Top Anime Series On Crunchyroll That Deserve More Mainstream Attention

Anime has become a global cultural force, with series like *Demon Slayer* and *Jujutsu Kaisen* dominating headlines and streaming charts. Yet beneath the surface of mainstream success lies a wealth of underappreciated masterpieces—shows that deliver compelling narratives, innovative animation, and emotional depth but remain overlooked by wider audiences. Platforms like Crunchyroll host hundreds of titles, many of which never break through to popular conversation despite their quality. These are not just niche picks for hardcore fans; they’re stories with universal appeal that simply haven’t had the marketing push or viral moment to elevate them.

This article highlights some of the most deserving yet underrated anime series currently available on Crunchyroll. From introspective dramas to genre-bending sci-fi, these shows offer fresh perspectives and powerful storytelling. Whether you're an anime veteran or a curious newcomer, expanding your watchlist beyond the usual suspects can lead to surprising discoveries.

Why Some Great Anime Fly Under the Radar

The visibility of an anime often depends less on its quality and more on external factors: studio backing, source material popularity, international licensing deals, and social media virality. A show based on a bestselling manga or light novel is more likely to receive heavy promotion than an original story or one adapted from a lesser-known work. Similarly, series released during crowded seasons may get overshadowed by bigger titles.

Additionally, certain genres—particularly slice-of-life, psychological drama, or experimental animation—are less likely to trend on platforms compared to action-heavy shonen series. This doesn’t mean they lack impact. In fact, many of these quieter shows explore complex human emotions and societal issues in ways that resonate deeply with viewers who find them.

“Some of the most profound anime experiences come from shows that take risks in narrative structure or visual style—qualities that don't always translate into immediate popularity.” — Akira Tanaka, Anime Critic & Editor at *Otaku Monthly*

Hidden Gems Worth Your Time

The following series represent a cross-section of genres and tones, each offering something distinctive. They’ve been selected not only for their artistic merit but also for their potential to connect with broader audiences if given the chance.

Moriarty the Patriot: A Victorian-Era Reimagining with Moral Complexity

Reimagining Arthur Conan Doyle’s infamous villain as a revolutionary social reformer, *Moriarty the Patriot* blends historical fiction with sharp political commentary. Set in 19th-century London, the series follows William James Moriarty, a brilliant mathematician appalled by the rigid class system. Rather than simply embracing evil, he adopts a utilitarian philosophy: dismantle the corrupt elite through calculated crime to build a fairer society.

What sets this series apart is its refusal to offer easy answers. While Sherlock Holmes appears as a foil, the true conflict lies in ethical ambiguity. Is violent revolution justified in the face of systemic oppression? The animation, handled by Production I.G, combines elegant period detail with symbolic visuals—such as recurring motifs of chains and scales—to reinforce its themes.

Tip: Watch with subtitles rather than dub to fully appreciate the nuanced dialogue and literary references.

Carole & Tuesday: Music, Identity, and Hope in a Colonized Mars

From the creative mind behind *Cowboy Bebop*, Shinichirō Watanabe, comes a futuristic musical drama set on a terraformed Mars. The story follows two young women—Carole, a refugee from Earth, and Tuesday, a senator’s daughter—who meet by chance and form a music duo. Their journey explores creativity, self-expression, and the power of art to bridge divides.

Unlike typical idol anime, *Carole & Tuesday* emphasizes authenticity over spectacle. Every song is original, composed by real artists including Nai Br.XX and Celeina Ann, giving the soundtrack emotional weight. The show also tackles issues like AI-generated music, immigration, and emotional isolation in a hyper-connected world.

Despite its high production value and timely themes, the series received limited attention outside anime circles. Its slow pacing and focus on character development over plot twists may deter casual viewers, but those who stay are rewarded with heartfelt performances and a message of resilience.

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!: Celebrating the Art of Creation

This coming-of-age series centers on three high school girls who start an animation club. But *Eizouken!* isn’t about fame or competition—it’s a love letter to the creative process itself. Through vibrant visuals and kinetic direction, the show captures the joy and frustration of bringing imagination to life.

Each episode dives into the technical aspects of animation: storyboarding, sound design, frame rates, and even budgeting. Yet it never feels dry. Instead, the mundanity of creation becomes magical. When the characters brainstorm a new project, the screen erupts into elaborate fantasy sequences illustrating their ideas before they’re even animated.

The series also challenges stereotypes about who gets to be a creator. One protagonist is introverted and obsessed with worldbuilding; another is a fashionista drawn to movement and color. Their collaboration proves that diverse perspectives fuel innovation.

Odd Taxi: A Noir Thriller with Anthropomorphic Characters

At first glance, *Odd Taxi* looks like a quirky cartoon with animal-headed humans. Don’t be fooled. This tightly plotted mystery unfolds like a modern-day *Chinatown*, weaving together threads of missing persons, underground fighting rings, idol culture, and media manipulation.

The brilliance lies in its structure. Seemingly random conversations and minor characters gradually reveal deeper connections. Dialogue is dense with double meanings, and background details often foreshadow future reveals. By the final episode, nearly every element converges into a satisfying, thought-provoking conclusion.

Its anthropomorphic design—a staple of Japanese children’s media—is repurposed here for satire and psychological insight. The animal traits reflect personality (a gorilla represents strength and aggression; a deer symbolizes vulnerability), adding subtext without being heavy-handed.

Sonny Boy: Surrealism and Adolescence in a Drifting World

Absurdist, philosophical, and visually daring, *Sonny Boy* defies easy categorization. The premise involves a group of students who suddenly gain supernatural abilities and find themselves adrift in alternate dimensions. But the real focus is on identity, freedom, and the struggle to define oneself in an unpredictable world.

Directed by Shingo Natsume (*Space Dandy*), the series embraces abstraction. Some episodes feature minimal dialogue, relying instead on color, motion, and music to convey emotion. It’s not always accessible, but for viewers open to experimentation, it offers moments of profound beauty and introspection.

Its low episode count (12) and unconventional pacing made it difficult to market, but *Sonny Boy* stands as one of the most artistically ambitious anime of recent years.

Comparison Table: Underrated Anime on Crunchyroll

Title	Genre	Episodes	Why It’s Overlooked	Why You Should Watch
Moriarty the Patriot	Drama / Crime / Historical	24	Niche setting; dark tone	Smart writing, moral complexity, stunning visuals
Carole & Tuesday	Musical / Sci-Fi / Drama	24	Slow pace; music-focused	Authentic songs, emotional depth, strong themes
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!	Comedy / School / Creative	12	Limited action; niche subject	Celebrates creativity; energetic animation
Odd Taxi	Noir / Mystery / Psychological	13	Anthropomorphic cast; slow burn	Intricate plotting; sharp social commentary
Sonny Boy	Surreal / Sci-Fi / Philosophical	12	Abstract storytelling; ambiguous ending	Artistic ambition; deep thematic exploration

How to Discover More Underseen Anime

Finding hidden gems requires moving beyond algorithm-driven recommendations. Here’s a practical checklist to help you uncover quality anime that fly under the radar:

• Explore Crunchyroll’s “Drama” and “Sci-Fi” categories instead of defaulting to “Popular” or “Top 10.”
• Check seasonal preview lists from reputable anime news sites like *Anime News Network* or *Crunchyroll News* to identify promising new releases.
• Follow critics and curators on YouTube or Twitter who specialize in deeper cuts (e.g., *The Canipa Effect*, *Gigguk*).
• Read user reviews on MyAnimeList or AniList to see what fans praise beyond ratings.
• Watch the first two episodes before judging—some slower-paced shows take time to build momentum.

Mini Case Study: How One Viewer Found *Odd Taxi*

Maya, a college student in Toronto, typically watched mainstream action anime. After finishing *Tokyo Revengers*, she felt burnt out on predictable plots. On a whim, she clicked on *Odd Taxi* because of its unusual character designs. The first episode confused her—why were all the characters animals? But she kept watching. By episode five, she was analyzing dialogue for clues. She joined a Discord group to discuss theories and eventually rewatched the entire series to catch foreshadowing she’d missed. Today, she calls it her favorite anime of the decade.

Her experience illustrates how stepping outside comfort zones can lead to meaningful discoveries. “I didn’t expect a show about a walrus taxi driver to make me think about media ethics,” she said. “But it did.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t these anime more popular?

Several factors contribute: limited marketing, niche themes, slower pacing, or release timing. Some studios prioritize sequels to established franchises over promoting original works, leaving equally strong series under-promoted.

Are these shows appropriate for beginners?

Most are accessible, though *Sonny Boy* and *Odd Taxi* require patience due to their abstract or layered storytelling. *Carole & Tuesday* and *Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!* are excellent entry points for viewers interested in music or creative hobbies.

Will watching underrated anime change how I view the medium?

Often, yes. Mainstream anime tends to emphasize action and rivalry. Lesser-known titles explore romance, mental health, artistic passion, and societal critique. Exposure to a wider range of stories broadens understanding of what anime can be.

Final Thoughts: Expand Your Horizons

The anime landscape is vast, and popularity is not always a measure of quality. The series highlighted here—from the revolutionary vision of *Moriarty the Patriot* to the dreamlike introspection of *Sonny Boy*—demonstrate the depth and diversity of storytelling possible within the medium. They challenge assumptions, evoke emotion, and linger in memory long after the credits roll.

Streaming platforms give us unprecedented access to global content, but it’s up to viewers to look beyond trending thumbnails and curated playlists. By intentionally seeking out underseen works, we not only enrich our own experiences but also support creators who take risks and push boundaries.

💬 Have you discovered an underrated anime you love? Share your recommendation in the comments—your next pick might inspire someone else to press play on a hidden masterpiece.