What Does “Underrated Anime” Mean?
When I say underrated anime, I’m talking about shows that didn’t get the spotlight they deserved — series that might have flown under the radar, received lower ratings than they truly merit, or simply didn’t get enough attention from the anime community. Some were overshadowed by bigger hits, while others never got the marketing push they needed.
In this post, I’ll share my personal collection of underrated anime, with a focus on fantasy, isekai, and romance series that I believe deserve far more love. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan searching for something fresh or a newcomer looking for unique recommendations, I hope you’ll discover at least one series here that becomes your next favorite.
10. Raven of the Inner Palace
Raven of the Inner Palace is a series I could sum up in one sentence: Apothecary Diaries with a touch of magic. The two shows share a very similar tone and setting, but the key difference — and what makes Raven of the Inner Palace truly fascinating — is that our main character, Ryuu, has the rare ability to communicate with the dead. This supernatural gift turns every investigation into a compelling mystery, often leading to a tragic but impactful conclusion.
Of course, there are other notable differences between the two. In Raven of the Inner Palace, the love interest is none other than the emperor himself, and Ryuu’s personality is more arrogant at times, adding an extra layer of tension to the story. Overall, this is an incredibly enjoyable and underrated anime that I highly recommend, especially if you enjoyed The Apothecary Diaries.
9. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
In my opinion, this is the best anime in the villainess genre so far! The premise is both unique and engaging — our main character has died six times in previous lives and, each time, gone back in time to the moment her engagement was broken. Before the current loop, she explored nearly every path this fantasy world had to offer: merchant, scholar, herbalist, traveler, maid, and even guard.
In this seventh loop, however, she unexpectedly impresses the very man who killed her in the previous timeline with her vast skill set. From here, a surprisingly wholesome romance begins, and characters from her past lives reappear in meaningful ways. This anime offers well-written characters with strong dynamics, rich world-building, and intelligent storytelling. If you haven’t seen 7th Time Loop, you should definitely give it a try — it’s a true hidden gem in the romance fantasy genre.
8. The Great Cleric
The Great Cleric is a bit of an odd one on my list. In my opinion, this anime is the perfect blend of comedy, isekai, and power fantasy. The main character, Luciel, is a classic isekai protagonist — kind, friendly, and instantly likable to almost everyone he meets. While the power system itself isn’t particularly unique, the series does an excellent job of showing us every aspect of it in detail.
Truth be told, I probably enjoyed this show more than I should have. The humor landed perfectly for me, with jokes that were genuinely hilarious from start to finish. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, feel-good isekai with plenty of laughs, The Great Cleric is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
7. Dead Mount Death Play
Dead Mount Death Play is, in my opinion, the best reverse isekai out there! In this series, the main character was once a powerful necromancer in his original fantasy world — until he was defeated by a hero. After his death, he reincarnates into a world that looks like modern-day Japan. The twist? The body he awakens in had just been killed by an assassin, making him an immediate target.
After killing and then resurrecting the assassin, he discovers that his necromantic powers still work here — hinting at a mysterious connection between this world and his original one. As the story unfolds, we’re introduced to a cast of well-written characters, a fascinating power system, and a mix of shady organizations and criminals, all while unraveling the mystery linking the two worlds.
This anime isn’t for everyone — it can get quite bloody and gory at times, and it doesn’t shy away from exploring darker ideologies. But if you enjoy dark fantasy with a modern twist, I highly encourage you to give Dead Mount Death Play a try. It’s undeniably phenomenal and a truly underrated gem.
6. So I'm a Spider, So What?
So I’m a Spider, So What? is a fantastic isekai power fantasy with just one major flaw. The premise is unique: an entire high school class is reincarnated into a fantasy world divided among three main factions — humans, elves, and demons. Unlike most of her classmates, who are reborn as humans, the main character finds herself reincarnated as a spider monster.
Being a monster comes with one big advantage — she can gain new skills and evolve much faster than her human classmates, quickly becoming overpowered. But as everyone learns more about this world, they realize it’s far more complex than it appears. There are mysterious “administrators” who operate like game server admins, and the three factions might have hidden motives that aren’t as straightforward as they seem.
The one flaw in this series is its constant perspective-switching. While the spider protagonist is easily the star of the show, the narrative frequently shifts to the hero’s perspective. It does add some intrigue, but many fans feel the story would have been stronger if the human perspective had been skipped entirely. Still, when it comes to isekai anime standards, this is one of the best power fantasies out there and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
5. By the Grace of the Gods
By the Grace of the Gods is an isekai anime so wholesome that even a 7-year-old could watch it — yet it’s still entertaining for older viewers. In this series, our protagonist is reincarnated into a fantasy world, where he spends his days raising and experimenting with slimes. Thanks to his knowledge from his previous life, he quickly becomes overpowered.
However, this isn’t your typical action-heavy fantasy. Instead, it’s a relaxing slice-of-life story that’s all about small adventures, heartwarming interactions, and the joy of simple living. Don’t expect intense battles or deep character growth — just a charming, feel-good anime that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
4. The Ancient Magus' Bride
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is many things at once — a beautifully written mix of romance, fantasy, mystery, occasional gore, and even some school-life elements, all tied together with compelling characters. The setting feels like 19th-century Britain, but in a world where true magic users, spirits, and alchemists exist.
The story begins at an auction, where the main character, Chise, is selling herself. She is purchased by a mysterious man who is clearly not human — a mage with the head of a beastly skull. His reason for buying her is unusual: he wants both a wife and a student. It’s soon revealed that Chise is naturally loved by spirits, giving her the ability to wield magic.
Through her eyes, we explore a fascinating, richly detailed world with a unique magic system and an unforgettable cast of characters. If you’re looking for a blend of romance, fantasy, and dark fairy-tale elements, The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a must-watch.
3. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
The only bad thing about this anime is its official title, which doesn’t really match the tone or true content of the show. That’s why I’ll use the name the community prefers: DanMachi (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?).
Long-time anime fans probably need no introduction, but newcomers might have never heard of it — so here’s a quick overview. The story takes place in a fantasy world where gods from various mythologies descend to the human realm, creating their own familias (guild-like groups) to pursue one ultimate goal: conquering the dungeon. Among them is the lonely goddess Hestia, whose only familia member is Bell, our main character. Bell dreams of becoming a hero, and his journey is filled with dangerous battles, alliances, and self-discovery.
In my opinion, DanMachi shines with its rich world-building, exciting action, and engaging lore. While it may fall a little short in deep character development, the overall adventure more than makes up for it — making it a must-watch for fans of fantasy anime with strong RPG-inspired elements.
2. Ascendance of a Bookworm
Ascendance of a Bookworm is easily one of the best-written isekai anime out there. The story follows a girl who, in her previous life, was a librarian obsessed with books and reading. In her new world, however, books are a luxury reserved for nobles, and she is born into a poor commoner family. Determined to read again, she sets out to create books from scratch, using all the knowledge she retained from her past life.
Her journey isn’t simple. She suffers from a rare and mysterious illness that makes her special but also places her in constant danger. Throughout the story, she faces countless hardships, slowly working toward her goal step by step. The series is both wholesome and shocking at times, offering clever commentary on societal issues such as class divisions and resource control.
With memorable characters, strong world-building, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for, Ascendance of a Bookworm is a truly underrated gem in the isekai genre — and easily in my personal top five.
1. Magi
The entire Magi series is absolutely fantastic. While most anime fans are likely familiar with it, here’s a quick overview for newcomers. The series begins with Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic and stands as one of the best fantasy anime on the market, featuring one of the most unique and well-developed magic systems in anime.
Our main characters are Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana (I don’t count Sinbad as a main character). Each has their own goals and motivations, but what truly stands out is the incredible world-building. Throughout the series, we travel across various nations, each distinct and rich in culture, politics, and mystery. The story is packed with intriguing elements like dungeons, magical genes, and secret organizations that keep viewers hooked.
The Magi world feels truly alive thanks to its thoughtful design and depth. The only downside is that anime production stopped after the second season and a spinoff. However, anyone looking for a well-written, epic fantasy journey should definitely give the Magi series a chance — it’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
