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25 Most Underrated Anime Movies That Are A Must Watch (Updated)!!

The world of anime is cruel and unjust as lot of movies, which should have risen the ranks of fame lie forgotten in the dust. It is quite a satisfaction when you come across an underrated anime movie and end up falling in love with it totally.

Whether they were overshadowed by other releases or simply didn’t receive enough marketing, these anime movies deserve a chance to be appreciated by a wider audience. These underrated gems often have compelling storylines, beautiful animation, and memorable characters, but they can be overlooked in favor of more popular titles.

However, the search for such movies can prove to be tiresome. Do not worry though, we have got you covered here!!

Best underrated anime movies:

In order to make your job easy, we have come up with a curated list of the best 25 underrated anime film that are totally worth your time. From slice of life dramas to movies with surreal plots, this list of underrated anime movies has something to offer for every fans.

Note: The list is updated with new titles!

25. Redline:

Runtime: 102 mins
Director: Takeshi Koike
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Racing, Action, Sci-fi
Release Date: Oct 9, 2010

Redline is a science fiction auto racing anime film produced by Madhouse and directed by Takeshi Koike. The film is set in the distant future, where a man known as JP takes on great risks for the chance of winning the titular underground race. This underground race is an “elimination race” which is one of the most popular in the galaxy, the Redline.

It is kind of a homage to the illegal racing scenes  and the comic style of late 70s and 80s. Redline is an interesting watch for people with speedy sports car fetishes and a love for the futuristic cyborg world. The fact that the movie took seven years to be completed is visible in the sheer quality of the art style, which makes it more than just a straightforward racing movie!

24. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (Hoshi Wo Ou Kodomo):

Runtime: 116 mins
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Release Date: May 7, 2011

Children Who Chase Lost Voices is a fantasy adventure movie directed  by Makoto Shinkai at CoMix Wave Films. The movie follows Asuna Watase, a young elementary school girl, who is unknowingly dragged into a journey to a long lost land, after she accidentally tunes her old crystal radio to a melancholic song from this mysterious hidden world.

This adventure surpasses her very imagination, turning her once melodic life into an intricate requiem.

This underrated anime movie brilliantly encapsulates the themes of life, death, separation and loneliness through the eyes of a student and a teacher as they go in search for something that is not fathomable in tales of fantasy that a 12-year-old might know.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices also seems to take a leaf out of Miyazaki’s book and is worth a watch, especially for Shinkai fans who want to experience something different from the director.

23. Patema Inverted (Sakasam no Patema):

Runtime: 99 mins
Director: Yasuhiro Yoshiura
Studio: Studio Rikka, Purple Cow, Studio Japan
Genres: Sci-fi, Mystery, Adventure
Release Date: Nov 9, 2013

Patema Inverted is a sci- fi adventure film written and directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura. The plot follows a young girl Patema who lives in an underground society, after an experiment intended to harness energy from Earth’s gravity  fails and gravity reverses, causing nearly everyone and everything to start flying away from Earth.

One day while exploring, she ends up on the surface of the earth and finds herself trapped in an inverted world. She teams up with a boy from the surface, to get back to the underground world.

It is not everyday that you find yourself trapped in a world that wasn’t supposed to exist, let alone be inverted.

The dystopian future drama is a great blend of animation, interesting story and beautiful visuals. Seeing two teenagers defying the opposing laws of gravity and coming together to find a peaceful solution makes for a wonderful watch and guarantees this flick a place in our list of best underrated anime movies.

22. Liz and the Blue bird (Liz To Aoi Tori):

Runtime: 91 mins
Director: Naoko Yamada
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genres: Drama, Music, School
Release Date: April 21, 2018

Liz and the Blue Bird is a drama-musical based on Ayano Takeda’s Sound!Euphonium (Hibiki!Euphonium) novel series. It is directed by Naoko Yamada at Kyoto Animation. The film focuses on Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki (supporting characters in Sound!Euphonium) who are tasked to prepare for a concert with the school’s brass band. The concert is based on a fairytale mentioned before, which acts as a story inside the story of the movie. 

A fairytale of a blue bird in the form of a young girl and real story running in parallel, surrounded by blossoming relationships and heart wrenching decisions is something which makes this anime movie stand out from its underrated counterparts!

The movie flourishes with fresh character designs, incredible art style and awesome soundtracks. Coming from the director who gave us A Silent Voice, Liz and the Blue Bird focuses on the struggles of self discovery and other teenage personal issues that arise between the focal characters.

The coming of age drama with its ever present music is bound to win your heart quite easily. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

21. Colorful:

Duration: 127 mins
Director: Keiichi Hara
Studio: Sunrise, Ascension 
Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Aired: Aug 21, 2010

An impure soul is given a second chance at life by reincarnating into the body of a suicidal 14-year-old boy. The soul must discover Makoto’s greatest sin within six months in order to move on. As the soul experiences life in Makoto’s body, it becomes aware of the complexities of human emotions and the struggles people face.

The story delves into the themes of family dynamics, suicide, and the difficulties people often struggle to confront. The concept of the afterlife and being given another chance at life is quite fascinating, and the movie depicts it very well.

While it is not a completely novel idea, it offers a more relatable perspective on the idea of second chances and the acceptance of the challenges and hardships that life can bring. It allows for the possibility of understanding and finding redemption, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

20. Eve no Jikan (Time of Eve):

Duration: 106 mins
Director: Yasuhiro Yoshiura
Studio: Studio Rikka
Genres: Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
Release Date: Mar 6, 2010

From the same director as Patema Inverted comes another underrated gem of a film. Time of Eve is a science fiction anime film that follows the story of a young man named Rikuo who becomes suspicious of the behavior of his family’s android, Sammy. Upon investigating further, Rikuo discovers a hidden café called “The Time of Eve” where androids and humans coexist peacefully and where there is a strict rule against discrimination based on appearance.

As he investigates the strange goings-on at the café, Rikuo becomes increasingly aware of the complex relationships between humans and androids. He grapples with the fundamental differences between the two and wonders if there is really such a clear divide between them.

As he delves deeper into the mystery, Rikuo is forced to confront his own preconceptions and consider the true nature of androids.

One of the things that sets “The Time of Eve” apart from other anime films is its focus on philosophical themes rather than action or adventure.

The animation and character design are also top-notch, and the world-building is rich and immersive.

Time of Eve is a deeply moving movie that is worth watching. The plot is well-written, and the characters are likable, making for a compelling and engaging viewing experience.

19. The Portrait Studio (Shashinkan):

Runtime: 17 mins
Director: Takashi Nakamura
Studio: Studio Colorido
Genres: Drama, Historical, Slice of Life
Release Date: Nov 9, 2013

The Portrait Studio is an anime short film written and directed by Takashi Nakamura at Studio Colorido. The story takes place before WWII at a photo studio on top of a hill where the owner has to try everything to make the daughter of a couple smile for the camera. Thus starts a long-running relationship between the girl and the owner, and time passes to years and then decades…

Though this anime movie only has a runtime of over 16 minutes, the beautiful tale of a woman who refuses to smile will definitely move your heart. The art and music of the movie is quite good and only serves to improve the overall experience of viewing this small yet wonderful piece of art!

This is definitely one of the best underrated anime movies out there. Watching it won’t take much of your time too. I pride myself on being able to suggest this to you, heh.

18. Mai Mai Miracle (Mai Mai Shinko to Sennen no Mahou):

Runtime: 95 mins
Director: Sunao Katubuchi
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Drama, Historical, Slice of Life
Release Date: Nov 21, 2009

Mai Mai Miracle is a drama/ SoL movie directed by Sunao Katabuchi at Madhouse Studio and is an entry that should be there in list of every underrated anime movie enthusiast.

The story is set in 1955 in Kokuga, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture and follows Shinko, a third grade elementary school student, who was born and raised in one of the town’s venerable families. She is a little girl whose characteristic is a strange curl on her forehead (she calls it her “Mai Mai”), and her love for playing in the fields.

On the other hand, her secret joy is to imagine and to daydream about the world of one thousand years ago. 

The movie follows themes of children coping with growing up in an almost Ghibli-esque way, but retains its own distinct signature in storytelling. The anime movie allows the viewer to explore the wonders of childhood through Shinko, who learns to admire the world around her, convey her feelings and to make friends along the way.

Definitely a must watch movie for people who love family friendly movies with a tinge of childhood nostalgia!

17. Summer Days with Coo (Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi):

Runtime: 138 mins
Director: Keiichi Hara
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Genres: Drama, Adventure, Mythical (Creatures)

Summer Days with Coo is a film written and directed by Keiichi Hara based on the novels by Masao Kogure. The plot follows Kouichi Uehara who picks up a large stone that turns out to be a  small, lone kappa that miraculously survives over 200 years. The kappa, named “Coo” is adopted by Uehara’s family, but it finds it hard to adapt to life among humans and misses its kind.

After a couple of adventures the family realizes that Coo can’t stay with them. But, when the media finds out, a circus ensues. As the whole city is drawn to the kappa, Kouichi has to make tough decisions so that Coo can live freely.

With shounen like adventures, this movie is certainly the one you are looking for if you are into mind bending themes, action and a simple yet engaging plot! While Summer Days With Coo is a film many might have seen in their childhood, if you were born in the 90s, it continues to remain a criminally underrated anime movie even today.

Rather than the visuals and the animation, the story of this underrated anime movie is what stands out.

16. Umibe no Étranger (The Stranger by the Shore)

Duration: 59 mins
Director: Oohashi Akiyo
Studio: Studio Hibari
Genres: Boys Love, Romance
Release Date: Sep 11, 2020

“Umibe no ‘étranger” is a must-watch underrated and lesser known anime movie that stands out for its heartwarming and unique plot, stunning animation, and relatable characters. Its compelling narrative which is high on the emotional quotient and a visually impressive animation style make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Overall, it is a beautifully crafted and emotionally impactful viewing experience that should not be missed.

The plot follows Shun and Mio, who are introduced to each other on the sandy shores of Okinawa. Shun is an aspiring novelist with a passion for writing and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Mio, on the other hand, is a shy and introverted high school student. Despite their differences, the two quickly strike up a friendship on the beach.

They grow close until Mio leaves for the mainland, but three years later he returns to confess his love to Shun. Shun’s life has changed in the interim, so it remains to be seen if he can accept Mio’s feelings.

15. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl:

Duration: 92 mins
Director: Yuasa Masaaki
Studio: Science SARU
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Aired: Apr 7, 2017

“Yoru wa Mijikashi Arukeyo Otome” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant underrated anime film that tells a heartwarming and bittersweet love story set against the beautiful backdrop of Kyoto. And all of it topped off with a touch of eccentricity, which is not limited to Yuasa’s direction and art style.

The plot follows a college student, who tries to win the heart of a girl he admires by constantly trying to run into her and making it seem like a coincidence. However, she believes in fate and tries to experience new things.

When the girl discovers a book she had as a child is being sold in a bookstore, the college student sees an opportunity to get the book before she does and finally connects with her.

It features relatable and well-developed characters, a captivating plot, and a beautiful soundtrack. Overall, it is a great choice for fans of romance and slice-of-life anime.

14. Memories:

Runtime: 114 mins
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo, Koji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura
Studio: Studio 4°C, Madhouse
Genres: Drama, Psychological, Sci-fi
Release Date: Dec 23, 1995

Memories is an anthology film, featuring 3 different stand-alone stories , Magnetic Rose (directed by Koji Morimoto), Stink Bomb (directed by Tensai Okamura) and Cannon Fodder (directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, who is also the original mangaka of these stories).

Co-produced by Madhouse and Studio 4°C, the short films encompass different genres including Sci-fi, Horror and Psychological drama

I would rather place this movie in a list of lesser known anime movies, than a list of underrated anime movies, for there aren’t many who know about this masterpiece out there. The technical and visual style of all the stories in Memories are closely related, even with the differing core themes. It is one of the most critically acclaimed anime movies in Japan.

The movie is guaranteed to give you an amazing experience (if you are a fan of Satoshi Kon movies) with a great story and deep underlying themes.

13. Kaijuu no Kodomo (Children of the Sea):

Duration: 111 mins
Director: Watanabe Ayumu
Studio: Studio 4°C
Genres: Award Winning, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
Aired: Jun 7, 2019

Children of the Sea follows the story of Ruka, a young girl who is drawn to the sea and the mysterious creatures living within it. Along with two boys, Umi and Sora, who were raised by dugongs, Ruka sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about her connection to the ocean and its inhabitants.

The three friends embark on an adventure in the underwater world, discovering a strange “festival” that all marine creatures are preparing for. As they explore the dazzling ocean, they learn more about this unique event.

If you’re a fan of stunning animation and intriguing stories, then Children of the Sea should be your top pick. Children of the Sea is a beautifully animated film with a captivating story about a young girl’s journey to uncover the mystery of her connection to the ocean.

Despite the eye-catching visuals, this movie continues to be grossly underrated and lesser known among majority of film watchers.

12. Tekkonkinkreet:

Runtime: 111 mins
Director: Michael Arias
Studio: Studio 4°C
Genres: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Release Date: Dec 23, 2006

Tekkonkinkreet follows a pair of orphans who attempt to prevent the Yakuza and their assorted violent and corrupt allies from taking over their city.

Tekkonkinkreet is a movie that is famous for its unique and distinct character design. While it might not adhere to everyone’s tastes, the movie’s plot and stylish (yet somehow moody) art which embraces creative freedom and delivers in every way possible makes it one of the gems in this list of underrated anime movies.

With dark and brutal themes depicted throughout, this is one those rewarding movies that oozes with quality. The movie will make you question morals, loyalty and relationships as the brothers strive to outlive the violent underbelly of Trasure Town.

‘A vivid and colorful experience’ would be the best way to put it, with strokes of realism!

11. Summer Ghost

Duration: 39 mins
Director: loundraw
Studio: Flat Studio
Genre: Supernatural
Release Date: Nov 12, 2021

Tomoya, Aoi, and Ryou have a unique ability to see the “Summer Ghost”, a spirit believed to be a young woman who took her own life. This ghost is only visible to those with a special connection to the spirit world. They seek answers about death from the ghost, who only appears in a specific area and can only be seen by those on the brink of death.

They are drawn to her because they are all facing death in different ways – Tomoya is overwhelmed by academic pressure, Aoi is bullied, and Ryou is dealing with a grave illness. Tomoya sets out to find her again as he becomes more obsessed with discovering the truth behind her existence.

The characters beautifully written and sometimes it becomes harrowingly easy to sympathize with that they are going through. In addition to that, the animation is top-notch. The movie has a strong and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

The movie is relatively short, with a runtime of only about 39 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable watch.

It has an emotional story; the theme of loss and the search for closure is likely to be touching and moving for viewers. This movie also features in our list of saddest anime movies, check out the whole list below!

10. In This Corner of the World:

Runtime: 168 mins
Director: Sunao Katabuchi
Studio: MAPPA
Genres: Drama,War
Release Date: Dec 20, 2019

Co-written and directed  by Sunao Katabuchi at MAPPA studio, this underrated anime movie follows the life during the years surrounding the WW II in Japan through the eyes of a girl Suzu Urano who has to leave her home after getting married to a man she barely knows.

Put to work in her husband’s household, the homesick girl struggles to adjust to the unfamiliar environment, living with a family who treats her coldly. She cannot help but question: can this ever truly become her new home?

In This Corner of the World is a movie that offers a refreshing take on Japan during World War II. Instead of focusing directly on the bombings and hardships that ensue, the movie depicts the changing conditions in a daily home as Japan slowly entered the years of war. The peaceful everyday lives of everyone is slowly replaced by harsher and unforgiving situations that accompany a war.

Contrasting themes of innocence and cruelty are present throughout the movie as the director tries to paint the image of mundane life amidst the bombings in Japan. The movie is not without its flaws, but is a must watch for those multitude of feelings that hit you as you watch Urano prevail against all the suffering.

Along with Barefoot Gen and Grave of Fireflies, this is one of the best wartime movies centered on Japan.

9. Hadashi no Gen (Barefoot Gen):

Duration: 83 mins
Director: Masaki Mori
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Award Winning, Drama
Release: Jul 21, 1983

Barefoot Gen is an important and powerful tale that illustrates the impact of war on individuals and communities. It is a story that everyone should watch in order to better understand the devastating consequences of conflict.

This criminally underrated anime movie is based on the manga of the same name. The story is set in Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II and follows the life of a young boy named Gen Nakaoka. The movie begins with the bombing of Hiroshima and Gen’s struggles to survive in the aftermath.

The story then follows Gen as he tries to come to terms with the loss of his family and the destruction of his city, while also trying to find hope and a sense of purpose in the midst of the war and its aftermath. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters, including his mother, his sister, and his friends, and together they try to rebuild their lives in the face of great adversity.

Barefoot Gen also features in our list of best anime movies from 1980s, check out the entire list below!

8. Only Yesterday (Omoide Poporo):

Runtime: 119 mins
Director: Isao Takahata
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Release Date: July 20, 1991

Only Yesterday is a drama movie written and directed by Isao Takahata at Studio Ghibli (and is the only Ghibli film in this list!) The story follows Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old unmarried & independent woman, who decides to visit her distant family in the rural countryside to help with the safflower harvest in order to get away from and unwind from the rush of the big city.

Having your past self follow you around can be quite a difficult thing to deal with, even if it happens subconsciously. Balancing your childhood dreams and your current self is a theme that is explored in this Ghibli classic.

Unlike normal anime film tropes, Only Yesterday has a very realistic story which focuses on adults, particularly women. The movie has a nostalgic theme as Taeko looks back on her childhood dreams and experiences, comparing them to what she has become today as an adult (which turns out to be quite contrasting). 

This underrated anime movie subtly touches on the problems and situations that every adult might face in their life and presents it in a heartfelt and enjoyable way. If we may say so, this is a “boringly beautiful” movie that you should definitely not miss out on!!

7. Tokyo Godfathers:

Runtime: 97 mins
Director: Satoshi Kon
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Release Date: Nov 8, 2003

Tokyo Godfathers follows an aging alcoholic, an ex-drag queen trans woman and a young runaway who set out in search of an abandoned newborn baby’s mother, whom they found in a dumpster on Christmas eve. During their journey they run into  yakuza members, a dying homeless man, and other interesting characters.

Though they are homeless and are broke, the trio do their best to look after the newborn (whom they name Kiyoko, meaning the “Pure One”) all the while confronting their pasts and realising the importance of having a family.

Tokyo Godfathers is a comedy drama film (loosely based on the novel Three Godfathers) directed by Satoshi Kon at Madhouse. Though it is a critically acclaimed movie, not many are familiar with this title (which is kinda sad). This makes it not just an underrated anime movie, but also a lesser known one.

The highlight of the film is the characters and their interactions which add to the overall feel good value of Tokyo Godfathers. This holiday movie is quite different from the usual Satoshi Kon tropes and will leave you pleasantly surprised. Definitely a must watch.

6. Kanashimi no Belladonna (Belladonna of Sadness)

Duration: 87 mins
Director: Yamamoto Eiichi
Studio: Mushi Production
Genres: Avant Garde, Drama
Release Date: Jun 30, 1973

Belladona of Sadness is a 1973 Japanese animated film directed by Eiichi Yamamoto. The film follows a young woman named Belladonna, who is sexually assaulted by the local lord on her wedding night.

As a result of the assault, she is ostracized by her community and turns to the Devil for help in seeking revenge. The film is known for its captivating, psychedelic art style and its feminist themes.

One of the major themes explored in Kanashimi no Belladonna is the issue of sexual violence and the many obstacles that society often puts in place to prevent women from seeking justice.

5. Mind Game

Duration: 103 mins.
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Studio: Studio 4°C
Genres: Adventure, Avant Garde, Award Winning, Comedy, Romance
Aired: Aug 7, 2004

The second Masaaki Yuasa film in this list, and surely one of his best. Mind Game is an underrated anime film about a young man named Nishi who is deeply in love with his childhood friend, Myon. However, Myon is set to marry someone else, and Nishi is heartbroken. On the way to the wedding, Nishi has a chance encounter with a group of yakuza, and the events that unfold lead him on a surreal journey through the afterlife and back.

Along the way, Nishi learns to let go of his past and embrace the present, ultimately finding the courage to pursue his dreams and be true to himself. 

The film’s surreal and sometimes chaotic storytelling style adds to its appeal and makes it stand out from other anime films. Mind Game is a must-watch for fans of unconventional and avant-garde anime. Its unique and surreal animation style, combined with its thought-provoking themes of love, life, and death, make it a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

4. A Letter to Momo (Momo e No Tegami):

Runtime: 141 mins
Director: Hiroyuki Okiura
Studio: Production IG
Genres: Drama, Supernatural, Slice of Life
Release Date: April 21, 2012

A Letter to Momo is an uplifting supernatural drama film written and directed by Hiroyuki Okiura which portrays the varied emotions of a girl recovering from her father’s death. The plot follows 11-year-old Momo Miyaura, who moves with her mother to a small island town after her father dies. When she arrives, she encounters three goblins that others cannot see who help her to cope with the loss of her father and the changes in her life.

Apart from the stunning visual quality, the movie scores pretty high for its humor, overall plot and the theme of coping with the loss of a loved one.

The film transitions from a lighter mood to a much serious one with ease and will manage to keep you entertained throughout. The characters don’t have an idealistic nature and come with their flaws, making them more endearing and lovable.

While it has been compared to Studio Ghibli creations, it is unique in its own way, earning a place in our list of best underrated anime movies! You should definitely give this masterpiece a try.

3. Miss Hokusai:

Runtime: 93 mins
Director: Keiichi Hara
Studio: Production IG
Genres: Drama, Historical
Release Date: May 9, 2015

Making it to the top three in this list of underrated anime movies is Miss Hokusai. The second Keiichi Hara movie in this list is quite different from the first one.

Instead of mythical Kappa and its adventures, this movie, set in Tokyo of 1814,  is an untold story about an outspoken daughter, who assisted her father throughout her life and greatly contributed to his art. But she remained uncredited!

Tetsuzo is a much accomplished artist of his time. 23-year-old O-Ei has inherited her father Tetsuzo’s  talent and stubbornness for art, and very often she would paint instead of him, though uncredited. She is constantly overshadowed by her famous father, but O-Ei is determined to leave behind something of her own in this world. 

This movie is not an everyday anime entertainer, but rather a work of art. Centred on the culturally dynamic society of nineteenth century Japan, the whole movie has a poetic touch to it.

From the beautiful background art to the thought provoking story, which is more like a series of events, everything contributes in making this anime film a beautiful and enjoyable experience.

2. Penguin Highway:

Runtime: 119 mins
Director: Hiroyasu Ishida
Studio: Studio Colorido
Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Release Date: Aug 17, 2018

Bagging the second place in this list is none other Penguin Highway, a movie which I highly recommend. Directed by Hiroyasu Ishida at Studio Colorido, this criminally underrated anime movie follows bright and inquisitive Aoyama who decides to investigate the penguins who suddenly showed up in his town.

However, he soon realizes that the intriguing older woman he has a crush on is somehow linked to the whole incident.

Penguin Highway is one of those movies you wish you had discovered earlier.

The movie serves you a unique mix of fantasy, surrealism and stark visuals which capture your heart from the get go. The humor and metaphors in the movie might not be to everyone’s liking, but it is something we strongly recommend that you check out before forming any opinions!

Penguin Highway will leave you a tad bit sad and with a whole lot of questions by the time it ends. So keep your mind sharp and get ready to discover new things with Aoyama and his friends as they embark on a unique and unfathomable adventure which you’d never want to end. 

1. Mirai no Mirai:

Runtime: 119 mins
Director: Hiroyasu Ishida
Studio: Studio Colorido
Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Release Date: July 20, 2018

Mamoru Hosoda is a director who is up there with Makoto Shinkai and Hayao Miyazaki when it comes to delivering movies that are enjoyable to the fullest. However, Wolf Children and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time are perhaps his only movies (maybe Boy & the Beast too) that received recognition worldwide before Belle.

Mirai is a gem from this criminally underrated director (just like Satoshi Kon), which follows Kun Oota, a four year old boy, whose life is thrown upside down after the arrival of his little sister, as she becomes the object of his parents attention.

Amid the tantrums, Kun is visited by his little sister from the future and is taken on a journey traversing time as he meets the past, present and the future selves of his family and realises the importance of relations.

The movie has underlying themes of parenting struggles and sends out deep messages surrounding family relationships. The movie is a visual masterpiece as you slowly fall in love with the tantrums of a toddler who is begging for attention from his parents!

If not anything, you’ll surely be humming the opening of the movie very soon!

Since you have read this far, here’s a list of some more underrated anime movies (as a bonus ofcourse) that you might want to check out just in case!!

A pleasant surpise? Yes? OK Yes! We might add a short description for them in the future (along with our opinions!). This post will be updated if we find anything worth including in this list, so stay tuned!

  • Promare
  • Napping Princess
  • Steamboy
  • The Sky Crawlers

Do you feel there are any other movies, that are not quite famous but definitely worth a watch? Let us know in the comments section!!

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1 thought on “25 Most Underrated Anime Movies That Are A Must Watch (Updated)!!”

  1. Great List! Haven’t seen all the movies on this list but the ones I have seen were great. A movie I’d recommend is Children of the Sea. It’s a movie directed by Ayumu Watanabe and made by Studio 4°C. The manga was also great and the anime is a visual spectacle.

    There also seems to be great movies that have come out recently and some great ones that will release this year, which I’m looking forward to watching once they eventually get sub versions.

    Reply

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