If you limit yourself to just popular shows or trending anime, then honestly, you’re missing out on some real gems from Netflix. The anime movie scene in 2026 has become quite diverse, but sadly, many brilliant films get buried under the algorithm. In this blog, we’ll talk about the best underrated anime movies on Netflix 2026, which are top-tier in terms of quality, storytelling, and emotional depth, but haven’t yet found mainstream spotlight.
This list is for those who want not just fights, but also meaning, emotion, and experimentation.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
If there is one biggest sleeper hit of 2026, it is Cosmic Princess Kaguya!. Quietly released on January 26, 2026, this film reimagines an ancient Japanese folktale through a futuristic virtual reality lens. Director Shingo Yamashita, who gave the iconic openings of Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, is in pure cinematic storytelling mode here.
The film is visually stunning, with a perfect balance of digital worlds and emotional silences. This is not a typical action-heavy anime, and perhaps that is why the initial buzz was less. Since it is not based on any popular Shonen Jump manga, casual audiences skipped it. But if you want to watch a thoughtful fusion of sci-fi and folklore, this is easily one of the best underrated anime movies on Netflix 2026.
100 Meters
The very word sports anime often conjures up exaggerated moves and dramatic power-ups. 100 Meters goes in the complete opposite direction. The film is based on Uoto’s award-winning manga and focuses solely on the obsession of two rivals—no distractions, no glamour.
Its storytelling is grounded, intense to an almost uncomfortable level. The competition here isn’t flashy, but psychological. Therefore, the film may seem “slow” to fans of mainstream sports anime like Blue Lock. But for those who want to understand human limits, failure, and obsession, it has become a cult classic. Despite being quietly available on Netflix, it still manages to escape the attention of a mass audience.
Maboroshi (The Alice and Therese’s Illusion Factory)
If you’re not afraid of emotionally heavy, layered, and slightly abstract anime movies, Maboroshi is for you. The film was produced under MAPPA and written by Mari Okada, who is renowned for portraying complex human emotions.
Despite being on Netflix for quite some time, even in 2026, this film remains widely misunderstood. The story is intentionally vague and symbolic, dividing audiences into “love it or hate it” camps. This makes it less algorithm-friendly. But for those who decode its layers, it’s a deeply rewarding experience and a goldmine for exposition-style content.
KPop Demon Hunters
At first glance, KPop Demon Hunters appears to be a Western-inspired animated experiment, and perhaps this assumption is what kept it away from many anime fans. But the film’s core energy is filled with pure anime-style action and supernatural drama. Plus, the involvement of actual K-Pop stars like TWICE in the soundtrack makes it even more of a standout.
The film unexpectedly gained a lot of recognition during the 2026 awards season, after which people are rediscovering it. It’s a genre-blending experiment that seamlessly blends anime, music, and pop culture. If you want to see something fresh and high-energy, definitely check out this movie.
My Oni Girl
It’s impossible to talk about comfort anime movies and not mention My Oni Girl. It’s a Studio Colorido production, known for its subtle emotions and cozy visuals. The story revolves around a boy who can’t say “no” and an oni girl searching for her mother in a hidden supernatural world.
In 2025, this film was overshadowed by larger Studio Ghibli news, but in 2026, it has quietly become one of Netflix’s highest-rated comfort watches. This film isn’t loud, it isn’t full of dramatic twists, but the warmth and emotional safety it provides is quite rare. For viewers searching for the best underrated anime movies on Netflix 2026, this is the kind of hidden gem that proves comfort storytelling can be just as powerful as spectacle, leaving you emotionally lighter rather than overwhelmed after the credits roll.
Conclusion: Don’t Sleep on These Hidden Anime Gems
Netflix’s anime catalog isn’t just limited to trending titles. If you’re ready to explore a little, you’ll find films that are more personal, more experimental, and more meaningful. These best underrated anime movies on Netflix 2026 are perfect for viewers who want substance, not just hype.
If you’ve already seen any of these movies, or you want detailed explanations or comparison blogs, now’s the perfect time to dive in. Because real anime fans don’t just follow trends, they discover gems.
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