Underrated Anime Films You Probably Haven't Watched (But Should)

10 Underrated Anime Films You Need to Watch Now

When it comes to anime, there’s no shortage of well-known classics. From Spirited Away to Your Name, mainstream anime films have carved their place in pop culture. But if you're ready to go beyond the usual suspects and discover something fresh, you've come to the right place. Anime is an ocean of creativity, with hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered by the adventurous viewer. Whether you're a seasoned fan looking for new recommendations or a curious newbie eager to dive into the anime world, there are countless underrated films that deserve your attention. These movies may not always make the "top 10" lists, but trust us, they're just as deserving of a spot on your watchlist. Ready to discover your next favorite anime film? Let’s get into it!

1. A Letter to Momo (2011)

Director: Hiroyuki Okiura

Think of A Letter to Momo as a more introspective cousin to Spirited Away. This film follows a young girl, Momo, as she moves to a remote island with her mother after her father’s death. Still grieving, she finds an unfinished letter from her dad and begins seeing spirits who are far from your typical ghosts. The movie's slow-burn emotional depth paired with its supernatural elements makes it a powerful watch. It’s a beautifully animated story about dealing with loss and embracing change.

Stream It On: Crunchyroll, Apple TV+
Why You Should Watch: If you love a mix of the magical and the everyday, with a heartfelt narrative, this one’s got you covered.

2. Patema Inverted (2013)

Director: Yasuhiro Yoshiura

What if gravity worked in reverse? That’s the mind-bending premise of Patema Inverted. The story follows Patema, a girl from an underground society where gravity pulls in the opposite direction. When she stumbles into the world above, she meets Age, a boy from a surface society who helps her navigate this bizarre new reality. The film is visually stunning and offers a fresh take on how we view the world—literally upside down.

Stream It On: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyrol
Why You Should Watch: It’s perfect for fans of sci-fi and anyone who loves movies with a unique, imaginative twist.

3. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

Director: Mamoru Hosoda

Okay, this one’s a bit more well-known in anime circles, but it’s still slept on by mainstream audiences. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time tells the story of Makoto, a high school girl who accidentally gains the ability to leap through time. While it sounds like a dream come true, her meddling with time creates more problems than she bargained for. This film is a fun mix of romance, sci-fi, and coming-of-age drama, all wrapped up in one.

Stream It On: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Why You Should Watch: If time travel, romance, and deep life lessons sound like a vibe, this film’s an emotional rollercoaster.

4. Colorful (2010)

Director: Keiichi Hara

Colorful is a haunting, yet touching story that dives into the meaning of life, death, and redemption. After dying, the soul of the main character is given a second chance in the body of a teenage boy who recently committed suicide. The movie tackles heavy themes like depression and family breakdown, but it does so with grace and sensitivity. It’s thought-provoking and manages to find hope in the darkest of places.

Stream It On: YouTube Movies, Apple TV
Why You Should Watch: It’s an emotional gut-punch with a strong message about life’s second chances.

5. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)

Director: Mari Okada

In Maquia, immortality is more of a curse than a gift. The film follows Maquia, a girl from a race of immortal beings called the Iorph. When her homeland is attacked, she escapes and ends up raising an orphaned human boy. But as he grows older and she remains the same, the film explores the heartbreak of loving someone who ages while you stay frozen in time. It’s a stunning and tear-jerking fantasy tale with an emotional core about motherhood, love, and loss.

Stream It On: Amazon Prime Video
Why You Should Watch: If you’re in the mood for a story that beautifully blends fantasy with heart-wrenching emotional beats, this one’s for you.

6. Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)

Director: Masaaki Yuasa

If you’re a fan of quirky, surreal stories, Night Is Short, Walk on Girl is about to be your new favorite. Set over one crazy night in Kyoto, the film follows a university student who navigates wild encounters with quirky characters, from boozy drinking games to surreal chance meetings. The art style is just as wild as the storyline, making it an unforgettable visual experience.

Stream It On: Max, Crunchyroll
Why You Should Watch: This one’s a chaotic, fun, and mind-bending ride perfect for anyone who likes their movies fast-paced and eccentric.

7. 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)

Director: Makoto Shinkai

Before Your Name became a global phenomenon, Makoto Shinkai gave us 5 Centimeters Per Second, a quiet, heart-wrenching look at love and distance. The film is divided into three segments, following a boy named Takaki and his relationship with Akari, his childhood friend. As they grow older, physical distance and life’s responsibilities come between them, making the film a painfully relatable reflection on growing up and growing apart.

Stream It On: Crunchyroll
Why You Should Watch: If you’re in the mood for an emotional gut punch that deals with long-distance relationships and the bittersweetness of unfulfilled love.

8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Director: Isao Takahata

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is criminally underrated compared to its famous siblings like My Neighbor Totoro. Based on a 10th-century Japanese folktale, it follows a princess born from a bamboo stalk who grows into a beautiful woman. However, the more she experiences the world, the more she longs to return to her celestial origins. The animation is like a watercolor painting come to life, and the story is equally poetic.

Stream It On: Max
Why You Should Watch: It’s a visually stunning masterpiece that’ll have you thinking about its deeper messages long after the credits roll.

9. Mind Game (2004)

Director: Masaaki Yuasa

A movie that truly lives up to its name, Mind Game is a bizarre and visually explosive film that follows Nishi, an aspiring manga artist, who gets caught up in a gang fight, dies, and somehow defies death itself. What follows is an insane journey of self-discovery, filled with dream-like sequences, unique animation styles, and endless absurdity. It’s a rollercoaster you won’t want to get off.

Stream It On: Funimation, YouTube Movies
Why You Should Watch: If you love weird, experimental films that push the boundaries of storytelling and animation, this one’s a trip.

10. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Director: Satoshi Kon

From the genius mind behind Perfect Blue and Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers is a Christmas movie that’s anything but typical. It follows three homeless people in Tokyo who discover an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. What starts as a quest to find the baby’s parents becomes a heartwarming and often hilarious journey through the city. It’s full of surprises, human connection, and moments that make you think about the power of kindness.

Stream It On: Crunchyroll, Apple TV
Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking for a holiday movie that’s off the beaten path but full of heart, this one’s perfect for you.

Exploring the lesser-known corners of anime is like finding a secret treasure chest—full of hidden gems that most people don’t even know exist. The films on this list aren't just underrated, they offer a fresh perspective, unique storytelling, and emotional depth that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re into sci-fi mind-benders, heartwarming stories, or fantastical adventures, these underrated anime films have something special to offer. So next time you’re in the mood for something different, skip the mainstream and give these hidden masterpieces a chance. Not only will they surprise you, but they might just end up becoming some of your all-time favorites.

Stay tuned for more recommendations, movie lists, and the best in anime at Woke Waves Magazine!

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