7 Overhated Anime That Deserve More Appreciation

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The term “overhated anime” usually reveals more about how anime fans behave than about the quality of the shows themselves. In today’s online anime world, criticism can spread incredibly quickly, often without full context. A few jokes or short clips taken out of context can destroy an anime’s reputation before many people have a chance to watch it. These series often attract strong negative reactions not because they’re actually bad, but because they tried something new or different.

It seems like people are quick to label anime as either amazing or terrible these days. However, the reality is much more nuanced. Many anime that are considered ‘bad’ are actually interesting because they try new things creatively or offer a glimpse into a different culture.

7. Domestic Girlfriend

Domestic Girlfriend is a polarizing anime – you’ll either find it incredibly uncomfortable or completely captivating. The story follows Natsuo, a high school student who finds himself in a very complicated love triangle. After a brief encounter with a girl named Rui, he discovers his father is marrying her mother – who also happens to be the mother of his teacher, Hina, and, unexpectedly, Rui herself. From there, the story becomes a whirlwind of forbidden and messy relationships. Many viewers dislike the anime because the plot is convoluted, deals with taboo subjects, and sometimes feels uncomfortable due to its portrayal of questionable choices. However, Domestic Girlfriend isn’t necessarily promoting bad romance; it’s examining the damaging side of love and desire. Despite its dramatic nature, the anime is well-directed and features a beautifully haunting soundtrack.

6. The Promised Neverland

Few anime series successfully blend the sweetness of childhood with the terror of a desperate fight for survival, but The Promised Neverland initially did just that. It captivated audiences with a gentle start, then dramatically shifted gears, becoming a huge hit… until its second season. Many fans, particularly those familiar with the original manga, were disappointed by how much content was cut or rushed in season two, leading to weaker characters and a less developed world. While the second season definitely had problems, it’s unfair to dismiss the entire series, considering how brilliant the first season was.

5. Black Clover

It’s a sign of success when an anime gets relentlessly teased, yet still gains a devoted following – and that’s exactly what happened with Black Clover. This series tells the classic story of an underdog in a world where magic is commonplace, except for Asta, an orphan determined to become the Wizard King, the most powerful magic user. Along with his rival, Yuno, Asta embarks on a journey to join a magic squad and defend the Clover Kingdom. Black Clover initially faced a lot of criticism, especially because it debuted after popular anime like Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail. Many quickly labeled it a predictable copy. However, the show evolves from a somewhat chaotic and ordinary fantasy into a compelling, character-focused adventure, earning the respect of viewers along the way.

4. Tokyo Ghoul 

The first season of Tokyo Ghoul successfully captured the dark and emotional feel of the original manga, even though it had to shorten some parts. However, the sequel, Tokyo Ghoul √A, took a very different path from the manga’s story. When Tokyo Ghoul:re arrived, it tried to cover too much material too quickly, making it hard to follow if you hadn’t already read the manga. Despite these issues, Tokyo Ghoul still deserves praise for being ambitious. In a world of typical hero stories, it offered something much more tragic and thought-provoking. It’s less about monsters and more about what turns people into them. Tokyo Ghoul isn’t perfect, but its flaws are actually what make it memorable.

3. Darling in the FranXX

Darling in the FranXX begins as a seemingly fated romance, but its ending is complex and open to interpretation, sparking debate among viewers. It’s a divisive show with noticeable flaws, yet people continue to discuss its meaning long after it aired. What sets Darling in the FranXX apart is its ambition – it uses giant robots not just for action, but as a way to explore themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of adolescence. The character of Zero Two has become particularly iconic in recent anime.

2. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Few anime series faced more pressure than Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Being the sequel to a hugely popular show like Naruto is a difficult task, and Boruto has been criticized from the start. However, much of that criticism is unfair. The show intentionally explores themes of privilege, feeling lost, and the challenges of growing up in the shadow of previous generations. Boruto isn’t trying to be a more powerful version of Naruto; it’s about discovering meaning in a world shaped by the efforts of those who came before. Once the story gains momentum, especially starting with the Kawaki Arc, it evolves into a truly compelling and engaging series.

1. Sword Art Online 

Sword Art Online is one of the few anime that truly defined a generation, and also sparked a lot of debate. It introduced many people to the exciting idea of virtual worlds, but later became a surprisingly controversial show. Some fans consider it a groundbreaking fantasy adventure, while others see it as a simple story about wish fulfillment. Regardless of your opinion, Sword Art Online undeniably had a lasting impact on how anime stories are told.

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2025-11-11 19:11