10 Underrated Anime on Crunchyroll You Need to Watch Right Now

Are you tired of seeing the same anime suggestions everywhere? Whether you're a longtime anime fan or just starting out, there's a goldmine of hidden gems waiting on Crunchyroll - if you know where to look.

We've picked out 10 underrated anime that you might have missed but that you should definitely add to your watchlist. These aren't your typical top 10 filled with Naruto or Demon Slayer. We're diving into lesser-known animes that deserve more love.

Let’s get into it.

1. From the New World (Shinsekai Yori)

A terrifying dystopian science fiction that asks what becomes of humanity when power corrupts, “From the New World” combines coming-of-age drama with supernatural mystery. It moves at a slow pace, but once it grabs you, it doesn’t let go

Why it’s underrated: Released without any marketing and without much fanfare, over time it quietly built a cult following. Think The Promised Neverland, but deeper and darker.

2. The Eccentric Family

Have you ever heard of tanuki that transform into tea kettles? This quirky anime dives into the lives of the shape-shifting creatures in modern-day Kyoto. It's good, heartwarming, and surprisingly philosophical.

Why watch it: Beautifully animated and unlike anything else. If you enjoy Ghibli art charm with adult themes, this is for you.

3. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Time travel, childhood trauma, and the mystery of a serial killer – Erased combines it all into a dense, emotionally charged 12-episode series.

Why it’s underrated on Crunchyroll: When it aired it got lost under the bigger names. It's short, entertaining and worth watching.

4. Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou)

If you're looking for a calm, emotional anime with a supernatural twist, this is your next comforting show. It's the story of a boy who can see spirits and helps them find peace. Definetly underrated anime, you need to watch right now.

Perfect for: Looking for something soft and soulful like Mushishi or Spirited Away.

5. Silver Spoon (Gin no Saji)

Made by the minds behind Fullmetal Alchemist, but with a completely different tone. This biopic about agricultural school is surprisingly in-depth. It’s a slice of life manga based anime adaptation which is truly underrated anime, Do check it out!!

Don’t judge it by the premise—it’s funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable.

6. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Strong female lead? Check. Gorgeous animation? Check. A story that respects your intelligence? Absolutely. Basically it’s about a mysterious spear-wielding woman named Balsa arrives in the new yogo kingdom. After saving Prince Chagum from a thinly veiled assassination attempt, ordered by his own father, Balsa is tasked to protect him from his father.

Why it flew under the radar: Aired before the streaming boom, but it's aged beautifully.

7. Kaiba

It's a visual trip. Don't be fooled by the quirky art style - Kaiba explores deep themes like memory, love and identity in a science-fiction world where bodies can be replaced like clothes. Tragic and uplifting in equal measure, Kaiba is not just one of the best anime series ever made but one of the best TV shows.

For fans of: Thought-provoking anime such as Paranoia Agent or Technolaize.

8. Kids on the Slope

A slice of jazz, friendship, and post-war Japan. Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), this series blends amazing music and emotional storytelling. Its seriously an amazing anime, but sadly it is very overlooked and underrated

What makes it special: Incredible music visuals animated for real character dynamics and authentic jazz performances.

9. 91 Days

A hard-hitting, prohibition-era revenge tale set in the world of the Mafia. Stylish, violent, and packed with tension from start to finish. Angelo Lagusa, a young man whose family was murdered in a Mafia dispute, seeks revenge against the Vanetti family.

Why it’s slept on: It had a limited run and was buried by seasonal promotions. But if you like Peaky Blinders-style drama, don't miss it.

10. The Great Passage

Yes, it's about compiling a dictionary. And yes - it's brilliant. A slow-burn story about passion, language and connection that touches all the right emotional notes. Its rom-com about rom-coms, the story of Cassie West and Jane Bennett, a hopelessly romantic teenager attempts to secure a happy moment with her forever crush, but finds herself reluctantly drawn to her neighbor boy. Ever the dreamer, Liz Buxbaum gives her heart away

For patient viewers who love stories with heart and meaning.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Hidden Gem is Just a Click Away

Crunchyroll has more than just trending shonen. These underrated anime offer everything from emotional depth to artistic brilliance - and chances are you've never seen most of them.

So next time you’re scrolling endlessly trying to decide what to watch, give one of these hidden gems a shot. You might just find your new favorite.