Classic series like Naruto or Bleach are still in the spotlight decades later.
But many equally worthy anime have been forgotten over time. Forgotten gems deserve to be rediscovered, whether for their unusual stories, unique animation, or bold ideas that were ahead of their time.
From post-apocalyptic worlds to upbeat comedies, here are five anime that each deserve a second chance.
1. The Vision of Escaflowne, 1996
An epic series that combines elements of mecha and fantasy. The story follows Hitomi, a high school girl who finds herself in the magical world of Gaea and becomes involved in a war between kingdoms. The rich world, complex characters, and beautiful animation make Escaflowne a true masterpiece.
Despite its international success, the series failed to gain popularity in the US due to poor dubbing and content editing. For fans of epic fantasy and mecha, this is a must-see project that still amazes with its scale and unique atmosphere.
2. Outlaw Star, 1998-2001
The anime takes viewers into deep space as Gene Starwind and his crew explore the galaxy aboard the Outlaw Star. The series offers viewers intense battles, charismatic characters, and unusual elements of mysticism.
Despite its quality, Outlaw Star is often overshadowed by its spiritual twin, Cowboy Bebop. Unique energy, atmospheric worlds, and an intriguing plot make this series an undeservedly forgotten masterpiece.
3. Darker Than Black, 2007-2010
Darker Than Black creates a dystopian world where a mysterious gate has altered the laws of physics and given humans supernatural powers. The protagonist, Hei, masterfully navigates espionage intrigue, moral dilemmas, and his dual existence.
The series is known for its noirish atmosphere, complex characters, and thoughtful storytelling. Although praised for its maturity and thoughtfulness, Darker Than Black quickly faded from view due to expiring licenses.
4. s-CRY-ed, 2001
s-CRY-ed takes viewers to a post-apocalyptic world where two characters, Kazuma and Ryuho, clash over their opposing ideals.
The series revolves around the concept of Alter Users, people with supernatural powers. Intense action scenes, vivid characters, and themes of freedom and control make the series relatable even two decades after its release.
Western audiences were introduced to s-CRY-ed through its run on Adult Swim, but its popularity was short-lived. Licensing issues prevented further distribution.
5. The Slayers, 1995-2009
The Slayers is a cult fantasy anime that follows the adventures of Lina Inverse, a powerful but restless sorceress, and her team. The series is known for its signature humor, witty characters, and dynamic magical battles.
The Slayers was extremely popular during its run, spawning five seasons, several OVAs, and feature films. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues and a lack of streaming on popular platforms, the anime has fallen out of favor with modern viewers.