The last decade has produced some of the most exciting, experimental and emotionally rich anime ever made. While mega-hits dominate the conversation, there are many powerful titles that slipped under the mainstream radar but still offer world-class storytelling, strong characters and memorable worlds. These underrated shows deserve far more recognition, especially for newcomers and fans searching for something fresh and high-quality.
Here are 5 underrated anime of the decade that you absolutely should not miss.
1. Pantheon
Genre- Sci Fi/Psychological/Thriller
Pantheon might be the most underrated sci-fi anime-style series of the modern era. Even though it is not a traditional Japanese anime, its storytelling, visual style and emotional depth make it stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of the genre. The series revolves around the concept of Uploaded Intelligence, where human consciousness is scanned and converted into a digital form, allowing people to live on as pure data.
The plot follows Maddie, a lonely girl who begins receiving mysterious online messages that appear to be from her deceased father. What starts as a family mystery quickly evolves into a gripping global crisis involving tech corporations, rogue intellects, artificial evolution and the ethical dilemmas of digital immortality.
Why you should not miss it
Pantheon is one of the rare series that blends deep human emotion with bold sci-fi concepts. Its pacing, tension and character arcs keep viewers hooked, while themes of identity, memory and grief make it unforgettable. For fans of intelligent storytelling, this is a gem of the decade.
2. The Promised Neverland
Genre- Psychological/Thriller/Horror/Mystery
The Promised Neverland began as one of the most promising anime of the decade, yet surprisingly, many new viewers still overlook it due to its deceptively innocent visual style. Do not be fooled. This is one of the most gripping and chilling psychological thrillers in modern anime.
The story focuses on a group of children living in an isolated orphanage, seemingly peaceful and full of love. But when they discover a horrifying truth about their existence, everything changes. What follows is an intense escape story filled with strategy, emotional tension, high stakes and moral dilemmas. Season one is widely regarded as a masterpiece of suspense.
Why you should not miss it
Even with mixed opinions about later arcs, The Promised Neverland remains one of the most tightly written thrillers in anime. Its plot twists, atmosphere and brilliant character dynamics easily make it one of the decade’s most impactful series. Season one alone is worth watching for any anime fan.
3. Hell’s Paradise
Genre- Dark Fantasy/Action/Supernatural
Hell’s Paradise is one of the strongest new-gen dark fantasy anime, yet it remains underrated compared to giants like Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen. The story is set in the Edo period and follows Gabimaru, a powerful yet emotionally broken shinobi sentenced to death. To earn his freedom, he is sent with other convicts to a mysterious island believed to hold the Elixir of Life.
What starts as a typical survival mission quickly becomes a visually stunning horror-fantasy tale. The island is filled with monstrous creatures, twisted gods, ancient magic and brutal trials. The series combines action, psychological depth and tragic backstories to create an immersive experience.
Why you should not miss it
Hell’s Paradise stands out with its beautiful animation, unpredictable world-building and emotionally rich themes of survival, guilt and redemption. If you enjoy dark fantasy with meaning behind its violence, this anime is a must watch.
4. Dr Stone
Genre- Science Fiction/Adventure/Comedy/Survival
Despite being a successful manga franchise, Dr Stone still remains underrated in the broader anime community. It does not rely on intense battles or supernatural elements. Instead, it uses science as its core power system, creating one of the most refreshing and educational anime of the decade.
After a mysterious event petrifies all humans, Senku Ishigami awakens thousands of years later in a stone world. His goal is simple yet ambitious: rebuild civilization from scratch using science. The show explores inventions, chemistry, engineering and survival with surprising accuracy, all while maintaining comedic charm and emotional depth.
Why you should not miss it
Dr Stone’s ability to make science entertaining is unmatched. Its world-building feels fresh, its pacing is fast and Senku’s determination is inspiring. This is the perfect anime for viewers who enjoy clever problem solving rather than typical combat focused storytelling.
5. Vivy Fluorite Eye’s Song
Genre- Sci Fi Drama/Psychological/Action
For the fifth pick, the best underrated anime of the decade that deserves a place here is Vivy Fluorite Eye’s Song. Created by Wit Studio, this series offers some of the most beautiful visuals, emotional storytelling and thought-provoking themes in modern anime.
The story follows Vivy, an AI designed to bring happiness through singing. Her peaceful existence is shattered when a future AI sends a message warning her of an upcoming war that will wipe out humanity. Vivy is tasked with altering key events over the next hundred years to prevent that dark future.
What makes Vivy so special is its emotional intelligence. Each mission is self-contained yet connects to a bigger picture, exploring the relationship between humans and artificial beings, the meaning of identity and the price of changing fate.
Why you should not miss it
Vivy offers beautiful animation, impactful episodes, strong emotional moments and a carefully crafted story that escalates toward a powerful conclusion. It is one of the most complete and polished original anime of the decade, and still shockingly underrated.
Final Thoughts
These five anime are among the most underappreciated gems of the decade. They each explore different genres and moods, whether it is Pantheon’s digital humanity, the psychological terror of The Promised Neverland, the brutal mysticism of Hell’s Paradise, the scientific wonder of Dr Stone or the emotional sci fi brilliance of Vivy Fluorite Eye’s Song.
For anyone looking to discover modern anime beyond the mainstream hits, this list is the perfect starting point. Each title offers an unforgettable experience and represents the creativity and diversity of today’s anime landscape.