There are so many underrated classic anime from the 80s and 90s that have been forgotten but are absolute gems. Shows like "The Vision of Escaflowne" or "Now and Then, Here and There" have incredible storytelling but don't get mentioned alongside the usual classics.
What underrated classic anime would you recommend that modern fans might have missed but are absolutely worth watching today?
The Vision of Escaflowne" is underrated classic anime that deserves a revival. It's a fantasy mecha series that blends European and Asian influences, with a great story about destiny, war, and love. The animation by Sunrise is beautiful, especially the mecha designs and the fantasy landscapes. The soundtrack by Yoko Kanno is also incredible.
Another underrated classic anime is "Now and Then, Here and There". It looks like a typical isekai but becomes this brutal antiwar story about child soldiers and trauma. The animation is dated but the storytelling is powerful and relevant. It's not an easy watch but it's important.
Serial Experiments Lain" is underrated classic anime that was way ahead of its time. It's a psychological thriller about reality, identity, and technology that explores ideas about the internet and consciousness that feel even more relevant today. The animation is experimental and the atmosphere is incredibly tense and surreal.
Another one is "Texhnolyze". It's cyberpunk set in a decaying underground city, and it's incredibly bleak but brilliant. The storytelling is minimalist (very little dialogue) and the atmosphere is oppressive. It's not for everyone, but if you can handle the darkness, it's a masterpiece.
Haibane Renmei" is underrated classic anime that deserves more attention. It's about angellike beings in a mysterious walled town, and it explores themes of sin, redemption, and purpose in such a gentle, thoughtful way. The atmosphere is dreamlike and melancholic, and the character development is subtle but powerful.
Another one is "Kino's Journey". It's about a traveler visiting different countries, each with its own unique culture or philosophy. The storytelling is episodic but thematically connected, and it explores ideas about society, morality, and human nature in a thoughtful way. The 2003 version has a unique atmosphere.
Mononoke" (not the Ghibli film) is underrated classic anime with incredible art. The animation style is like traditional Japanese art come to life - it's absolutely stunning. It's about a mysterious Medicine Seller who exorcises spirits, but the stories are really about human emotions and flaws. The storytelling is sophisticated and the atmosphere is unique.
Another one is "Mushishi". Each episode is a standalone story about mysterious creatures called Mushi and the people affected by them. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative, and the stories range from melancholy to hopeful. The animation is beautiful in a subtle way.
The Tatami Galaxy" is underrated classic anime that's incredibly inventive. It's about a college student reliving his university years trying to find the "rosecolored campus life," and the animation style is unique. The dialogue is rapidfire and the storytelling is nonlinear in a way that's challenging but rewarding. The ending is also perfect.
Another one is "Kaiba". The art style is so unique - it's like retrofuturism meets psychedelic animation. The story is about memories, identity, and what makes us human, and it explores these themes in such a creative, emotional way. More people need to see this hidden gem.