Forum Settings
Forums

Underwatched animes - Name, Genre and short Review/Synopsis

New
Sep 26, 2010 3:15 PM
#1

Offline
Feb 2010
34616
When I searched I haven't found a thread like this so pardon me if it already exists.

I'd like this thread to be a platform for underwatched animes that you think deserve to have more viewers and also for people who might want to discover some unknown gems to take a look at the suggestions in this thread.

So that everyone gets a general idea about the series I'd like you to include the genre and a short review or synopsis of the anime.

Also I really mean UNDERwatched. I'd say it has to have less than 2000 Viewers on MAL so please don't promote anything just because it's not as popular as Death Note.

Also only series with existing subs should be mentioned as for other ones it's obvious why they are underwatched.


I'll start by promoting

Legendary Gambler Tetsuya
Genre: Gambling, Drama, Shounen

With only 430 viewers so far it is very underwatched in comparison to other gambling titles like Akagi or Kaiji. That said I'll have to say that it is also quite different from those. The Gambling is certainly the most important aspect, but besides that it also involves well done drama and character development. It's not as psychological as above mentioned series, but it's much more realistic and there is some emphasis on the historical aspects (it's set after WWII). It starts out fairly interesting but in the second half beautifully concludes the story.
If you like Mahjong, gambling and some great character interaction then I strongly recommend you give this series a chance. Definitely one of the best gambling animes out there.
AlcoholicideSep 26, 2010 3:34 PM
I probably regret this post by now.
Sep 26, 2010 3:22 PM
#2

Offline
May 2010
8126
Crest of the Stars, even though it has only 4500~ viewers (which is twice your requirement...).

Hoshi no Oujisama Petit Prince, it has only 94 views...lol
Sep 26, 2010 5:01 PM
#3

Offline
Dec 2007
1040
Future Boy Conan
Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Drama

A Miyazaki series for god sakes, and people still aren’t all over this one? Really? I will never understand… One of the best-looking series from the 70’s, this is essential Miyazaki viewing material. Objectively speaking, I do consider this his best work. Subjectively speaking, I prefer Princess Mononoke by just a hair. Nausicaä was amazing too though.


Night on the Galactic Railroad
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Fantasy, Historical

Typically G or PG rated anime don't appeal to me, but I do make sure to give everything a fair shot. This was one of those rare cases where going out of my comfort zone paid off. Night on the Galactic Railroad is currently my favorite G or PG rated anime, I think everyone ought to give it a try. Do keep in mind though that this movie will likely frighten young audiences as it has a very serious creepy tone and some mature themes throughout.


Area 88 OVA
Genres: Action, Adventure, Military, Seinen, Drama, Romance

Area 88 was simply amazing. Personally I found the dogfights to be the weakest aspect of this anime (or at least, the biggest disappointment), however, I found its story to be the strong point. This is a brilliantly executed series with an amazing story, do check this series out. The TV version is useless though…absolutely useless.


Dominion Tank Police
Genres: Comedy, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Police, Seinen, Action, Post-Apocalyptic

Dominion Tank Police will provide you with bits of brilliance here and there, especially in the first episode or two. Great concept and design from Masamune Shirow, I can't stress that enough! Dominion Tank Police was unexpectedly good in many areas, especially in the way of comedy. This is a classic in my eyes.


Nice idea for a thread Higashi_no_Kaze, I do like.
DunkySep 26, 2010 5:21 PM
Sep 27, 2010 7:01 AM
#4

Offline
Feb 2010
34616
That's how you're supposed to do it, Confucius :P

I definitely need to check out the Area 88 OVA soon, I get it recommended from various directions. The other series/movies seem interesting too. Thanks for that @ DunkyHarwood

I'll also add one more movie that I just finished right now and that really surprised me because it was so great:

They Were 11
Genres: Sci-fi, Mystery, Drama, Adventure

Basic story: In order to be allowed to join the elite Cosmo Academy Tada, the main character, has made it to the final test stage where he, along with 9 other applicants has to stay on a ship for 53 days until it circles once around the planet. But when they land on the ship they recognize that suddenly there are 11 of them. Additionally to that over the course of those 53 days problems and manipulation keep reoccuring and nobody knows what is part of the test and what is done by the mysterious eleventh person.
The story keeps one hooked right until the end and the character design is quite good and very creative. Also involves a food fight *gg*
Definitely needs more viewers, I cannot believe only 500 people have seen this.
[9/10]
I probably regret this post by now.
Sep 27, 2010 7:34 AM
#5

Offline
Nov 2008
7012
Yes, it's another thread to promote that one mahou shoujo anime that I love, but hardly anybody has watched.

Fancy Lala (mostly mahou shoujo and slice-of-life)
Fancy Lala[ qualifies for this thread with its 1,844 members . It's just a really sweet anime with just enough drama to make it heart-warming and worthwhile.

Pictures at an Exhibition (experimental, I guess)
Pictures at an Exhibition is a very nice experimental anime with a massive 262 members having it on their list. It's one of those love-or-hate artsy-type anime, but that's still far too low for an anime of it's quality.

Mahoujin Guru Guru (shounen, adventure, fantasy, comedy)

Mahoujin Guru Guru is a nice RPG parody fantasy adventure that needs to be watched by more people. Not particularly underrated, but worthy of a wider audience than the 1,247 people who have watched it.

Night on the Galactic Railroad is good too, so I second that as well.

Slightly over the limit are Re: Cutie Honey and Windy Tales with 2,300-odd members each, but I still think they are worth a mention.
Rosa_FOEtidaSep 27, 2010 3:34 PM
Current FAL Ranking + Previous best::
[
Sep 27, 2010 10:52 AM
#6

Offline
Dec 2007
1040
They Were 11 sounds very interesting, I might have bump that up on my priority list. Thanks for the info.
Sep 27, 2010 1:41 PM
#7

Offline
Aug 2009
1829
A thread for me to know of some interesting obscure things. Regarding They were 11, is it a shoujo sci fi ? Just curious. It gave me strikingly similar vibe along Please save my earth just by taking a look the pic.
We are the United. Even in defeat we stand united.

Sep 27, 2010 1:43 PM
#8

Offline
Feb 2010
34616
Well I'm not a genre expert but I wouldn't consider it shoujo at all.

btw: Just finished the Area 88 OVA and it was indeed great. Very unsatisfying end though :/
I probably regret this post by now.
Sep 27, 2010 2:55 PM
#9

Offline
Jun 2007
2253
Well, this is too easy, since I've only recently gone through three of the most revered anime known to man; anime with under 2000 ratings. Hell, Touch has under 1000!

Death Note has something like 100,000 ratings. HOTD already has a silly amount. Yet, in spite of the classics only being a Google + BakaBT + title search away, the best of the best gets ignored for the best of the new.

Maison Ikkoku



A title that's influenced many, and still stands supreme today in the rom-com league. Not only is it tasteful - not shoving 'oppai' down people's throats - its story of a 22-year-old widow finding love again in the form an idiot who grows over the six years of the story just isn't made, these days. Few things will leave you in the pits of despair and then make you dance with joy like this.

The anime's ending is vastly inferior due to a large amount of cuts, but MI is one of the few stories in existence that ends wonderfully; everything being dealt with in a satisfying, smile-giving manner.

Touch



Ever grown tired of romance cliches? Ever wanted a main pairing to interact like normal people, rather than blushing and stuttering 24/7? Well, then, Touch is the anime for you!

The first season (1-26/27) ranks among the best anime has to offer. As three childhood friends interact naturally, after having grown up together and become accustomed to each other as a result of not knowing life without the others, it becomes harder and harder to watch. It's lighthearted and enjoyable, yes, but knowing the love triangle is going to lead to much suffering makes the transition from childhood to adulthood hard to sit through.

After the first season, nothing happens - nearly all of the characterization occurring at the start. But it's worth starting, for the 9-10/10 beginnings alone.

Kimagure Orange Road



The weakest, most silly, and uneventful of the trio though this may be, it's still a must for fans who enjoy the 'com' side of rom-coms. You have to wait until the second movie for pay-off if you're in it primarily for the romance, but the episodic comedy should prove to be more than enough to satisfy the needs of most. I mean, I made it to the end - it can't be THAT bad. It's just, it might try the patience of some since NOTHING at all advances until you reach the movies, after finishing the series itself...

Edit: Added openings, since all three have good first openings... and poor, cheaply made ones after that.
AironicallyHumanSep 27, 2010 3:12 PM
Sep 27, 2010 5:19 PM

Offline
Mar 2009
3069
LadySylvanas said:
A thread for me to know of some interesting obscure things. Regarding They were 11, is it a shoujo sci fi ? Just curious. It gave me strikingly similar vibe along Please save my earth just by taking a look the pic.

Yep, I'd call it a sci-fi shojo. I'm thinking that perhaps Higashi missed that it's a classic style of sci-fi shojo since sci-fi shojo never feel like shojo, but they all seem to involves psychics to some degree for some reason, just look at Please Save My Earth and Terra e...

Hmm, now for some stuff that needs more views..Fantastic Children! It's an adventure, fantasy, sci-fi series, according to the genres on its page which I don't really disagree with.
Now, the first half of this series is pretty damn slow, it can really be a turn off for some people, but then when the second half hits, it really takes off and it makes the slow first half more than worth it, just ask Aironic. So very slowly over the first half of the series, we learn that a group of white haired children known only as The Children of Befort have been searching for the reincarnation of a princess from a far off planet who was forcibly reincarnated into Earth's cycle of reincarnation. They've finally found the next reincarnation, but will they be able to get her to return to their home planet? Meanwhile a bored boy with high energy named Thoma has gotten wrapped up in the adventure too, but will this end up being more than an adventure for him?

Next up on my mind is Master Keaton. It's an entirely episodic series following the main character, Taichi Keaton, who is a jack of all trades, so episodes range from mysteries, to adventures, to slice of life, to drama, to anything in between. Since there's no overarching story, there's really not much of a plot to speak of, we have an interesting lead who leads an interesting life and each episode is unique and good.

I do seem to like my sci-fi, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars is a combination sci-fi and slice of life series, it almost seems to have two casts, the kid cast which is comprised of middle schoolers and an adult cast, which comprise the parents of the kids and most any teacher in the school who's name we actually know. In the town of Tenmo, aliens are so common people simply yawn at them, but Hajime is a little understandably freaked out when he first sees aliens and some giant white paper doll looking monster fight it off then disappear into thin air. Hajime will soon learn the secret of the town of Tenmo and more importantly why the natives are so calm around alien attacks.

Tetsujin 28 [2004] needs more attention. Now, I never saw the original, but I really didn't need to either. This is a drama that happens to have some giant robots all the way and the series explores the sins of scientists 10 years after WW2 and how they will never really be free of them.
Sep 27, 2010 6:19 PM

Offline
Dec 2007
1040
Some interesting titles there FallnKnightFakir, this thread is already turning out to be useful to me after just a couple of posts, I love it.

Just watched They Were 11 and really enjoyed it. It was quite good in terms of music and sound I thought, and it had a very cool 80’s style to it. Plus, it was just a nice change of pace because it isn’t very often that you get to see a good mystery in anime, ya know?
DunkySep 27, 2010 6:23 PM
Sep 27, 2010 6:27 PM

Offline
Jun 2007
2253
Am I required to imitate a parrot on this forum, for some inexplicable reason? People should stop posting about They Were 11 and start watching PSME, instead. You'd find doing so much more rewarding. I mean, sure - you won't really understand why I'm comparing the two directly unless you read the manga, but idc about such irrelevant things.

Please Save My Earth

There are seven scientists from an alien planet, on the moon. Their job is to observe our planet. Things go bad; everyone goes bye-bye. For some reason, all seven are reincarnated on Earth, and as their memories start to come back - interfering with the seven's current lives - they start to ponder why, exactly, seven aliens like themselves were reincarnated on Earth. And as the pieces from the past come together, acts of vengeance and betrayal in the past become the problems of the present...
Sep 28, 2010 3:09 AM

Offline
Feb 2010
34616
Some more interesting recs for me to check out :)

By the way: anyone knows about the modern version of Night on the Galactic Railroad?
Just saw that there is one that seems to be even more unpopular and wondering if anybody here seen it?
I probably regret this post by now.
Sep 28, 2010 3:59 AM

Offline
Aug 2007
80
tentai senshi sunred
comedy, parody, super power
1396 users

pretty funny, im suprised more people havent seen it.

hanada shounen-shi
comedy, drama, slice of life, supernatural
458 users

little boy gets in an accident and starts being able to see ghosts. now the ghosts want him to help them do things they couldnt do when they were alive. simple plot but done in an amazing way. more people need to see this.
ellowelOct 1, 2010 5:02 AM
Sep 28, 2010 6:56 AM

Offline
Apr 2009
5194
Kemono no Souja Erin
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Erin's mom is the Tohda caretaker for her village, and Erin is learning from her how to take care of them. When things go wrong for them, Erin must make an escape. She finds new friends and a new purpose to her life, desiring to become an Ohju keeper as she grows up. Meanwhile, war is brewing between the two provinces of her country.

Why it should be watched? Because even though this is a children's show- and it shows in the designs and simplistic storytelling- this is one of the best non-Ghibli children's shows out there. The characters are likeable and sympathetic, the music is lively and nice, the colors are bright, the animation good, and the story one that everyone can enjoy.

Daa! Daa! Daa!
Genre: Comedy, sci-fi, shoujo

Miu's parents, who've been hired by NASA, leave Miyu in the care of Mr. Saionji. But an unexpected call giving him permission for a year-long trip to India means that he's gone, leaving her with his son Katana. Soon after, an alien baby crashes into the house, and starts calling them 'mom" and "dad". They set out to raise him, dealing with alien investigators, his ESP powers, and being alone with eachother.

Why it should be watched? While it is shoujo and manages to have some of the shoujo cliches, it still pulls them off well. It's a very sweet, very nice shoujo comedy which I wish I could see more of. The characters are likeable, the humor isn't obnoxious, there isn't fanservice out the window.... It's a lovely anime.
Sep 28, 2010 10:12 AM

Offline
Dec 2007
1040
Higashi_no_Kaze said:
By the way: anyone knows about the modern version of Night on the Galactic Railroad?
Just saw that there is one that seems to be even more unpopular and wondering if anybody here seen it?
Well, after a little research it appears that it is not exactly a full remake or anything like that (keep in mind that it is only 45 minutes long):

“A full dome theatrical animated film.”
“The Celestial Railroad is the fantastic journey of a boy, Giovanni, in the dreamscape created by colorful fulldome CG animation imagery and scored with exquisite music.”

The trailer & CGI looked lame to me, so I’m not too interested in this one.
Sep 28, 2010 10:20 AM

Offline
May 2009
887
Sweetpea said:
Kemono no Souja Erin
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Erin's mom is the Tohda caretaker for her village, and Erin is learning from her how to take care of them. When things go wrong for them, Erin must make an escape. She finds new friends and a new purpose to her life, desiring to become an Ohju keeper as she grows up. Meanwhile, war is brewing between the two provinces of her country.

Why it should be watched? Because even though this is a children's show- and it shows in the designs and simplistic storytelling- this is one of the best non-Ghibli children's shows out there. The characters are likeable and sympathetic, the music is lively and nice, the colors are bright, the animation good, and the story one that everyone can enjoy.


I don't agree with you on Erin being a kids' show. It has a pretty complex story running on multiple threads, and some gore scene with blood. Even tough the desings are childish, the anime isn't at all.
Sep 28, 2010 11:04 AM

Offline
Apr 2009
5194
viral_hun said:
I don't agree with you on Erin being a kids' show. It has a pretty complex story running on multiple threads, and some gore scene with blood. Even tough the desings are childish, the anime isn't at all.

The problem with that statement is that you're putting Japanese standards against Western standards. Many Japanese children's shows have themes and ideas that Western audiences consider more mature and can/do have death displayed in them.

I'm not saying it's for the very youngest, but this would be aimed at those that are about 7 years old or so. About the same demographic that Naruto and Sailor Moon are aimed at in Japan.
Sep 28, 2010 9:23 PM

Offline
Nov 2008
21
I''s

Genre: Drama, Romance

Aiming to become a molding artist, Itsuki, a childhood friend of Ichitaka who went to America come back to Japan. Iori who refused the idol path and started to pursue her ambition to become an actress instead. Ichitaka, wandering on his bicycle alone, tries to decide his choice between the two persons.

Sep 28, 2010 10:26 PM

Offline
Sep 2010
11
Can anybody recommend some of these underwatched animes for me. I have too much time on my hands, lol. I liked Omamori Himari alot. I was watching Clannad for a while, but I made the mistake of reading the spoilers while adding it to my list, so I need something new now. I would like to know about some good ongoing animes. Besides, Clannad didn't have enough action in it for me. Any ideas for me?
Sep 28, 2010 11:23 PM
Offline
Dec 2009
2951
Kaiba
Shuck Face / Slinthead!
Sep 29, 2010 5:22 AM

Offline
Apr 2009
5194
Freezing_Rain said:
Can anybody recommend some of these underwatched animes for me. I have too much time on my hands, lol. I liked Omamori Himari alot. I was watching Clannad for a while, but I made the mistake of reading the spoilers while adding it to my list, so I need something new now. I would like to know about some good ongoing animes. Besides, Clannad didn't have enough action in it for me. Any ideas for me?
Best idea is to go to the anime/manga recommendations thread and make a thread there for reccs.

But if you like action, then the Area 88 OVA looks like it would be a good idea.
I'd also recommend FMA: Brotherhood. You haven't seen much anime, and that's one of the best.
Oct 1, 2010 3:15 PM

Offline
Feb 2010
34616
Currently enjoying Future Boy Conan. Thanks again to DunkyHarwood for the rec :)

*push* :P
I probably regret this post by now.
Oct 3, 2010 2:40 PM

Offline
Mar 2009
3069
Man, I just finished Moonlight Mile and man did I really like it. From the page for a synopsis: After scaling Mt. Everest, mountain climbing partners Saruwatari Gorou and "Lostman" Jack F. Woodbridge see the ISA Space Station, and each vows to make the trek into outerspace. When Helium 3, a new energy source, is discovered on the moon, NASA forms a new project named "Nexus" to harness that energy for use on earth. This is the story of the two and the paths they take to see their dream become a reality in the quest to harness the next-generation energy source.
Or basically they want to go to the moon now that they've already climbed the highest mountain on Earth. This show reminded me of Planetes quite a bit, but it takes place on Earth a lot more, and the two mains swear a lot and bang women a lot. And there's only two mains of course, who for all intent purposes are like the same guy going two different routes because their personalities are so similar that it's easiest to tell them apart by their hair color. But I still recommend this to people who like to see characters chase a dream, especially if it's in space. Too bad there are no complete subs for the second season so I'm left hanging here.
Oct 3, 2010 6:07 PM

Offline
Feb 2010
34616
FallnKnightFakir said:
Man, I just finished Moonlight Mile and man did I really like it. From the page for a synopsis: After scaling Mt. Everest, mountain climbing partners Saruwatari Gorou and "Lostman" Jack F. Woodbridge see the ISA Space Station, and each vows to make the trek into outerspace. When Helium 3, a new energy source, is discovered on the moon, NASA forms a new project named "Nexus" to harness that energy for use on earth. This is the story of the two and the paths they take to see their dream become a reality in the quest to harness the next-generation energy source.
Or basically they want to go to the moon now that they've already climbed the highest mountain on Earth. This show reminded me of Planetes quite a bit, but it takes place on Earth a lot more, and the two mains swear a lot and bang women a lot. And there's only two mains of course, who for all intent purposes are like the same guy going two different routes because their personalities are so similar that it's easiest to tell them apart by their hair color. But I still recommend this to people who like to see characters chase a dream, especially if it's in space. Too bad there are no complete subs for the second season so I'm left hanging here.


Hehe, "PLanetes" was what I was thinking too when I read the first paragraph.
And with that alone you got me, I'll probably vhevk it out sometime :P
I probably regret this post by now.
Oct 3, 2010 8:51 PM

Offline
Mar 2009
3069
Higashi_no_Kaze said:
Hehe, "PLanetes" was what I was thinking too when I read the first paragraph.
And with that alone you got me, I'll probably vhevk it out sometime :P

I figured :P Just don't go in expecting a Planetes clone because that it is not. Nothing wrong with that though, no point in having a clone series. I was gonna suggest you check it out at some point anyway.

More topics from this board

» 🍷 AD Summer 2025 Best Girl Contest ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )

Shizuna - Sep 28

275 by Supersonic_Pain »»
46 seconds ago

» Are you smart enough to explain your favorite anime to angry people who ask questions?

Catalano - Yesterday

23 by Duado »»
1 minute ago

» ⌛ Best Girls of the Past Eras

Shizuna - 2 hours ago

38 by SouthRzVa »»
2 minutes ago

» 🍉 Summer 2025: Anime of the Season (AOTS) ( 1 2 )

nirererin - Yesterday

91 by daAresinger »»
17 minutes ago

» Waifu War V5 (Anniversary-Edition!) (Round 1) ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )

TheMinkalex - Sep 28

295 by Lucifrost »»
19 minutes ago
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login