Anime has only grown in popularity over the years. With the constant influx of shows and content, it’s easy for gems to be hidden under bigger titles. So don’t miss any good underrated anime that needs more love!

Here are some underrated anime series you should check out!

No Guns Life

This is a more serious seinen series with a rather interesting plot. It takes place in a future where many humans have become cyborgs called “Extended.” Due to the effects of a war, many Extended who were once soldiers resort to detective work in order to survive. Juzo Inui is an Extender that specializes in solving crimes brought on by other Extended. Everything chances for him when another Extender breaks into his office and begs for him to protect a boy named  Tetsuro Arahabaki.

People seem to either really love or hate this series. Either way, it’s worth a shot! It’s definitely a darker series and it deals with more complex topics.

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku 

https://tenor.com/embed.js

If you’re a fan of romance, and josei series then Wotakoi is for you! It definitely made some waves in certain anime circles but it could always use a little more praise. Unlike most anime, this series centers around a group of adults at their office jobs. We follow Narumi Momose who is starting at a new job and tries hard to hide her love for all things nerdy. However, she runs into an old friend, Hirotaka Nifuji, who is just as nerdy as she is. When Narumi figures no one else will find out about her otaku lifestyle, she runs into Hanako Koyanagi and Tarou Kabakura who are also otaku. It’s a fun story that explores love and relationships in ways anime fans can relate too.

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

In the vein of the recently released Japan Sinks 2020, this anime is also a disaster anime. Instead of super-powered villains, the protagonists combat a natural disaster. The story here centers around two siblings, Mirai and Yuki, who get caught up in a massive earthquake. Separated from their parents, they struggle to find their way back home. According to Anime News Network, the show is based around the idea that there’s a 70% chance that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake will occur in Tokyo in the next few years. 

It’s a sad series that explores the after effects of destructive nature and how it can wreak havoc on more than the land. It also shows how important human connection is.

Asobi Asobase

https://tenor.com/embed.js

If you’re in the mood for a laugh, then these girls have your back. Asobi Asobase is about three middle school girls – Hanako, Kasumi, and Olivia. They’re the only members of their school’s “Pastimers Club.” The goals of the unofficial club is to basically pass time by doing whatever crosses their minds. It’s a silly, fun show that’ll guarantee to give you a chuckle. 

Flying Witch

This underrated anime series brings magical elements so the slice of life genre. The story is about Makoto Kowata, a young witch who’s moving to a new town. In this world, when a practitioner turns 15, they have to leave their homes to study witchcraft and train. Along with her cat familiar, she starts a new life with her relatives and newly made friends. We get to see how she adapts to such a life and how the people around her react to her quirkiness. At heart, she’s just like any teen girl but her magic gets her involved in shenanigans. 

Run With The Wind

https://tenor.com/embed.js

Sports anime might not seem like something enjoyable if you’ve never watched it but it’s a pretty popular genre. From Hajime no Ippo to Haikyuu to Kuroko no Basket and more, sports anime is making waves. One that doesn’t get too much attention is Run With The Wind. It’s centered around college students getting into track and field. 

This underrated anime series starts off with Kakeru Kurahara who is a freshman trying to do his best to adapt to college. He used to do competitive running back in high school but left that behind. His running skills didn’t leave him completely though – he’s spotted by a student at his college, Haiji Kiyose, after shoplifting from a local store. Haiji tries to recruit him and other students to run in the Hakoden, an intensive relay race. All in all, it’s a wholesome anime with a great cast. Definitely worth the chance!

Flip Flappers

This colorful show focuses on a young girl named Cocona. She’s an average middle schooler that worries about her future like everyone else. This is, until, her world is turned upside down by a girl named Papika. Papika takes a liking to Cocona and introduces her to an organization called “Flip Flap.” This group grants wishes from alternate dimensions known as Pure Illusion. 

If that isn’t crazy enough, Cocona and Papika have the power of magical girls! When they fight together for the first time, they run into rival magical girls who defeat their target before them. The dup realizes that they need to be stronger and work better together to one up their rivals.

Nanbaka 

https://tenor.com/embed.js

Who would have thought a show about prison would be filled with sparkles? Nanbaka is about a group of men who get sent to Nanba, a highly guarded prison. The four inmates in Cell 13 all have a history of escaping every other prison they’ve been to. All of them – Jyugo, Uno, Nico, and Rock – spend their days causing trouble for the prison guards. While the show is mostly upbeat and super funny, there are some serious moments. Overall, it’s a really fun show.

There are tons of underrated anime series that don’t get enough attention and love. Did you see any of your favorites here? Tweet us @geekgalsco or leave a comment below!

Read more of Keana’s articles.

Sign up to get news, announcements, and other fun stuff straight to your inbox.

Featured image credit: Lerche