With blockbuster shōnen and heavily marketed seasonal anime dominating the spotlight, it’s easy for genuinely great series to slip through the cracks. Some shows arrive quietly, others are misunderstood at launch, and a few don’t fit neatly into mainstream trends. Yet time often reveals their true value, rewarding viewers with deeper themes, stronger character work, and stories that linger long after the credits roll. That idea recently came up during a conversation on the Thicc Boi Hours Podcast, where a couple of my buddies and I found ourselves trading recommendations for anime that deserved far more attention than they ever received. This list highlights 5 underrated anime to watch in 2026.
The discussion wasn’t about chasing hype. It was about spotlighting series that stuck with us and might pull new viewers in the same way. Those conversations inspired this list. Heading into 2026, these underrated anime stand out not just for their quality but for how well their themes and storytelling have aged. Whether you’re revisiting overlooked favorites or discovering them for the first time, these selections are worth your time.
Honorable Mentions
Below are two honorable mentions for the 5 underrated anime to watch in 2026.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
A grim, emotionally heavy take on the Gundam formula, Iron-Blooded Orphans centers on exploited child soldiers fighting for autonomy in a system designed to discard them. Its raw portrayal of war, loyalty, and sacrifice makes it one of the franchise’s most affecting standalone entries, and an easy recommendation for viewers who want something grounded and uncompromising.
- Handyman Saitou in Another World
Deceptively modest, this isekai avoids power fantasies in favor of practical problem-solving and heartfelt character interactions. Handyman Saitou finds meaning in small moments, making it a refreshing, quietly emotional watch for anyone burned out on genre excess.
5. Delicious in Dungeon
At first glance, Delicious in Dungeon appears to be a whimsical fantasy about cooking monsters in a dungeon. As the series progresses, that playful premise evolves into a thoughtful examination of survival, resourcefulness, and the ecosystems that exist within fantasy worlds. Food becomes more than a gimmick. It’s a storytelling tool that deepens character relationships and world-building.
Its gentle pacing and understated humor caused it to be overshadowed by louder seasonal releases, but that same patience is what allows the story to flourish. The series balances comfort-anime charm with surprising narrative depth, making it an ideal watch for viewers who appreciate gradual payoff and character-driven storytelling.
4. Revenger
Set in Edo-period Japan, Revengers delivers a grim and morally complex revenge story that places emotional consequence above spectacle. The series follows a group of assassins bound by personal tragedy, each carrying their own definition of justice, guilt, and redemption. Rather than framing revenge as empowerment, the anime treats it as a corrosive force. One that reshapes identity and leaves scars that never fully heal.
What makes Revengers stand out is its restraint and atmosphere. Violence is sudden and often uncomfortable, reinforcing the idea that every act carries weight. The historical setting adds further texture, grounding the narrative in rigid social hierarchies where honor and survival are often at odds. It’s a series that rewards viewers who appreciate patience, mood, and emotional nuance over flashy set pieces.
3. Psycho-Pass
Set in a future where an AI system quantifies criminal intent before crimes are committed, Psycho-Pass remains one of anime’s most thought-provoking psychological thrillers. Through its characters and case-driven storytelling, the series interrogates free will, justice, and the ethical dangers of outsourcing moral judgment to algorithms.
While the first season is often held up as the definitive experience, the broader series continues to explore its world in meaningful ways. This is by expanding on its philosophical core. As modern society becomes increasingly shaped by data-driven systems, surveillance, and predictive technology, Psycho-Pass feels less like speculative fiction and more like a mirror held uncomfortably close to reality.
2. Akame ga Kill!
Akame ga Kill! is unapologetically brutal, presenting a revolutionary fantasy where ideals are constantly crushed by reality. The series follows a group of assassins fighting a deeply corrupt empire. But unlike many rebellion-driven stories, it refuses to romanticize the struggle. Characters die suddenly, victories feel hollow, and sacrifice is treated as an unavoidable cost rather than a heroic badge.
This approach made the anime polarizing upon release, yet it’s precisely why the series has endured. Over time, viewers have come to appreciate its willingness to dismantle traditional power fantasies. Then challenge the idea that righteous intent guarantees survival. Its emotional bluntness, while divisive, gives the story a lasting impact that still resonates with audiences looking for something raw and uncompromising.
1. Blood Blockade Battlefront
This one takes place in the chaotic metropolis of Hellsalem’s Lot. Where humans and supernatural beings coexist in constant disorder, Blood Blockade Battlefront thrives on controlled chaos. On the surface, it’s loud, stylish, and relentlessly energetic, blending supernatural action with absurd humor. Beneath that exterior, however, lies a deeply human story about responsibility, empathy, and belonging.
Its episodic structure allows the world to breathe. While gradually introducing a colorful ensemble cast whose personal struggles give emotional grounding to the madness. Early on, that density and unpredictability turned some viewers away. But with time, the series reveals an impressive balance of spectacle and heart. For audiences more open to experimental pacing and world-building, it has aged into one of anime’s most creative urban fantasies.
Why Underrated Anime Still Matter in 2026
These 5 underrated anime to watch in 2026 often thrive outside the hype cycle. They are free to take creative risks without chasing trends. 2026 is beginning, and these series stand as reminders that some of the medium’s most entertaining or some of the most impactful stories are discovered through conversation, curiosity, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious picks. Whether you’re revisiting overlooked favorites or discovering them for the first time, these anime prove that great storytelling doesn’t need the spotlight to endure. Looking at you, Solo Leveling! (Also a fantastic anime by the way!) Let me know some of your underrated choices!