Anime, the brilliant Japanese art form, has become so vast and is so rapidly evolving, that audiences are now familiar with both the timeless classics and flashy juggernauts. And while most of the medium’s landscape is dominated by long-running series, there is a treasure trove of hidden gems that pack a satisfying punch in just about a dozen episodes.
The world is moving real fast and there is something truly appealing aboutbinge-watching a complete series in a single day. Fortunately, there are a lot of bite-sized anime masterpieces that offer addictive stories that do not leave you craving more like an amuse-bouche usually does; they offer a full-course meal in a single sitting.
Sure, popular anime series likeAttack on TitanandOne Piecehave captured the hearts of millions with their sweeping narratives and bold characters, but the 10 underrated anime series on this list are no less captivating. And you can devour them in a single day.
10’Mignon' (2023)
One of the most underrated anime of 2023 and of all time,Mignonis set within the shadows of an illegal underground fighting ring. A young mechanic by day and a cage fighter by night, Mignon finds his escape and quiet moments of solace from the brutal world in Oh Young-One, a doctor at the arena with a supernatural secret of his own. As Mignon discovers the doctor’s true nature, their bond only deepens.
Beautiful Tale of Love and Blood
A unique supernatural romance between a tough boxer and a doctor who’s really a vampire is sure to go unnoticed, but if you’re a fan of gritty and realistic stories laced with love, violence, survival, and devotion, it’s a must-watch. The animation is haunting and atmospheric, with a muted color palette that enhances the flaws of the characters and makes them more compelling.
9’SK8 the Infinity' (2021)
Sk8 the Infinity
SK8 the Infinity, as you would imagine, is about skateboarding. Set in Okinawa, in the underground landscape of the niche sport, where a competition known as “S” brings a number of willing and competitive participants together. Reki is a passionate skater who, because of a broken arm, is forced to bring his new classmate Langa, a complete novice in skateboarding, to engage in the competition and face off against Reki’s rivals.
Brilliant Celebration of Skateboarding
Known among a tiny audience for its character-driven storytelling, formidable matches, and themes of friendship,SK8 the Infinityis one of themost exhilarating sports anime out there. The fluid animation brings the adrenaline rush of skateboarding competition to life with stunning precision. And the plot twist that Langa is actually a former snowboarder makes the plot intriguing. Sadly, the anime was released around the same time as the second half ofJujutsu KaisenSeason 1, so it flew under the radar.
8'91 Days' (2016)
Transporting viewers to the lawless streets of Prohibition-era America,91 Daysfollows Angelo Lagusa, once a carefree child, who witnesses the murder of his family at the hands of the Vanetti family. Years later, he returns to his hometown under the alias of Avilio Bruno with a single goal in mind – to destroy the Vanetti family. He befriends the son of the mafia boss, infiltrates the ranks, and leaves blood in his wake.
A Cinematic Mafia Tragedy
91 Daysthrives on creatinga tense, slow-burn environmentfor its characters and delivers a narrative that feels more like a classic gangster drama than a typical anime. It has a noir aesthetic, which is amplified by muted animation and a haunting soundtrack. Angelo’s journey is filled with bloodshed, tests of loyalty, and deception. Despite its compelling story and unpredictable twists, the anime remains underrated.
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7’Ping Pong the Animation' (2014)
Ping Pong The Animation
Not all sports anime are about high-stakes tournaments. Sometimes, they are about quiet battles.Ping Pong the Animationrevolves around two childhood friends. Makoto “Smile” Tsukimoto and Yutaka “Peco” Hoshino. They are both very talented ping-pong players, but while Peco is ambitious and wants to be great, Smile holds himself back. As they play against formidable opponents, they learn a lot about themselves.
Sports and Introspection
A true standout in the sports anime genre,Ping Pong the Animationdefies conventions with its sketch-like animation, which makes every movement feel exciting, dynamic, and expressive. Directed by the acclaimed Masaaki Yuasa, it boasts incredible storytelling where both main characters’ journey is less about winning and more about self-discovery, and the relatability of it all makes it easily bingeable in a single day.
6’Terror in Resonance' (2014)
Terror in Resonance
Tokyo is shaken to the core when a strange video surfaces and not only warms an impending destruction but also challenges the authorities to see if they can do something to prevent it. The masterminds behind the threat are two teenagers known as Nine and Twelve, who operate under the alias “Sphinx.” What’s interesting is that their actions aren’t about mindless terrorism, but carefully planted messages to expose a dark government secret.
A Complex Dance of Justice and Redemption
Apart from the two delinquents,Terror in Resonancealso introduces detective Kenjirou Shibazaki, whodesperately races against timeto understand their motives, and a lonely high school girl named Lisa Mishima, who is unknowingly caught in the dangerous game. A masterpiece of epic proportions, its richly developed characters, atmosphere of quiet devastation, and themes of social unrest and government collapse, make the anime emotional and unforgettable.
5’Tsuritama' (2012)
Saving the world… through fishing? The premise ofTsuritamais as bizarre as it can get. It follows Yuki Sanada, a socially anxious teenager with no friends. His life takes a dramatic turn when Haru, a self-proclaimed alien, barges into school and into his life, and announces they’re friends. Haru insists Yuki learn to fish from Natsuki Usami, and the three try to stop a catastrophic event.
Slice-of-Life Anime About the Joy of Fishing
Tsuritamais a hidden gem filled to the brim with delightfully absurd, slice-of-life elements that radiate joy. The animation bursts with bright blues and warm yellows to perfectly complement the uplifting narrative and the story of friendship and personal growth is touching. While it received immense praise for its originality, the anime was ultimately overshadowed by more infectious and exciting counterparts.
4’Coppelion' (2013)
A nuclear disaster has left Tokyo ravaged and turned into a ghost town, abandoned by peoplebecause of the harmful radiation levels. Yet, three teenage girls working for the Japanese government, Ibara Naruse, Aoi Fukasaku, and Taeko Nomura, walk the streets without any protective gear to fulfill their task of searching for survivors and bringing them to safety. Soon, the girls begin to question the truth about their own existence.
A Haunting Dystopian Tale
Coppelionis a thought-provoking anime that goes beyond the traditional post-apocalyptic narrative by diving into the human conditions and responsibilities that arise in the wake of disaster. The series has a bold visual aesthetic, with the eerie landscapes of Tokyo serving and desperate individuals clinging on to hope serving as a backdrop for the characters’ journey, which is melancholic and unique at the same time.
3’The Tatami Galaxy' (2010)
The Tatami Galaxy
The one thought we’ve all had at some point of time after growing up is wishing to go back in time, to high school or college years, and make different choices, so life will turn out differently.The Tatami Galaxymakes use of the thought through the story of an unnamed Kyoto University student who, desperate for campus life, finds himself trapped in a loop, reliving his university years over and over again.
College Life and its Infinite Possibilities
During this time, the protagonist explores an alternate reality where he joins a student club, but only faces disappointment. It’s clear that the protagonist of the anime is chasing fleeting happiness, so it’s only a matter of time until he realizes that the key to satisfaction does not lie in changing the past but in embracing the present. The series’ rapid-fire dialogue, witty musings, and clever use of metaphors make it refreshing and worth watching.
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2’Kemonozume' (2006)
Kemonozume
Fans of arthouse horror would adore this anime. If you’re wondering why, let’s go over the plot. Set in a world where flesh-eating monsters called Shokujinki exist among humans,Kemonozumefollows Toshihiko Momota, heir to the Kifūken dojo, who is trained to hunt these monsters. But when he falls for Yuka, a mysterious woman who belongs to the aforementioned family of eaters, they are forced to choose between love and duty.
Wild and Passionate Love Story
Kemonozumeis a raw and unconventional anime that falls into multiple genres; it is a story of forbidden romance, a slasher film, a natural comedy and a fighting drama. Also directed by Masaaki Yuasa, it has a rough animation style that feels beautiful and surreal at the same time. Beyond the aesthetic, the anime also explores the thin line between love and monstrosity, tenderness and horror, in just 13 episodes.
1’Now and Then, Here and There' (1999)
Now and Then, Here and There
InNow and Then, Here and There, Shu is an ordinary boy with a passion for kendo. He has a sudden encounter with a mysterious girl named Lala-Ru, and when he tries to save her, Shu is transported to a bleak, dystopian nightmare where water is scarce and children are forced to serve in the military. Shu falls under the brutal rule of dictator Hamdo, witnesses war firsthand, and tries to protect those he can.
Harrowing and Hopeful War Drama
An impactful anime that showcases the harsh realities of war and the devastating effect it has on innocent lives,Now and Then, Here and Therenever shies away from the truth. It is simple yet expressive, with a somber soundtrack creating a sense of despair. But at the heart of the story is Shu, a young boy whose empathy and determination act asa contrast to the horror and darknesssurrounding him. Spanning 13 episodes, it’s a sad anime, but an effective one.
