With the Winter 2025 anime season coming to a close, fans have begun to bid farewell to some of their favorite shows. While titles like Solo Leveling and Re:Zero stole the show with their superb actions and storylines, some shows couldn’t compete with these titles, earning them the term hidden gems. However, it was not because of a lack of storyline; many of these shows had exciting stories but with limited marketing, earning them the title of “underrated shows.” While not all hidden gems are good, some turn out to be some of the best the season has to offer. In that regard, here are those hidden gems you may have missed this Winter season.
Most Underrated Winter 2025 Anime
Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four!
In recent years, the isekai genre has produced some of the best and most thought-provoking stories, and this anime did not disappoint. The anime follows the life of a regular salaryman, Dennosuke Uchimura, who struggles to climb the corporate ladder. One day, he is summoned to another world by the demon lord and offered a job with full benefits. Despite his apprehension, he agrees to begin his hilarious journey as one of the Demon Lord’s staff. While the anime may pale in action scenes compared to other isekai titles, it differentiates itself from the typical isekai norm.
Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective
Rather than an underrated anime, the correct word to describe Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective would be a hidden gem. The anime does a fantastic job of shedding light on the ins and outs of the affairs of resident hospital doctors. It follows the story of Dr. Takao Ameku, the quirky and eccentric head of the Department of Investigative Pathology. Despite her unparalleled brilliance, Ameku has a knack for getting into trouble, often inserting herself into police investigations. The anime has been praised by many fans, who frequently compare it to the popular British television show House.
I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time
I May Be a Guild Receptionist does a great job at giving fans a comedic view into dungeon hunting and exploration. It revolves around the life of Alina Clover, an adventurer guild receptionist who seeks to enjoy a comfortable life away from adventuring. However, the receptionist’s life is anything but easy, as she is left with a stack of paperwork. She must also keep her identity as a powerful adventurer secret while soloing bosses. However, her peaceful life is jeopardized when a high-ranking adventurer recognizes her. The anime is a must-watch for fans looking for an exciting adventure anime with lots of comedy.
I Want to Escape From Princess Lessons
I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons presents a hilarious historical romance story with many ups and downs. It follows the story of Duchess Leticia Dorman, who has been betrothed to the crown prince since she was seven. However, she finds herself unhappy as her lessons seem to keep her from living the lifestyle she’s always dreamed of. Leticia must now find a way to break off her engagement while stopping the advances of the prince, who wants nothing more than to marry her. The anime does a fantastic job of showing the two protagonists’ rivalry as they try to fulfill their goals.
Tasokare Hotel
This hidden gem centers around the Tasokare Hotel, which welcomes anyone stuck between life and death. The hotel is a resting place where guests must recover their memories to either pass on or return to their world. It follows the story of Neko Tsukahara, who wakes up in the hotel. Despite recovering some of her memories, she spends her time helping guests solve mysteries and unraveling dark secrets. The anime is a must-watch for fans of mystery anime looking for something new.
