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May 30, 2022 4:41 AM
#1
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Oct 2014
2837
You had negative or low expectations, but surprisingly it was actually good, and possibly the premise, story, or characters were handled differently from what you were expecting.

Or maybe you were already expecting something good, but it turned out to be even better.
May 30, 2022 4:45 AM
#2
🍅 Tomato 🍅

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Feb 2020
116045
Kemono Friends. I didn't expect much of that show, but now it's one of my favorite adventure anime of all time.
May 30, 2022 4:45 AM
#3

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Oct 2019
6831
Rerrius said:
You had negative or low expectations, but surprisingly it was actually good, and possibly the premise, story, or characters were handled differently from what you were expecting.

Or maybe you were already expecting something good, but it turned out to be even better.


There were few that turned out to be way better than I expected.

the ones that come to mind are:

pet, sonny boy and akudama drive
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May 30, 2022 4:59 AM
#4

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Sep 2020
5413
Maybe Tensura, I thought it’s just a generic isekai at first, but I end up quite enjoying it.
May 30, 2022 5:02 AM
#5

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Feb 2021
4397
-Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
-Slime Taoshite 300 nen
-Hitori Bocchi

"Nobody could laugh at someone who's trying their hardest" -Machio-

May 30, 2022 5:03 AM
#6

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Dec 2015
9224
Well Bleach surprisingly cause I went completely blind into it as a child I got recommendation from my classmate but he didn't say anything else so as all can see with my profile and avatars it was a huge pleasant surprise for me.

Same goes to alot of titles cause usually I go for it blindly with some decent expectation (in case of enjoyment as that's the major stuff I rate in anime) which are stuff like Violet Evergarden, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dr. Stone, Durarara, Sword art Online, No game No life, Code Geass (and the majority of titles I've rated from 9 to 10)
May 30, 2022 5:55 AM
#7

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Jun 2021
2763
Writing about a series that had a bland first impression with the first episode, Abenobashi is still the first i can think about. It was about september 2005 when i noticed it on the italian channel of Mtv, watched it without even paying too much attention, almost on the background, and couldn't have a clue about what focus it had. Two weeks later i gave it another chance probably waiting for Full Metal Panic Fumoffu in the following slot of Mtv Anime Night, it was probably the mecha / science fiction parody episode, and looked more interesting. But the one that convinced once and for all to actually turn the tv on in time for it was the fourth, that spoofed Dragon Ball, Bruce Lee and similar stuff. And it remained on the same level of funny for almost the entire rest of the show. Not in my top 10 favorite anime, but top 20, yes.
(save your time and don't try to comfort when i rant on casual discussion or forum games, feel free to ignore me, i won't take it personally)


May 30, 2022 5:57 AM
#8

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Mar 2021
945
I did not think I would enjoy Chihayafuru because it's literally about a card game, but I was so, so wrong

9/10 anime
May 30, 2022 8:17 AM
#9
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Oct 2020
2073
Considering that Tamako Market was an utter disappointment to me, neither the comedy nor the romance worked for me. But Tamako Love Story was totally opposite, being romantic and even could be a stand alone movie without considering the prequel series
May 30, 2022 8:37 AM

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Nov 2010
214
Sora no Otoshimono. I hated harem anime but I tried watching this to kill time after my graduation but surprisingly I enjoyed it so much.
May 30, 2022 2:09 PM

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Dec 2019
1008
Wasn't too impressed with Clannad's storyline so didn't expect much of :After Story, but man it was totally different, taugh me how to be more appreciative of life - however I can barely listen to the show's OSTs or clips without breaking down, it's as if I'm traumatized. Still my fav anime of all time regardless.
May 30, 2022 2:28 PM

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Jun 2021
77
When I first saw Corpse Party having an avg score under 6.5, I was reconsidering watching it. I don't watch anything below 7. But the horror genre and summary made me go for it. And surprisingly it was good. If anything it wasn't long enough, which is why I think many people gave it a low score as it felt rushed.
May 30, 2022 2:39 PM

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Aug 2018
8517
In all sincerity I did not expect for Love Lab and Iruma-Kun to be more than just "ok". Ended up giving both 9/10.
May 30, 2022 5:55 PM
Laughing Man

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Jun 2012
6957
Not negative expectations, but Id: invaded was still surpringly good. I'm not even sure how I missed it when it came out.

I'm level on MAL-Badges. View my badges.
May 30, 2022 6:04 PM

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Mar 2021
483
Well, I said this before, so I'll just copy and paste my comment on a similar forum thread.

It would be Evangelion and Oregairu for me.

At first, I thought I would absolutely despise Evangelion. I was expecting it to be an edgy, pretentious, depression porn anime that has little to no substance because that was the opinion of a vocal minority. But when I watched it and completed everything from the OG series, End of Eva, the manga, and the Rebuild movies. Everything I negatively thought it was going to be was the farthest thing from what Evangelion actually is.

Same thing with Oregairu. I went into it expecting it to be Light Novel trash, with your typical edgy loner mc and his generic harem, because of the majority of people shitting on it, throwing around “self-insert” or “melodrama”, stuff that I typically hate in anime. But if you actually pay attention and understand the show, it’s like you were watching something completely opposite from those people lol.

And as you can tell from my bio, both became top favorites of mine. With Evangelion being my favorite thing ever, with Oregairu not that far behind.
May 30, 2022 6:14 PM
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Jul 2018
562029
I thought that Chihayafuru would be as boring and pointless as Barakamon. Turns out it wasn't!
May 30, 2022 6:19 PM

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May 2021
1233
At first glance, I thought that Baka to Test would be just another "school harem-comedy anime", and I'm thankful to myself that I didn't dwell on it, but rather watched it. One of the most enjoyable animes that I've watched.


May 30, 2022 6:48 PM
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Nov 2021
4
Bunny girl senpai because it's interesting that the fundamentals of quantum physics can be animated so simply and well.
May 30, 2022 6:50 PM
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Dec 2021
1032
We assumed Princess Connect Re:Dive would turn out like Konosuba because it has the same director, but we were thankfully wrong.

We also expected to dislike Madoka Magica because it started the trend of “dark magical girls”, but it’s actually much closer to traditional magical girl series than we first assumed.
May 31, 2022 2:40 AM

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May 2021
119
The original Lupin III. I hadn't watched the Castle of Cagliostro movie yet, and I heard a lot of people say how very early Lupin isn't that good, can be quite boring, plus my personal disconnection and inexperience from old anime was also a hinderance. But, turns out it was still fun and loveable, and whilst I recognise it can dry out fast with repetitive plots, like its the golden age of comics, it was still a really fun time and made me love the Lupin III gang of characters. Altho, if I started part 2 in the future, imma have to take it more slowly, since its so long, and binging Lupin III causes the problems other people may have had.
May 31, 2022 3:00 AM

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Aug 2018
17115
any one of my favourite anime shows tbh
May 31, 2022 3:18 AM
Wolfie

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Oct 2009
172
recently i can only think of one: Somali and the Forest Spirit

i didn't think it was going to be much with only 12 episodes but it turned out to be a really cute show that looked really good too! ^_^ i'm hoping they make a second season since the ending was kinda set up that way but i heard the manga ended due to the author being in poor health :(
I am the wind, wild and free. Come chase me and you will see. Dare you follow me into my dark abyss, Tread carefully should your heart go amiss. I left this world on swift paw. My fur shimmering without a flaw. I only come on night's wing. When the moon is full I do sing. The saddest of requiems, the loneliest song. You never saw me all along. For I am only in your dreams, in your Nightmares.
May 31, 2022 3:34 AM

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Dec 2021
1479
Probably the one that surprised me the most was Kanon. I watched it after watching Clannad: After Story. I thought, "oh, can I really be bothered? Surely it won't reach the heights of Clannad.". But I was really impressed by it as well (it's still not as good as Clannad but still really good)! I really liked the story and the characters!

Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence as well. I remember not thinking too much of the original GitS when I first saw it so I wasn't expecting to think much of the sequel. But, hot hate, I actually enjoy it more than the original.

Maybe also Tokyo Godfathers. I was skeptical of a pure Satoshi Kon comedy, as opposed to his usual psychological mindfuck works. But I laughed all the way through, I think he smashed it out of the park!
May 31, 2022 5:27 AM
♡( •ॢ◡-ॢ)✧˖° ♡

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Dec 2014
20943
Spy x Family, I had total zero expectation before and really didn't care about its hype before, Glad I gave it a try since it's so interesting and heartwarming :)



(っ◔◡◔)っ 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝔀𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓭𝓪𝔂 ♥
May 31, 2022 5:37 AM
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Apr 2021
106
Re: zero, I thought it was just another trashy isekai harem anime but I was very wrong (I despise the isekai genre very much btw)
May 31, 2022 6:27 AM

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Dec 2021
344
My Dress-Up Darling

I thought it was gonna be some shitty Ecchi anime for horny 14 year olds.
But it's actually really sweet and i like it.

May 31, 2022 6:33 AM
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Jul 2018
562029
Some City Hunter, but mostly Black Lagoon.
May 31, 2022 12:01 PM
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Oct 2014
2837
Euroqean said:
Wasn't too impressed with Clannad's storyline so didn't expect much of :After Story, but man it was totally different, taugh me how to be more appreciative of life - however I can barely listen to the show's OSTs or clips without breaking down, it's as if I'm traumatized. Still my fav anime of all time regardless.

Clannad AS is also one of my favorites but it's been so long since I watched it (6 years), I might read the VN or rewatch at some point.
May 31, 2022 2:28 PM
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Mar 2021
1423
I didn't think it'd be bad, but I never expected Hitoribocchi to become one of my favorite shows. It just looked like a generically pleasant CGDCT show. But it's sooooo goooood. I have converted to Bocchi's School of Laughs as my religion. Wahaha!
May 31, 2022 2:42 PM

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Apr 2020
351
Violet42 said:
I didn't think it'd be bad, but I never expected Hitoribocchi to become one of my favorite shows. It just looked like a generically pleasant CGDCT show. But it's sooooo goooood. I have converted to Bocchi's School of Laughs as my religion. Wahaha!

There's no Hitori Bocchi in your favourites...
May 31, 2022 3:14 PM

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Dec 2019
1643
As someone who doesn't like sports irl never thought that id like the sports genre but now its one of my favorite genres lol
WeFeedMay 31, 2022 3:19 PM
Jun 1, 2022 2:19 AM

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Oct 2008
8611
Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi (the sexual thing I expected, but the violence was a pleasant surprise)

Uramichi Oniisan (unexpectedly entertaining)

Super Cub (a unique type of wholesome)
Jun 1, 2022 2:33 AM

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Sep 2008
1249
Madoka Magica. Going off the first episode, I thought it was going to be another typical magical girl series in spite of the prophetic opening scene, up until the final scenes of episode 3 changed my perceptions of that.
Jun 1, 2022 2:35 AM

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Jul 2020
1704
Just off the top of my head - I thought Myself; Yourself
would be some generic harem or whatever but found it was so much more.
Jun 1, 2022 2:51 AM
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Jul 2018
562029
Rerrius said:
You had negative or low expectations, but surprisingly it was actually good, and possibly the premise, story, or characters were handled differently from what you were expecting.

From this season it would be Spy x Family, I didn't pay it much attention when browsing the seasonal chart but when it popped up as highest rated show this season I got curious, gave it a try and it's great. It has its moments of "huh?, what? or why??" but overall it's really wholesome and fun to watch and definitely miles better than any other show I've started watching this season (although I still have to start Kaguya-sama).

If we're talking "all time" then Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and its second season Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai are the most surprisingly good anime. Expected hardly anything and got a great little horror, mystery, thriller.
removed-userJun 1, 2022 3:06 AM
Jun 1, 2022 2:53 AM

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Jul 2021
9903
This one: https://myanimelist.net/anime/1082/Hikari_to_Mizu_no_Daphne
For some reason the characters are dressed really skimpily.
But past that, this is peak comedy.
Anti-aliasing enthusiast
Jun 1, 2022 4:11 AM

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Oct 2020
1285
For me,
The original dragon ball.
I have my memories for dbz, so i thought the original was gonna be boring, but boy was i wrong, i think it's even better in some places than dbz
Jun 1, 2022 8:37 AM

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May 2022
561
ggultra2764 said:
Madoka Magica. Going off the first episode, I thought it was going to be another typical magical girl series in spite of the prophetic opening scene, up until the final scenes of episode 3 changed my perceptions of that.


Probably the same on this one. Except I was convinced after first 2 episodes or so.
Jun 2, 2022 3:56 AM
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Oct 2014
2837
JaniSIr said:
This one: https://myanimelist.net/anime/1082/Hikari_to_Mizu_no_Daphne
For some reason the characters are dressed really skimpily.
But past that, this is peak comedy.

Anime with ocean or water environment seem interesting, I may try that show sometime along with Aria.

May also check out some of the other anime mentioned here.
Jun 2, 2022 4:20 AM
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Feb 2021
65
Heike monogatari. Art direction and pace of the story were really good. And it's from japanese history as well. It's refreshing to see a civil war from the losing side of things which pretty rare in anime these days..
Jun 2, 2022 4:31 AM

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Jun 2016
140
Golden Boy pretty much ended being a masterpiece, also made me laugh, so that's that
Jun 2, 2022 4:38 AM

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Nov 2021
176
a sisters all you need is an anime that i thought was just another echii but is actually really good
Jun 2, 2022 4:39 AM

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Apr 2015
175
Rerrius said:
You had negative or low expectations, but surprisingly it was actually good, and possibly the premise, story, or characters were handled differently from what you were expecting.

Or maybe you were already expecting something good, but it turned out to be even better.


I rarely participate in MAL forums, but I've just noticed this one was made by the most based user around here so I have to reply!

Kachou Ouji, Id:Invaded, Shingeki no Kyojin (first seasons), Fate/Zero (because I had watched Deen's route first, lel), Free!, Air Gear, Hakumei no Tsubasa, Majo no Takkyuubin, ReLIFE, Tasogare Otome X Amnesia.
Jun 2, 2022 5:12 AM
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Oct 2014
2837
Arvanitis said:
Rerrius said:
You had negative or low expectations, but surprisingly it was actually good, and possibly the premise, story, or characters were handled differently from what you were expecting.

Or maybe you were already expecting something good, but it turned out to be even better.


I rarely participate in MAL forums, but I've just noticed this one was made by the most based user around here so I have to reply!

Kachou Ouji, Id:Invaded, Shingeki no Kyojin (first seasons), Fate/Zero (because I had watched Deen's route first, lel), Free!, Air Gear, Hakumei no Tsubasa, Majo no Takkyuubin, ReLIFE, Tasogare Otome X Amnesia.

Thanks x)

Tasogare Otome was surprisingly good for me too, wasn't expecting much from that kind of anime.
Jun 2, 2022 6:27 AM

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Feb 2022
20160
Seirei no Moribito, didn't expect it to be so good.
Jun 2, 2022 6:35 AM
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Aug 2021
10436
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope

Heya Rerrius! :D
Jun 2, 2022 7:09 AM
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Jul 2018
562029
Fire Force. Thought it was going to be bad bc of the fanservice but it was great.
Jun 2, 2022 7:26 AM

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Jul 2021
123
School days. I thought it'd be the worst of the worst, however, it was really good and it surprised me a lot.
Jun 2, 2022 7:37 AM

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Jul 2021
3934
Land of the lustrous surprised me a lot.

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