5 Underrated Madhouse Anime Productions, Ranked

by

Anime is a great example of how entertainment from one country can become popular around the world, even if it wasn’t well-known before. As more people want to watch anime, more of it is being made by a growing number of studios. Popular studios like MAPPA, Studio Bones, and Ufotable are known for creating recent, highly-rated shows that fans love.

Madhouse is a hugely popular anime studio famous for its incredible animation and captivating stories. They’re behind hits like Death Note, Hunter x Hunter, and One-Punch Man, as well as many other great anime. While a lot of their most famous shows are well-loved, some fantastic Madhouse series haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. This list will highlight some of those underrated gems that you should definitely check out soon.

5) Btooom!

I recently checked out Btooom!, and what struck me most was its really original survival concept – especially for an anime that doesn’t lean on typical fantasy or supernatural tropes. It originally aired in 2012, and only lasted for one season of 12 episodes. Even though it’s not super well-known, I was impressed with the animation and art style. The main character felt pretty well-developed, and the action scenes were genuinely enjoyable, which really made the show stand out.

Btooom! follows a solitary gamer who suddenly finds himself playing a real-life survival game strikingly similar to his favorite video game. Though it shares elements with battle royale games, the show cleverly uses gaming technology and language to help the main character grow. It’s not Madhouse’s most famous work, but it’s an enjoyable anime that deserves more recognition.

4) Claymore

I’m a huge fan of Claymore, and honestly, it feels really underrated! It’s a dark fantasy series that really stands out with its unique world and compelling characters. The anime came out in 2007, and while some people find it deviates from the manga, the manga itself is incredible if you love epic fantasy with a supernatural edge. What really grabbed me was how gritty and dark everything is – the world, the characters… it gives Claymore a really distinct style that was different from most anime back then.

Unlike many fantasy anime, Claymore isn’t about magical girls. It features a primarily female cast of powerful warriors and introduces a unique concept: human-made beings who appear as beautiful women, created solely to defend humanity. The story follows several key characters, weaving together multiple interconnected narratives to reveal the bigger picture. Despite its potential for a fresh reboot or spin-off to address some shortcomings, this series remains surprisingly underappreciated by anime fans.

3) Death Parade

Death Parade is a well-made psychological thriller anime that incorporates supernatural elements. Originally released in 2015, it consists of a single season with 12 episodes. The anime stands out for its sleek visuals and a cast of characters who feel realistic and complex, each with their own unique personalities, histories, and motivations. What truly sets Death Parade apart is its thoughtful exploration of philosophical ideas, something many other anime sacrifice in favor of action-packed but ultimately meaningless fights.

Death Parade follows a group of souls stuck in a bar that acts as a kind of waiting room for the afterlife. They play various games, and the results determine whether they get a second chance at life. The anime delves into complex topics like death, grief, and what it means to be human, examining the nuances of right and wrong. What sets it apart is its focus on characters who aren’t simply good or evil – they’re flawed and complex, which is a welcome change from anime that often presents clear-cut heroes and villains.

2) Black Lagoon

I still think Black Lagoon is one of the greatest action anime ever made, even though it doesn’t get talked about as much these days. It originally aired in 2006, and later got a fantastic OVA called Roberta’s Blood Trail. Honestly, it’s just a wild ride of violence and criminal activity – pretty much everyone important operates outside the law! What I really appreciate is that Black Lagoon doesn’t hold back with the action and intensity of its world, but it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be dark or shocking, either. It just is gritty and awesome.

Black Lagoon follows the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries who take on jobs in the dangerous city of Roanapur. The city is full of interesting characters and constantly caught in conflicts between different groups. One of the most memorable characters is Revy, a skilled gunslinger who is often featured in the show’s artwork. If you like action-packed anime with a complicated story and plenty of fighting, Black Lagoon is definitely worth checking out.

1) Sonny Boy

I’m a huge fan of Sonny Boy – it’s one of the newer anime I’ve seen that really stuck with me. It’s not perfect, but honestly, it’s a standout title from Madhouse in a market flooded with similar action shows. What I loved is that it wasn’t afraid to be different and experiment with storytelling. So many anime play it safe, but Sonny Boy really dives into the emotional and internal struggles of its characters. If you’re into stories about surviving tough situations, the power of working together, figuring out who you are, and dealing with feeling alone, then I definitely recommend checking it out!

This anime follows a group of high school students who are suddenly pulled into a strange, alternate world. They have to work together to stay alive and find a way home, facing challenges and losses along the way. Sonny Boy focuses more on what its characters are thinking and feeling than on a fast-moving plot, allowing their personalities to develop gradually. Plus, the show is beautifully animated, making it a pleasure to watch.

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/best-madhouse-anime/embed/#

Read More

2025-11-23 07:42