2023 was a rollercoaster for anime! While everyone fixated on Attack on Titan’s finale and One Piece’s live-action debut, plenty of hidden gems flew under the radar. This list shines a spotlight on the year’s best underrated anime, proving that true treasures sometimes come in unassuming packages.
I’m in Love with the Villainess
Forget damsels in distress! Rae, in “I’m in Love with the Villainess,” wakes up in her otome game and sets her sights on the captivating villainess, Claire. This witty, relatable romance flips the script on tired tropes, leaving you wanting more.
Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre
Prepare to be scared, thrilled, and maybe even a little repulsed. This Netflix series dives into the mind of horror maestro Juji Ito, adapting 20 of his most disturbing tales. Each episode offers a fresh dose of unsettling chills, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero
When a mighty Demon Lord wakes up after a ten-year nap, expecting his heroic nemesis to be a fearsome warrior, he finds… a total loser named Max. Now roommates in a dingy apartment, this unlikely duo embarks on a journey to reclaim their former glory, one level-up at a time.
Migi and Dali
Prepare for a mind-bending ride with Migi & Dali. This seemingly wholesome tale of an elderly couple adopting a young boy takes a dark turn when the “boy” turns out to be two mischievous twins pulling off a bizarre charade. Their deception unravels, revealing a shocking truth that will leave you both spooked and entertained.
My New Boss Is Goofy
Tired of the same old office grind? Momose in “My New Boss Is Goofy” feels you! But instead of another tyrant boss, he gets… Shirosaki, an air-headed goofball who’d make a blonde look scholarly. Prepare for hilarious misadventures and a bromance that’ll warm your cubicle.
Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions
Calling all Sherlock fans! Ron, a genius detective ostracized for a past mistake, joins forces with rookie cop Totomaru to crack a gruesome case. Get ready for mind-bending deductions, unlikely friendships, and a mystery that’ll keep you guessing.
The Gene of AI
Step into a future where advanced AIs walk among us. Dr. Hikaru Sudo, a dedicated physician, treats these sentient beings with the same compassion he offers humans, even if it means bending the rules. As strange AI ailments emerge and ethical lines blur, “The Gene of AI” asks: can humans and hyper-intelligent beings truly coexist?
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Forget your usual zombie doom-and-gloom. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead throws a hilarious curveball. Akira, a corporate drone, welcomes the zombie apocalypse as a chance to ditch his soul-crushing job and tick off his bucket list. Watching him slay zombies while crossing off “Learn to Surf” is pure, unadulterated entertainment.
These are just some shining examples of the underrated gems that 2023 gifted us. So, venture beyond the familiar, and uncover your own hidden treasures! Remember, some of the most unforgettable experiences lie in the shadows, waiting to be discovered. Happy gaming!