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Top 10 Flop Anime That Are Actually Good

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When we talk about anime, there’s a clear divide between what becomes a fan-favorite and what quietly fades into the shadows. Yet, there’s another category entirely the flop anime. These are the shows that failed to grab mainstream attention or were misunderstood at release, but if you watch them today, you’ll realize they’re actually good. Sometimes poor marketing, bad timing, or fan backlash can bury a show that didn’t deserve it. So here’s a look at ten flop anime that are way better than their reputation suggests.

1. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Boruto
It’s impossible to talk about flop anime without mentioning Boruto. The son of Naruto had giant shoes to fill, and fans were quick to judge the moment it didn’t match the original’s energy. The pacing, filler arcs, and soft tone made many drop it early. But over time, Boruto quietly built a unique world of its own, exploring the burden of legacy and generational change. It’s not about reliving Naruto it’s about moving beyond him. Give it another chance, and you’ll see it’s actually good once you stop comparing.

2. School Days

School Days
Now here’s a flop anime that almost became a meme. People remember School Days only for its shocking ending, forgetting that it’s one of the boldest romantic dramas ever made. Instead of offering the usual lighthearted love triangle, it dives deep into obsession, betrayal, and consequences. The show’s dark tone caught viewers off guard, but that’s what makes it fascinating. It’s messy, yes, but also brutally honest and actually good in its own twisted way.

3. No.6

No.6
No.6 is a flop anime that didn’t deserve to be forgotten. Set in a futuristic dystopia, it tells the story of two boys from different worlds fighting against a corrupt system. Its world-building, emotional tension, and moral depth were way ahead of its time. Unfortunately, its short run left fans unsatisfied, leading many to dismiss it. But despite the rushed ending, the bond between Shion and Nezumi remains powerful and moving. It’s actually good and even rewatchable years later.

4. Keijo!!!!!!!!

Keijo looked like a joke from day one an anime about girls fighting with their hips and chests on floating platforms. Naturally, it was branded a flop anime. But beneath that ridiculous premise is a surprisingly fun sports show with clever choreography, humor, and genuine character arcs. It never takes itself too seriously, and that’s the secret to its charm. If you treat it like a parody rather than fanservice, it’s actually good, maybe even genius in how self-aware it is.

5. Dragon Ball GT

Dragon Ball GT
Dragon Ball GT often gets dragged as the biggest flop anime in the franchise. But honestly, it’s better than people give it credit for. It dared to experiment, send Goku across the galaxy, and explore ideas of maturity and loss. The tone felt different, yes, but it also gave us Super Saiyan 4 one of the most iconic transformations ever. GT might not be canon, but it’s actually good if you approach it as its own story rather than comparing it to Z or Super.

6. Welcome to the N.H.K.

Welcome to the N.H.K.
Here’s a flop anime that’s painfully real. Welcome to the N.H.K. explores the life of a young man trapped in isolation, paranoia, and depression. It didn’t gain mass popularity because it’s uncomfortable to watch it hits too close to home. But that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. It handles mental health, addiction, and loneliness with raw honesty. It’s not flashy or comforting, but it’s actually good in the most human way possible.

7. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
A historical drama about Japanese storytelling sounds boring at first which is probably why this became a flop anime commercially. But once you sit down with it, you’ll find one of the most mature and emotionally complex series in modern anime. The storytelling, voice acting, and atmosphere are all masterful. It’s slow, but it’s purposeful. This show doesn’t need explosions or monsters it’s a pure work of art and actually good on every level.

8. Tsuritama

Tsuritama
Colorful, quirky, and about fishing Tsuritama was doomed to become a flop anime just because it didn’t fit any major trend. Yet, behind its bright visuals lies a heartwarming tale of friendship, anxiety, and finding courage in the most unexpected ways. The balance between comedy and emotion is spot on. It’s one of those feel-good shows that quietly grows on you. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, this one will speak to you deeply.

9. Kaiba

Kaiba
Kaiba is a flop anime by commercial standards, but an artistic gem. It combines minimalist visuals with deep sci-fi storytelling about memory, identity, and love. The world feels dreamlike and haunting, almost like an old painting that moves. Most people didn’t understand it, which is why it failed to gain traction, but if you value creativity and philosophy, Kaiba is actually good maybe even ahead of its time.

10. Guardian of the Sacred Spirit

Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
This fantasy adventure about a female bodyguard protecting a prince possessed by a spirit deserved so much more. Another underrated flop anime, it’s beautifully animated and emotionally rich. It balances calm moments of world-building with intense action sequences, creating a grounded, mature fantasy unlike most of what we see today. It’s quiet, powerful, and actually good for those who crave storytelling over spectacle.

Final Thoughts

Not every series needs massive ratings or social media buzz to be great. Sometimes the flop anime category hides some of the most meaningful and creative works in the industry. Each of the shows above failed in numbers but succeeded in emotion, story, or originality. Maybe it’s time we stop judging by popularity and start watching with open eyes. Because often, the so-called failures are where true artistry lives and that’s what makes these anime actually good.

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