Only a very few selectanimeseries have achieved immortal status, remaining just as relevant today as they were on release. Titles likeNeon Genesis EvangelionorDragon Ballmight be the first to come to mind in that regard. The reality for most series, however, is that they experience their moment to shine,and are eventually lost among the waves of new shows releasing every season.
Anime comes and goes, especially in more recent times, when 30 or more titles air in a single season. With so much out there to consume and the constant booming growth of the art form, shows will inevitably be left behind. Unfortunately,some anime likely deserved a bit better of a fate than they were given, and even those which once had large and dedicated fan bases might no longer receive the attention they deserve.
Trigunis far from the most niche anime series of the past 30 years, though with the popularity it once enjoyed, it’s undeniable that the series' reputation has fallen a bit from what it once was. The 1998 anime series based on the manga by Yasuhiro Nightow is a classic and deserves far more praise from the community for its stylized visuals,glorious ’90s aesthetic, and one of the more enjoyable cast of characters to come out of shōnen during its era.
The recent release ofTrigun Stampede, a modern reimagining of the original series, helped to reinvigorate theTrigunfan base, delivering the story Vash the Stampede to an all-new generation of anime fans.However, the 1998 series remains the quintessential version of the story for many in the community.
Despite being one of the most famous anime and manga series ever created in Japan,Urusei Yatsurahas always somewhat flown under the radar in the West. Based on the manga by the legendary Rumiko Takahashi, the series has long been celebrated for its blend of science fiction and rom-com elements, and for introducing one of the earliest examples of the “tsundere” character archetype in Lum.
Outside of Japan,Urusei Yatsurawas largely overshadowed by Takahashi’s other iconic work,Ranma 1/2, which is often cited as one of the first anime series to truly break onto the scene in the United States. LikeTrigun,a modern remake ofUrusei Yatsuraintroduced countless new fans to the series in 2022, yet the story stilldoesn’t quite receive the praise it deserves for just how ahead of its time it was.
Fullmetal Alchemistis one of the more uncommon cases of a once-popular anime series being left behind with the passage of time. Thanks to2009’sFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the title is well remembered and celebrated even today as one of the all-time greats. However, 2003’sFullmetal Alchemist, also produced by Bones studio,is rarely ever discussed by the larger anime-watching community.
Because Hiromu Arakawa was not yet finished with her manga series of the same name, 2003’sFullmetal Alchemistwas forced to bring its story to an entirely original conclusion. Later, when it became known how the manga would end, Bones went back and rewroteFullmetal Alchemistthe way its original author intended with 2009’sBrotherhood. Though the later anime is seen as the essential version of events,many fans continue to hold the 2003 series in high regard, and some even prefer it.
Of all the underrated anime series out there,Ergo Proxy’s lack of continued success may be the most puzzling. With all the star power behind the series,including writing byCowboy Bebop’s Dai Sato, and an aesthetic that would please even the most hardened sci-fi anime fan, the 2006 anime has somehow flown under the radar in the years since its initial airing.
Following main character Re-l through a post-apocalyptic world in which both humans and AutoReiv androids live in domed cities, the anime presents thrilling mysteries and gripping action sequences that are sure to capture the audience’s attention and never let go.Ergo Proxyisn’t a perfect show by any means, and it can often straddle the line between being smart and pretentious, but the series generally explores some interesting ideasand does so with absolutely stunning visuals.
Once upon a time,Chobitswas one of the hottest names in anime. Its initial airing in 2002 garnered quite a bit of fanfare, even inspiring video game adaptations of the series released on Game Boy, Playstation 2, and PC. These days, however, it might be difficult to find much discussion regarding the series in even the deepest corners of the online anime community.
Based on the manga by the legendary all-female art collective responsible for titles likeCardcaptor Sakura, Clamp,Chobitsrepresents the dying breath of the sci-fi craze that dominated anime during the 1990s with shows likeEvangelionandSerial Experiments Lain. The anime’s naive view of the future of technology is charming and typical of the era, representing a time when it seemed computers could be gateways to alternate worlds. Despite its flaws, the series remains incredibly enjoyable,and deserves a bit better than its gradual fading from relevance.
Zatch Bell!is a strange case of a series performing incredibly well while active,and suddenly having its popularity fall off a cliff following its conclusion. In the case of the anime series by Toei Animation, many felt disappointed by the decisions to stray from the source material, ultimately moving on from the series and leaving it behind. However, the manga experienced a similar drop-off, having a reported 22 million copies in circulation by its conclusion in 2008, and only growing that number to just under 24 million over the next 10 years.
Nevertheless,Zatch Bell!remains a fan-favorite shōnen action series among those who rememberits airing on Cartoon Network’s Toonami blockduring the mid-2000s. Most newer anime fans have likely never heard of the series, but that may change with a sequel anime rumored to be in the works.
It’s become something of a rite of passage for anime fansto cry their eyes out over an adaptation of a Jun Maeda story. The legendary visual novel writer with Key studio has given fans titles likeAngel Beats!,Little Busters!,Charlotte, andarguably his most famous work,Clannad. Though one story which has gotten somewhat lost among all the other classic stories by Maeda and Key, the highly emotionalKanon.
Adapted into an anime series in 2006 by Kyoto Animation,Kanonfollows Yuichi Aizawa, who returns to a town where he would once spend his vacations away from school. However, Aizawa is missing a significant portion of his memories, and rediscovers them along with the people of the town throughoutKanon. The anime may not feature the emotional highs ofClannadorAngel Beats!,but contains just about everything fans of Maeda would want in a series.
Based on the doujinshi by artist Yoshitoshi Abe,Haibane Renmeiis likely another case ofa series being overshadowed by another popular work. Abe was also involved in the concept and character design of1998’sSerial Experiments Lain, the legendary and downright prophetic anime series that has remained a stable of the cyberpunk genre since its initial airing. In the years since, it seems the artist’s other work has taken a backseat to discussion surrounding Lain.
However, 2002’sHaibane Renmeihas flown largely under the radarwhile being arguably the most compelling work of Abe’s. The series follows Rakka, a titular haibane, or an angel-like being, and explores spiritual themes like redemption and sin through a slow-moving and dramatic tale with an undeniably stylish aesthetic. Though most will give worthy praise to Abe’s and creator Yasuyuki Ueda’s work inSerial Experiments Lain,Haibane Renmeideserves just as much shine.
With the recent meteoric rise of the Isekai genre, it’s a bit disappointing that one of its pioneering works remains relatively undiscovered by most fans.Now and Then, Here and Thereis a 1999 post-apocalyptic sci-fi anime series in the vain ofGrave of the FirefliesandWelcome to the NHK, in that it may be an enjoyable watch and even a favorite among many,but not something a viewer would likely want to revisit.
The series' depiction of war and violence is devastatingly brutal,yet the anime keeps hope as a central theme throughout. Anyone uncomfortable with sensitive content or simply not seeking to have their days potentially ruined may want to steer clear ofNow and Then, Here and There, but those who give the anime a try rarely regret doing so.
Though it’s more recent than many of the other forgotten classics,Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjumay very well be themost underrated anime series ever. Based on the manga by Haruko Kumota, the series follows a number of characters across generations,all tied together by Rakugo, a form of traditional comedic storytelling.
The only problem withShowa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuis that it appeals to such a small and specific audience. The series uses its wide cast of characters to touch on themes like love and the struggles faced by aspiring artists, and isalmost guaranteed to move whoever is willing to give the anime a chance. For those willing to give the series a shot, it’s currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
