Hatul's Recommended Hidden Gems (TV/OVA/ONA Series Edition)
Anime
Only series that are ranked below 2,000 in 'Popularity' on MAL.
Check out part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/8280
Check out part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/8280
TV, 2021,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Another great mecha title from the writer of Gurren Lagann and director of Code Geass.
OVA, 1990,
7 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A surprisingly mature delinquent series with very authentic feeling dialogue and characters
TV, 1999,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Incredible Metaphysical/Psychological mecha/horror series and one of the weirdest anime ever made
TV, 2008,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Insane, unhinged, violent, unpredictable, and nihilistic to the core. Urobuchi actually living up to his reputation and it also happens to be his best work (it really is, fight me!).
TV, 1999,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A dark alien invasion, mecha series, with great characterization and an appropriately grim atmosphere.
Brigadoon: Marin to Melan
Brigadoon
TV, 2000,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
One of the weirdest anime ever made. An imaginitive sci fi and coming-of-age story with lots of emotional moments
Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken (2020)
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
TV, 2020,
100 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A really fun and creative shonen series with very good production values that is criminally under-watched
TV, 2004,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The definition of 'slow burn. Very complex storyline told in a way that may alienate some but is very rewarding.
TV, 1984,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
If Spielberg made an anime, this would be it. An engaging action adventure with a giant robot and great production values.
Glass no Kamen (2005)
Glass Mask
TV, 2005,
51 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A great shoujo drama series that heavily features method acting in plays.
Gets you emotionally involved in plays within the show itself.
Gets you emotionally involved in plays within the show itself.
TV, 1998,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A fairly dry, but excellent 'real robot' anime with metaphysical elements and deep political stuff
Gokinjo Monogatari
Neighborhood Stories
TV, 1995,
50 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The art style takes some getting used to, but a classic shoujo series from the creator of Nana and Paradise Kiss.
Golgo 13 (TV)
Golgo 13
TV, 2008,
50 eps
Me:-
Author:7
One of the most iconic and referenced characters in anime. Strictly episodic, but always pretty fun and cool.
TV, 2005,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A fun action adventure with very good character designs and more depth than it seems at first.
TV, 2002,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A somewhat dark comedy with lots of emotional moments and Backstreet Boys op and ed.
Hidamari no Ki
Tree in the Sun
TV, 2000,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Great period drama from Osamu Tezuka and semi-autobiographical if I'm not mistaken.
Karakuri Kiden: Hiwou Senki
Hiwou War Chronicles
TV, 2000,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Very unique. Steampunk combined with bakumatsu era politics, written by Sho Aikawa.
Kaze no Youjinbou
Kaze no Yojimbo
TV, 2001,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A very well done, smart slow burn mystery that's very satisfying to watch. Recommended if you like Monster.
Kemono no Souja Erin
The Beast Player Erin
TV, 2009,
50 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A unique fantasy adventure series with good world building and character drama.
OVA, 1994,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:7
An early example of a dark sci fi drama series with a wide range of themes and artistic direction
TV, 2006,
51 eps
Me:-
Author:7
If Yu-Gi-Oh is Pokemon for big boys, Kiba is Yu-Gi-Oh for... even slightly bigger boys!
It's an insane, dark shounen series with creative world-building, evolving main characters, and relatively mature themes that are handled with some degree of finesse and subtlety.
It's an insane, dark shounen series with creative world-building, evolving main characters, and relatively mature themes that are handled with some degree of finesse and subtlety.
Kidou Senkan Nadesico
Martian Successor Nadesico
TV, 1996,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A parody of mecha, while also being a great mecha series in its own right.
Sho Aikawa at his finest.
Sho Aikawa at his finest.
Kodomo no Omocha (TV)
Kodocha
TV, 1996,
102 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Best shoujo series I've seen. Succeeds at comedy, drama, romance, you name it, it conquers it.
TV, 2008,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Cute comedy with a charming cast and family dynamic with weird but light sci-fi ideas and gets serious at times. Strongly recommended if you like Gintama.
TV, 2006,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Complex storyline, multi layered characters, great visuals and every component complements its themes. Made for multiple viewings. A Masterpiece.
TV, 1986,
96 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Surprised this isn't more popular since it's Rumiko Takahashi at her finest.
Mugen no Juunin: Immortal
Blade of the Immortal
ONA, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Director Hiroshi Hamasaki adapting this manga is a match made in heaven.
Engaging from beginning to end with some of the best and most cinematic directing and sound design (in a tv series) of the past decade.
Engaging from beginning to end with some of the best and most cinematic directing and sound design (in a tv series) of the past decade.
TV, 1998,
48 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Very weird mecha with interesting themes both a lighthearted and dark tone at the same time. Written by Sho Aikawa again.
TV, 2000,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
One of the best slice of life and character studies ever made.
TV, 2007,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A sci fi comedy that gets increasingly serious and weird overtime. Sho Aikawa once again! Why are all of his shows so underwatched? Don't you know he wrote the best versions of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Shaman King (2001)???
All you care about are his shounen stuff?
I give up.
All you care about are his shounen stuff?
I give up.
Oniisama e...
Dear Brother
TV, 1991,
39 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Classic drama shoujo series from the author and director of Rose of Versailles
TV, 2018,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The best mecha series to come out in the 2010s. Not that it has much competition...
TV, 2001,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Transforming hero series with a strong flowing narrative
R.O.D: The TV
R.O.D -The TV-
TV, 2003,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Very well rounded characters with great chemistry, good directing and very well told wacky storyline.
Shin Getter Robo
New Getter Robo
OVA, 2004,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Very self-contained Getter Robo series with great action and a crazy storyline.
Shoukoku no Altair
Altair: A Record of Battles
TV, 2017,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A surprisingly good war drama set in a fictional Ottoman empire, featuring absurdly handsome male characters that will make you question your sexuality..
Soukou Kihei Votoms
Armored Trooper Votoms
TV, 1983,
52 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Classic mecha, war drama with a fantastic main character and cool cyberpunk-ish aesthetics.
Souten Kouro
Beyond the Heavens
TV, 2009,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but with a Jojo-esque vibe to it. Cao Cao is the main character and it's relatively easy to follow.
Space Cobra
Space Adventure Cobra
TV, 1982,
31 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A superbly made arc-based action-adventure series with incredible visuals.
ONA, 2021,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Addictive and edgy superhero anime based on an American comic by the author of "Kickass".
Super GALS! Kotobuki Ran
Super GALS!
TV, 2001,
52 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Quite mean spirited in places, but an otherwise stand out shoujo series with unique characters, good comedy, and drama.
Tetsujin 28-gou (2004)
Tetsujin 28
TV, 2004,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A surprisingly serious, arc based mecha series that tackles some taboo subjects with grace.
The SoulTaker: Tamashii-gari
SoulTaker
TV, 2001,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
An excellent artsy transforming hero series and my favorite anime from Shinbou.
Zone of the Enders: Dolores, I
Zone of the Enders: Dolores
TV, 2001,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Awesome action adventure, mecha series with very good production values and an endearing cast of characters.
