Top 10 Underrated Anime Series of the Last Decade

The anime world is vast and ever-expanding, with hundreds of new series released every year. While some gain instant popularity and widespread acclaim, many excellent shows fly under the radar. In this article, we’ll explore ten underrated anime gems from the past decade (2014-2024) that deserve more attention. We’ll provide details on ratings, where to watch, episode counts, and why each series is worth your time.

This ensures that we are highlighting the most recent and relevant works that have yet to gain the widespread acclaim they deserve. Additionally, these series must have a relatively small but dedicated fan base, with low viewership numbers compared to the genre’s most popular titles.

Another crucial factor is the overall quality and creativity of the series. While popularity and mainstream success are not the sole determinants of a show’s worth, the selected anime must demonstrate exceptional storytelling, character development, and visual artistry that set them apart from the crowd. These underrated gems should offer a unique and captivating viewing experience that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Finally, we have also considered the diversity of genres and themes represented in this list. From heartwarming slice-of-life stories to mind-bending psychological thrillers, the top 10 underrated anime series will showcase the breadth and depth of the medium, catering to a wide range of viewer preferences and interests.

Here’s The Top Underrated Anime List

Houseki no Kuni (Land of the Lustrous)

Rating: 8.4/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, HIDIVE

Land of the Lustrous is a visually stunning CGI anime that tells the story of Phosphophyllite, a young gem-person living in a world inhabited by crystalline beings. The series explores themes of identity, purpose, and change against a backdrop of mysterious enemies and existential threats.

What makes it special: The unique premise, breathtaking animation, and deep philosophical undertones make Land of the Lustrous a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The character development of Phosphophyllite is particularly noteworthy, as we watch them grow from a fragile, naive gem into a complex, multifaceted individual.

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

Rating: 8.6/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 25 (two seasons)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video

This period drama focuses on the art of rakugo, a form of Japanese verbal entertainment. The story spans several decades, following the lives of two rakugo performers and their complex relationship with the art form and each other.

What makes it special: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu offers a deep dive into Japanese culture and history. Its mature storytelling, nuanced characters, and exploration of themes like legacy and artistic passion make it a standout series often overlooked by mainstream anime fans.

Ping Pong the Animation

Rating: 8.7/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 11
Where to watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll

Don’t let the unconventional art style deter you – Ping Pong the Animation is a masterpiece of storytelling and character development. The series follows two friends with contrasting personalities as they navigate the competitive world of table tennis.

What makes it special: The unique visual style, coupled with deep character exploration and themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery, elevates this sports anime beyond its genre conventions. The series also features an outstanding soundtrack that perfectly complements the intense matches and emotional moments.

Beastars

Rating: 7.9/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 24 (two seasons)
Where to watch: Netflix

Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, Beastars explores the tensions between herbivores and carnivores in a high school setting. The story primarily follows Legoshi, a wolf struggling with his predatory instincts, as he develops feelings for a rabbit classmate.

What makes it special: Beastars uses its animal-human hybrid world as a lens to examine societal issues, prejudice, and personal identity. The series tackles mature themes with nuance and presents complex characters that defy simple categorization.

Odd Taxi

Rating: 8.7/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 13
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video

This mystery thriller revolves around Odokawa, a walrus taxi driver whose ordinary life becomes entangled in a missing person case. As the story unfolds, it weaves together the lives of various characters in unexpected ways.

What makes it special: Odd Taxi’s tight narrative, clever dialogue, and interconnected plot threads make for a compelling viewing experience. The series subverts expectations at every turn and rewards attentive viewers with subtle foreshadowing and layered storytelling.

Mob Psycho 100

Rating: 8.5/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 37 (three seasons)
Where to watch: Netflix

While not entirely unknown, Mob Psycho 100 still deserves more recognition. The series follows Shigeo Kageyama, a powerful psychic who tries to live a normal life despite his extraordinary abilities.

What makes it special: Beyond its spectacular animation and action sequences, Mob Psycho 100 shines in its character development and themes. It explores personal growth, the nature of power, and the importance of humility in a way that’s both entertaining and profound.

Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life

Rating: 8.2/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 26 (two seasons)
Where to watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, JustWatch

This music-centered anime follows the members of a high school koto (traditional Japanese string instrument) club as they strive to keep the club alive and compete in national competitions.

What makes it special: Kono Oto Tomare! combines beautiful music with heartfelt character development. The series excels in portraying the growth of its characters, both as musicians and as individuals, while offering a window into the world of traditional Japanese music.

Shadows House

Rating: 7.8/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 25 (two seasons)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video

Set in a mysterious mansion, Shadows House follows the story of Kate, a “shadow” without a face, and her living doll Emilico. As they navigate the strange rules and secrets of the house, they uncover dark truths about their world.

What makes it special: Shadows House presents a unique gothic mystery with an intriguing premise. The series gradually builds its world and mythology, keeping viewers engaged with its atmospheric storytelling and endearing characters.

Kemono no Souja Erin (The Beast Player Erin)

Rating: 8.3/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 50
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

This fantasy series follows Erin, a young girl who grows up to become a caretaker of mythical beasts. Set in a richly detailed world, the story spans years as Erin faces personal challenges and political intrigue.

What makes it special: Kemono no Souja Erin stands out for its thoughtful world-building, complex characters, and exploration of themes like the relationship between humans and nature. Despite its length, the pacing remains consistent, allowing for deep character development and intricate plotting.

Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour)

Rating: 8.2/10 on MyAnimeList
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

In a post-apocalyptic world, two girls, Chito and Yuuri, travel through the ruins of civilization on their Kettenkrad (a half-track motorcycle). As they search for food and fuel, they ponder the nature of their existence and the world that was lost.

What makes it special: Girls’ Last Tour offers a unique blend of slice-of-life charm and post-apocalyptic melancholy. The series excels in creating a contemplative atmosphere, encouraging viewers to reflect on philosophical questions alongside its endearing protagonists.

Honorable Mentions

While the top 10 underrated anime series highlighted in this article represent some of the most compelling and overlooked gems of the last decade, there are several other series that deserve honorable mentions:

• “Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash” (2016): A captivating and introspective take on the isekai genre, “Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash” explores the challenges and emotional toll of being transported to a fantastical world.
• “The Promised Neverland” (2019): This psychological thriller offers a uniquely dark and thought-provoking narrative that subverts the expectations of the genre.
• “Yuri!!! on Ice” (2016): A heartwarming and groundbreaking series that celebrates the world of competitive figure skating and the LGBTQ+ community.
• “Dororo” (2019): A visually stunning and thematically rich adaptation of the classic manga, “Dororo” blends historical drama with supernatural elements.
• “Owarimonogatari” (2015-2017): The latest entry in the acclaimed “Monogatari” series, “Owarimonogatari” showcases the franchise’s exceptional storytelling and visual flair.

Why These Anime Deserve More Attention

These ten anime series represent a diverse range of genres, styles, and themes, yet they share a common trait: they’re often overlooked in discussions of great anime from the past decade. Each offers a unique viewing experience that challenges conventions and pushes the boundaries of storytelling in animation.

From the philosophical musings of Land of the Lustrous to the intense character studies of Ping Pong the Animation, these shows demonstrate the depth and breadth of what anime can achieve as a medium. They tackle complex themes, present nuanced characters, and often experiment with visual styles and narrative structures.

Moreover, many of these series serve as gateways to broader cultural understanding. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu offers insight into a traditional Japanese art form, while Kemono no Souja Erin presents a fully realized fantasy world with its own ecology and politics. Beastars and Odd Taxi use anthropomorphic characters to explore human nature and societal issues in innovative ways.

The animation quality in these series is also noteworthy. Whether it’s the groundbreaking CGI of Land of the Lustrous, the stylized fluidity of Ping Pong the Animation, or the vibrant action sequences of Mob Psycho 100, these anime push the visual boundaries of the medium.

Conclusion

The world of anime is vast and diverse, with new treasures waiting to be discovered by discerning viewers. The ten series highlighted in this article represent just a small sample of the underappreciated gems produced in the last decade. Each offers a unique and rewarding viewing experience that goes beyond typical genre conventions.

We encourage anime fans to step outside their comfort zones and give these series a chance. Whether you’re drawn to philosophical science fiction, character-driven dramas, or innovative takes on familiar genres, there’s something on this list for every taste.

Remember, ratings and popularity don’t always reflect the true quality or potential impact of a series. By exploring these underrated anime, you might just discover your new favorite show and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic and narrative possibilities of anime as a medium.