Many classic and well-known anime are easily accessible, while new ones keep popping up. Some shows may be left out among the hundreds of options available. Fortunately, Netflix offers some underrated yet interesting anime released in the last few years.
The selection of anime on streaming platforms continues to grow, offering a wide range of genres from action to science fiction and life stories. With new weekly releases such as the Dandadan and Ranma 1/2 anime, now is the perfect time to explore underrated series you may have missed. Netflix also serves up interesting original series, ensuring there’s something for all tastes.
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Recommended Underrated Anime on Netflix
Here are recommendations for underrated anime on Netflix that you might have missed.
7. Hi Score Girl
The Hi Score Girl manga and anime adaptation initially received a positive reception, but its popularity declined over time. This Romcom series is aimed at gamers, with many references to classic arcade machines and video games. The story follows Haruo Yaguchi, a self-centered fighting game enthusiast, who meets Akira Ono, his silent opponent, while losing at Street Fighter II.
This anime tells the story of a sweet and nostalgic romance between two gamers in the 1990s arcade era. With accurate depictions of old-school games, the story sets the scene for an awkward young love between two teenagers. The unique touches and bittersweet ending make Hi Score Girl worth watching.
6. The Way of the Househusband
Netflix’s original anime series, The Way of the Househusband, follows the unique life of a former Yakuza member, Tatsu, who is now a housewife. Known as the “Eternal Dragon” for his dark past, Tatsu left the Yakuza world to support his wife’s dreams. However, despite his efforts to forget the past, the shadow of the Yakuza still follows him.
Tatsu, a former Yakuza, tries to live a quiet life as a supportive husband, but repeated encounters with his former rivals bring chaos. The comedy series “The Way of the Househusband” combines elements of everyday life with the Yakuza lifestyle, delivering funny and endearing moments without dragging on thanks to the short duration of each episode.
5. Blue Period
Blue Period follows the journey of Yatora Yaguchi, a high school student who initially doubts art and feels lost in life. After being inspired by a classmate’s painting, Yatora begins to paint and shows a rapidly growing talent. She eventually decided to take the entrance exam to a leading art school in Japan.
Blue Period is a touching and inspiring series, depicting the beauty and challenges of pursuing passion. It successfully captures the unique art style of Tsubasa Yamaguchi’s manga, and cleverly showcases the experiences of an ambitious young artist. Yatora’s journey in pursuit of her goals offers an appeal that anyone with a dream can relate to.
4. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is an ongoing animated series with 25 episodes planned. Although only halfway through, the anime is already considered unique and interesting. Set in 15th century Poland, Orb recounts the early studies of the Earth’s movement, inspired by the famous astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus.
In the midst of distrusting scientists, young Rafal meets Hubert who has a revolutionary theory about the movement of the Earth. However, the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe makes this research considered heretical and has to pay a heavy price. Despite having an interesting storyline about history, the Orb anime is an underrated series in recent seasons.
3. Kotaro Lives Alone
Kotaro Lives Alone caught the attention of anime fans thanks to its unique art style and kindergarten-aged protagonist. Despite its success with cute characters and everyday life scenarios, the anime is less effective when it comes to serious moments. Kotaro’s experience living alone in an apartment is particularly endearing and has an impact on his troubled neighbors.
Kotaro Lives Alone is a wholesome and moving series that often
puts its viewers to sleep due to its heartfelt and emotional strains. The manga on which the series is based ends in 2023, two years after the anime ends, and although there are no plans for a continuation, Kotaro Lives Alone doesn’t need more than one season to make an impression on viewers.
2. Great Pretender
Great Pretender is an anime that is often underrated, both in recent years and throughout time. Produced by Wit Studio, who also worked on Attack on Titan, this anime features unique visuals and attractive bright colors. Also, the quality of the characters in the series is the main attraction that sets it apart from the rest.
In the Great Pretender series, protagonist Makoto Edamura tries to be an honest and hardworking person for the sake of his sick mother. However, he gets caught up in a major robbery after meeting a con artist named Laurent. Her tendency to not realize the scale of the crime makes this story entertaining and full of surprises. With four interesting cases, this anime is sure to satisfy fans.
1. Aggretsuko
Aggretsuko is an anime that might make fans hesitate because of its cute protagonist, Retsuko, who is related to Hello Kitty. However, Retsuko is more like a cool aunt who likes to drink wine at family parties than just an adorable mascot.
The story follows the life journey of a red panda in her twenties who works as an accountant, facing an authoritarian boss and annoying coworkers. To cope with stress, Retsuko has a unique secret method.
Retsuko, who always carries a microphone in her bag, frequents karaoke bars to sing death metal songs. Aggretsuko anime is aimed at fans who are facing the transition to adulthood, and can relate to the cute red panda who sometimes turns into a death metal demon. Although the final season changed the storyline to be more over-the-top, the spirit of adventure in your twenties remains.
