Anime fans are spoiled with good shows every year with countless critically acclaimed masterpieces and entertaining series, including Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Solo Leveling to name a few. However, behind every great show is another good anime worth watching—just not as popular. These underrated shows, often called hidden gems, are often even more exciting than some of the more popular ones. However, due to factors like advertising or animation, this shows more often than not, and flies under the radar. With that said, here are some of the most underrated anime that aired this year.
Hidden Gems and Underrated Anime of 2025
Medalist
This wonderful anime is based on Tsurumaikada’s hit manga. It follows the life of Tsukasa Akeuraji, a man who always dreamed of being a figure skater. However, due to starting his career late, his life is not going so well. With not many options, he takes a job as an assistant coach and is immediately drawn to Inori Yuitsuka’s talent. After realizing her potential, he decides to dedicate himself to training her so that one day she can go to the Olympics and become a medalist. The story is a telling one about how dreams never die but evolve.
City the Animation
This underrated anime is brought to you by the brilliant Keiichi Arawi, the creator of Nichijou. The anime is set in a vibrant town where its residents are goofy and always up to something. It follows the story of Midori Nagumo, a lazy girl who wants to ignore all her responsibilities despite having bills to pay. She is often seen with her best friend and aspiring photographer Niikura. Despite Niikura being the opposite of her friend, she is usually roped into all her schemes. The duo live together with their friend Izumi as they navigate life in the City where weird things happen every day.
Hotel Inhumans
The anime follows the story of Ikurou Hoshi and Sara Haizaki, the concierges of Hotel Inhumans, a special hotel for assassins. Despite them both being excellent at their jobs, Ikurou has a deep hatred for people who would end another’s life on a whim. However, as the two continue to learn more about their hotel guests, they learn that they may be more to their guests than meets the eye. While some fans found the anime could have been better, many others praised it, comparing the hotel to the international hotel in the John Wick movie.
Clevatess
Clevatess is one of the many surprises of the season. The anime was a nice watch for fans of dark anime, tired of the typical action fantasy. The anime takes place in a world where the human kingdoms are constantly at war with the dark beasts. After the 13 heroes are dispatched to join the battle, they confront Clevatess and are quickly destroyed. However, after going on a rampage, he finds a baby named Luna, and he decides to adopt her. Now the human kingdom’s fate is in the hands of this little girl. To aid him in his new endeavour, he resurrects former hero, Alicia Glenfall, to help raise the baby. The series follows this unlikely group as they explore the world, discover dark secrets, and an overarching conflict between humans and beast lords, with Clevatess seeking to understand humanity through raising the child.
Ameku M.D
This anime is perfect for fans of mystery with a medical twist. 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.
Secrets of the Silent Witch
Another anime with jaw-dropping potential is the anime adaptation of Isora Matsuri’s hit manga, Secrets of the Silent Witch. The anime follows Monica Everhart, a genius mage and the only person in the world who can use silent casting. She is praised as the genius of the century, known for her extraordinary feat of defeating the black dragon. However, Monica has a terrible secret: she is extremely shy, and she has only learned silent casting to avoid dealing with people. Now, her quiet life is threatened as she is tasked to guard the second prince. The anime features stunning visuals and a compelling story that will keep you entertained until the end.
