9 Anime So Bad, They’re Irresistibly Good

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Summary

  • Trashy anime have been around forever, embracing common tropes and sensationalism.
  • Trashy anime, while sometimes controversial, can be surprisingly fun and entertaining.
  • Some shows like School Days and Prison School embrace their trashiness and offer an enjoyable watch.

Anime with less-than-stellar quality has been around nearly as long as the art form itself. “Trashy anime” often relies heavily on popular tropes and sensationalism, which can sometimes stir up controversy. However, it’s not uncommon for these types of anime to provide a lot of entertainment.

These low-budget anime, though they might appear unconventional, possess an undeniable appeal and can be genuinely captivating. However, it’s important to clarify that titles delving into the excessively explicit (such as Interspecies Reviewers) are not under consideration here. Keep in mind that what constitutes “trashy” anime is subjective, so one should consider different perspectives. In essence, these anime proudly embody their less polished nature and are worth giving a chance to watch.

9. King’s Game

An Unbelievable Mess

In 2017, I came across a series titled ‘King’s Game’, which revolved around a deadly game among high school students – a theme that has been explored in various anime, such as ‘Future Dairy’ and ‘Darwin’s Game’. However, unlike these other titles, ‘King’s Game’ didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The storyline is puzzling, the scenarios seem forced, and it might be hard to get attached to the characters. Nonetheless, if you’re a fan of over-the-top horror movies, King’s Game can offer plenty of enjoyment. It falls squarely within the ‘so bad it’s good’ genre and is an ideal choice for friends looking for a hilariously entertaining evening filled with peak cheesiness.

8. Big Order

A Forgettable Romp

In a world that’s slowly healing after a disastrous event from a decade ago, triggered unintentionally by the protagonist, Eiji Hoshimiya, who can’t recall his initial wish, resides. Eiji is what they call an ‘Order,’ individuals endowed with potent psychic capabilities.

The show titled “Big Order” isn’t particularly noteworthy in many aspects – the plotline seems disjointed, and it features an unusual harem scenario that adds a bit of humor to it. A striking moment is when Eiji seizes a female character’s bunny ears, instantly causing her to conceive; quite unexpected! In spite of its shortcomings, “Big Order” manages to be amusing, which is what viewers seek from their anime experiences.

7. School Days

One Of The Most Famous Bad Shows

The show titled “School Days” carries an unusual fame, mainly due to its unconventional conclusion. Characters Makoto Itou and Kotonoha Katsura aim to start a relationship, with the assistance of Sekai Saionji, who displays tomboyish characteristics and harbors hidden feelings for him as well. At first glance, it may appear to be just another high school romance anime; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Makoto is among the least appealing main characters in romantic storylines throughout history. Nevertheless, School Days doesn’t shy away from its nature – it’s an explicit romance with a trashy appeal. It’s similar to witnessing a car crash; although we know the outcome won’t be good, we can’t seem to look away.

6. The Irregular At Magic High School

Tatsuya Shiba Does Everything Well

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but sing praises for “The Irregular at Magic High School.” This series, often acknowledged as a power-packed fantasy, knows exactly what it brings to the table. Following the journey of Tatsuya Shiba and his talented sister, Miyuki, we delve into a world where magic and technology seamlessly intertwine. Despite being labeled a ‘weed’ – a student destined for the less distinguished course – Tatsuya’s story never fails to captivate me!

Tatsuya Shiba stands out as an exceptional character, with no area where he seems to fall short. This trait may not always lend itself well to a compelling narrative, but it does create thrilling battle sequences and potentially a harem situation, even involving his own sister. Despite being an overpowered protagonist, audiences often find his actions engaging and entertaining.

Tatsuya Shiba is superb at everything he does. This can make the story less interesting, but it results in exciting fights and possibly a romantic interest, including his sister. Even though he’s extremely powerful, viewers usually enjoy watching him.

5. Prison School

A Leading Candidate For The Most ‘Watch It Alone’ Anime Out There

Anime “Prison School” revolves around a previously all-female school that has now opened its doors to boys. Five boys are the pioneers of this coeducation experiment. However, their mischievous plan to spy on the girls’ bathroom backfires, resulting in them being imprisoned within the school’s infamous detention center for a month. From there, a series of humorous and chaotic events unfold.

Prison School doesn’t spare any humor, and it’s genuinely funny – no jokes there! The anime masterfully executes the ecchi genre, and the unexpected role reversal where women act as the aggressors enhances its charm and originality. It might not be suitable for family viewing in your living room, but it offers an amusing watch overall.

4. Do You Love Your Mom And Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?

Masato Gets Embarrassed By His Mom’s Skill

The video game titled Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? generated quite a buzz upon release, largely due to its lengthy title. It centers around a pair consisting of a mother and her son who venture into a game, and it’s revealed that the mother possesses extraordinary strength within this virtual world.

From my perspective, this series might be labeled as run-of-the-mill isekai, but it certainly has its allure. The captivating portrayal of a mother tackling seemingly insurmountable challenges with an air of nonchalance is truly mesmerizing to witness. The fan service remains subtle and tasteful, avoiding the pitfalls of being overbearing. Although it may not be award-winning, it skillfully employs familiar isekai power motifs, making for an entertaining viewing experience.

3. Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest

An Edgy Power Fantasy

The anime titled “Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest” often receives negative feedback due to the subpar animation quality in its initial season. However, despite not boasting an exceptional narrative, it generally poses little harm. Its unique selling point lies in its edgy approach, particularly with the protagonist, Hajime.

Originally, his peers deceived him, abandoning him for dead when they were whisked away to a new realm. He’s also frequently outmatched but manages to get stronger as the story progresses. The camaraderie between him and his allies is entertaining to witness, and excessive, unnecessary elements are minimized, creating a lively and enjoyable experience overall.

2. Rent-A-Girlfriend

Even Kazuya Can’t Ruin This Show

The anime titled “Rent-A-Girlfriend” revolves around Kazuya Kinoshita, a young man who finds himself single after his girlfriend breaks up with him. To appease his grandmother, he opts for the services of a rental girlfriend. Unbeknownst to him, this hired companion, Ichinose, is not only a fellow student but also lives in the same neighborhood as him.

Kazuya, a character in romance anime, is often seen as crude or unlikeable due to his actions. However, it’s revealed that he’s actually striving for self-improvement despite his lewd behavior. The show’s harem structure and the ensuing chaos are intentionally designed to amp up the romantic comedy’s spiciness. Despite its eccentricities, it boasts excellent animation and a vibrant ensemble of characters. With three seasons under its belt, it’s evident that it’s hitting the right notes with viewers.

1. Domestic Girlfriend

A Dumpster Fire Of A Show That Is Also Completely Riveting

In an exhilarating twist of fate, I find myself at the center of an intriguing tale. At a social gathering, I cross paths with a captivating stranger. Our connection sparks, leading to an unexpected night together. As if destiny had a hand in it, my teacher crush and her two daughters, including the girl I’ve grown fond of, Rui, are about to become part of our household. My life is about to take a dramatic turn with the arrival of Domestic Girlfriend.

In “Domestic Girlfriend,” our main character, an up-and-coming author, finds himself in an unusual predicament as he simultaneously dates the two sisters. The series is filled with intense emotions, peculiar situations, and mature themes that might seem overly dramatic at times. Yet, despite this, it manages to captivate its audience, keeping them hooked throughout.

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2025-04-13 04:09