You’ve Probably Never Heard Of These 22 Anime Shows, But They’re Worth Watching
Out of all the list posts I’ve seen on this topic, none have mentioned the below anime shows.
So you’re guaranteed to run across something fresh, unique and worthwhile.
Let’s get started:
22 anime that aren’t mainstream or popular:
1. Fate Grand Order: First Order (Movie)
This movie is about 1 hour 10 minutes long.
It was worth watching, and it takes you deeper into the “Fate” universe.
If you’re a fan of the Fate series, I encourage you to check it out. Despite it not being extensive or “in-depth” like Fate Zero or Fate Stay Night.
2. Flying Witch
Flying Witch follows Makoto Kowata, a witch in training while in the rural countryside with family.
If you want to know what it feels like being messaged by an anime, then watch this.
It’s a break from the over the top comedy or exaggerated expressions you get in some anime.
3. Alice To Zouroku
Alice To Zouroku is about a girl named Sana, who can create anything by imagining it.
If you enjoy “dark” themes in anime, blended in with chilled, light-hearted episodes, watch this.
It’s become one of my favorite “adventure” series.
4. The Moon, So Beautiful
A romance anime with a focus on simplicity.
This was released earlier in 2017. And tends to avoid clichés or blatant fan-service.
5. Canaan
An anime about 2 mercenaries, and a particular virus.
It’s full of action, similar to shows like Blood+.
I won’t lie and say it’s a favorite, but I enjoyed it more than Blood+. And it has some decent moments.
6. Magic Knight Rayearth
3 girls from Tokyo are summoned to another world to save it from ruin. That’s the premise of the story.
This old school classic has inspired and influenced modern-day anime shows of the same kind.
It’s also one of the original anime that started the trend years later.
7. Girls Und Panzer
A military anime show focused on saving Ooarai Girls High School from being shut down.
If you have a thing for strategy battles, tactics, out-thinking the enemy, and some slice of life… Try this.
It does a good job of ALL these elements.
8. Demi-Chan
A Seinen/comedy series focused on the lives of Demi-humans. And how they fit-in alongside ordinary human beings.
It’s one of the more interesting “school” shows among so many copy-cats.
9. Ah My Goddess
An old-school romance anime series that follows up from the movie released in the 90’s.
It focuses on the lives of Keiichi, a normal human being, and his goddess girlfriend: Bell-dandy.
Alongside Bell-dandy’s two sisters: Urd and Skuld.
10. Kenichi The Mightiest Disciple
Weak-knees Kenichi is a victim of bullying, being picked on, and treated like dirt by bullies in his high school.
Through the use of martial arts and hard work, he’s able to overcome his fears and stand up for himself.
One of my favorite anime shows as there’s nothing like it.
Related: 9 Of The Greatest Motivational Anime Shows
11. Slayers
It’s a magic/fantasy/adventure series with plenty of action and 5 seasons.
The story follows Lina Inverse, and the friends she meets along the way. She’s high up the list for “One Piece look weak.
Needs a new season.
12. Squid Girl
Taken from a Manga, Squid Girl (a human squid from the sea) wants to take over the world. But fails miserably.
The puns and dialogue is fresh. And it’s one of the more unique “slice of life” shows out there.
13. Ef: A Tale Of Memories
A romance anime series that came out the same year as Clannad.
But this show is overshadowed by Clannad’s popularity and quality.
It’s not as polished, but it’s well-worth watching.
14. Nodame Cantabile
Musical anime series focused on the lives of 2 college students.
One of which is an expert pianist (Nodame).
And Shinichi, who’s great on a majority of instruments. But excels at running his own orchestra.
Nodame Cantabile’s one of the most original music anime shows in the slice of life genre.
Released way before shows like Your Lie In April.
15. Best Student Council
Slice of life focused on the lives of female student council members, in an all girls school.
It’s a classic Shoujo-comedy with some “strange” elements that you might eventually warm to.
16. Hyperdimension Neptunia
Love Parody shows?
Hyperdimension Neptunia pokes fun at tropes, anime elements, gamer elements and cliché’s.
As long as you don’t take it seriously, you’ll love this series.
17. Outbreak Company
Shinichi Kanou is recruited to bring Japanese Otaku culture to a mysterious world.
It’s another parody series with harem/fantasy elements.
Probably one of the FEW harem anime I can stand to watch without throwing up.
18. In Another World With My Smartphone
Another 2017 anime series, focused on the Isekai genre.
This anime is so absurd I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous the concept is.
It’s one of my favorite anime shows released in 2017. And especially my favorite when it comes to “harem”.
19. Kantai Collection
If you want military mixed in with slice of life and laid back episodes, watch this.
Kantai Collection’s one of the most chilled shows I’ve seen. Especially for the military genre.
You also have your typical “cliche” characters who are overly excited, extroverted, weird, and the types of cliches that people don’t generally mind much.
20. Bodacious Space Pirates
Like Kantai Collection, this is a laid back show.
Except it focuses on space, spaceships, the solar system and space pirates.
Bodacious Space Pirates deserves a lot more credit!
21. Rokudenashi
The story follows the professor of a magic academy, and 2 of its main students.
If you enjoy shows like:
- Shakugan No Shana
- Irregular at Magic High School.
Then you’ll find Rokudenashi entertaining.
22. Robotic Notes
Made by the same studios behind Psycho Pass, Steins Gate and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
If you want a futuristic anime series filled with mystery and comedy, try this.
Honorable mentions:
- Shakugan No Shana.
- D.Gray Man.
- Restaurant To Another World.
- Ryuugajou Nanana.
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