Last updated on January 20th, 2025 at 08:24 pm
Looking for something fresh to watch on Netflix? Discover these hidden gems that might have flown under your radar. These underrated anime feature unique stories, captivating characters, and breathtaking animation. Keep in mind that availability may differ depending on your location, so don’t forget to check your Netflix library!
Kengan Ashura
Kengan Ashura follows Tokita Ouma, a talented fighter who competes in ruthless underground martial arts tournaments. In these battles, companies hire fighters to settle their business disputes through raw combat. The series showcases intense fights with diverse fighting styles, highlighting Ouma’s strength and sharp strategy as he takes on formidable opponents. Along the way, the story delves into his mysterious past, his rise through the ranks, and the risks of this high-stakes world. This action-packed, underrated Netflix anime perfectly combines strategy and raw power, making every fight a thrilling experience.
B: The Beginning
B: The Beginning blends mystery, crime, and supernatural elements into a gripping story. It follows Keith, a brilliant investigator who is called back to track down a serial killer known as “Killer B.” As Keith dives deeper into the case, he uncovers a tangled web of dark secrets and a hidden organization. Packed with twists, action, and intriguing characters, this underrated Netflix anime keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing what will happen next.
Hi Score Girl
Hi Score Girl is a touching coming-of-age story set in the nostalgic 1990s. It centers on Haruo Yaguchi, a boy who shines in the world of video games but struggles with most other aspects of life. His world changes when he meets Akira Oono, a quiet yet highly skilled gaming prodigy. As their shared love for gaming brings them together, their bond grows deeper. This underrated Netflix anime beautifully captures themes of friendship, young love, and the unifying power of video games, offering a heartfelt and nostalgic journey.
Dark Gathering
Dark Gathering tells the story of Keitarou, a college student with the ability to see ghosts who tries to steer clear of the supernatural. His plans change when he meets Yayoi, an unusual young girl determined to find the spirit responsible for her mother’s disappearance. Together, they explore haunted locations, with Keitarou reluctantly aiding her in her search. This underrated Netflix anime blends horror and mystery, featuring chilling encounters with terrifying spirits and unraveling sinister secrets. It’s a spine-tingling series packed with eerie moments and supernatural twists.
Ahiru no Sora
Ahiru no Sora follows Sora Kurumatani, a high school student with a deep love for basketball, despite being much shorter than most players. Determined to show that skill and determination can outweigh physical disadvantages, Sora joins his school’s basketball team. However, the team is made up of unmotivated players, and it’s up to Sora to ignite their passion for the game. This underrated Netflix anime captures Sora’s inspiring journey as he fights to achieve his dreams, proving that hard work and heart can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Den-noh Coil
Den-noh Coil is set eleven years after augmented reality glasses have become a part of everyday life. Yuuko Okonogi moves with her family to Daikoku City, the center of this advanced technology. She joins her grandmother’s “investigation agency,” a group of kids who use virtual tools to solve digital mysteries. The story takes a thrilling turn when Yuuko encounters Yuuko Amasawa, a skilled hacker trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious computer virus linked to an inaccessible, corrupted space. This underrated Netflix anime weaves adventure with compelling mysteries as Yuuko and her friends navigate strange glitches and uncover secrets that blur the line between the digital and real worlds.
Kuromukuro
Kuromukuro is a thrilling mecha anime set in a world where giant robots, or “mecha,” are humanity’s last defense against an alien threat. The story follows Yukina, a high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious robot from the past during an alien attack. Teaming up with the robot and its ancient pilot, Yukina takes on the mission to protect humanity. This underrated Netflix anime combines intense action with elements of history and mystery, delivering an exciting and captivating adventure.
Super Crooks
Super Crooks is an action-packed anime about a group of superpowered criminals attempting a high-stakes heist to escape their dangerous lives. Led by Johnny Bolt, the team must navigate a city teeming with both heroes and villains as they aim to pull off their most ambitious crime yet. This underrated Netflix anime brings fresh excitement to the superhero genre, featuring thrilling action sequences and compelling characters that make for a captivating watch.
Knights of Sidonia
Knights of Sidonia is a sci-fi anime set in a future where humanity resides on a massive spaceship called Sidonia after Earth is destroyed by alien creatures. The story follows Nagate Tanikaze, a young pilot who joins the battle to protect Sidonia from these terrifying aliens. With breathtaking visuals and intense space battles, this underrated Netflix anime delves into themes of survival and humanity’s fight to reclaim their lost home.
Kotaro Lives Alone
Kotaro Lives Alone is a heartfelt anime about a young boy named Kotaro who lives alone in a small apartment. Despite his age, Kotaro manages daily life with surprising maturity and independence. This underrated Netflix anime follows his interactions with quirky, lovable neighbors as he discovers the true meaning of family and friendship. Filled with gentle humor and touching moments, the show provides a warm and uplifting experience that tugs at the heartstrings.
I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss
I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss follows a young woman who is reborn as the villainess in a fantasy game she once played. Rather than following the typical villainous route, she decides to alter her fate by winning over the final boss, a powerful demon lord. This underrated Netflix anime showcases her efforts to prevent the grim end foretold for her and create a better future by befriending and taming the boss. Along the way, she embarks on unexpected and heartwarming adventures.
Yowamushi Pedal
Yowamushi Pedal follows Sakamichi Onoda, a high school student with a deep love for anime and otaku culture. When he joins his school’s competitive road cycling team, he uncovers a hidden talent for cycling. This underrated Netflix anime focuses on his journey as he trains hard, competes in intense races, and builds strong bonds with his teammates. Blending thrilling races with personal growth, the show highlights how Onoda’s passion and determination help him overcome obstacles and become a crucial member of the team.
Thermae Romae Novae
Thermae Romae Novae follows Lucius, a Roman architect who designs bathhouses in ancient Rome. One day, he is mysteriously transported to modern Japan, where he discovers their unique bath culture. Lucius uses this newfound knowledge to create revolutionary bath designs in ancient Rome, blending the old with the new. This underrated Netflix anime offers a fun mix of history and comedy, illustrating how the ancient and modern worlds can merge in surprising ways.
BNA: Brand New Animal
BNA: Brand New Animal is set in a world where humans and Beastmen—creatures with animal traits—live in separate societies. The story follows Michiru Kagemori, a human who transforms into a tanuki Beastman and flees to Anima City, a haven for Beastmen. There, she teams up with Shirou, a wolf Beastman, to uncover the mystery behind her transformation and reveal the city’s hidden secrets. This underrated Netflix anime is action-packed and delves into themes of identity and acceptance.
Rilakkuma and Kaoru
Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a soothing and heartwarming anime about Kaoru, a young woman, and her lovable, lazy bear friend, Rilakkuma. Set in Kaoru’s cozy apartment, the show captures their everyday adventures and gentle moments with other stuffed animals. This underrated Netflix anime features simple, touching stories and charming animation, offering a relaxing watch that celebrates friendship and the small joys of life.
Dragon Pilot: Hisone and Masotan
Dragon Pilot: Hisone and Masotan follows Hisone, a young woman who joins the Air Force and unexpectedly becomes the pilot of a dragon. These dragons are not just mythical creatures but are integrated into the military for their unique abilities. Hisone develops a special bond with her dragon, Masotan, as they face challenges together and uncover secrets about the dragons’ roles in the world. This underrated Netflix anime blends comedy with heartfelt moments while exploring themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of accepting oneself.
Forest of Piano
Forest of Piano follows Kai Ichinose, a young boy who discovers an old piano in a forest and becomes enchanted by its music. As he grows, he develops into a talented pianist, participating in music competitions. Alongside him is Shuuhei Amamiya, a skilled pianist from a wealthy family, who plays a significant role in Kai’s journey. The anime delves into their friendship and rivalry, emphasizing their personal growth and the transformative power of music. This underrated Netflix anime beautifully captures the emotional journey of chasing one’s passion.
Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday follows two young women, Carole and Tuesday, who dream of becoming famous musicians in a future where AI dominates music production. Carole, a street performer with a passion for soulful melodies, and Tuesday, a wealthy girl seeking meaning beyond her privileged life, form a partnership to create authentic, heartfelt music. As they face obstacles and pursue their dreams, their bond deepens, and they realize the power of genuine human connection in a tech-driven world. This underrated Netflix anime celebrates the beauty of human creativity and is a must-watch for music lovers.
I hope you enjoyed this list of underrated anime on Netflix! These are just a few examples, and there are many other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. I’ll continue to update this post with more recommendations in the future.
Do you have any favorite underrated anime on Netflix? Share your recommendations in the comments below!