You know those shows that are just sitting there, waiting to be discovered? The sleeping anime masterpieces that have everything going for them but for some reason never caught on. I'm obsessed with finding these kinds of shows.
I'm talking about anime that needs more recognition, the kind where you finish watching and think "how is this not more popular?" These are the hidden anime masterpieces that have been overlooked for too long.
What are some sleeping anime masterpieces that you think should be more popular? I want to hear about shows that have great stories, amazing characters, and everything you'd want from a top tier anime, but somehow they just never got the attention they deserved.
One sleeping anime masterpiece that immediately comes to mind is Land of the Lustrous. The CGI animation might turn some people off initially, but it's used to create one of the most unique and beautiful visual experiences in anime. The story about genderless gem people dealing with identity and purpose is incredibly deep. It's one of those hidden anime masterpieces that absolutely should be more popular.
Another one is Girls' Last Tour. The post apocalyptic setting combined with the philosophical conversations between the two main characters creates this amazing melancholic but hopeful atmosphere. It's a perfect example of an anime that needs more recognition for how it handles its themes.
Both of these are prime examples of underrated anime that deserve more hype.
I have to mention March Comes in Like a Lion. I know it has its fans, but compared to how good it actually is, it's still one of those sleeping anime masterpieces. The character development, the portrayal of depression, the shogi matches everything about it is masterfully done. It's an underrated anime with great story that deserves way more attention.
Another one is The Great Passage. This show about dictionary editing sounds boring on paper, but it's one of the most heartfelt and beautifully written anime I've ever seen. The attention to detail in showing the passion for words and language is incredible. It's definitely a hidden anime treasure that flew under the radar.
Both of these are examples of anime that should be more popular but somehow never got the mainstream recognition they deserved.
For sleeping anime masterpieces available on streaming, I'd recommend A Place Further Than the Universe. It's on Crunchyroll and it's one of those hidden anime gems on streaming that more people need to watch. The story about girls traveling to Antarctica sounds simple, but the emotional journey is absolutely incredible. It's a perfect example of an anime that deserves more hype.
Another one is Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song. This time travel AI story has some of the best animation and music I've seen in recent years. The way it explores AI consciousness and purpose is really thought provoking. It's one of those less popular anime worth watching that somehow didn't get the attention it should have.
Both of these are prime examples of overlooked anime recommendations that are easy to access but not enough people are talking about.
I want to add Kyousougiga to this list of sleeping anime masterpieces. The visual style and family drama elements create this amazing surreal experience. It's one of those shows that's hard to describe but absolutely unforgettable once you watch it. It's developed a small but dedicated cult following, making it one of those underrated anime with cult following.
Another hidden anime masterpiece is The Eccentric Family. The story about tanuki living in modern Kyoto is whimsical, philosophical, and deeply emotional all at once. The world building and character relationships are some of the best I've seen. It's definitely an anime that should be more popular.
Both of these are perfect examples of best underrated anime series that more people should discover.
For character focused sleeping anime masterpieces, I have to recommend Chihayafuru. I know it has a dedicated fanbase, but it's still one of those underrated anime of all time that deserves way more mainstream attention. The character development across all three seasons is phenomenal, and the way it makes a traditional card game so exciting is incredible. It's a perfect example of underrated anime with great characters.
Another one is Run with the Wind. This sports anime about college runners has some of the best ensemble cast writing I've ever seen. Each character gets proper development and their journeys feel authentic and rewarding. It's one of those hidden anime series recommendations that more people should watch.
Both of these are prime examples of anime that nobody talks about enough but are absolute masterpieces in character writing.
These are all excellent suggestions. Land of the Lustrous and Girls' Last Tour are particularly close to my heart as sleeping anime masterpieces.
I want to add Mob Psycho 100 to this discussion. I know it's popular in certain circles, but compared to how incredibly good it is, it's still underrated. The character growth, the animation quality, the emotional depth it's a masterpiece in every sense. It's one of those anime that deserves more hype than it gets.
Also, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is another show that's a hidden anime gem. The passion for animation and creativity is infectious, and the way it shows the creative process is both educational and inspiring. It's definitely an overlooked anime recommendation that more people should watch.