Top 5 Underrated Anime Worth Watching Once

The anime world is vast, and while titans like Demon Slayer and One Piece dominate the headlines, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These shows might not have the biggest marketing budgets, but they deliver incredible storytelling, unique art styles, and unforgettable characters.

If you are looking for something different from the usual shonen battles, here are five underrated masterpieces that you absolutely need to watch at least once.

1. Odd Taxi

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Don't be fooled by the cute animal character designs. Odd Taxi is one of the most mature, well-written, and gripping mystery thrillers in recent years. The story follows Odokawa, a cynical taxi driver who inadvertently gets involved in a missing person case that connects to the Yakuza.

The dialogue is sharp, realistic, and incredibly witty. Every seemingly random conversation is a puzzle piece that fits into a larger, shocking conclusion. It is a masterclass in storytelling that respects the audience's intelligence.

2. Great Pretender

Genre: Crime, Comedy, Adventure

If you love heist movies like Ocean's Eleven, this show is made for you. Great Pretender is a vibrant, high-energy global adventure that follows Makoto Edamura, a small-time con artist from Japan who gets swept up into the world of high-stakes international fraud.

Produced by WIT Studio, the animation is absolutely gorgeous, featuring a unique, colorful art style that pops off the screen. The series takes you from Los Angeles to Singapore and London, delivering twists, turns, and emotional depth you won't expect.

3. A Place Further Than The Universe

Genre: Adventure, Slice of Life, Drama

This is arguably one of the most inspiring anime ever made. The story centers on Mari Tamaki, a high school girl who wants to make the most of her youth, and Shirase Kobuchizawa, who is determined to travel to Antarctica to find her missing mother.

Together with two other girls, they embark on an impossible journey to the bottom of the world. It is a beautiful, tear-jerking story about friendship, perseverance, and stepping out of your comfort zone. By the end, you will want to start your own adventure.

4. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

Genre: Comedy, School, Creativity

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is a love letter to animation itself. Directed by the legendary Masaaki Yuasa, it follows three high school girls who come together to create their own anime. Each girl brings a unique skill: one is a concept artist, one is an animator, and the third is a ruthless producer.

The show visually demonstrates the power of imagination, blending the girls' real world with their wild fantasy creations. It is passionate, educational, and incredibly fun to watch.

5. 91 Days

Genre: Crime, Drama, Historical

Set during the Prohibition era, 91 Days is a dark, gritty revenge tale perfect for fans of The Godfather or Boardwalk Empire. After his family is murdered by the Vanetti mafia, Angelo Lagusa grows up waiting for the perfect moment to strike back.

He infiltrates the family under a new name, befriending the son of the man he hates most. The tension is palpable in every episode, leading to a tragic and unforgettable conclusion. It is a short, complete story that leaves a lasting impact.

Which of these hidden gems will you watch first? Let us know!

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