We all watch mainstream anime movies like Your Name, Spirited Away, A Silent Voice, and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. But sometimes the real gems are the ones that are not in the limelight, those hidden gem anime movies that hit you right in the feels and stay with you forever. In today’s blog, I will share some underrated anime movies around 2025 that are either the latest or have been ignored in the past, but are worth watching!
1. The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Surreal
This is a wild ride literally and emotionally. Set in a crazy night in Kyoto, this movie’s storytelling is so trippy that you will find every scene new. It’s one of those underrated anime movies that strikes a perfect balance between absurdity and beauty.
If you love anime movies better than mainstream, this one is a must. Not many people have seen it so, it qualifies as a lesser-known anime movie with great animation and a fresh vibe.
2. Colorful (2010)
Genre: Drama, Supernatural
A soul is sent back into another body but with a mission. Colorful is deeply emotional, and falls in the category of such emotional anime movies that you missed and that address societal issues without being preachy.
Seriously, if you like A Silent Voice, then this is a hidden gem anime movie you’ll absolutely love.
3. A Letter to Momo (2011)
Genre: Slice of Life, Supernatural
A young girl, Momo, is struggling after her father’s death. And then come three eccentric spirits who change her life.
This is a must-watch anime movie no one talks about, but it has depth, comedy, emotions everything.
This film is slow-paced but rewarding. It’s one of those underrated anime films that forces you to feel something in every frame.
4. Giovanni’s Island (2014)
Genre: War, Historical, Drama
Based on real-life post-World War II Japan-Russia events, this is a heartbreaking story of two brothers. Its animation is old-school but charming. Dialogue is less, but emotions are loud.
Truly one of the best silent anime movies that speaks volumes without saying much.
If you want anime movies better than mainstream with real-world themes, this is a must.
5. Patema Inverted (2013)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Romance
Imagine a world where gravity is reversed and people from two different worlds meet each other. This movie has stunning visuals, a gripping concept, and beautiful music.
If you are a fan of sci-fi and bored of the usual tropes, this unknown anime movie with great animation will surprise you.
It’s like watching Your Name but with an inverted twist, literally.
6. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance
Everyone knows the name Makoto Shinkai, but who can ignore this masterpiece? The Place Promised… is subtle, poetic, and one of the most underrated anime movies like Your Name in terms of feels and visuals.
This is for people who are looking for hidden gem anime movies that explore alternate timelines and heartbreaks.
7. The Garden of Words (2013)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Again, a Makoto Shinkai film, but less popular. The visuals in this film are so real that every raindrop is felt till the very side of your screen.
If you’re looking for must-watch anime movies no one talks about, this movie should be on top.
It’s the poetic vibe and mature storytelling is perfect for a rainy day binge.
8. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
A lot like Studio Ghibli, this movie is a journey into a magical underworld where a girl goes in hopes of meeting her dead father.
It easily qualifies as one of the top underrated anime films with breathtaking visuals and deep mythological storytelling.
9. Summer Ghost (2021)
Genre: Supernatural, Short Film
Just a 40-minute movie, but the impact is heavy. Teenagers summon ghosts to ask questions about life and death. Minimal animation but the maximum soul.
It’s a perfect example of a lesser-known anime movie for 2025’s lineup, as more short films gain popularity.
10. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Love story of a disabled girl and a college student, full of warmth and healing. This movie gives vibes like A Silent Voice or I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.
This one definitely qualifies as one of the best underrated anime films with a beautiful message and stunning visuals.
Why You Should Watch These Now
Many of these underrated anime movies are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime. But since these are must-watch anime movies, one has to search manually.
And if you feel that you have seen it all, then think again these hidden gem anime movies are proof that the anime world is full of surprises. Especially if you want anime movies better than mainstream, this list is a goldmine for you.
Conclusion: Skip the Hype, Find the Heart
So friends, leave the mainstream for next weekend binge and try these top underrated anime films. Sometimes that movie touches your heart which you have not even heard of.
Now tell me which of these movies have you already seen? Or is there any underrated anime movie that should be in the 2025 list?
Drop your favorites in the comments, and if you liked it then do share it!
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