7 Overlooked Anime You Should Feel Bad For Ignoring

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Anime has become incredibly popular, even rivaling traditional entertainment. With hundreds of new shows and movies released every year, it’s easy for some to become huge hits, while others get lost in the crowd. A great anime can be overlooked for many reasons – maybe it doesn’t get much advertising, the animation isn’t flashy, or the story isn’t focused on action.

There are some amazing anime series out there that don’t get the attention they deserve, even though they’re as good as—or even better than—many popular shows. Don’t let their lack of popularity stop you from checking them out! Here are seven anime you’ve been missing, and you’ll wish you’d watched them sooner.

7) Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun

Considered one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made, Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun takes place in a high school filled with quirky characters. Chiyo Sakura finally works up the nerve to tell her crush, Umetaro Nozaki, how she feels, but mistakenly identifies herself as a fan instead of expressing her romantic interest.

I was completely shocked when Nozaki handed me his autograph – it turns out he’s a really popular shojo manga artist who goes by the name Sakiko Yumeno! One thing led to another, and I ended up becoming his assistant. It’s been wild ever since, and I’ve met a bunch of his really unique friends. Honestly, even the most ordinary day with them feels like a hilarious adventure.

6) Blue Period

This captivating story offers a refreshing change from typical action-packed anime, focusing instead on the world of art and the challenges faced by artists. Yatora Yaguchi, a seemingly directionless but academically gifted high school student, discovers his passion while gazing at the colorful scenery of Shibuya. Inspired, he begins to paint, hoping to express himself through art, and sets his sights on attending the renowned Tokyo University of the Arts.

Becoming a professional artist is tough, and for Yatora, a complete beginner, the challenges are significant – especially considering how competitive art school is, with only one applicant accepted for every two hundred. Blue Period doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of pursuing art, realistically portraying the sleepless nights, creative frustrations, exhaustion, setbacks, emotional openness, and self-discovery that artists often experience.

5) The Way of the Househusband

This funny and heartwarming anime follows Tatsu, an ex-yakuza boss known as ‘The Immortal Dragon,’ who unexpectedly leaves his criminal life to become a stay-at-home husband. Each episode features a new, comical situation as he tries to keep the house running smoothly while his wife, Miku, focuses on her career.

The story centers on his everyday life, where his strong personality and habits – reminiscent of a yakuza – turn even routine tasks into something dramatic. Surprisingly, despite being a bit of an oddball, he’s incredibly capable around the house. He’s a fantastic cook, keeps everything spotless, is a savvy shopper always looking for the best prices, and manages his money well.

4) Summer Ghost

Though it’s only 39 minutes long, this lovely film evokes a strong feeling of sadness. The story centers around Tomoya Sugisaki, Aoi Harukawa, and Ryou Kobayashi, who set off fireworks one summer believing it brings peace to those who have passed away.

The group encounters the ghost of a young woman who supposedly took her own life. She only appears to people who are close to death, but surprisingly, all three of them are able to communicate with her. As each character grapples with their own personal struggles, Tomoya uncovers the real story behind the woman’s death.

3) Goodbye, Don Glees

This beautiful anime film from Madhouse tells a touching story about three friends who are wrongly accused of starting a forest fire. They set out to clear their names, but quickly find themselves in deeper trouble, as they’re unprepared for even a short time in the wilderness.

Roma and Toto are long-time friends, and they quickly become close with a new friend named Drop. Their adventures together are full of ups and downs, but their friendship is threatened when a hidden secret about Drop comes to light, potentially driving them apart.

2) Nodame Cantabile

I’ve noticed a lot of popular music anime, like Given and Your Lie in April, tend to be pretty sad. That’s what makes Nodame Cantabile so different – it’s genuinely cheerful and upbeat. The story follows Megumi Noda, nicknamed Nodame, and Shinichi Chiaki, two students at a Japanese music conservatory. They’re both incredibly talented pianists, but otherwise, they couldn’t be more different.

Shinichi is a perfectionist who is amazed by Nodame’s natural musical ability, but he quickly sees she lacks the drive to succeed. Meanwhile, Nodame falls deeply in love with him. This sets the stage for their complicated relationship as they navigate their music and help each other pursue their dreams.

1) Natsume’s Book of Friends

Despite having a loyal following, this series isn’t as popular as it should be. The story takes place in a beautiful, rural Japan, with vibrant forests and ancient shrines, and explores themes of overcoming the past and building new relationships. The main character, Takashi Natsume, grew up moving between foster homes after his parents died, and never truly felt accepted anywhere.

Natsume always felt like an outsider because he could see spirits, known as Yokai. When he moves to the countryside with his new foster family, he quickly meets a strong spirit called Madara. Madara reveals the story of his grandmother’s Book of Friends, a powerful object connected to the Yokai. Natsume then dedicates himself to giving the Yokai back their names, preventing anyone from misusing their powers.

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2025-11-27 02:41