Top 20 little-known anime worth watching

It often happens that good films don't get a proper response, or, having sparkled, quickly disappear from the screens. In general, they remain unappreciated. Indeed, these days it's easy to get lost among the bright new releases.

What to do if you want to find anime quality, but not watched until the holes? Refer to the recommendations of the TOP little-known anime! Here you can find surprising discoveries, and maybe a meeting with an old love - a movie or series, once stolen in the soul.

20. Grancrest Senki

An anime series of the same name, based on an early book by Mizuno Ryo, who co-wrote the screenplay with Yukie Sugawara, Shunsaku Yano and Nakamoto Muneo. Produced at A-1 Pictures Studios through the efforts of a team led by director Omata Shinichi and artist Hiroshi Yako, the series launched on 01/6/18, presented by Tokyo MX Television Channel. Music composed by Yugo Kanno, the main themes brilliantly performed by Mashira Ayano and Asuka Okura, are woven into the fabric of the narrative, thanks to the skill of sound director Yoshikazu Iwanami.

This amazing story, combining action and drama elements, wrapped in fantasy magic and generously laced with romance, takes the viewer to a distant continent where the forces of chaos that threaten humanity are opposed by the guardian of the Holy Seal, the Herb. But omnipotence corrupts. And from an instrument of protection, the "Emblem" turns into an instrument of conquering domination. The rampant injustice is confronted by the main characters: Lord Theo Cornaro (Kuronero) and Siluka Meletes (Siruca Meretesu). The young sorceress, ready to sacrifice herself for the people, and the young lord, who has become a wandering knight and saved the girl in a battle with demons, could not help but fall in love with each other. Together they embark on a struggle to end the war and bring chaos to an end.

Despite its gripping plot and excellent directing and artwork, the anime only came in 16th on the "Best Anime of the Winter Season 2018" list. But it's worth watching. Especially for fans of adventure and romantic stories.

19. Mo Dao Zu Shi

This Chinese series, released on 9.07.18, was one of the top ten anime of the summer season 2018 and was highly rated by viewers. It was produced by G.CMay Animation & Film based on the novel by Mosiang Tongxu. Ke Zhu, Sha Liang and Hing Liu worked on the film's script. The work of director Ke Xiong was supported by a strong creative team of animation and episode directors, including Jin Wang, Lin Peng, Peng Hu and Changdi Ma. Fans of the anime note the wonderful drawing done by artists Shenlin, Yu Xiang, Xiaoli Lo and Yuzhuang Hiong.

The combination of adventure and action, historical detective and comedy, steeped in a supernatural atmosphere, captures the imagination and grabs your attention. You will watch with interest the story of Wuxian Wei, an ambitious man who founded the Devil's Cult, who died as a result of betrayal and was reborn in the body of the mentally ill spellcaster Mo Xuanyu, seeking revenge on the family who rejected him. The anime is based on the travels and adventures of the protagonist and his nemesis, Wanji Lan, full of danger and battles. Watch it! You won't regret it!

18. Monster

For lovers of psychological detective, thriller and horror, I recommend watching this anime created by Madhouse Studios, released on Nippon Television on 7.04.04, and ranked 14th in Madhouse Studios' list of best creations. Based on Naoki Urasawa's famous manga, recognized as one of the best in Japan in 2007, it seemed to be destined for success, but somehow it didn't. Neither the directing skills of Masayuki Kojima and his team, the screenplay by Kurasuma Sunayama, Ryosuke Nakamura and Tatsuhiko Urahata, nor the excellent music by Kuniaki Haishima, performed by David Silvian and Ingrid Fujiko Heming, subsequently released on a separate album, brought the film any popularity or fame. That's a pity.

The setting is Dusseldorf, Germany. The main characters, Anna and Johan Wilhelm Libert and neurosurgeon Kenzo Tamma, are connected by blood. Literally. Anna and Johan are orphaned twins who lost their parents during the massacre of their family by criminals who escaped retribution, and Kenzo is a doctor who saved a seriously wounded young man from death. But years later it turns out that he saved the life of a monster - Johan turns out to be a ruthless maniac. Anna, who lost her memory on the day of the tragedy, is in mortal danger: her returning memories indicate that her brother was the cause of her parents' death, and force her to repeat the attempt to eliminate this monster, which once failed to complete. But Dr. Tamma can't stand by either. Find out how to untangle this tangle of ethical contradictions and detective twists and turns by watching the series.

17. Ze Tian Ji/ Way of Choices

This Chinese anime, released by Shanghai Foch Film Culture Investment studio and released on 07/15/15, is in a very interesting position: viewers' opinions about it are so different that it's hard to say how good or bad it is. Only personal opinion!In my opinion, it is undeservedly little said about it: there is almost no information about its creators on the web. Well, we'll have to make do with what we have. The film was made on the basis of an early Mao Ni book. The genres are adventure, action and fantasy. Well, what else could it be when it's a young student of a martial arts school, an terminally ill orphan, who is in dispute with his fate? To cope with the disease, he must join the energy and learn the power of the stone with mysterious symbols, once fallen to earth, and serving as an object of worship for over a thousand years.

16. Vampire Knight

This anime is sure to please fans of romantic stories taking place under the shadow of magical academies. And since the main characters include vampires, the hearts of young beauties will definitely be won! Based on the manga by Matsuri Hino, it was released by Studio DEEN on April 8, 2008 and has been ranked #9 in the studio's top anime list. Director Kiyoko Sayama, screenwriters Mari Okada and Toshizo Namoto, composer and arranger Mana, sound designer Hozumi Goda and artist Asako Nishida, ON/OFF and endings performers Kanon Wakeshima worked on it. It's worth noting that the film also uses music by Takefumi Hackett and Johann Sebastian Bach. Not bad, eh?!

The plot, of course, is based on the confrontation between humans and vampires. Both are students of the elite Cross Academy, divided into a Day Class and a Night Class (which one of them is who, I think, does not need clarification). The main antagonist characters are Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu, the academy's perfects in charge of order and student safety. But while Yuki, who is the rector's adopted daughter, does her job wholeheartedly, Zero is consumed by hatred of vampires and a thirst for their destruction, even though he's not fully human himself. Because of this, his named sister, Yuki, has to be torn between her love for the vampire headman, Kaname Kuran, and her need to support Zero from his moral downfall. To make sense of these plot twists and turns, it's worth watching this series. Not just for girls.

15. Groove Adventure Rave

A teenage adventure comedy in the style of a romantic fantasy - a drop of cuteness in the stream of gray everyday life. That's roughly how viewers are talking about it. In the rating of the best anime "Studio DEEN" it did not rise above the 15th position. But that does not mean that we should pass it by. On the contrary!

The original plot of Hiro Mashima's shonen manga is handled by screenwriters Takao Yoshioka and Katsuyuki Sumisawa, and implemented by director Takashi Watanabe and artist Akira Matsushima. The music was composed by Kenji Kawai, and the main themes were performed by Chihiro Yonikura, Ayako Kawasumi, and Sora Izumikawa. The series was broadcast on TV Tokyo on 10/13/01.

It tells the story of the travels and adventures of Haru Glori, a young Rave Master, and a strange creature named Plu, who is a Rave warrior. The plot of the story, which passes before the viewer's eyes as Haru's memories, narrates the life of an old wanderer, Shibu (Shiba), who collects shards of Darkbring, a stone of unheard-of magical power that endows people with amazing abilities, but hardens them. The young man becomes the spiritual heir of Shibu, who has passed on to him the abilities of Master Rave. Active participants in the development of the plot are Ali, the girl who went on the road with the main character, punk and bully Muzika "Silver Rhythm", and another mystical being named Griff. All in all, everything is very interesting and mysterious.

14. Monochrome Factor

The series, based on the manga by Kairi Sarano and directed by Ko Yu at A.C.G.T., started on 7.04.08 on TV Tokyo and later aired on AT-X and TV Osaka. The script was provided by Yuka Yamada and character design by Shigeyuki Suga. The composer was Takeshi Abo, the openning "Metamorphose" was performed by Asriel, and the endings were by Hiroshi Kamiya and Katsuyuki Konishi.

The main character, Akira Nikaido, is a classic high school dolt. An encounter with a man without a shadow (Shirogane) fundamentally changes his life, prompting him to join the battle to restore harmony between the worlds of shadows and humans. He is supported by his classmates, Kengo Asamura and Aya Suzuno, as well as the rich wunderkind Haruka Kujo, a character created especially for the anime. Dynamics typical of action movies, a halo of mystery that emphasizes the supernatural, and expressive graphics typical of shonen-ai - these are, in short, the signs that characterize this series.

13. Hiiro no Kakera

It's Studio DEEN again, with romantic shoujo, magic, artifacts, messengers of the gods, and spells. But this time based on a computer game-visual novel released by Idea Factory. The series was directed by Bob Shirohata and the script was written by Yoshiko Nakamura. The characters were designed by Naoyuki Onda and Yone Kazuki. The series features music by Masumi Ito, performed by Maiko Fujita (opening "Nee") and Shuhei Kita (ending "Kono Te de Idaki Tomeru kara"). The series was released on April 1, 12 on Tokyo MX.The anime is about a young girl, Tamaki Kasuga, who finds herself in the midst of supernatural events and learns from her grandmother, who lives in a remote village, about her amazing destiny: she is Princess Tamayori. She is to guard the sacred sword, learn her power, and stand guard over the magical seals. She is supported by other guardians Mahiro Atori, Shinji Inukai, Suguru Omi, Takuma Onizaki and Yuichi Komura - very attractive, charismatic young men. This means that the princess will have to learn not only the magic of sacred rituals, but also the sacred magic of falling in love. And even though the series has not won any titles or awards, it is worth watching.

12. Guin Saga

The series, produced by Satelight Studios, premiered on April 5, 09 and is based on the short fantasy novels by Kaoru Kurimoto. This adventure story set in a fictional world is masterfully realized by director Atsushi Wakabayashi, screenwriters Stephen Foster and Shoji Yonemura, composer Nobuo Uematsu and a whole team of animation artists led by Natsuki Sumeragi. The main musical theme, which sets the tone for the entire work, was sung by the vocalist Kanon.

The events unfolding in the anime throw the viewer into a cycle of events, ambitions, and passions, entailing royal assassination and a struggle for the throne. The heirs of the dead royal couple of Pallos, Princess Linda and Prince Lemus, are miraculously saved, thanks to the court wizard. But even in the forest where they were transported, they are unable to avoid a clash with the soldiers of the enemy army of Mongaul. Salvation comes to them in the form of Guin, a warrior with a human body and the head of a leopard. A perilous journey awaits the heroes, trying to help Guin remember who he is, where he came from and what happened to him, danger, clashes with enemies and making friends.

11. Kacchikenee!

This mystical short film directed by Yoshimura Fumihiro was produced by Tezuka Production and was released on 3/19/16, making it the 15th best anime film of 2016. The characters were created by artist Shinji Seiya.

The 24-minute story is about a girl, Aiko, who lives at the temple. She is beckoned by the mystery of a sliding door with unfinished murals that she has dreamed of finishing since childhood. The quiet life of the shrine is stirred by the appearance of a young stranger, whom the protagonist initially accepts coolly, but later begins to feel sympathy for him. All the more so, his persona is shrouded in a veil of mystery, which can lift those who dare to watch this anime. I highly recommend it to fans of adventure, sci-fi, romance and art: you'll get a real treat!

10. Golgo 13

Another TV anime series that did not rise to the pedestal, but is no less exciting and dynamic. It is based on the manga by Takao Saito and Kazuo Koike and directed by Shunji Oga with the participation of Jun Kawagoe and Kenichi Suzuki at The Answer Studio. Screenwriters Hiroshi Kashiwabara, Junichi Iyoka and Toshimi Okawa, with contributions from Stephen Foster, dashingly spun the adventure plot, turning each episode into an independent story. Kazuyoshi Takeuchi worked on the characters. The main musical theme, which was written by Aika Ono, was performed by Garnet Crowe and Aiko Kitahara. The series was released on 11.04.08, and was presented by TV Tokyo.

It is a drama-thriller thriller about Duke Togo, a bounty hunter and sniper. He is the epitome of toughness, inflexibility and uncompromising. If you want stories about a smart, strong, confident, cold professional, even if he is a killer, who can handle any problem on "one, two" - this is the place.

9. School Rumble

A high school romantic shonen comedy produced by Studio Comet. It's based on the manga by Jina Kobayashi. Director Shinji Takamatsu also acted as screenwriter here, along with Hiroko Tokita, Reiko Yoshida, Natsuko Takahashi, Miho Maruo, Tomoko Komparu and Yuki Enatsu. The characters were created by Hajime Watanabe. Toshiyuki Omori wrote the music for the anime and Yuko Ogura, Ami Koshimizu and Yui Horie performed the main musical themes. It premiered on TV Tokyo on 10.10.04.

The main characters are school students Akira Takano, Eri Sawachika, Kenji Harima, Mikoto Suo, Oji Karasuma, Tamma Tsukamoto, and Yakumo Tsukamoto. Boys and girls, experiencing, falling in love, embarrassed about their feelings, trying to get attention. The romance of first tenderness, love triangles, and the charm of school days. Want to dive back into it all again? We recommend watching "School Breakdown"! It's a wonderful series!

8. Blame! Movie

This featurette did break the threshold of obscurity, becoming the 13th best anime film of 2017. The fantasy seinen action film, combining psychological drama with mecha elements, was produced by Polygon Pictures and was released on May 20, 17. It is based on the manga by Tsutomu Nihei, directed by Hiroyuki Seshita, written by Sadayuki Murai and designed by Yuki Moriyama and Hironori Noji. The music for the film was composed by Yugo Kanno, and the main theme was sung by vocalist Angela.

The plot of the movie presents the problems of a technological future in which machines have "lost their minds" and are trying to destroy their creators. People cannot control automated systems and find themselves on the brink of starvation, unable to get out of the city and get food. This mission falls to the main character, a girl named Zuru, who is willing to risk her life to save her fellow citizens. She finds herself in a desperate situation, and Killy comes to her aid, carrying out his extremely important task, on the success of which depends the restoration of control and the natural order of the world.

This film is sure to please fans of cyber-punk, but also anyone who enjoys vivid animation, spectacle and eventfulness.

7. С/The Money of Soul and Possibility Control

The Japanese government was saved from financial collapse by the National Welfare Fund. But the lives of citizens have not improved at all, unemployment and crime are rampant, and many people are desperate, often ending their lives by suicide.The protagonist, Kimimaro Yoga, raised by his grandmother after his father disappeared and his mother died, dreams of escaping the nightmare of the country and living a normal, stable life. But one day he meets a man who offers him a huge sum of money... But only if Kimimaro pays it back. From then on, his fate changes drastically as he finds himself in a mysterious place known as the "Financial District".

Have you ever thought that your most precious dreams might come true? And that there might be people who would want to buy them to keep them from coming true. Or what price you would be willing to give up your deepest wish for? That's the easiest thing to see in the anime C Control (full title [C]: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control).

6. BTOOOM

At 22, Ryota Sakamoto is still unemployed and lives with his mother. But that doesn't bother him much, because he's invincible and ruthless in the virtual world. Ryota is a world-class player in "Btuuum!" - a popular team action game.

One day, he finds himself in the jungle, battered, wondering how he got there and what to do about it. And here's what happened - some lunatic decided to watch "Btuuum!" live and several dozen players were taken to the desert island. However, this is the real world here - no weapons or armor attached. Natural selection - only your abilities, plain clothes and hand bombs.

But it was not for nothing that so much time was killed online. Very quickly Ryota realized that the main thing is to survive. He is also a bit more concerned with the philosophical discussions with his friend Himiko (about morality, the meaning of existence, or how they ended up in this situation), which can be had in a safe place. It's either you or you.

And when else will you have the opportunity to visit such an island. Beautiful nature, new impressions and the opportunity to meet many interesting people, and kill them!

5. Air Gear

A thirteen-year-old boy named Ikki has always been considered a bully and a tough guy. Somehow, he had to move in with his four sisters while he was at his new school. And as you know, a new place means new problems. In one such problematic day Ikki discovered roller skates with a micro-motor, called "Air Track", which allow not only a huge speed, but also, to think, to fly! The boy became seriously interested in this miracle of technology. And soon learned that his sisters to these very Rollers, and are even called "Slippin' Forest", which translates as "Sleeping Forest". Our hero's adventures are just beginning.

4. Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt

Somewhere between heaven and hell, Daten City lives its life. Its inhabitants are the most ordinary people: they have sins behind their souls, suffer from them, try to be happy and live their lives to their satisfaction. Only this seemingly peaceful life is constantly trying to prevent evil spirits. The inhabitants of the town cannot get rid of them by themselves except by fervent prayer. But Heaven is not without mercy and to fight the evil sent to Dathan City Trusk, Chulko and the holy Podvyaz. The angelic sisters, along with their teacher, are not afraid of anything and are determined.

In fact, the angelic sisters were kicked out of Paradise for their horrible behavior. The older one, nicknamed Pansy, is not only hypersexual but also blasphemous. The younger one, nicknamed Stocking, is lazy and loves sweets, and her image is reminiscent of a "gothic Lolita." The sisters are noted for their addiction to sadomasochism, and their behavior is immorally crude. The Almighty has decided to give the girls one last chance, so that they can return back to Paradise. But in order to do so, the exiles must defeat the evil in the city and earn a certain amount of heavenly currency.

To win, the sisters become close friends with the administration, introduced by Garterbelt (the Blessed Garterbelt). Determined to make amends and exorcise the evil spirits, the girls make pistols out of their panties and katanas out of their stockings and chuck the beast into obscurity. So the plucky heroines defend the town entrusted to them in an absurdist comedy!

3. DearS

The unbelievable has happened - Mankind (represented by Japan) has come into contact with the inhabitants of other planets. Not that they are "other intelligent beings," because the aliens look like charming girls. So charming, in fact, that the dainty collars the naive Japanese perceive as a costume detail, without thinking what kind of people usually wear them. Then, of course, the guests reveal their essence to the hosts, and anyone who wants to know about it, because Diars does not come off the screens and pages, in society mass psychosis on their basis. But our protagonist is just the kind of person who doesn't want to know anything about aliens. Takeya is an ordinary student, never interested in space, so for him met on the street behind a bush pretty girl was a stranger rather unhappy-looking. But Diarse is a race of slaves, and unhappy they are from the absence of masters...

2. Chobits

Hideki Motosuwa arrives in Tokyo, dreaming of going to university. But for now all his attention is occupied by the miracle of modern technology - androids "persocoms" - intelligent human assistants, expensive toys, completely indistinguishable from humans. Soon an unbelievable event happens: among the garbage, Hideki finds... an abandoned Persocom! Now he has his own charming and loyal friend, but something is wrong with her... The long-haired beauty with bottomless eyes pronounces only the sound "chi" and can function without any programs. Thanks to Chi, not a day goes by for Hideki without adventures and surprises, but he never manages to unravel the mystery of his amazing find. The only clue is the rumor of unique "persocombs" called "Chobits", to which an ingenious creator granted the will and mind. Is this not just a rumor?

1. Initial D

Our days. Japan, Gunma Prefecture. An 18-year-old Takumi Fujiwara is in high school, moonlighting at a gas station in the evening and also helping his father run a store ("Fujiwara Tofu Shop") by delivering tofu every morning in his father's Toyota Trueno to hotels on top of Mount Akin. Making deliveries for the past five years, each time he has driven on the mountain road of Akinah, his driving skills have improved considerably... The Red Suns, the fastest team in Akagi, arrive in Akina to compete with the local racers from the Speed Stars. For the racers of Akina, it's a race for honor. Things take a turn for the worse when the team leader, Iketani, gets into an accident. Now they need someone to replace him. Someone who can at least somehow stand up to the "rotary brothers" from the Red Suns and defend the honor of the Aquina street racers...