Summary
- Underrated anime movies offer entertaining and memorable experiences that deserve more recognition.
- These movies often tell simple stories dismissed as generic, but they are hidden gems worth watching.
- Each underrated anime movie has its own unique qualities, from colorful animation to emotional storytelling.
Anime movies have recently become an increasingly popular industry, with titles like Your Name and A Silent Voice taking the world by storm. However, those willing to look into the most underrated anime movies are sure to be rewarded with entertaining and memorable experiences that, for some reason or another, were unable to gain as much traction as they deserve.
From light-hearted romances to serious adventures and touching dramas, anime movies can follow just about any topic and tell any story. More often than not, underrated anime movies tend to tell stories that, due to their simple premise and setting, are likely to be dismissed as generic or unoriginal. Yet those who overlook these titles are sure to miss out on some of the medium's best hidden gems.
10 Penguin Highway (2018)
Produced by Studio Colorido, Based on the Novel by Tomihiko Morimi, & Directed by Hiroyasu Ishida
Despite only being in elementary school, Aoyama is a true genius, boasting knowledge and research skills that can rival those of most adults. When penguins suddenly begin showing up in his neighborhood, which should be impossible given its distance from the sea, Aoyama is determined to learn more about this mysterious event and solve the riddle behind it. To this end, he embarks on a life-changing adventure with Lady, a friendly woman who works at a dental office, and the two eventually discover an enigmatic levitating sphere to which the penguins seem to be linked.
Penguin Highway tells a colorful, imaginative story about growing up and facing the world's many curiosities. Relying on ambiguous metaphors and uncertain symbolism, much of the story is left up to interpretation, which some viewers might appreciate, while others might not. Likewise, the peculiar characters, most of whom are grade schoolers, often try to act more mature than they are, which tends to prove quite endearing. The movie also shines in of visuals and music, featuring vibrant colors and memorable music.
Tomihiko Morimi, the author of the Penguing Highway novel, also created titles such as The Tatami Galaxy, The Eccentric Family, and Night Is Short, Walk on Girl, which received likewise remarkable anime adaptations.
9 Belle (2021)
Original Movie Produced by Studio Chizu & Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Suzu Naitou is a high school girl who lives with her father in the rural town of Koichi. Although Suzu once loved to sing, the unexpected death of her mother and the distance she put between herself and the rest of the world made it difficult for her to sing again. However, after discovering "U", an online world where anyone can live a new life as the avatar of their choice, Suzu finds that she has regained her ability to sing, as Belle. Belle's beautiful voice soon attracts the attention of many, including that of "The Dragon", a mysterious beast.
Loosely inspired by the Beauty and the Beast French fairy tale, and featuring a protagonist that was drawn by veteran Disney character designer Jin Kim, Belle tells an important tale of self-discovery and acceptance, which manages to feel simultaneously familiar yet refreshing. Beyond the emotional story and realistic character, the movie also distinguishes itself through incredible animation that effortlessly mixes 2D with 3D scenes, and some of the medium's best music, which should be expected given the protagonist's ion for singing.
Mamoru Hosoda, the creator and director behind Belle, is best known for his other brilliant films, including Summer Wars, The Boy and the Beast, and Wolf Children.
8 Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
Original Movie Produced by CoMix Wave Films & Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Having lost her father at a young age and living only with a mother who spends most of her time at work, Asuna Watase was forced to grow up quickly and learn to take care of herself. When she's not studying or doing chores, Asuna spends most of her free time with her pet cat Mimi, listening to the mysterious music of an old crystal radio. One day, as she is suddenly attacked by a strange monster and saved by a peculiar stranger, Asuna finds herself thrown on a long journey to a legendary land beneath Earth.
Children Who Chase Lost Voice takes viewers on an emotionally charged adventure set in a beautiful, intricate world. The ambitious story may result in certain elements feeling comparatively underdeveloped, but the scale of the world, which is brought to life by amazing animation and an impressive soundtrack, makes this film unmissable for fans of adventure titles. Despite being a movie directed and created by Makoto Shinkai, it seems to take a page from Studio Ghibli instead, departing from the auteur's usual style.
Fans are more likely to be familiar with Makoto Shinkai's more famous creations, such as Weathering with You, Your Name., and the more recent Suzume.
7 Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)
Original Movie Produced by Signal.MD and Sublimation & Directed by Kyouhei Ishiguro
Cherry is a quiet but creative boy who expresses himself best through written haikus, while Smile is an aspiring influencer who, despite trying to make everyone smile, hides her own face with a mask due to insecurities related to her braces. After these two unlikely friends end up accidentally crossing each other's paths, they soon end up working at the same facility at a shopping mall. Prompted by Fujiyama, a senile old man's desire to recover one of his long-lost vinyl records, Cherry and Smile undertake a hunt that is about to redefine their summer.
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop tells a vibrant and charming coming-of-age story about two adolescents coming to with their insecurities. The story is far from special, with countless similar variations already existing in some form or another, but that doesn't make it any less endearing. The simple yet realistic characters are designed in such a way that fans can't help but love them, and the colorful animation goes a long way in defining the movie's identity, making this one of the best Netflix anime movies.
Kyouhei Ishiguro, the director of Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, also directed the fantastic Your Lie in April and the underrated Children of the Whales.
6 Hello World (2019)
Original Movie Produced by Graphinica & Directed by Tomohiko Itou
In Kyoto in the year 2077, Naomi Katagaki has a strange encounter that is about to change the course of his life. Meeting a person who claims to be Naomi from 10 years in the future, he listens to him reluctantly, before realizing that his warnings may deserve to be acted upon. Told that Ruri Ichigyou, a cold girl who shares his love for reading, and whom Naomi is soon going to date, is fated to experience a tragic event, Naomi makes up his mind to do everything in his power to change the future and save Ruri.
Hello World tells a captivating romance tale set in a unique sci-fi world, presenting a story that seems simple at first only to later reveal itself as far more complex than viewers could have expected. Beyond the unexpected plot twist, however, this title also features a distinctive animation style that leverages the strengths of 3D to great effect, building an immersive and intricate world with breathtaking landscapes. All in all, this movie provides an original experience that simply cannot be found anywhere else.
10 Best Science Fiction Anime Movies
The best sci-fi anime movies of all time change the genre and the world of film for the better with their incredible plots and concepts.
5 Ride Your Wave (2019)
Original Movie Produced by Science SARU & Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
Upon deciding to move to a coastal city to attend university, Hinako Mukaimizu spends most of her time doing what she loves most; surfing. Although riding the waves makes her feel fearless, free, and confident, Hinako still can't help but feel concerned about her future career. After running into Minato Hinageshi by chance, she is immediately drawn to his reliable personality and earnest desire to save people, which he does regularly during his job as a firefighter. Minato is in turn interested in surfing, and the two begin to develop a relationship that will change their lives.
Ride Your Wave provides a captivating and surprisingly emotional experience, that viewers are sure to resonate with. Initially presenting itself as a simple yet sweet summer love story, an unexpected development causes the tone to change drastically halfway through. Tactfully exploring themes of identity, grief, and finding one's purpose in life, the movie takes viewers along on a journey that is as relatable as it is impactful. Naturally, the stunning animation also contributes greatly, bringing the vivid world to life.
10 Best Science Saru Anime
Anime studio Science Saru creates some of the most innovative and visually impressive anime out there, many of which are available to stream.
Masaaki Yuasa, the director of Ride Your Wave, also directed acclaimed titles such as Ping Pong the Animation, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, and The Tatami Galaxy.
4 The Anthem of the Heart (2015)
Original Movie Produced by A-1 Pictures & Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai
Jun Naruse was once a happy, talkative girl, who would say anything that was on her mind without a second thought. But when something she said turned out to be the reason her family fell apart, Jun came to realize that some things are better left unsaid. As her thoughts manifested into a fairy egg that sealed her ability to speak, Jun continued to live her life without ever saying a word. However, when she is unexpectedly chosen to perform in a musical play, Jun's outlook on life begins to change, and her newfound friendship might just save her.
The Anthem of the Heart is sure to connect with viewers thanks to its simple yet heartwarming story. Despite involving romance elements as well, it is primarily a story of self-discovery, growth, and coping with trauma, featuring relatable characters who are easy to appreciate and resonate with. Moreover, the grounded setting contributes to the realism of the story, making it that much more immersive. Naturally, the remarkable animation and music complete the package, delivering a simple yet unforgettable coming-of-age experience.
The creative trio behind The Anthem of the Heart, formed of writer Mari Okada, director Tatsuyuki Nagai, and artist Masayoshi Tanaka, also created Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day and Her Blue Sky, and will soon release Fureru.
3 Sing a Bit of Harmony (2021)
Original Movie Produced by J.C.Staff & Directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura
Due to her hard-working nature and status as the daughter of one of Hoshima's most important employees, tasked with developing and managing projects that should revolutionize AI technology, Satomi Amano tends to isolate herself from her peers. But when Shion Ashimori, a girl who is secretly an AI meant to fit in with the rest of the teenage girls without having her identity revealed, transfers into her class, Satomi finds herself serenaded by Shion, who makes it her mission to make her happy.
Sing a Bit of Harmony combines musical elements with sci-fi to provide a refreshing experience that will have fans sincerely smiling one moment and crying their hearts out mere minutes later. Reminiscent of some of the best Disney movies that likely played a significant role in many fans' childhoods, this movie will take viewers on an emotional journey whose unexpected narrative depth makes it that much more intriguing. Naturally, given the importance of music, the soundtrack is likewise exceptional, and the animation is up to par too.
Yasuhiro Yoshiura, the director and creator of Sing a Bit of Harmony, is also the one behind Time of Eve and the award-winning Patema Inverted.
2 Colorful: The Motion Picture (2010)
Produced by Sunrise, Based on the Novel by Eto Mori, & Directed by Keiichi Hara
After an impure soul receives the chance to re-enter the cycle of reincarnation, he is tasked to reincarnate as Makoto Kobayashi, a 14-year-old boy who recently took his own life, and figure out what his greatest sin was within half a year. While distraught by the idea of borrowing someone else's body, Makoto eventually realizes that people are too complex and colorful, to the point where it may become difficult to distinguish one's own colors from those that surround them.
Colorful: The Motion Picture is a moving drama that tactfully explores a variety of important themes, ranging from the value of life to the importance of finding joy in every little thing. Grounded, relatable, and effortlessly beautiful, this title is likely to prove healing to viewers who have previously struggled with depression and life's often unnecessary complexity. Although the movie has been recognized and awarded by critics, it remains criminally underrated among anime fans, despite delivering a memorable and impactful experience that many would appreciate.
Keiichi Hara also directed Lonely Castle in the Mirror, another thought-provoking film which he discussed in an interview with Screen Rant.
1 The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes (2022)
Produced by CLAP, Based on the Light Novel by Mei Hachimoku and Kukka, & Directed by Tomohisa Taguchi
Having experienced the loss of his sister and the divorce of his parents, Kaoru Touno lives a troubled life, wherein he sees little chance for salvation. But as he finds himself before a mysterious tunnel that pulls him in, only to then exit with his resurrected pet bird in hand, Kaoru re the rumors about the Urashima Tunnel, which is said to grant any wish at the cost of one's lifespan. Determined to put his life back together, Kaoru returns to the entrance later, followed by Anzu Hanashiro, a mysterious transfer student with a wish of her own.
Although romance stories with supernatural twists are not uncommon in this medium, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes shines in its flawless execution, following compelling and well-developed characters whose growth and interactions viewers are sure to resonate with. Featuring stunning visuals and a terrific soundtrack that genuinely elevates the experience, this movie will take viewers along on an unforgettable, emotionally charged journey. Not having received the attention it deserves, this is truly one of the most underrated anime movies.
Though CLAP may not be a particularly established animation studio, fans should know that they also produced Pompo: The Cinéphile, a beautiful celebration of the art of filmmaking.
