 like Ranking of Kings and Odd Taxi, it deserves to be recognized just as highly. Undoubtedly, Sonny Boy can be considered one of the most underrated anime of all time, rivaling the quality of the aforementioned beloved series.

24 Kaiba

Year Released	2008
Number of Episodes	12
Where to Stream it	Amazon Prime

Kaiba, a series from the esteemed animator Maasaki Yuasa, known for his works on The Tatami Galaxy and Devilman: Crybaby, is a hidden gem that warrants greater recognition. The story revolves around a young man named Kaiba who wakes up one day to find a hole in his chest and a complete loss of his memories. As Kaiba embarks on a mesmerizing journey through a vibrant science-fiction universe, the series delves deep into themes of identity and social inequality. Though unfortunately overlooked, Kaiba is undeniably a masterpiece that demands the attention of avid anime enthusiasts.

23 Wolf's Rain

Year Released	2003
Episodes	26 + 4 OVAs
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation

While Adult Swim has had success in popularizing various anime series among Western fans, not all of the shows they aired achieved the same level of recognition. Wolf's Rain, for instance, garnered a decent-sized fandom during its run on Adult Swim. However, it hasn't attained the same level of remembrance as other contemporaries like Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion. The plot revolves around a group of wolves who are on a quest to discover paradise before the world comes to an end. Due to its somber premise and storyline, it's understandable why the series may have been overshadowed. Nevertheless, Wolf's Rain ultimately conveys a message of hope amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges. Its exquisite animation and compelling characters undoubtedly make it one of Adult Swim's most underappreciated anime offerings.

22 Yuri Kuma Arashi

Year Released	2015
Episodes	12
Where to Stream it	Funimation

Yurikuma Arashi, an anime series by Kunihiko Ikuhara, the creator of Sailor Moon, is a captivating exploration of lesbian identity in Japan. Building upon the sapphic elements present in Ikuhara's beloved Revolutionary Girl Utena, Yurikuma delves into the complexities of what it means to be a lesbian individual. The show takes place in a society where alien bears with the ability to take human form are segregated due to the perceived threat they pose to societal norms. While Yurikuma may have its moments of lightheartedness, it also delves into significant themes across its concise 12-episode arc. For enthusiasts of LGBTQ anime, Yurikuma Arashi is undoubtedly a series worth exploring!

21 RahXephon

Year Released	2002
Episodes	26
Where to Stream it	HIDIVE

RahXephon, one of the many mech anime produced after Neon Genesis Evangelion, successfully captures the essence of its predecessor by combining intense mech action with profound psychological themes. However, RahXephon takes this combination to another level, showcasing stunning animation and a distinct focus on music. The story centers around Ayato, a young man whose peaceful life in Tokyo is abruptly disrupted by an unexpected invasion of aircraft. As Ayato encounters the eponymous mech, he assumes the role of its pilot to combat colossal clay creatures known as Dolems. With its exceptional visuals and unique emphasis on music, RahXephon surpasses many of the other mech anime that emerged after Evangelion, earning it the status of a criminally underrated series.

20 Hell Girl

Year Released	2005
Episodes	90
Where to Stream it	Currently unavailable to stream in the US

Hell Girl is an underappreciated anime that combines elements of supernatural and horror genres. It captivates viewers through its collection of self-contained episodes, which delve into the harrowing experiences of characters tormented by those around them. When they reach their breaking point, they turn to a mysterious website to summon the enigmatic Hell Girl, known as Enma Ai. Enma Ai extends an offer to exact revenge by sending the tormentors straight to Hell; however, entering into a contract with her comes at a steep price. By accepting her proposition, they also seal their own fate, dooming their souls to eternity in Hell upon their demise.

19 AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)

Hell Girl is a captivating series that illuminates the gripping power of vengeance. It's truly captivating to witness the comeuppance of truly wicked individuals, but it also poses thought-provoking inquiries into one's sense of right and wrong and the complexities of revenge.

Year Released	2011
Number of Episodes	11
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation

After the tragic death of their friend Menma during their childhood, Jinta Yadomi and his companions have gradually drifted apart. Jinta himself has become an isolated individual until one summer day when the ghost of an older Menma appears to him, seeking his assistance in fulfilling her "wish." AnoHana portrays a poignant coming-of-age tale that grapples with grief and the challenges of growing up. Jinta, Menma, and the other members of the "Super Peace Busters" are skillfully crafted characters, each with their own heartrending experiences of loss that are equally profound when taken as a whole. Despite being underrated, AnoHana stands as one of the finest anime productions of all time.

18 Skip Beat!

Year Released	2008
Episodes	25
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll

Kyoko Mogami's sole purpose in life is to support her boyfriend, an aspiring pop star. However, once he achieves fame, he heartlessly betrays Kyoko, leaving her behind after years of unwavering support. Determined to seek revenge, Kyoko sets out on a journey to become a renowned star herself, far surpassing her former lover's success. While the anime adaptation of her story is relatively short, Skip Beat! also features Drama CDs that further explore the narrative. With greater recognition, these CDs could have potentially led to additional seasons for the show. Skip Beat! presents a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and the quest for retribution, making it a series that truly deserved more attention than it initially received.

17 Haganai

Year Released	2011
Episodes	24
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation

A club is formed by a group of socially awkward high school students, seeking to help each other learn the art of making friends. Despite its fanservice and dark humor, this series has managed to maintain a dedicated fanbase throughout the years. Underrated and deserving of more recognition, Haganai offers a dry and sarcastic style of humor that distinguishes it from its more overt counterparts. While not everyone's cup of tea, those who prioritize humor above all else should definitely give Haganai a shot.

16 Hikaru No Go

Year Released	2001
Episodes	75
Where to Stream it	Hulu

Anime series based on card games, like Yu-Gi-Oh! and the more niche but equally captivating Chihayafuru, are quite common. However, there are only a few series that revolve around board games. Hikaru no Go is one of those exceptional series, as it derives its inspiration from the ancient Chinese board game known as Go. This series brings a fresh and captivating twist to the game, as it follows Hikaru, a middle school student, who ventures into the world of professional Go players under the guidance of a ghost from the Heian era. With its focus on the surprisingly competitive nature of professional Go players, this series is brought to life by Takeshi Obata, the esteemed artist behind Death Note.

15 The Twelve Kingdoms

Year Released	2002
Episodes	45
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Retro Crush, Tubi

14 Kaleido Star

In addition to Inuyasha, there are several other anime series in the fantasy/historical genre that have gained popularity. One such series is The 12 Kingdoms, which is based on a manga of the same name. While the manga focuses on multiple characters, the anime adaptation centers around Yoko Nakajima, a red-haired girl who unexpectedly finds herself transported from Japan to a different world and discovers that she is destined to be an empress. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology, this lesser-known isekai anime offers a unique and somewhat unconventional storyline, making it a perfect choice for fans of high fantasy. Yoko, the admirable and resilient female protagonist, overcomes numerous challenges on her journey to earn the prestigious title of Empress of the Kingdom of Kei.

Year Released	2003
Episodes	51
Where to Stream it	Funimation, Tubi

Everyone has aspirations, and for Sora Naegino, a teenager hailing from Japan, her ultimate dream is to become a highly acclaimed performer at the renowned Kaleido Stage. Despite the enormity of her ambition, Sora soon discovers that achieving her goals in the world of entertainment demands unwavering dedication, determination, and perseverance. Although Kaleido Star possesses the essence of a typical shoujo anime, it sets itself apart with a grounded narrative that effectively resonates with fans, as they witness the countless hardships and challenges faced by Sora and the rest of the captivating characters. For those who enjoy Oshi no Ko but desire a lighter tone, Kaleido Star proves to be an ideal choice.

13 Mushi-shi (2005 - 2006)

Year Released	2005
Number of Episodes	46 + 2 Specials
Where to Stream it	Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

12 School Rumble

Mushi-shi is a captivating anthology series that follows the captivating journeys of Ginko, a man with the extraordinary ability to perceive the otherworldly beings known as Mushi. These ethereal spirits coexist with humans, often causing unforeseen troubles as people go about their daily lives. Ginko dedicates himself to aiding those afflicted by the adverse effects of the Mushi. With a lack of a grand narrative, the series intimately delves into the lives of the individuals Ginko encounters, foregoing action and suspense in favor of breathtaking animation and intimate storytelling. The leisurely pace allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the mesmerizing atmosphere. Despite its underappreciated status, Mushi-shi's distinctive style makes it an absolute must-watch for anime enthusiasts.

12 School Rumble

Year Released	2004
Episodes	26
Where to Stream it	Hulu, Funimation

11 Tsuritama (2012)

This delightful romantic comedy series, taking place over two seasons, revolves around the captivating journey of Tenma and Kenji, the main protagonists, who find themselves caught in a captivating love triangle with their enigmatic classmate Oji. The story is cleverly told through a series of short, sketch-like sequences that not only focus on the main characters but also explore the hilarious escapades of a diverse range of minor characters. With its ability to transcend genres, reviewers have described this series as both shounen and shojo, appealing to a wide and diverse audience. Fans unanimously agree that School Rumble's energetic and whimsical nature, combined with its slightly surreal sense of humor, make it a hidden gem in the world of anime. Adding to its allure, the series boasts a phenomenal soundtrack that further cements its status as an underestimated masterpiece.

Year Released	2012
Episodes	12
Where to Stream it	Currently unavailable to stream in the US

Ostensibly a sports anime, Tsuritama revolves around the somewhat underrated pastime of fishing. However, it sets itself apart from typical genre conventions with its lack of bombastic drama and action sequences that are often found in popular sports anime like Blue Lock. Instead, the series has a more intimate focus, centering on the experiences of high school student Yuki. Yuki, who has struggled to make friends due to his constant moving, finds himself in Enoshima with his grandmother. It is here that a transfer student named Haru enters the picture, claiming to be an alien and insisting on living with them. This eccentric premise lays the foundation for a heartfelt and often overlooked exploration of friendship and coping with anxiety.

10 Yakitate!! Japan

Year Released	2004
Episodes	69
Where to Stream it	Funimation, Retro Crush

A highly underrated food-based comedy series, Yakitate!! Japan, aired in 2004, stands in stark contrast to popular anime titles like Food Wars! The anime revolves around Kazuma, the protagonist who aspires to create Japan's national bread and secure a coveted position at the most prestigious bakery in the country. Moreover, Kazuma possesses a unique ability known as "Solar Hands," which elevates the temperature of his hands ever so slightly. Despite its seemingly trivial nature, this power aids in the rapid fermentation of his bread. This delightful and amusing series showcases the art of food preparation and appreciation, delighting viewers with exaggerated and extravagant food tasting reactions.

9 Monster (2004 - 2005)

Year Released	2004
Number of Episodes	74
Where to Stream it	Netflix

8 Samurai Flamenco

Monster, an anime series that is both critically acclaimed and tragically underrated, is a gripping and realistic thriller. It delves into the world of brain surgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma, who faces a difficult decision to save the lives of two young twins instead of the mayor of his German town. As the story progresses, we learn that one of the twins, Johan, has become a horrifying serial killer, while the other leads a seemingly idyllic life with her foster parents, unaware of her brother's true nature. The plot revolves around Tenma's relentless pursuit to undo the consequences of his life-saving choice. With its dark and cinematic art style and a sophisticated storyline, the anime faithfully brings to life the highly-praised manga it is based on.

Year Released	2013
Episodes	22
Where to Stream it	Funimation

Samurai Flamenco follows the journey of Masayoshi Hazama, a male model with a lifelong ambition of becoming a superhero. Despite having no superpowers or special abilities, he continuously finds himself in conflicts with the city's criminal underworld and the police. However, his cause gains unexpected support when a young officer named Hidenori Goto becomes involved. Initially starting as a lighthearted comedy with a superhero theme, the anime takes a sudden shift in genre, escalating in intensity with each new episode, captivating viewers until the very end. Considered an underrated anime adaptation, Samurai Flamenco deserves more appreciation, especially as it paved the way for the immensely popular superhero anime, My Hero Academia.

7 Detroit Metal City

Year Released	2008
Episodes	12
Where to Stream it	Currently unavailable to stream in the US

Soichi Negishi, a failed musician, harbors dreams of becoming a pop star. However, in order to make ends meet, he ends up as the lead singer of Detroit Metal City, a notorious death metal band. While his aspirations for pop stardom continue to falter, his alter-ego in the metal world gains immense popularity, which secretly infuriates him. Distraught and longing to escape his metal legend persona, Soichi tries to quit Detroit Metal City, only to be thrust into even greater fame. Despite its limited resources, Detroit Metal City proves to be a uproarious celebration of all types of music. With the recent triumph of Bocchi the Rock, another music anime, now is the ideal time to rediscover this underappreciated series.

6 Hamatora

Year Released	2014
Episodes	32
Where to Stream it	Currently unavailable to stream in the US

In addition to that, Hamatora explores elements of the superhero genre. Although the anime series takes place after the events of the manga of the same name, it is not necessary for fans to be familiar with the source material to enjoy it. The story revolves around two main characters, Nice and Mursaki, who operate a private investigative agency. They possess special abilities called Minimums, which they utilize to solve cases. Primarily a supernatural mystery series, it maintains a high level of suspense through numerous unexpected plot twists. While it is easy to become engrossed in the storyline, the series never loses focus on the endearing characters that attracted fans initially.