A Classic 90s Franchise Reboot, A Murder-Mystery Retelling of An Iconic Tezuka Series, And 6 More of The Most Underrated Anime From The 2020s

Despite 2020 being an unusual time marked by a worldwide lockdown, many individuals found themselves confined indoors for extended periods. Regardless, they might have yearned for the escape offered by these recommended anime during such challenging times.

While not all of these anime debuted in 2020, those that did have managed to build a devoted cult audience rather than a mainstream one. With half the decade already behind us, it’s high time for a review. Ranging from mysteries to action, these anime continue to be excellent choices for recommendation.

BNA: Brand New Animal

Animal Crossing

In this animated realm, I’ve come across another captivating series hailing from Studio Trigger, a name synonymous with Kill la Kill for many. Among the Netflix anime, it’s Studio Trigger’s work on Cyberpunk: Edgerunners that truly ignited global enthusiasm. On the other hand, BNA: Brand New Animal has cultivated a dedicated, yet more compact fanbase.

This story unfolds in a world where humans and animal-like beings live apart, until our heroine, Michiru, undergoes an extraordinary transformation into a tanuki girl. Faced with this unexpected change, she finds herself residing among the animals, navigating the ensuing mysteries. Though the stakes appear high, BNA: Brand New Animal offers a relaxed and enjoyable viewing experience.

Deca-Dence

Attack On Bugs

If you’re searching for an anime similar to ‘Attack on Titan’ that might have been overlooked in 2020, give Deca-Dence a try. Set in a post-apocalyptic city within a dome, this series follows the struggle of armored explorers battling bug-like creatures aiming to wipe out humanity. Their exploration equipment bears a resemblance to the ODM gear from ‘Attack on Titan’, offering plenty of action scenes involving giant creatures. With just twelve episodes thus far and an intriguing plot twist that’s best left unspoiled, it’s a fast-paced watch worth checking out.

Digimon Adventure (2020)

A Hidden Reboot

The animated series titled “Digimon Adventure” served as an engaging complement to the popular anime that debuted in 1998, Pokemon. Despite sharing common themes of monsters, “Digimon Adventure” distinguished itself by being a representation of the isekai genre where children found themselves transported into a digital world and formed bonds with their companion Digimon.

Originally aired as the first season, this classic series has since been made into a film and other adaptations throughout the years. Some enthusiasts might have overlooked its 2020 reincarnation, which delved deeper into Tai’s storyline and intense battles among various Digimon. Although it may not be as comical as the initial version, Digimon Adventure provides an intriguing perspective on the franchise.

Dorohedoro

Lizard Brain

Dorohedoro, an intriguing anime with just twelve episodes, stands out among Netflix’s collection due to its unique visual style, thanks to the studio MAPPA employing cel-shading on 3D models. The story revolves around a man transformed into a lizard named Caiman, who can’t recall his past but is determined to uncover it. The series offers a blend of action and drama, infused with an offbeat sense of humor, making it quite distinct. Although the manga ended in 2018, fans eagerly anticipate updates on the anime, which debuted in 2020.

Great Pretender

A Con Man’s Guide

In 2020, The Great Pretender, an anime series centered around a series of con-related adventures, debuted on Netflix. This show was structured into various heists, each spanning approximately three to five episodes. For instance, there’s an arc involving the infiltration of an art institution. The main characters generally remain consistent throughout the events, but occasionally, new characters are introduced to vary the ensemble. These self-contained arcs make for easy viewing, with some stories proving more exhilarating than others.

Platinum End

Angelic Royale

The upcoming series, “Platinum End,” is penned by the same manga duo, Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, who brought us “Death Note.” Their latest work debuted in 2015 and concluded in 2021, with the animated adaptation following suit in 2021, wrapping up a year later, leaving no loose ends.

In a different take, we have a storyline where individuals are given guardian angels if they attempt suicide. These angelic figures aid them in their quest to become the future ruler of both heaven and earth, creating a competition reminiscent of a battle royale. Although it doesn’t quite match up to the heights of “Death Note,” “Platinum End” maintains an engaging appeal nonetheless.

Pluto

A Legend Is Reborn

The animated series “Pluto” originates from a manga that concluded in 2009, and it is highly popular in Japan. It’s an adaptation of the classic “Astro Boy,” which played a significant role in establishing both the manga and anime industries as pioneering works. This show presents a poignant narrative about a string of robot homicides, along with the affected characters grappling with their past lives. The episodes are longer than usual and have inconsistent rhythm to keep viewers engaged, but the visuals are stunning, and the twists are rewarding after the initial slow progression.

Sakura Wars: The Animation

An Unexpected Sequel Anime

  • Director: Manabu Ono
  • Studio: Sanzigen
  • Released: April 3, 2020
  • Episodes: 12

The “Sakura Wars” series, initially launched on the Sega Saturn, is a less mainstream Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) franchise that combines romance elements and mechanical combat within an alternate steampunk time period. After going absent from the gaming scene for some years, it reemerged in 2019 simply as “Sakura Wars.” Although not a massive success, fans were pleased with its revival. However, unbeknownst to many fans, a sequel anime titled “Sakura Wars: The Animation” was released in 2020. For individuals yearning for closure with the game’s characters like Seijuro and Sakura, this is an ideal way to catch up on their stories.

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2025-08-30 13:35