The world of anime has grown rapidly in the last few years, especially with the rise of fresh storytelling, beautifully upgraded animation styles and genre bending creativity. While mainstream anime often steal the spotlight, there are several modern titles that deliver exceptional experiences yet remain underrated or under discussed. These shows and adaptations offer unique stories that beginners can enjoy easily, without the overwhelming lore or long episode counts found in older classics.
Whether you enjoy mystery, sci fi, comedy, action or mythological battles, the following list features seven new generation anime that deserve far more attention. They are accessible, entertaining and perfect for newcomers who want something different from the usual top trending series.
1. Odd Taxi
Genre- Mystery/Drama/Thriller
Odd Taxi is one of the most unique and surprising anime of the last decade. At first glance, it looks like a quirky show about talking animals, but within a few episodes it transforms into a tightly written mystery thriller with one of the smartest story structures in modern anime.
The show follows Odokawa, a quiet taxi driver whose interactions with his passengers slowly reveal a deeper criminal web involving missing persons, corrupt idols, underground deals and unexpected twists. Every conversation matters, every scene connects and by the final episode viewers realize how brilliantly the puzzle pieces fit together.
Why it is great for beginners
Odd Taxi has a short episode count, relatable dialogue, grounded storytelling and a payoff that makes it an unforgettable first anime experience.
2. Pantheon
Genre- Sci Fi/Psychological/Thriller
Pantheon is not a traditional Japanese anime, but it captures the same charm, emotional depth and animation style while offering a bold and philosophical story. It focuses on the concept of Uploaded Intelligence, where human consciousness is uploaded into a digital space, creating moral, emotional and existential dilemmas.
The protagonist, a young girl named Maddie, discovers that her dead father may still be alive inside the digital world. This revelation leads to intense corporate conspiracies, global impacts, technological evolution and stirring emotional moments that question what it means to be human.
Why beginners should watch it
Pantheon is smart, modern and gripping. It is perfect for viewers who enjoy shows like Black Mirror or cyberpunk fiction but want a more emotionally driven narrative.
3. Pluto
Genre- Sci Fi/Mystery/Psychological
Based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa, Pluto is a modern reimagining of a classic arc from Astro Boy, but it transforms the story into a dark, mature and deeply philosophical sci fi epic. It explores a future where humans and robots coexist, and where someone or something is targeting the world’s most advanced robots.
The series follows Gesicht, a robot detective tasked with solving the murders. Through his investigation, Pluto tackles themes of war, identity, emotion, discrimination and the fragile boundary between humanity and artificial life. Every episode is atmospheric, slow burning and filled with emotional tension.
Why it works for newcomers
Pluto is cinematic, beautifully animated and only eight episodes long, making it ideal for beginners looking for a quality experience without a long commitment.
4. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Genre- Comedy/Romance/Action/Fantasy
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is a fresh anime style reboot of the beloved Scott Pilgrim universe. Instead of retelling the same story as the movie and comics, this series takes bold creative risks, offering surprising twists, unexpected narrative shifts and a heavy focus on character arcs.
It blends comedy, romance, music battles, stylized visuals and meta storytelling in a way that feels modern and fresh. The animation style is vibrant, fast paced and filled with energy that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Why beginners will enjoy it
It is short, extremely fun, visually stylish and very easy to follow, making it perfect for newcomers who enjoy humor and quirky storytelling.
5. Dr Stone
Genre- Sci-Fi, Adventure, Survival/Comedy
Dr Stone begins with a mysterious phenomenon that turns all humans into stone. Thousands of years later, Senku Ishigami breaks free and makes it his mission to rebuild civilization using science. The premise sounds simple, but the execution is creative, entertaining and surprisingly educational.
The series blends comedy with genuine scientific experiments, survival tactics and world building that keeps evolving. It remains consistently fun without relying on typical shonen tropes. For viewers who enjoy post apocalyptic stories or clever problem solving, Dr Stone is a refreshing pick.
Why it is beginner friendly
It is fast paced, easy to understand, humorous and full of creative inventions that appeal to both young and adult viewers.
6. Sakamoto Days
Genre- Action, Comedy
Based on the popular manga, Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who has retired to run a convenience store. Although he has left the world of assassins behind, his past constantly catches up with him, leading to hilarious action packed scenarios.
The charm of the series comes from its mix of wholesome humor, explosive fight choreography and a protagonist who loves his quiet life but is still the most skilled assassin alive. Sakamoto Days feels refreshing because it balances comedy with well animated sequences and lovable characters.
Why newcomers will love it
It is fun, easy to follow, filled with likable characters and not heavy on lore. Even viewers new to anime action will find it accessible.
7. Record of Ragnarok
Genre- Fantasy, Action, Mythology
Record of Ragnarok brings legendary gods and historical figures into one tournament style battle. Each fight is a high stakes duel between a human representative and a god, blending mythology, world history and dramatic storytelling.
The show features intense battles, emotional backstories and stylish character designs. While the premise is simple, the execution offers surprising depth and tension. It is ideal for viewers who want pure action with mythological twists.
Why beginners should try it
The format is straightforward, and each fight focuses on a new character, making it easy to jump into without confusion.
Final Thoughts
These seven underrated new gen anime represent some of the most creative and accessible storytelling available today. They cover a wide range of genres, from emotional sci fi and psychological mysteries to action packed battles and comedic adventures. For beginners wanting to explore anime beyond mainstream hits, this list offers the perfect starting point.