Original anime stories are gaining wider recognition and no longer just occasional hits. Currently, the most watched animes are adaptations from cherished mangas, yet even casual fans welcome original concept shows. Classics like Cowboy Bebop, Code Geass, and Samurai Champloo have managed to swim against the tide of adaptations, becoming timeless classics. However, many original series remain undiscovered. These animes offer unlimited creative freedom for directors since they’re not bound by adaptation rules, and it keeps viewers guessing about what might happen next because everyone is in the dark.
Although the initial anime series are gaining more popularity, these ten shows should receive significantly more attention from anime enthusiasts. They range from deeply mysterious and foreboding narratives to side-splitting sci-fi journeys, and one might even inspire a desire for outdoor exploration. No matter their genre, they all merit increased admiration from the broader anime fan community. The following is a list of ten unique anime productions that every fan should consider watching.
1) Death Parade
Apart from being an exceptionally unique animated series, “Death Parade” is also compact with just 12 episodes, ideal for an afternoon marathon viewing. Hailing from the creative genius of Yuzuru Tachikawa (known for “Mob Psycho 100”), this show delivers a dark, brutal, and deeply philosophical narrative as its title suggests.
In the afterlife, most souls find themselves heading towards Heaven or Hell. However, there are some unlucky duos who are led to Quindecim – a bar reminiscent of purgatory, managed by the enigmatic Decim. Here, these individuals must engage in a lethal game. The outcome of this game determines their eternal destiny; winning means a new life filled with joy, while losing means an eternity spent in emptiness.
2) A Place Further Than the Universe
Moving forward from a series centered on death, our next choice is a show focusing on overcoming personal struggles and maximizing life’s potential. Produced in 2018, this one-season anime was brought to life by Atsuko Ishizuka (known for Nana). Animation powerhouse Madhouse breathed life into the story of A Place Further Than the Universe, making it a standout with its emotionally resonant narrative and visually stunning animation.
The story chronicles Mari Tamaki, a young dreamer yearning to discover the wonders beyond her, constrained solely by her personal fears. Upon encountering Shirase Kobuchizawa, who shares a similar ambition for exploration, they embark on a perilous yet transformative journey to the South Pole.
3) Kill la Kill
It’s possible we’ve exaggerated by labeling Kill la Kill as underappreciated. However, given how seldom it’s talked about in larger online communities, we believe this exceptional series deserves another chance. Released in 2013, it remains one of the top original action anime and boasts one of the most memorable swords across the entire medium.
The story unfolds at a top-tier high school, ruled by four superior prefects, each adorned with uniforms imbued with extraordinary powers. However, the equilibrium is disrupted when Ryuko Matoi, a new student, arrives on the scene, on a mission to find her father’s murderer.
4) Mononoke
There’s scarcely anything not to admire about Mononoke. Apart from spinning an engaging tale, the 2007 series is also among the most stunning and distinctive animated productions ever made. Toei Studios handled the animation, demonstrating why they are one of the leading and top-tier animation studios. Its “Original” status may be debatable, given that it originated as a spin-off from the 2006 anime Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, but its dedicated fanbase has grown so substantial that we’ll include it in our discussions.
Under the direction of Kenji Nakamura and scripted by Chiaki J. Konaka, Ikuko Takahashi, Michiko Yokote, and Manabu Ishikawa, this beautifully hand-painted anime series introduces us to a solitary traveler, referred to as the “Medicine Peddler.” Spanning 12 captivating episodes, we journey alongside the Peddler as they meet enigmatic individuals and engage in commerce. Along their path, they confront malevolent entities known as Yokai, which are often exorcised by the Peddler to protect humanity.
5) Space Dandy
It was only a matter of time before Shinichiro Watanabe’s name showed up on this list. However, his two most recognized works – Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo – are well-known to everyone. Today, we’d like to shine some light on one of his lesser-known shows among casual anime fans: Space Dandy.
The show harks back to the genre and music reminiscent of “Cowboy Bebop” while amping up the humor to an extreme level. Debuted in 2014, it chronicles the adventures of our titular intergalactic voyager as he journeys across the cosmos, coming face-to-face with bizarre extraterrestrial beings. “Space Dandy” offers a thrilling and zany journey through space, brimming with humor, stunning animation, and an outstanding soundtrack.
6) Link Click
Shows or movies that revolve around various art forms such as painting, literature, anime production, or photography often face the danger of becoming overly self-centered and affected. However, Link Click manages to encapsulate what makes the arts truly enchanting while weaving a spellbinding and thought-provoking narrative. Notably, this series is unique on our list as it’s a donghua web series, crafted by Chinese animation director Haoling Li.
The action “Link Click” leads us into the world of Cheng Xiashoi and Lu Guang, two individuals who possess an extraordinary talent: they can step into photos, seeing through the lens of the photographer. However, this endeavor is fraught with danger, for a single mistake could drastically change the course of events for all parties involved.
7) Serial Experiments Lain
So far, we’ve explored gruesome, mysterious, inspiring adventures, and bizarre sci-fi journeys; now let’s dive into something surreal. “Serial Experiments Lain” stands out as the most dreamlike and psychedelic series on our list, which is precisely why it captivates us.
1998 saw the debut of this intriguing avant-garde anime, titled “Serial Experiments Lain,” created by Yasuyuki Ueda. The storyline revolves around Lain Iwakura, a teenage student at her school, who receives an email from a deceased classmate. Once she opens it, she’s mysteriously drawn into the Wired, a vast virtual network filled with unanswered questions about her life and identity.
8) Texhnolyze
In this rendition, let’s express it like this: You’re in for a double helping of thought-provoking anime, as Yasuyuki Ueda teams up once more with Chiaki J. Konaka, the writer from Serial Experiments Lain. In 2003, Texhnolyze was unveiled, mirroring the complexity of Ueda’s most renowned works, but this time focusing on a city engulfed in crime, corruption, and social strife instead of the enigma surrounding a solitary girl.
The series Texhnolyze unfolds within the subterranean city of Lux, governed by various criminal factions. This urban mine is excavating “raffia,” a precious mineral that enables the affluent upper world inhabitants to exchange their biological limbs for advanced cybernetic implants. However, when an enigmatic outsider stirs tension among these gangs, the tranquility of Lux faces significant upheaval.
9) Megalo Box
Megalo Box isn’t a hidden gem in the world of anime, boasting a dedicated fanbase. However, when compared to popular boxing and sports series like Hajime no Ippo, Blue Lock, and Haikyu!, it seems to be overlooked. What sets it apart is its blend of boxing with a sci-fi/mecha element, making it one of the most distinct and exhilarating sports anime available.
In the series Megalo Box, we follow the story of a mecha boxer known as Gearless Joe, or Junk Dog in real life. His singular aspiration is to triumph in the esteemed Megalonia tournament.
10) Lycoris Recoil
The show “Lycoris Recoil” is like blending a typical cafe-centered slice-of-life series with excessive elements from the movie “John Wick”. This production, brainchild of Asaura, offers an intriguing take on counter-terrorism units in a distinctly anime style. It’s one of the top original action anime ever produced.
Girls who have lost their families and are scattered throughout the nation are secretly trained as assassins under the “Lycoris” initiative, orchestrated by the Direct Attack (DA) organization. When discharged for disobedience, Takina Inoue is relocated to a different facility, LycoReco, which operates as a cafe but conceals more sinister activities.
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2025-05-28 04:11