10 Underrated Anime with Breathtaking Visuals

Highlights of Lesser-Known Visually Stunning Anime

Visually captivating anime often get overshadowed by more mainstream titles thanks to intricate storylines or unconventional art styles.
Noteworthy examples include Violet Evergarden, 5 Centimeters Per Second, Sound! Euphonium, Bubble, Children Of The Sea, and Great Pretender.
These lesser-known series boast remarkable visuals and original narratives, yet struggle to find their place within the larger anime fandom.

Anime captivates viewers for a myriad of reasons: compelling plots, exciting action sequences, and vibrant artistic styles. However, it is often the breathtaking visuals that truly seize the viewer’s attention. With meticulously crafted backgrounds and exhilarating animation, the anime medium has an abundance of visual splendor. Yet, many exceptional titles remain underappreciated, often eclipsed by phenomena like Demon Slayer or Your Name.

Multiple factors contribute to the obscurity of these hidden gems, including inadequate marketing, unique art styles, and intricate storylines that may not appeal to a mass audience. For those willing to delve deeper, these anime represent the pinnacle of artistic labor and creativity.

1. Violet Evergarden

A Stunning Masterpiece Often Overlooked

Violet Evergarden standing amidst papers

Violet Evergarden explores the journey of a girl, once a weapon of war, searching for her identity post-conflict. Produced by the renowned Kyoto Animations, this series stands out for its unmatched artistry and emotional depth. Unfortunately, its slow pacing and selective appeal saw it released amid blockbusters like Saiki K and Attack on Titan, resulting in its status as a sleeper hit rather than a mainstream sensation.

2. 5 Centimeters Per Second

An Early Masterpiece by Shinkai

5 Centimeters Per Second Akari meeting Takaki

5 Centimeters Per Second intricately examines the complexities of relationships and the impact of distance and time. While it’s rich in visual aesthetics and authenticity, it often gets overshadowed by Shinkai’s more widely recognized films, such as Your Name and Weathering with You, possibly due to its stark realism and somber tones that may deter some viewers.

3. Sound! Euphonium

An Ambitious Musical Drama

Sound! Euphonium portrays the growth of a high school band striving for national recognition. The animation captures the gleam of brass instruments and the subtle nuances of body language, showcasing a commendable attention to detail. Unfortunately, the anime’s niche musical theme hasn’t resonated widely, leading to its underappreciation.

4. Bubble

A Visual Treat that Struggles for Visibility

Japanese Title: Bubble
Number of Episodes: 1
Studio: Wit Studio

The breathtaking visuals of Bubble led many to conclude that it was a passion project for its animators. Unfortunately, mixed reviews criticizing its storyline have overshadowed the extraordinary animation, rendering it a lesser-known entry in the anime sphere.

5. Children Of The Sea

A Unique Narrative Journey

Japanese Title: Kaijuu no Kodomo
Number of Episodes: 1
Studio: Studio 4°C

Children Of The Sea invites viewers into a mesmerizing underwater world, blending 2D hand-drawn techniques with CGI to create breathtaking oceanic scenery. Despite its artistic brilliance, this anime remains relatively obscure, often overlooked by mainstream audiences.

6. Redline

An Underrated Labor of Love

An Image of Sweet JP and Sonoshee in Redline

Redline exemplifies the dedication of animators, having taken Madhouse over eight years to complete through traditional hand-drawn techniques. Despite its captivating visuals and exhilarating races, it faced poor box office performance, which has contributed to its undervalued status in the anime community.

7. Great Pretender

An Artistic Heist Show

Characters in a scene from Great Pretender

Japanese Title: Great Pretender
Number of Episodes: 23
Studio: Wit Studio

Focused on a group of sophisticated con artists, Great Pretender tantalizes viewers with its emotionally charged narrative and stunning visual aesthetics, which mimic watercolor paintings. Nonetheless, its direct-to-streaming release and niche appeal have prevented it from receiving the recognition it truly deserves.

8. Monogatari Series

A Visual Feast for a Select Audience

Renowned for their creative visual style, Shaft’s Monogatari series employs rich color palettes and dynamic character close-ups that create a distinctive viewing experience. However, the series’ blend of visual metaphor and cryptic storytelling may alienate average anime watchers, thus leading to its visuals flying under the radar in discussions about its narrative depth.

9. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines

A Romantic Comedy with More Depth

MakeIne Episode 12 Anna and Nukumizu say aah

Initially, Makeine may appear to be a conventional romantic comedy, yet its striking visual presentation and swift animation elevate it far beyond expectations. The transition from standard tropes to more engaging plot elements requires patience, leading many anime fans to miss the richness of its storytelling.

10. The Garden Of Words

One More Hidden Shinkai Gem

The Garden Of Words Akizuki hugging Yukino

The Garden Of Words masterfully captures the beauty of nature through its artistry. Set during the rainy season, it emphasizes the mesmerizing details of raindrops and lush greenery. Regrettably, this anime often gets overshadowed by Shinkai’s more widely acclaimed films, leading to its underestimation within the anime world.