Only a very few select anime series have achieved immortal status, remaining just as relevant today as they were on release. Titles like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Dragon Ball might be the first to come to mind in that regard. The reality for most series, however, is that they experience their moment to shine, and are eventually lost among the waves of new shows releasing every season.

Anime comes and goes, especially in more recent times, when 30 or more titles air in a single season. With so much out there to consume and the constant booming growth of the art form, shows will inevitably be left behind. Unfortunately, some anime likely deserved a bit better of a fate than they were given, and even those which once had large and dedicated fan bases might no longer receive the attention they deserve.

10 Trigun

Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Yasuhiro Nightow

Trigun is far from the most niche anime series of the past 30 years, though with the popularity it once enjoyed, it's undeniable that the series' reputation has fallen a bit from what it once was. The 1998 anime series based on the manga by Yasuhiro Nightow is a classic and deserves far more praise from the community for its stylized visuals, glorious '90s aesthetic, and one of the more enjoyable cast of characters to come out of shōnen during its era.

The recent release of Trigun Stampede, a modern reimagining of the original series, helped to reinvigorate the Trigun fan base, delivering the story Vash the Stampede to an all-new generation of anime fans. However, the 1998 series remains the quintessential version of the story for many in the community.

9 Urusei Yatsura

Animated by Pierrot and Studio Deen, Based on the Manga by Rumiko Takahashi

Despite being one of the most famous anime and manga series ever created in Japan, Urusei Yatsura has always somewhat flown under the radar in the West. Based on the manga by the legendary Rumiko Takahashi, the series has long been celebrated for its blend of science fiction and rom-com elements, and for introducing one of the earliest examples of the "tsundere" character archetype in Lum.

Outside of Japan, Urusei Yatsura was largely overshadowed by Takahashi's other iconic work, Ranma 1/2, which is often cited as one of the first anime series to truly break onto the scene in the United States. Like Trigun, a modern remake of Urusei Yatsura introduced countless new fans to the series in 2022, yet the story still doesn't quite receive the praise it deserves for just how ahead of its time it was.

8 Fullmetal Alchemist

Animated by Bones, Based on the Manga by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the more uncommon cases of a once-popular anime series being left behind with the age of time. Thanks to 2009's Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the title is well ed and celebrated even today as one of the all-time greats. However, 2003's Fullmetal Alchemist, also produced by Bones studio, is rarely ever discussed by the larger anime-watching community.

Because Hiromu Arakawa was not yet finished with her manga series of the same name, 2003's Fullmetal Alchemist was forced to bring its story to an entirely original conclusion. Later, when it became known how the manga would end, Bones went back and rewrote Fullmetal Alchemist the way its original author intended with 2009's Brotherhood. Though the later anime is seen as the essential version of events, many fans continue to hold the 2003 series in high regard, and some even prefer it.

7 Ergo Proxy

Animated by Manglobe, Anime-Original Series

Of all the underrated anime series out there, Ergo Proxy's lack of continued success may be the most puzzling. With all the star power behind the series, including writing by Cowboy Bebop's Dai Sato, and an aesthetic that would please even the most hardened sci-fi anime fan, the 2006 anime has somehow flown under the radar in the years since its initial airing.

Following main character Re-l through a post-apocalyptic world in which both humans and AutoReiv androids live in domed cities, the anime presents thrilling mysteries and gripping action sequences that are sure to capture the audience's attention and never let go. Ergo Proxy isn't a perfect show by any means, and it can often straddle the line between being smart and pretentious, but the series generally explores some interesting ideas and does so with absolutely stunning visuals.

6 Chobits

Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Clamp

Once upon a time, Chobits was one of the hottest names in anime. Its initial airing in 2002 garnered quite a bit of fanfare, even inspiring video game adaptations of the series released on Game Boy, Playstation 2, and PC. These days, however, it might be difficult to find much discussion regarding the series in even the deepest corners of the online anime community.

Based on the manga by the legendary all-female art collective responsible for titles like Cardcaptor Sakura, Clamp, Chobits represents the dying breath of the sci-fi craze that dominated anime during the 1990s with shows like Evangelion and Serial Experiments Lain. The anime's naive view of the future of technology is charming and typical of the era, representing a time when it seemed computers could be gateways to alternate worlds. Despite its flaws, the series remains incredibly enjoyable, and deserves a bit better than its gradual fading from relevance.

5 Zatch Bell!

Animated by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Makoto Raiku

Zatch Bell! is a strange case of a series performing incredibly well while active, and suddenly having its popularity fall off a cliff following its conclusion. In the case of the anime series by Toei Animation, many felt disappointed by the decisions to stray from the source material, ultimately moving on from the series and leaving it behind. However, the manga experienced a similar drop-off, having a reported 22 million copies in circulation by its conclusion in 2008, and only growing that number to just under 24 million over the next 10 years.

Nevertheless, Zatch Bell! remains a fan-favorite shōnen action series among those who its airing on Cartoon Network's Toonami block during the mid-2000s. Most newer anime fans have likely never heard of the series, but that may change with a sequel anime rumored to be in the works.

4 Kanon

Animated by Kyoto Animation, Based on the Visual Novel by Key

It's become something of a rite of age for anime fans to cry their eyes out over an adaptation of a Jun Maeda story. The legendary visual novel writer with Key studio has given fans titles like Angel Beats!, Little Busters!, Charlotte, and arguably his most famous work, Clannad. Though one story which has gotten somewhat lost among all the other classic stories by Maeda and Key, the highly emotional Kanon.

Adapted into an anime series in 2006 by Kyoto Animation, Kanon follows Yuichi Aizawa, who returns to a town where he would once spend his vacations away from school. However, Aizawa is missing a significant portion of his memories, and rediscovers them along with the people of the town throughout Kanon. The anime may not feature the emotional highs of Clannad or Angel Beats!, but contains just about everything fans of Maeda would want in a series.

3 Haibane Renmei

Animated by Radix Ace Entertainment, Based on the Manga by Yoshitoshi Abe

Based on the doujinshi by artist Yoshitoshi Abe, Haibane Renmei is likely another case of a series being overshadowed by another popular work. Abe was also involved in the concept and character design of 1998's Serial Experiments Lain, the legendary and downright prophetic anime series that has remained a stable of the cyberpunk genre since its initial airing. In the years since, it seems the artist's other work has taken a backseat to discussion surrounding Lain.

However, 2002's Haibane Renmei has flown largely under the radar while being arguably the most compelling work of Abe's. The series follows Rakka, a titular haibane, or an angel-like being, and explores spiritual themes like redemption and sin through a slow-moving and dramatic tale with an undeniably stylish aesthetic. Though most will give worthy praise to Abe's and creator Yasuyuki Ueda's work in Serial Experiments Lain, Haibane Renmei deserves just as much shine.

2 Now and Then, Here and There

Animated by AIC, Anime-Original Series

With the recent meteoric rise of the Isekai genre, it's a bit disappointing that one of its pioneering works remains relatively undiscovered by most fans. Now and Then, Here and There is a 1999 post-apocalyptic sci-fi anime series in the vain of Grave of the Fireflies and Welcome to the NHK, in that it may be an enjoyable watch and even a favorite among many, but not something a viewer would likely want to revisit.

The series' depiction of war and violence is devastatingly brutal, yet the anime keeps hope as a central theme throughout. Anyone uncomfortable with sensitive content or simply not seeking to have their days potentially ruined may want to steer clear of Now and Then, Here and There, but those who give the anime a try rarely regret doing so.

1 Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

Animated by Studio Deen, Based on the Manga by Haruko Kumota

Though it's more recent than many of the other forgotten classics, Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju may very well be the most underrated anime series ever. Based on the manga by Haruko Kumota, the series follows a number of characters across generations, all tied together by Rakugo, a form of traditional comedic storytelling.

The only problem with Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is that it appeals to such a small and specific audience. The series uses its wide cast of characters to touch on themes like love and the struggles faced by aspiring artists, and is almost guaranteed to move whoever is willing to give the anime a chance. For those willing to give the series a shot, it's currently streaming on Crunchyroll.