Top 10 Underrated Anime You Need to Watch in 2024

While mainstream anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer dominate the spotlight, there are many lesser-known anime that fly under the radar. These hidden gems often offer unique storytelling, unforgettable characters, and artistic brilliance that deserve more recognition. Whether you’re looking for something fresh or want to broaden your anime horizons, this list of the Top 10 Underrated Anime You Need to Watch in 2024 will introduce you to some incredible series that you might have missed.

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1. To Your Eternity

Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Episodes: 20 (Season 1), 20 (Season 2)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

To Your Eternity tells the story of an immortal being sent to Earth, who experiences life and death through various forms. It’s a deeply emotional series that explores the meaning of life, love, and loss. Despite its powerful themes and incredible animation, it doesn’t receive the mainstream attention it deserves. The philosophical depth of the series will leave you reflecting long after you’ve finished watching.

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2. 86 – Eighty-Six

Genre: Mecha, Sci-Fi, Drama
Episodes: 23
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

86 – Eighty-Six is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping anime set in a futuristic world where soldiers from the "86" district are sent to fight in a brutal war. The show blends intense mecha battles with a poignant story about discrimination, politics, and survival. Despite its rich world-building and strong character development, 86 hasn't gained the same traction as other mecha series like Gundam, making it a must-watch hidden gem.

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3. Odd Taxi

Genre: Mystery, Drama
Episodes: 13
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

A quirky mystery anime, Odd Taxi takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals, where a taxi driver named Odokawa becomes entangled in a series of strange disappearances. The show cleverly weaves together multiple character arcs in a dark, noir-style mystery with social commentary and humor. Odd Taxi has a unique style and storytelling approach that distinguishes it from the typical anime formula, yet it remains underrated by many.

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4. March Comes in Like a Lion

Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Episodes: 44 (2 Seasons)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

March Comes in Like a Lion is a heart-wrenching series about a young shogi player, Rei Kiriyama, who struggles with loneliness, depression, and the pressures of life. The series explores mental health, family, and personal growth with a mix of emotional depth and beautiful animation. It’s an underrated masterpiece in the slice-of-life genre that resonates with anyone who enjoys character-driven stories.

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5. The Great Pretender

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Comedy
Episodes: 23
Where to watch: Netflix

This vibrant, fast-paced crime caper follows a group of con artists as they pull off elaborate scams around the world. With its colorful art style and exhilarating heists, The Great Pretender offers a refreshing twist on the crime genre. Despite its thrilling storyline and humor, it has yet to achieve the widespread recognition it deserves, making it one of the most underrated anime on Netflix.

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6. Sonny Boy

Genre: Sci-Fi, Supernatural
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Funimation

Sonny Boy is a mind-bending anime that follows a group of high school students who are transported to another dimension and given superpowers. The show explores deep philosophical themes, including existentialism, free will, and the nature of reality. Its abstract storytelling and unique animation style make it a hidden gem that challenges viewers to think outside the box.

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7. Sakura Quest

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
Episodes: 25
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

If you’re looking for a light-hearted yet meaningful slice-of-life anime, Sakura Quest is a perfect choice. It follows a group of young women tasked with revitalizing a small rural town. The series blends comedy with themes of community, tradition, and finding one’s purpose in life. Though it doesn’t have the same popularity as other slice-of-life anime like Clannad, Sakura Quest is a hidden gem with heartwarming storytelling.

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8. Astra: Lost in Space

Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

In Astra: Lost in Space, a group of students on a space camp are suddenly transported thousands of light-years away from Earth and must find their way back. This thrilling space adventure offers a mix of mystery, character development, and survival drama. Despite its short runtime, Astra: Lost in Space delivers a compelling narrative and deserves much more recognition than it has received.

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9. Akudama Drive

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Funimation

Set in a dystopian future, Akudama Drive follows a group of criminals known as “Akudama” as they take on dangerous missions in a cyberpunk world. The anime features fast-paced action scenes, a unique neon-lit art style, and moral dilemmas that challenge the characters. Its striking visuals and intense plot twists make it one of the most underrated action series of recent years.

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10. Stars Align

Genre: Sports, Drama
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Funimation

Stars Align may seem like a typical sports anime about middle school boys’ soft tennis, but it goes much deeper. It tackles heavy topics such as broken families, emotional trauma, and identity struggles, wrapped in the setting of a sports tournament. The emotional depth of the characters and realistic portrayal of their struggles make this anime stand out from others in the sports genre.

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Final Thoughts

While these anime may not receive the same recognition as some of the major titles, they offer rich stories, unique visuals, and thought-provoking themes that are worth your time. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller, a slice-of-life story, or a sci-fi adventure, these hidden gems will provide something new and exciting for anime fans in 2024. Don’t let these underrated series slip under your radar!