1. Introduction
In the golden age of anime, hundreds of series release each year, making it nearly impossible to watch them all. While hits like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan dominate headlines, countless hidden gems slip under the radar. These are the underrated, the overlooked, and the quietly brilliant series that deserve a place on your watchlist.
Whether you’re tired of mainstream hype or you’re just looking to discover something new, this list will introduce you to 10 anime series from 2020 to 2024 that delivered in story, style, or emotion — but never quite got the spotlight they deserved.
2. The Hidden Gems List
2.1 ID: INVADED (2020)
A sci-fi detective thriller where crimes are solved by diving into the unconscious minds of killers. ID: INVADED delivers mind-bending visuals, psychological depth, and a unique narrative style. Think Inception meets Psycho-Pass.
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Psychological
- Why It’s Underrated: Released alongside bigger titles; experimental storytelling style
- Watch if you like: Paprika, Steins;Gate, Serial Experiments Lain
2.2 Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
In a world ruled by non-human creatures, a golem discovers a lost human girl and journeys to find her people. It’s a touching tale of found family and fading time.
- Genre: Fantasy, Slice of Life, Adventure
- Why It’s Underrated: Overshadowed by action-heavy shows
- Watch if you like: Made in Abyss, The Ancient Magus’ Bride
2.3 Appare-Ranman! (2020)
Set in a steampunk version of the Wild West, this anime follows an eccentric inventor and a samurai as they enter a transcontinental race in 19th-century America.
- Genre: Adventure, Historical, Comedy
- Why It’s Underrated: Unique setting but minimal promotion
- Watch if you like: Trigun, Cowboy Bebop
2.4 Mars Red (2021)
An elegant, melancholic vampire story set in Taisho-era Japan, featuring theatrical dialogue and stunning art direction. It blends drama with social commentary.
- Genre: Supernatural, Military, Historical
- Why It’s Underrated: Artistic storytelling isn’t for everyone
- Watch if you like: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Hellsing
2.5 Wonder Egg Priority (2021)
A psychological fantasy exploring grief, trauma, and adolescence through a surreal dreamscape where girls battle manifestations of their fears.
- Genre: Drama, Psychological, Fantasy
- Why It’s Underrated: Production issues overshadowed its brilliance
- Watch if you like: Puella Magi Madoka Magica, The Tatami Galaxy
2.6 Heike Monogatari (2021)
An adaptation of The Tale of the Heike with a modern anime twist. With breathtaking visuals and a soundtrack by Kensuke Ushio, it’s a poetic tale of war and fate.
- Genre: Historical, Drama
- Why It’s Underrated: Short run with limited marketing
- Watch if you like: Mononoke, Sarazanmai, Samurai Champloo
2.7 Akudama Drive (2020)
In a dystopian cyberpunk Kansai, criminals known as Akudama clash with an oppressive regime. Fast-paced and visually electric.
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Why It’s Underrated: Style over substance perception
- Watch if you like: Danganronpa, Psycho-Pass, Deadman Wonderland
2.8 The Orbital Children (2022)
Directed by Mitsuo Iso (Dennou Coil), this short series tackles space survival, AI, and human evolution. Visually stunning and deeply philosophical.
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
- Why It’s Underrated: Released on Netflix with little promotion
- Watch if you like: Planetes, 2001: A Space Odyssey
2.9 Skip and Loafer (2023)
A sweet and genuine slice-of-life romance about a country girl adjusting to city life. Full of heartfelt moments and refreshing optimism.
- Genre: Slice of Life, Romance
- Why It’s Underrated: Quiet tone in a loud anime landscape
- Watch if you like: Horimiya, Fruits Basket, Barakamon
2.10 My Home Hero (2023)
A middle-aged man takes justice into his own hands to protect his daughter. A crime thriller with strong suspense and emotional weight.
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
- Why It’s Underrated: Adult characters and darker tone
- Watch if you like: Monster, Paranoia Agent, Erased
3. Why These Anime Deserve More Love
What makes these anime special isn’t massive budgets or viral popularity — it’s how they dare to be different. These series experiment with format, theme, or tone in ways mainstream titles often don’t. They offer stories that challenge, soothe, or simply surprise.
From the emotional resonance of Somali and the Forest Spirit to the genre-defying style of Wonder Egg Priority, these shows are proof that anime still has fresh stories to tell if you dig a little deeper.
4. Where to Watch
- Crunchyroll: ID: INVADED, Appare-Ranman!, Skip and Loafer
- Netflix: The Orbital Children, Wonder Egg Priority (region-specific)
- Funimation/Hulu: Akudama Drive, Mars Red, Heike Monogatari
- HIDIVE: My Home Hero
- Others: Check legal streaming or Blu-ray/DVD options based on your region
5. Final Thoughts
The anime industry is massive — and with that comes the risk of missing out on smaller but brilliant series. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great place to begin discovering anime that flew under the radar between 2020 and 2024.
So next time you feel burned out by hype, try one of these hidden gems. You might just find your next favorite show.
FAQs
Q: Are underrated anime worth watching if they didn’t get popular?
A: Absolutely. Many underrated anime go unnoticed due to marketing or timing, not quality. Some even gain cult status years later.
Q: Will these anime be hard to find?
A: Most are available on major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or HIDIVE, depending on your region.
Q: Do underrated anime have lower animation quality?
A: Not necessarily. Some, like Heike Monogatari and Wonder Egg Priority, have breathtaking visuals and direction.
Q: Can I recommend these to new anime fans?
A: Yes! Some are beginner-friendly (like Skip and Loafer), while others offer deeper storytelling for experienced viewers.
Q: What makes an anime underrated?
A: Lack of popularity or mainstream attention despite solid storytelling, art, and emotional impact.
For more anime discoveries, follow Nextrend Nexus and check out our upcoming post: “Which Anime Character Matches Your Personality?”
