Underrated or Underpopular
Anime
Anime where the rating or popularity doesn't do it justice. Give a chance despite the low rating. This isn't saying all these are masterpieces, just that they are surprisingly good for what you expect.
TV, 2021,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
For other shows, I can find reasons why they are low rated, I cannot for this. It is beautiful and eccentric, very clearly SHAFT and NISIOISIN. Beautiful commentary on childlike wonder.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The definition of judging a book by its cover. One of the most underrated shows and that is not a joke. One of the most hype shounen sports anime out there that knows how stupid it is but that is what makes the hype moments so memorable. Getting genuinely invested and realising you got invested over this after the episode ends is very funny. A gold-standard of parody.
TV, 2009,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Appears to be harem trash akin to those of the time but leans significantly more into the comedy with very little harem. It is very funny and knows the type of show it is. Incredibly rewatchable.
TV, 2005,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Aria as a whole is not talked about as much as it should, especially the first season. Very similar to Natsume Yuujinchou. I imagine the lack of major through-plot as well as it being one of the first of a sub-genre resulted in a low rating.
TV, 2010,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Criminally underrated. Don't let the dumb name fool you, this has everything. Compelling characters, phenomenal world-building, interesting concepts, it's only not popular because it's old. If this were released today it'd be a classic. A shame we'll never see a conclusion.
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
One of the only shows that have made me cry right before making smile as much as I did. Has some of the most adorable moments along with some of the most heart-wrenching. I don't understand what people could have been expecting to rate it so low.
TV, 2011,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This is a SHAFT anime. That is probably the reason most didn't like this as it doesn't seem like a SHAFT anime at first glance. Expect extremely eccentric visuals and interactions.
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Most people stopped following the series after the bad 2nd season but season 3 surprisingly holds the same quality as season 1 if not better.
TV, 2021,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Very obviously lower budget but perfectly achieves what it sets out to achieve. Incredibly soothing and rewatchable.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
It is very obvious the siscon concept is what drove most people away from this but the show is acutely aware of that. A very interesting perspective on light novel authors while also being chill.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Highly rated, should be higher. Incredibly soothing and heart-warming.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Comedy is extremely subjective so it is understandable some are lower rated when others find them great. This is one I think deserves better though.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Another incredibly heart-warming and soothing show. Much like the others, shows in this sub-genre tend to be lower rated.
TV, 2018,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Incredibly famous but I believe lots of people rate this show low due to the grotesque first episode. What they feel is valid however the quality of the show as a whole is in no way reflective of that sentiment. One of very few brutally grounded fantasy stories.
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
This is highly rated but isn't talked about as much as it should. One of the pinnacles of the childcare sub-genre.
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Appears to be a standard trashy rom-com but is desceptively introspective and rational. It takes this weird trope it's exploring very seriously and does a good job at it.
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Another soothing, heart-warming show. Not much to be said at this point.
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Most people will assume this is just like any other childcare anime but it leans significantly more into comedy with Kumeta Koji's signature comedy and artstyle (Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei). The artstyle is absolutely beautiful and it is a very chill show that can make you laugh and smile.
TV, 2005,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Sensory overload manifest. 10x more references-per-second than Gintama but beautiful animation and wacky comedy.
TV, 2007,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Another comedy that takes common ideas to their logical extreme. Can be very hard to follow at times but that's part of its charm and it's very funny. Kumeta Koji's artstyle is beautifully adapted, very visually appealing.
TV, 2013,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Needs to be more popular, starts quite slowly but learning about produce and animals is incredibly interesting though it may not seem it.
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Incredibly satisfying to see a group of eccentric characters growing closer, don't expect deep character writing or plot. It is a feel-good story.
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
I never expected a CGDCT anime and a magical girl anime at that be genuinely funny and charming.
TV, 2021,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The visuals are incredibly striking and the experience is incredibly unique. The story is non-sensical however so don't expect a strong plot. Very much a 'watch for the vibe' over anything else.
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Several anime are similar to this so I don't understand why this is so low, it is very charming and puts a smile on your face. Don't expect heavy romance.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The problem with this is probably the time it came out. It is reminiscient of late 2000s or early 2010s anime while being late 2010s. The era has passed so it doesn't fit in. Looking at it in retrospect though, a very funny show.
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A rom-com with a gimmick however the relationships between characters were surprisingly compelling. Beautiful visuals as well.
TV, 2023,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Battle-shounen + horror, incredible. Genuinely unsettling at times but always fun to watch. Don't expect to be scared. The art style also definitely grows on you over time.
ONA, 2023,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A trashy romance drama with a significantly more compelling character dynamic than its contemporaries however it is not popular due to not being japanese.
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
I imagine lots of people went into this expecting a harem, it is not. It is a very cute rom-com where you genuinely feel happy for the main characters. There is no forced drama.
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Nobody seems to know this exists which is a shame as it has incredibly unique comedy and presentation. Don't expect the usual wacky comedy, though eccentric is in its name, it is surprisingly chill and laid-back with its comedy delivery.
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
It looks beautiful, don't think about it too hard and you will enjoy it. Let the vibe wash over you.
TV, 2010,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A show that more people should watch. This is a NISIOISIN story however, be incredibly open-minded and don't think to know where the story will go.
TV, 2013,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
It is very funny though it very much comes off as degenerate. It can be very hard to watch at time due to the cringe but that is the point.
TV, 2013,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
One of the biggest turnarounds in history, watch Little Busters, then watch this no matter what. If you don't enjoy Little Busters initially, know that this is waiting to completely change your opinion of the first season. More people should know about this, a Jun Maeda classic.
TV, 2013,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Also appears to be another harem however it is just a guy chilling with his friends. It has a very homely atmosphere that may not be expected.
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This looks like a dumb show and should be treated as such. The main concept is so thoroughly stupid but at the same time, incredibly interesting.
TV, 2014,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A trashy show though it is surprisingly chill to watch with some surprisingly thought provoking moments.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The main problem with this is that is seems to think of itself as more deep than it really is but if you take it at face value, it is a fun watch.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Incredibly charming quick bursts of comedy. Nothing side-splitting but very endearing, the later seasons are significantly funnier however.
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Actually funny anime-comedy that is also heart-warming. Fairly rated though more people should watch it.
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Drowned out by typical isekai slop, it isn't a serious story where a handyman becomes OP with a harem, it is a through and through comedy with no real plot.
Movie, 2018,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
The biggest sin this commits is having FLCL in the name. If you don't think of this as a FLCL sequel and instead, a standalone show, it becomes a very enjoyable show from a very unique perspective.
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This falls into the category of friendly girl hangs out loner guy rom-com but this is no worse than the others. Very heart-warming.
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This show is bad. Art, animation, writing, characters, all subpar. However, as of writing I have watched this show 4 times. It is unbelievably gratifying and stupid and it knows it. All the moments that would just be bad ordinarily are hilarious in the moment. Extremely underrated.
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
It starts out incredibly promising and I think it is underrated just for that. Some of the moments are incredibly funny and unexpected though very much expect trash.
TV, 2016,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This is a show made for a very specific audience it feels like and as such, it isn't that popular. The art style is beautiful however, extremely Ghibli-esque and has made me completely rethink how I view dictionaries.
TV, 2010,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This isn't high art but it also isn't trash as we know it today. It is low-brow however it is a cut above everything else in this category. It is dumb but also hilarious, incredibly animated for its time, and there are several big moments that all hit with no exception. Another one of the most rewatchable shows.
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
I hate mafia shows generally, but put them in maid outfits however and I will watch it all day. A mafia show without all the brooding and oppressiveness. Don't underestimate it however, I mean it when I say it is a mafia show. One of the best endings I have watched also.
TV, 2007,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The rating for this is completely understandable and I contemplated including it. However, past the creepiness lies a genuinely good commentary on raising children, the role of parents, wanting to be mature, and neglect. Believe me when I say I went in expecting the most disgusting thing I've watched and though it was mainly that, if you can stomach it, there are some really good moments. Though the fanservice is disgusting, it does greatly elevate its themes, but is that a worthy sacrifice? Only watch if you have grown a tolerence to this stuff.
