Bounty Hunter: The Hard

The criteria here is simple: Anime released in 2001 or earlier, with under 25,000 MAL Members, and which I've rated a 6 or higher.

A rating of 6 counts for this second Obscurities list given the increased obscurity. A 6 is still an alright score. I've excluded anything that's particularly well-known, like Speed Racer or Voltron, despite both meeting my criteria.

It is perhaps worth noting that I rate things entirely on gut feeling. It's just, "I like that, that was good, it gets a 7.", that's the whole process. I can also find enjoyment in just about anything and there's very little that bothers me.

Ascend: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9611
Descend: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9816

Tags: Old, Obscure, Oldtaku, Retro, Underrated, Hidden Gems

Bounty hunting, one of the most fun themes filled with cat and mouse chases, cornered brawls and often money motivations.
keep in mind I haven't seen everything on this list but it's a handful of anime featuring bounty hunters, or themes similar to that, since I haven't seen another list about this topic.

(updated stack recently to add more series that I've found)

A collection of serious and dark anime that I would recommend to adult audiences.

Before the likes of Saint Seiya, Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon conquering the kids in the west, it was actually Akira that opened the door and made people realize that the cartoons coming from Japan weren't what you would expect from Disney or your TV channels.
A huge flood of VHS tapes came showing animations with mature themes, absurd plots, and enough graphic sex and violence to make parents freak out... what a glorious time!
They don't make cartoons like this anymore.

This is a comprehensive list with stuff from very good to very trashy, but all in the same spirit.
Some early 00's also included.

ps: I also recommend, but can't include here, the second Violence Jack movie, A Kite and Mezzo Forte.

Glorious 80's and 90's (Supernatural, Mystery and Horror)
https://myanimelist.net/stacks/30605

Every cinema or direct to video anime film that came out in 1996.

1995: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34761
1997: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34763

Disclaimer: There are a few hentai movies, that could be counted as well:
- Advancer Tina (1996)
- Choujin Densetsu Urotsukidouji 5: Kanketsu-hen (1996)
- Ginga Teikoku no Metsubou Gaiden: Aoki Ookami-tachi no Densetsu (1996)
- Harenchi Koumon Manyuuki (1996)
- Heisei Harenchi Gakuen (1996)
- Injuu Kateikyoushi (1996)
- Soap no Moko-chan (1996)

Hitman, Contract Killer, Assassin, Bounty Hunter, Hired Gangster...
Here is a compilation of blood and tears


Rules of this list :

- The plot has to revolve around the HITMAN JOB. Being chased by one counts. Better if the Hitman is the main character. It doesn't have to be always the main focus but just having a assassin arc isn't enough.

- No sci-fi, No super-power, No supernatural, No fantasy. It has to be REALISTIC.

- Only pure ACTION, blood, chase scenes, explosions, firefights, crime, revenge, mafia.

- Contemporary period.

- Using GUNS (Some exeptions are made, if the spirit is still close to the other criterias).

- Maximum 2 anime per franchise.


PS: If you are not afraid of the H3ntaï tag, also check : Mezzo Forte and A Kite