Top 8 Underrated Anime Movies You Must Watch Now

Summary

Anime offers unique, emotionally moving stories with captivating visuals.
Lesser-known anime films like Summer Wars, Patema Inverted, and Jin-Roh deserve recognition.
Films like Colorful, Tokyo Godfathers, and A Silent Voice tackle deep themes with heartwarming narratives.

In numerous triumphs, anime has graced us with movies brimming with visual allure, compelling narratives, and deep emotions. While blockbuster anime films like “Spirited Away” and “Your Name” have left a global footprint, there is an abundance of smaller Japanese animations that offer distinct or even more captivating experiences. These often revolve around unique stories and plotlines that buck tradition, leaving a lasting impact on those who view them.

In this piece, we delve into eight underappreciated anime movies. Each movie stands out for its unique narrative approach and character development techniques. These films, whether you’re an anime enthusiast or not, promise deeply moving stories presented in stunning artwork.

This article may contain some minor spoilers for the movies mentioned below.

8. Summer Wars

A Digital Crisis With Real-World Stakes

Directed by	Mamoru Hosoda
Screenplay by	Satoko Okudera
Story by	Mamoru Hosoda
Studio	Madhouse
Release date	August 1, 2009

The story of Summer Wars unfolds by introducing the character Kenji Koiso, a prodigious mathematician who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a perilous predicament both digitally and physically. At the residence of his friend Natsuki, he is deceived into believing they are dating, yet encounters an unfriendly artificial intelligence.

In this film, Mamoru Hosoda skillfully blends themes of family life and thrilling internet explorations. The way it portrays families bonding in the digital age is particularly captivating. Although it’s exceptional, Summer Wars often takes a backseat to other films by Hosoda that have gained more acclaim. Therefore, anime enthusiasts who enjoy science-fiction movies with heartfelt stories should definitely give it a watch.

7. Voices Of A Distant Star

A Short Film That Leaves A Lasting Impact

Directed by	Makoto Shinkai
Produced by	Makoto Shinkai
Written by	Makoto Shinkai
Studio	CoMix Wave Inc.
Release Date	February 2, 2002

In this brief movie, Noboru and Mikako share a close bond, but their relationship is disrupted when Mikako is assigned a mission to space, confronting an extraterrestrial menace. As the time it takes for them to communicate stretches out, the strength of their feelings towards each other becomes challenged.

In this film, Makoto Shinkai, who showcased his early skills, singlehandedly created both the narrative and artwork. The movie’s powerful depiction of the struggles faced by distant lovers resonates deeply with viewers. Though he has won awards for other films, Voices of a Distant Star demonstrates Shinkai’s remarkable ability to express profound emotions through his drawings.

6. Patema Inverted

An Upside-Down World With Big Ideas

In a realm where the pull of gravity varies, I find myself ascending to the uppermost layer, a realm with its unique set of rules. There, I cross paths with a fellow, Eiji, and we band together in challenge against deeply ingrained societal prejudices. As we venture forth on this extraordinary expedition that flouts the very laws of physics, we seek to reshape our world for the better.

Yasuhiro Yoshiura crafted this movie, titled “Patema Inverted“, that pushes the boundaries of sci-fi by blending weightless sequences and messages on acceptance. The narrative employs an unusual plot to delve into societal disparities and the importance of empathy. Though it presents a novel, captivating story, it’s not widely known, making it a lesser-known gem among animation enthusiasts who appreciate deep-rooted themes.

5. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade

Man Vs Machine Vs Morality

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade” takes place in a post-war Japan unlike any other, focusing on Kazuki Fuse, a member of an elite military force. After undergoing a harrowing mission ordeal, he becomes embroiled in political intrigues and grapples with the essence of humanity as the world around him appears tense and murky, with blurred moral lines.

Mamoru Oshii created this movie, delving into the themes of identity and the ways a society can exert control over its people through mind manipulation. Its gripping narrative and somber atmosphere set it apart, making it an excellent vehicle for exploring psychological concepts within a political context. Although not everyone may find resonance with it, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is a profoundly thoughtful film that deserves broader recognition.

4. Colorful

A Beautiful Meditation On Depression And Identity

After death, a soul reincarnates by inhabiting the body of a teenager who had tragically taken his own life. As he learns to navigate his new existence, he uncovers the enigmas surrounding this boy’s past, which enables him to understand himself better and find solace for his former deeds. This sets off an exploration of self-discovery and atonement.

Colorful delves deeply into weighty topics like depression and the true value of life, displaying a profound understanding of these themes. This movie encourages viewers to reflect on the choices they make in their own lives. Despite its powerful and emotionally stirring nature, it hasn’t received the recognition or acclaim it merits, and is worthy of praise for its unique approach to a topic seldom addressed by big-budget films.

3. Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms

A Heartwrenching Story You Won’t Forget

In a world where some live much longer than others, Maquia, belonging to such an extended-lifespan race, is forced to depart from her homeland following an attack. Upon discovering an abandoned baby, she chooses to nurture him, transforming this movie into a moving tale that explores the depths of motherhood, love, and the inexorable passage of time.

In the animated movie titled “Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms“, director Mari Okada explores the transient nature of life and its hardships. With its heartfelt emotional trials and distinctive visual appeal, it’s a captivating watch. Despite not having received widespread recognition yet, more people are beginning to appreciate its exceptional quality. The film poignantly portrays love and its sacrifices as something that lingers in the memory after viewing it.

2. Tokyo Godfathers

Christmas Spirit In The Unlikeliest Of Places

Over the holiday season, Gin, Hana, and Miyuki tragically lose their home and living quarters. As they roam the city in search of a new place to stay, an unexpected event unfolds – they discover a forsaken infant. Determined to find the child’s family, these three individuals embark on a journey filled with enigmas and obstacles. Along the way, they cross paths with people who were previously unimaginable companions.

The movie titled “Tokyo Godfathers,” directed by Satoshi Kon, blends humor with poignant family themes. Its distinct representation of societal outcasts and their compassionate spirits sets it apart. Although it’s a masterpiece, Tokyo Godfathers is relatively underappreciated among Kon’s works and truly deserves more recognition for its emotional depth and humanity.

1. A Silent Voice

A Journey Of Redemption And Understanding

In this film, we follow Shoya Ishida’s journey as he seeks to rectify past wrongs towards Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl whom he had mistreated in his youth. The narrative explores their path towards forgiveness, underscoring themes of bullying, disability, and personal growth.

Despite garnering acclaim for its poignant narratives and richly crafted characters, the film “A Silent Voice” may not have received as much recognition as it merits, being somewhat overshadowed by more prominent releases in its year of premiere. Nonetheless, this profound work manages to captivate audiences with its exploration of human relationships and the potential for personal transformation, leaving a lasting impact on those who view it.

2025-06-04 08:34