With the overwhelming volume of anime available across streaming platforms likeNetflix, it’s no surprise that some gems slip under the radar. While shows likeDemon SlayerandOne Piecedominate the spotlight, Netflix quietly hosts a diverse catalog of lesser-known series that deserve far more recognition. These underappreciated titles span genres and tones, offering something for every kind of anime viewer.
From bold experiments in sci-fi and surreal romance to heartfelt character dramas and genre-bending action comedies,Netflix has curated a surprisingly rich array of anime that never got the acclaim they deserved. Whether due to poor marketing, niche appeal, or simply being overshadowed by blockbuster hits, these ten series are criminally underrated, and absolutely worth the time.
Moonrisemay be one of Netflix’s most daring originals, yet it’s barely made a ripple in mainstream anime circles. Set in a future where Earth and the moon are connected by a tense political and military relationship, the story follows a soldier caught between duty and conscience. With animation by WIT Studio, it’s a visual powerhouse that deserves far more attention.
What makesMoonrisestand out isn’t just its setting, but its emotional core.The psychological toll of war and the cost of loyalty are explored with surprising depth.It’s a rare sci-fi anime that mixes kinetic action with introspective storytelling, resulting in a viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll. This is anime at its most conceptually bold and emotionally grounded.
Short forBrand New Animal, BNAis one of Studio Trigger’s most overlooked works. It dives into a world where beastmen live in a segregated city, following Michiru, a human who suddenly turns into a tanuki. Despite its vibrant art style and action-packed pace,BNAuses its premise to tackle themes of discrimination, identity, and belonging.
The series balances Trigger’s signature explosive visuals with thoughtful storytelling.While it often feels like a spiritual successor toZootopiaandBeastars, it goes further in its critique of systemic inequality. Michiru’s journey isn’t just about turning back into a human, it’s about discovering where she truly belongs.BNAis fast, fun, and fiercely relevant.
Blue Periodflew under the radar despite offering one of the most emotionally authentic depictions of artistic growth in recent anime. The series follows Yatora Yaguchi, a high-achieving student who finds unexpected meaning in painting and decides to pursue art school.It’s a coming-of-age drama that never sugarcoats the painful realities of chasing an unconventional dream.
What makesBlue Periodso powerful is how it captures the anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil that come with artistic ambition.
What makesBlue Periodso powerful is how it captures the anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil that come with artistic ambition. The visuals echo the emotional states of its characters, and the story hits especially hard for anyone who’s ever tried to find purpose in creativity. It’s a quiet masterpiece about the courage to follow your passion, even when the world says otherwise.
WhileCells at Work!gained some initial buzz, it has quickly faded into the background despite being one of the most inventive educational anime ever made. By personifying human cells and showing them at work in the body, it creates a fun, action-packed way to learn about the immune system and basic biology.
The charm lies in its ability to blend shonen-style battles with real medical science.Watching White Blood Cells battle bacteria or Platelets coordinate wound healing is as entertaining as it is informative.For kids and adults alike,Cells at Work!is not just good fun, it’s surprisingly effective science communication, and deserves far more longevity in the anime canon.
MASHLE: Magic and Muscleshas been unfairly dismissed by many as a simpleHarry Potterparody, but there’s a lot more going on beneath its surface.In a world ruled by magic, Mash is a powerless brute who muscles his way through magic school with sheer strength.It’s silly, yes, but also incredibly self-aware and genuinely clever.
The comedic timing is consistently sharp, and the action sequences are absurdly satisfying. Mash’s deadpan reactions and refusal to be impressed by magic create endless comedic opportunities. If fans are tired of the same magical academy tropes,MASHLE: Magic and Musclesflips them upside down with muscle-bound charm and just enough sincerity to keep you rooting for the underdog.
Romantic Killerstarts like an average reverse harem setup, but quickly reveals itself to be a sharp parody of romantic tropes. Anzu, a video game-obsessed girl, is forced by a magical being into a real-life dating sim. Instead of swooning, she resists at every turn, making this one of the most refreshing rom-coms in years.
Anzu’s stubbornness, wit, and emotional depth make her a standout heroine. The show never settles for clichés, offering instead a heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and self-discovery underneath its comedic shell.Romantic Killerdares to critique the very genre it operates in, and ends up being one of its finest examples.
Despite its Studio Ghibli-esque art and emotional storytelling,A Whisker Awaynever quite found the widespread acclaim it deserved. The film follows Miyo, a girl who transforms into a cat to get closer to her crush. What begins as a magical romance slowly reveals itself as a moving story about identity, depression, and self-worth.
The metaphor of living as a cat becomes a poignant symbol of escapism and emotional retreat.Miyo’s journey is as heartbreaking as it is magical, blending whimsical visuals with a deep emotional undercurrent.It’s a quiet, beautiful film that explores the human desire to be seen, loved, and accepted, flaws and all.
The 2023 reboot ofRurouni Kenshindelivers crisp animation, modernized storytelling, and renewed emotional depth. Yet ut it has flown under the radar, largelydue to controversies surrounding the originalRurouni Kenshincreator. It is unfortunate, becausethe series itself stands as a powerful historical drama filled with memorable characters, moral complexity, and intense action.
It is a masterclass in how to respectfully remake a beloved property, and a reminder of whyRurouniKenshinmattered in the first place.
This version retells the iconic story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin seeking redemption in a changing Japan. The animation by LIDENFILMS revitalizes classic battles, while more nuanced character writing updates the story for a new generation. It is a masterclass in how to respectfully remake a beloved property, and a reminder of whyRurouniKenshinmattered in the first place.
Komi Can’t Communicateis a warm, slow-burn comedy that finds beauty in everyday awkwardness. Komi, a high school girl with extreme social anxiety, sets a goal to make 100 friends. The show gently explores mental health, friendship, and personal growth without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The art style is expressive and creative, matching Komi’s inner world with visual whimsy. Supporting characters bring endless charm and comedic relief, while Komi’s gradual progress is both heartwarming and realistic. It’s a deeply empathetic anime that celebrates introverts and shows how small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful change. Quietly brilliant,Komi Can’t Communicatedeserves a louder voicein the anime community.
Visually striking and emotionally sincere,Words Bubble Up Like Soda Popis a brief but unforgettable exploration of young love and self-expression. The story centers on a shy haiku poet and a bubbly influencer who connect over a shared summer job. Their relationship blossoms through a series of small but meaningful moments.
What makes this film shine is its commitment to visual storytelling with its pastel color palette, typography-based humor, and rhythmic editing that echo the poetic tone of the narrative. Underneath its stylized charm lies a heartfelt message about finding a voice and appreciating the small, everyday things that bring people together. It is aNetflixanime love story that whispers rather than shouts, but resonates all the more for it.
