Japanese anime is more popular than you think, and it looks like Netflix is keeping up by offering a variety of the best anime on its platform. But wait, there’s more! There are also some really good underrated anime series on Netflix that you should check out. Well, we’ve done the hard work of going through the pile to bring you the best yet underrated anime on Netflix that you’ll truly enjoy. Here we go!
15. Aggretsuko
Aggretsuko is one of the most overlooked and underrated anime on Netflix. The show features Retsuko, the mascot of the company behind Hello Kitty. Although Retsuko is as cute as the iconic kitten, this anime goes beyond its merchandise-friendly origins.
Retsuko, a bright-eyed red panda, starts her first office job fresh out of college. However, five years later, her excitement turns into disappointment. She faces dissatisfaction in her tiny flat, a cramped commute, and a chauvinistic boss. To release her pent-up frustration, Retsuko resorts to screaming with death metal karaoke every night.
This is a lesser known anime on Netflix which is cathartic, amusing, and relatable. It showcases the challenges of office life, resonating with young urbanites who can relate to the struggles of today.
14. A.I.C.O. Incarnation
Here’s another good underrated anime for you: AICO, a fantastic tv show from the studio Bones in collaboration with Netflix. This series was released in 2018, and it revolves around Aiko, our female protagonist, who discovers that everything she knew was a lie.
Teaming up with her friend Yuuya, Aiko embarks on a perilous mission to gather allies and reach the source of the Burst, aiming to stop it for good and save her family.
13. Cannon Busters
Canon busters is an anime that will give you 90s anime vibe like Cowboy Bebop; its main protagonist, Philly, The Kid, is an outlaw with gun slinging skills like an Vash the stampede from Trigun.
It is based on LeSean Thomas’s comic book of the same name. It’s got low scores on MAL, but it’s one hell of a trip to see this underrated anime on Netflix if you like anime like Cowboy Bebop.
12. Juushinki Pandora
Also known as Last Hope, this underrated anime series is a great choice to watch on Netflix. It is set in a future world where the line between human beings and AI is unclear. An incident triggers an instant biological evolution, leading to a new struggle for supremacy.
The effects of this evolution go beyond biological boundaries, impacting various materials and technologies. The era of massive evolution, involving diverse entities like humans, machines, and biotechnologies, is approaching. The characters must engage in an existential war in this changing world.
11. Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday starts right off the bat with a kick-ass premise: 50 years since mankind colonized Mars, we’re so technologically advanced that all civilization is created by AI … except for two girls who want to change history. We follow the title Carole and Tuesday, two girls who, like Bill and Ted, are expected to deliver so spectacular a musical success that will forever be remembered as a 7-minute wonder.
As you can expect from Studio Bones, the animation and art style of Carole & Tuesday is just beautiful. Futuristic cities, stage designs, and even smaller details, such as sci-fi self-serving restaurants, bars, and tiny AI music video bosses, look amazing.
10. Beastars
What if all creatures were humans and learned to live side by side in the world?
Beastars is like Fantastic Mr. Fox, but in anime form. Based on the manga of the same name, it has been renewed for a second season. Watch it if you enjoy fiction that combines psychological storylines. Beastars excels at a metaphysical level, portraying a tale of nature vs. design, emotion vs. logical thinking, and power dynamics.
While a carnivore may feel the urge to invade and devour a herbivore, a reasonable member of a civilized society would find a way to resist and overcome such impulses. An alpha male might yearn to attack rivals and dominate sexual objects of desire from a distance, but those aiming to preserve morality tend to restrain themselves and resist their natural urges.
9. Kuromukuro
In spite of being a little bit unknown, Kuromukuro is a great anime series to watch on Netflix, and I really enjoyed it. The way this mecha anime blends sci-fi with romance creates a strong and interesting plot.
The series came out in 2016 and has two seasons. It tells the story of a time when mechas attack a research center. Students, pilots, and researchers are left with no choice but to fight back against these mecha enemies. They get help from mysterious artifacts and a young samurai.
8. Gunjo no Magmell
Gunjou No Magmel is an underrated anime on Netflix that you’ll enjoy. The story unfolds when a miracle happens in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – a new continent appears out of nowhere!
This newfound land is home to mysterious plants, creatures, and minerals, sparking excitement in humanity. The age of exploration is back, and everyone is filled with their own questions and curious thoughts.
7. Sirius the Jeager
Netflix has a wide range of good supernatural anime series that will get you hooked. But, If you are into tv shows about vampires! well this one will probably became you next favorite tv series.
The story is set In Imperial Tokyo, where a group calling itself “Jaegers” secretly hunts the vampires seeking the Ark of Sirius; among them is young werewolf Yuliy.
6. Ajin
Here is supernatural anime full of complex ideas about life and death, as well as the dark side of human nature. while watching this underrated anime series on Netflix you will see that it tries to answer the question of What does it mean to truly be human?
Seventeen years ago, the existence of a special species called Ajin was discovered in Africa. They are said to be immortal beings, with several supernatural abilities, that look just like any other human being.
Are these Ajin just random phenomena of nature or were they purposely sent to Earth to destroy it?
This is how it was for the young protagonist of the series, Kei. That was until a sudden turn of events changed his life forever…
5. K Project
Lucky for us, there’s another great action anime on Netflix, and even though it’s underrated, it’s really good. The story of K-Project revolves around a young, easygoing boy who gets caught in a psychic war involving seven knights. Wrongly accused of murder and facing a crime he can’t remember, he must go on the run, pursued by two kings and their forces.
4. Devilman Crybaby
Based on Go Nagai’s manga, Devilman Crybaby is a re-imagination of the classic Devilman series that follows Akira Fudo as he is persuaded by a friend that it would be a wise idea to merge his soul with a demon to battle other demons.
The anime re-imagines the manga and changes the plot to be set in contemporary times, abusing Netflix’s artistic freedom with the sort of graphic por£nographic and violent content that no Western TV network will ever dream of authorizing.
A rave-lit orgy full of neon and naked characters easily spirals into a bloodbath, body parts are continually mutilated, all in a silent color palette that makes for a convincing and stunning tale about men.
3. Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing is a well-known anime series that is often mentioned in any discussion about popular anime. However, on Netflix, this horror anime is somewhat underrated. Ouch!
Based on a manga by the same name and is known because of its vampire hunting story. It has a plot about vampire hunters but also features some various elements.
The series chronicles the activities of the enigmatic and elusive Hellsing Organization as it battles against witches, ghouls, and other supernatural creatures that invade England. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy horror and vampire hunter movies and anime.
2. March Come in Like A Lion
If you want an anime that will stir your emotions, send shivers down your spine, and bring tears to your eyes, March Comes in Like a Lion is the perfect choice. With its beautiful and moving story, well-developed characters, and realistic drama, this series is a heartfelt experience.
The story revolves around Rei Kiriyama, a boy battling depression, and how a group of caring sisters helps him rebuild his life after a breakdown. First airing in October 2016, you can find this mature and dramatic show on Netflix.
1. Gurren Lagann
If you’re into heartwarming and action-packed stories about friendship, Gurren Lagann is the anime for you. While it’s widely loved on other streaming platforms, it hasn’t received the attention it truly deserves on Netflix.
The show is packed with inspiring lines like “Believe in who believes in you” and other uplifting affirmations as characters support each other’s personal growth. With its over-the-top action sequences, flashy animation, and epic battles featuring drill-shaped robots known as Gunmen, Gurren Lagann stands out. Like many shonen anime, Gurren Lagann has its share of debate, but numerous fans consider it a true masterpiece.