Let’s get real—staying on top of anime today is like attempting to sip from a firehose. With each new season comes a towering stack of shows, and while the big guns like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan hog all the attention, there are so many great titles that go unnoticed. If you’re tired of the same old shonen formula or simply missing something new, something fresh, something criminally underappreciated, you’re in for a treat. These 10 overlooked anime are gemstones waiting to be discovered that need to be on your watchlist.
10. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Did you ever wish for a blend of comfort, fantasy, love, and lip-smackingly good food? Kakuriyo has got it all. It follows college student Aoi Tsubaki, a spirit seer, as she is left stranded at a spiritual inn owned by ayakashi (Japanese supernatural creatures) by her grandfather, owing an unexpected debt: marrying an ogre innkeeper. Far from submitting to it, Aoi chooses to pay the debt herself—by baking. The outcome is a sweet, magical series with heavy Spirited Away overtones and a gentle, romantic soul. It’s perfect for lovers of slow-burn supernatural series with a cozy vibe.
9. All Saints Street
If you love slice-of-life comedy with a supernatural twist, All Saints Street is the way to go. Set in a world where mythological creatures and humans coexist, this Chinese ONA revolves around a group of quirky roommates—angels, vampires, demons, and werewolves—who live together under one roof. The art style is quirky, the humor is delightfully offbeat, and the low-stakes stories offer just the right kind of comfort after a hectic day. It’s a fun, warm-hearted series that deserves way more attention.
8. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie
Romantic comedies tend to develop the “will-they-won’t-they” tension—but Shikimori takes a pass on that altogether. This anime begins with a pre-established couple and instead plays up their relationship, subverting classic rom-com expectations. Shikimori isn’t merely the cute, supportive girlfriend—she’s also laid-back, cool, and protective, creating a freshly enjoyable dynamic. Throw in a lovable supporting cast of characters and some good comedic timing, and you’ve got a feel-good show that’s well worth your time.
7. Overtake!
Whereas most sports anime are obsessed with rivalries and victory, Overtake! is more of an inner journey. Focused on the sport of F4 racing, the series is about Madoka, a photojournalist suffering from personal trauma, who discovers a new purpose after bumping into a struggling racing team. It’s less about crossing the finish line and more about inner healing and personal development. With lovely animation and emotionally grounded storytelling, it’s an emotional rollercoaster perfect even for non-racing fans.
6. The Heike Story
There’s not often much said about historical anime, but The Heike Story is an absolute gem. This adaptation of the tragic downfall of the Taira clan in 13th-century Japan is both gorgeous to look at and emotionally charged. Directed by the sheer genius Naoko Yamada and produced by Science Saru, the series intertwines folklore and history in a manner both poetic and earthed. The visual aesthetic is offbeat, and the narrative is intimate but epic in scope—so this is a secret gem for anyone who appreciates clever, stylish anime.
5. Odd Taxi
Odd Taxi may at first appear to be no more than an offbeat story about a walrus cabdriver—but don’t be deceived. Behind its bizarre facade is one of the smartest, most well-constructed mystery whodunits in some time. The series takes Odokawa through his everyday life, which then gets entangled in a conspiracy of missing people, illicit business, and interlinking lives. Each character is well-developed, and the narrative is masterfully constructed layer by layer. If you’re a fan of slow-burn mysteries that pay dividends manyfold, this one’s for you.
4. Sonny Boy
Unapologetically quirky and rich in philosophical connotations, Sonny Boy is not your run-of-the-mill anime. It begins with a straightforward premise—a group of high school students is sent to some sort of bizarre alternate reality—but soon develops into an allegorical examination of identity, society, and humanity. The animation is minimalist but evocative, the storytelling loose and open to interpretation. It’s a show that asks you to think, to reflect, and to interpret. If you enjoy cerebral science fiction with a twist of the surreal, Sonny Boy will have a lasting impact.
3. Raven of the Inner Palace
Mixing supernatural mystery and historical intrigue, Raven of the Inner Palace is an unobtrusive but engrossing gem. It is a fiction set within a fictionalized ancient China and centers upon Liu Shouxue, the enigmatic Raven Consort who resides secluded from society but is compelled to unravel spiritual and political enigmas within the palace. With its stunning art direction, character development that burns slowly, and dense atmosphere, watching the show is like reading an ancient legend come to life. It’s ideal for audiences who enjoy quiet storytelling with a touch of mystique.
2. Link Click
Time-travel anime are ubiquitous, but Link Click is different with its original concept and emotional narrative. This Chinese donghua is about two friends who can enter photographs to live through memories—and occasionally change them. Every episode is like a mini short story, filled to the brim with feeling, tension, and a deep sense of impending doom. The overall mystery will keep you on the edge, but it’s the character-driven episodes that truly deliver. Link Click is a difficult combination of creativity and emotion to match, and it needs so much more international recognition.
1. Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
The title may be goofy, but this show most certainly is not. Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction makes the alien invasion cliché do the opposite, instead of following the invaders, following normal people living in their shadow. Ultimately, it’s a bittersweet coming-of-age tale of two friends trying to make their way through life, love, and existential horror in a slowly decaying world. It’s sentimental, unexpectedly politicized, and unapologetically human. The sci-fi aspect is the setting—the actual magic is in the relationships and emotional depth.
These hidden gems show that anime is so much more than flashy fight scenes and popular names. Whether slice-of-life, supernatural mystery, or emotionally charged stories are your thing, there’s a secret gem out there for you. So go ahead—take the plunge and find your next favorite show.