5 Great Anime Series We Didn’t Appreciate Enough

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Some anime don’t become popular with toys or streaming viewers, but they stay with you because they’re different and break the mold. Anime excels at being imaginative and mixing silliness with deep meaning, but this often means its most unique shows are overlooked. When anime tries something new with its storytelling, art style, or explores difficult questions, it’s often labeled as slow or strange.

These exceptional works are vital for maintaining the integrity of anime, reminding us that art should offer more than just entertainment – it should also encourage thoughtful consideration and demonstrate skillful creation. Anime isn’t lacking in truly great works; we simply need to dedicate more time to discovering them.

5. Hyouka

Hyouka is a mystery anime, but it’s different from most. Instead of focusing on crimes or the supernatural, it follows a high school student named Oreki Houtarou who prefers to conserve energy. He gets pulled into solving small, everyday mysteries by his inquisitive classmate, Chitanda Eru. Along with their friends in the Classic Literature Club, they investigate things like lost items and forgotten school events. The mysteries aren’t about dramatic events; they explore what motivates people, their feelings, and their memories. When it first aired in 2012, many viewers were excited about fast-paced, action-packed shows like Attack on Titan and Sword Art Online. Hyouka, with its calm and thoughtful style, stood out as different. Some younger or action-focused fans might find it slow, but those who revisit it often discover it’s one of Kyoto Animation’s most insightful and subtle works.

4. Planetes

Planetes is an anime series that tells the story of the often-overlooked people who clean up space junk. Set in 2075, it follows a team working the ‘Debris Section,’ removing dangerous debris orbiting Earth. Though it sounds simple, the show tackles big issues like corporate power, the consequences of colonization, and environmental damage – themes that feel particularly relevant today. Planetes realistically portrays the challenges of working in a space-driven economy, focusing on the everyday lives of those doing the hard labor. It didn’t get the attention it deserved when it first aired because it avoided offering pure escapism, but that’s precisely why it remains impactful and relevant now.

3. Mushishi

I’ve been watching Mushishi, and it’s a really unique experience. The series follows Ginko, a traveler who studies these strange life forms called ‘mushi’ – they’re kind of between spirits and living things – as he wanders through a beautiful, old-fashioned Japan. Each episode feels like its own little story, showing how these mushi affect people’s lives. What really struck me is how quiet and peaceful it is. It doesn’t rely on big action or drama; instead, it builds meaning through stillness and subtle moments. It’s not a show that grabs you immediately, but slowly earns your attention with its gentle grace. I can see why it might have been overlooked, but it’s a truly special series.

2. Tatami Galaxy

I’ve been watching Tatami Galaxy, and it’s a really interesting show. It centers around a guy who keeps replaying his college years, wishing he’d made different decisions. Each time, he tries a new path – joining a different club or taking a different class – hoping to finally achieve that perfect college experience he’s always dreamed of. But no matter what he does, things always seem to fall apart, and he ends up right back where he started. It’s a pretty unusual show visually, and I can see how that might not appeal to everyone.

I’ve always been struck by the unique look of Tatami Galaxy, directed by Masaaki Yuasa – the same director who brought us visually striking shows like Devilman Crybaby and Kaiba. The animation isn’t what you’d call typical anime; it’s intentionally abstract, with warped angles and a really dreamy feel. It makes the show incredibly rich in meaning, but it definitely doesn’t follow the usual anime style most people are used to. Honestly, I think a big reason it didn’t get the attention it deserved when it first came out in 2010 is that it requires you to pay attention. It’s not something you can just put on in the background or mindlessly binge-watch. It was just too unconventional, dialogue-heavy, and frankly, too clever for what audiences expected back then.

1. Kaiba

Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Kaiba is a futuristic sci-fi adventure where memories can be moved between people and even transferred to new bodies. The story centers on Kaiba, a young man who wakes up with amnesia and a strange hole in his chest, carrying only a photo of an unknown woman. As he travels through strange worlds and inhabits different bodies, he tries to uncover his identity, understand his past, and grapple with the meaning of existence. The series begins with self-contained episodes, each focusing on different characters, but later evolves into a larger, connected story.

Many viewers might have stopped watching early on, thinking the show lacked direction because it starts slowly. The show’s serious and challenging themes also contribute to it being overlooked. Kaiba tackles difficult topics like the exploitation of the vulnerable, the way identity becomes a product, and how easily human relationships can break down when memories are unreliable. While it may not become widely popular, its courage and emotional depth will always resonate with those who are willing to explore its unique and captivating universe.

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2025-10-31 21:14