Top 5 Underrated Anime You Should Watch in 2025

In the realm of anime, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer often seem to capture all the attention from the fans and media alike. However, there is a deeper anime subculture that houses unknown masterpieces just waiting to be uncovered.

In 2025, we should step outside the box. If you are a die hard otaku or an infrequent viewer, this selection of five unappreciated jewels of anime which boast great storytelling, stunning animation, emotional depth, but have been overlooked will change your perception forever.

🎬 1. Summer Ghost (2021)

Classification: Drama, Supernatural

Type: Film (~40 Mins)

Why You Should Watch:

From celebrated illustrator loundraw’s lens, Summer Ghost is a short film that reveals the haunting tale of three teenagers who summon a ghost said to manifest during summer fireworks. In one way or another, all the teens are dealing with a form of trauma i.e. depression, illness, or an overwhelming fear of failure — and the ghost's journey provides healing in the most unexpected ways.

In just 40 minutes, the film manages to uncover quite a lot about the vitality of human existence and the essence of meaningful life — accompanied with serene storytelling and breathtaking animation filled with emotional depth.

💬 “We may not see the future vividly, but the present is important.”

Ideal For: Avid readers of Your Name, A Silent Voice, and stories that are contemplative and lyrical.

📜 2. Heike Monogatari (The Heike Story)

Genre: Historical Drama

Episodes: 11

Why It's Underrated:

Adapted from a 12th-century Japanese epic, Heike Monogatari features a fresh feminist interpretation through the eyes of Biwa, a blind boy who sees visions of the future. The anime, produced by Science SARU and directed by Naoko Yamada (K-On!, A Silent Voice), is unique with its painterly visuals and musical storytelling.

It's not just a history lesson — it's a reflection on war, destiny, and tragedy. Though its good storytelling and graphics render it an excellent work, it was under the radar for many of the fans of anime for its particular genre.

Recommended For: Viewers who enjoy historical narratives, unique animation styles, and slow-burning emotional development.

🌀 3. Sonny Boy

Genre: Psychological, Sci-fi

Episodes: 12

Why You Should Watch:

Sonny Boy is something different. When a high school class of students suddenly begins floating in other dimensions, the series becomes a metaphysical journey on identity, power, isolation, and reality itself.

Directed by Shingo Natsume (One Punch Man Season 1), the anime pairs minimalistic dialogue with disquieting visuals and an experimental soundtrack. It's dizzying at certain points — purposely so — asking for deep reflection and analysis.

Perfect For: Fans of Serial Experiments Lain, The Tatami Galaxy, or anyone who appreciates anime that stays with you long after it's over.

😊 4. Skip and Loafer (2023)

Genre: School, Slice of Life, Romance

Episodes: 12

Why It's Special:

Amidst a world of melodrama and hyperbolic romance, Skip and Loafer is a breath of fresh air through wholesome, grounded storytelling. Mitsumi, a competent and driven young woman from the rural provinces, enrolls in Tokyo to pursue her dreams. Her clumsy appeal and nascent friendship with the affable Sousuke construct a rich and grounded high school life.

What makes this anime stand out is the way it handles anxiety, self-image, and peer pressure so gently yet profoundly — never once getting preachy.

Ideal For: Fans of Horimiya, Barakamon, or simply someone who wants something clean and positive.

❄️ 5. Kaina of the Great Snow Sea (2023)

Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Adventure

Episodes: 11 + Movie

Why It's a Hidden Gem:

In a snow-covered post-apocalyptic world, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea is a tale of a young tree village boy who lives in the sky and a princess from an aggressive ground tribe. Their grand and intimate world-building and emotional stakes epic journey to save mankind is both political and personal.

With a striking visual style and narrative that's very much reminiscent of classic anime epic scope, it deserves far more recognition than it received at release.

Best For: Fans of Made in Abyss, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and scope-fantasy world lovers.

✍️ Last Thoughts

Challenge yourself in 2025 to get beyond the titles everyone's buzzing about. These five anime aren't necessarily number one on the bestseller charts right now and cluttering your social media feed, but all five have something profound to teach you — be that through their storytelling, feelings, or plain artwork.

Give them a shot. You could be discovering a new favorite.