10 Must-See Anime You’ll Never Expect To Love

In today’s world, there is an abundance of excellent anime available, making it necessary to go through a careful selection process for any viewer. To get the best out of your anime journey, it’s important to narrow down the choices and avoid spending time on titles that may not be as compelling or high-quality. Although there are some must-watch anime series that everyone should experience, there are also many options that might not appeal to every viewer, sometimes due to subjective preferences rather than inherent quality.

This list serves as a counterargument to judging books by their covers. The following ten anime might seem unappealing at first glance on your preferred streaming service. However, they are of high quality and once you give them a try, you’ll find yourself appreciating them.

1) The Ancient Magus’ Bride

This intriguing anime titled “The Ancient Magus’ Bride” may have gone unnoticed if you weren’t following the anime scene in the late 2010s. Despite its grand debut accompanied by a lot of excitement, it has since become less prominent. The story revolves around a teenage girl who was orphaned and is sold to a mysterious supernatural entity, who then guides her through a setting that seamlessly blends the extraordinary with the ordinary. With its unique charm, it’s quite simple to overlook this series as a casual viewer, as a brief description and genre labels can’t fully convey the enchantment it offers. Similarly, the recent hit anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” is challenging to summarize in just text or a trailer, making it harder for viewers to discover it on their own without a personal recommendation.

Without a doubt, I strongly endorse “The Ancient Magus’ Bride”. Produced by Wit Studio and Studio Kafka (a Twin Engine subsidiary), this masterpiece boasts impressive craftsmanship in production, direction, and sound design. Depending on who you talk to, various genre categories could apply to it: urban fantasy, dark fantasy, psychological, romance, even slice-of-life. It deftly juggles both darkness and humor, making it a unique anime experience that’s hard to match.

2) Bocchi the Rock!

In a modern twist reminiscent of “K-On!”, the anime “Bocchi the Rock!” forms an emotional bond. However, both shows might initially deter viewers for similar reasons. “Bocchi the Rock!” centers around Hitoro Goto, a shy, talented guitarist who joins Nijika Ijichi’s newly formed Kessoku Band. Despite appearing as another music-focused “cute girls doing cute things” series, “Bocchi the Rock!” carries a deep emotional weight.

Regardless of whether music or slice-of-life anime don’t usually appeal to you, I strongly recommend giving this one a chance. There are several reasons it captivates so many viewers. Many people find themselves relating to Bocchi’s awkwardness and feelings of isolation, and its portrayal of anxiety has been highly praised. The music is excellent, the characters are endearing, the humor is genuinely unexpected, and the writing overall is well-crafted. Similar to K-On!, Bocchi! possesses a certain charm that can convert even the most skeptical fans towards the cute side.

3) Akiba Maid War

At first glance, it’s understandable why many people might not find themselves immediately attracted to “Akiba Maid War”. However, this anime is surprisingly unique and stands out among the others on the list. To put it simply, the title is a play on words, as “maid” and “underworld” are pronounced identically in Japanese. This sets up the story: an underworld of maid-like yakuza figures competing for control in Akihabara.

Absolutely, this animated series, titled “Akiba Maid Wars“, offers a delightful blend of humor and action. Despite its straightforward comic formula, there’s an added depth that makes it truly captivating. The characters are well-developed, often provoking hearty laughter, yet they also display thoughtful development. Anime with comedic elements can be incredibly engaging, especially when executed with a simple but effective narrative. “Akiba Maid Wars” stands out for its lasting impact, drawing you in and leaving you emotionally entangled in its intricate web of violence, bloodshed, and the resilient maids at its core.

4) The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World

Initially, “The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World” appears to be a show centered on a novelty concept. This assumption is not entirely off-base. However, unlike many series based on gimmicks, this one stands out. Typically, such shows rely heavily on the initial appeal of their gimmick and may falter once it loses its luster. Contrarily, “The Red Ranger” defies this norm. Instead, it offers a rich narrative that continues to captivate beyond the initial concept.

Fundamentally, “Red Ranger” is a playful satire that heavily references shows similar to “Power Rangers” (specifically “Super Sentai”), but it’s equally an homage to the sentai and tokusatsu genres. The narrative humorously places the Red Ranger in a conventional fantasy world known as an isekai, creating an engaging blend of relationships and intriguing world-building. If you hold any fondness for the nostalgic action TV shows from our past, “Red Ranger” will undoubtedly be worth your time.

5) ReLIFE

ReLIFE” has earned our endorsement through our unique staff recommendations, and it’s well deserved. Contrary to what the premise might suggest, ReLIFE doesn’t reveal its excellence upfront. The plot revolves around a man who is given a pill to relive his youth, which could appear overly sweet or sentimental. However, the characters may not seem extraordinary at first glance. Nevertheless, ReLIFE is a perfect example of “never judging a book by its cover.

In the heart of ReLIFE, I find a compelling reflection: the idea of a second chance. It doesn’t gloss over this notion; instead, it delves deeply into its implications. Unlike a fantasy where one could rectify all past errors and live an ideal life, or a tale of self-punishment in a world filled with flawless individuals, ReLIFE presents a nuanced exploration of our fascination with second chances – their potential consequences for us, if we were ever granted them.

6) Shangri-La Frontier

Terrific! Looks like we’ve got another Shangri-La Frontier here. At first glance, it appears to be your typical series set in a virtual world, but there’s a lot more depth to it than meets the eye. Sure, it might seem a bit outlandish with its quirky elements, like our hero sporting a bird head, which could be a deal-breaker for those who prefer their anime grounded and serious. However, beneath the familiar MMO tropes lies an intriguing effort to redefine the subgenre.

In the not-too-distant future, when virtual reality gaming has become commonplace and developers often struggle to adapt, numerous games are derided as “junk games” due to their bug-ridden nature, born from developer mistakes. The protagonist, Rakuro Hizutome, or his in-game persona Sunraku, takes pleasure in seeking out and playing these subpar games. To break the monotony, he decides to play a highly anticipated AAA game named Shangri-La Frontier. However, an unexpected bug in this game prevents him from equipping armor, a peculiarity in this immersive virtual world. Sunraku’s expertise in playing flawed games proves useful in an amusing, captivating twist on a well-known genre.

7) Tadaima, Okaeri

At first glance, “Tadaima, Okaeri” might not appear to be something you’d enjoy. In essence, it’s a story set in an Omegaverse, which is a type of yaoi where the world has two primary classes of people: omegas (who can be impregnated) and alphas (who prey on and impregnate omegas). This universe also includes betas, a category that follows traditional gender/sex roles. Each group carries certain social implications; for instance, in this story, omegas are considered inferior to alphas.

As an avid anime fan, I must say that Tadaima, Okaeri shatters all preconceived notions about BL stories; it’s an anime packed with emotion, revolving around a devoted alpha, his tender husband, and their charming son, Hikari. If you imagine the warm, heartfelt moments of Spy x Family softened even more, that gives you an idea of its enchanting ambiance. Add to this its compelling drama, character growth that truly resonates, and the unique perspective it offers by portraying a world where the “heterosexual” and “homosexual” labels are blurred, and it becomes clear why Tadaima, Okaeri promises an immersive viewing experience that is nothing short of rewarding.

8) Delicious in Dungeon

In the Dungeon is an exceptional mini-series produced by Studio Trigger, based on the manga penned by Ryoko Kui. The story revolves around a group of valiant adventurers venturing into the heart of a perilous dungeon to resurrect a fallen ally. They sustain themselves by feasting on an assortment of tasty monsters they encounter along the way. This captivating series is endearingly adorable, featuring a delightful cast of characters, imaginative world-building, and top-notch storytelling.

Many individuals express reluctance towards watching “Delicious in Dungeon” due to their discomfort with cooking anime. However, Studio Trigger’s renown is not without merit, as the anime showcases its distinctive, exaggerated style. It might seem that the plot revolves solely around cooking and fantasy elements, but upon closer inspection, it offers a substantial narrative that goes beyond these basic categories. Therefore, I strongly recommend giving it a try, as it may quickly become one of your favorites.

9) Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, romantic comedies in anime were quite common, and series like Toradora! left a lasting impression. While many find them appealing, it’s important to remember that they may not suit everyone’s taste. This brings us to Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions (often abbreviated as Chuni or Chunibyo). Unfortunately, it blends in with the numerous anime producing similar content, and it doesn’t seem to offer compelling reasons for someone who generally dislikes romantic comedies to watch it.

But Chuni stands out. It’s hilarious with some surprising moments that explore growing pains and the search for identity during adolescence. The name Chuni originates from “chunibyo”, a term used for teenagers who believe they have special powers. Our main character, Yuta, is trying to move past his chunibyo phase, while our female lead, Rikka, is deeply immersed in it. Despite its straightforward premise, Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions offers an emotional, relatable, and entertaining viewing experience. Even though there are moments of serious drama throughout, the sweetness of this romantic comedy shines brightly. In a sea of romance anime, Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions is exceptional, and even those who don’t typically enjoy the genre will find themselves touched by it.

10) Deca-Dence

It’s not difficult to find good original anime series; there are numerous exceptional ones available currently. However, the abundance of high-quality original anime is a relatively new phenomenon; in the past, quality originals were exceptions rather than the norm. Unfortunately for Deca-Dence, it was released in 2020, which could be considered the beginning of what some might call the global anime renaissance due to the pandemic. Additionally, original anime don’t have the advantage of being part of a franchise that can sustain interest through spin-offs and announcements.

In simpler terms, “Deca-Dence” didn’t receive much attention initially, which means it’s likely overlooked now as well, given it’s an original anime. Its plot may not seem exceptional at first glance, being based on a typical sci-fi/action setup of threats to existence and those who combat them. However, the relationships between its main characters (Natsume and her mentor Kaburagi) and the excellent production by Studio Nut (known for their top-tier talent from Madhouse and others) elevate it. It’s vibrant, daring, and concludes with a powerful ending that enhances an already satisfying conclusion.

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2025-07-18 22:12