11 Underrated Anime Worth Binge-Watching on a Rainy Weekend

Rainy weekends are the perfect time to get lost in a good anime series. While some shows grab all the attention, there are plenty of hidden gems that deserve just as much love. From emotional dramas to gripping mysteries and quirky adventures, these underrated picks offer stories that can keep you hooked for hours.

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Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)

This gripping series follows Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist with the strange ability to slip back in time moments before a tragedy occurs. When his mother is murdered, he’s thrown back eighteen years into his childhood, where he must solve the mystery of a classmate’s disappearance to change the course of events. The story mixes suspense, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments in a way that makes it nearly impossible to stop watching.

What makes Erased stand out is its mix of thriller pacing and deeply personal stakes. Watching Satoru navigate the challenges of being a child again, while carrying an adult’s knowledge, creates constant tension. The series balances dark themes with touching scenes of friendship and resilience, keeping the viewer invested from start to finish.

Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror)

Set in modern Tokyo, this anime begins with two mysterious teens known as Nine and Twelve carrying out calculated attacks across the city. They leave behind cryptic riddles for the police, sparking a tense cat-and-mouse chase led by a detective determined to stop them. Beneath the chaos lies a deeper story about loss, identity, and the scars left behind by hidden experiments.

The show combines striking visuals with a haunting soundtrack, giving each scene a cinematic feel. Instead of simple terrorism, it explores how young people cope with trauma and what it means to fight back against an uncaring system. Every episode builds toward a powerful finale that lingers in the mind long after it ends.

The Great Pretender

This colorful heist series follows Makoto Edamura, a small-time swindler in Japan who gets caught up with a group of international con artists. Each arc plays out like a slick movie, where elaborate scams target corrupt businessmen, drug lords, and art dealers. The action spans from Los Angeles to London, keeping the viewer guessing at every turn.

Beyond the clever tricks and stylish animation, the show digs into the personal stories of each member of the group. Betrayals, past regrets, and unexpected friendships bring depth to the fast-paced schemes. The combination of flashy visuals and emotional storytelling makes this series both entertaining and surprisingly moving.

Barakamon

Seishuu Handa, a talented but hot-tempered calligrapher, is sent to a remote island after an outburst ruins his reputation. There, he finds himself surrounded by lively villagers who slowly change his perspective on life and art. The story shines in its mix of humor, warmth, and personal growth.

What makes the anime so appealing is how it portrays everyday life in a rural community. The bond between Handa and the mischievous children, especially young Naru, provides both laughs and touching lessons. Watching him evolve from arrogance to humility is as satisfying as it is heartwarming.

March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion)

This series follows Rei Kiriyama, a teenage shogi prodigy dealing with depression and isolation. Though skilled in the game, he struggles with loneliness until he meets the Kawamoto sisters, who welcome him into their warm household. Their kindness slowly helps him open up and begin to heal.

The show beautifully balances intense shogi matches with tender scenes of everyday life. It depicts mental health with honesty, while offering hope through connections and found family. With its mix of emotion, artistry, and character growth, it leaves a lasting impression.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

A group of childhood friends reunites when the ghost of their late friend Menma appears to one of them. She asks for their help in fulfilling her final wish, forcing them to confront old wounds and guilt. The series unfolds with both sorrow and tenderness as each character struggles to move on.

The strength of Anohana lies in its emotional honesty. It portrays grief as something shared yet experienced differently by each person. By the final episode, the mix of laughter, tears, and heartfelt closure feels both heartbreaking and uplifting.

The Devil is a Part-Timer (Hataraku Maou-sama!)

This comedy series flips expectations by placing a powerful demon lord in modern Tokyo. Stripped of his magic, he ends up working at a fast-food restaurant just to survive. Everyday struggles like paying rent and customer service become hilarious when seen through his perspective.

Despite the humor, the anime also plays with themes of identity and adaptation. Watching former enemies learn to live side by side creates an amusing contrast. The combination of witty dialogue and absurd scenarios makes it a perfect lighthearted binge.

A Place Further Than the Universe (Sora yori mo Tooi Basho)

This inspiring series follows four high school girls determined to reach Antarctica, a place few people ever experience. Each girl has her own reason for making the journey, from chasing adventure to seeking closure. Their friendship deepens as they overcome obstacles together.

The animation captures both the excitement of travel and the quiet beauty of distant landscapes. Emotional moments hit hard, especially as the characters share personal stories along the way. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how far determination and friendship can take you.

Noragami

Yato is a minor god who dreams of gaining fame, yet he’s stuck doing odd jobs for a few coins. His luck changes when he saves a girl named Hiyori and teams up with a spirit weapon named Yukine. Together, they face vengeful spirits and rival gods.

What makes Noragami engaging is its mix of fast-paced action and humor. At the same time, it delves into themes of loyalty, trust, and finding purpose. The dynamic between the trio brings both fun banter and emotional depth.

91 Days

Set during Prohibition, this revenge story centers on Angelo Lagusa, who infiltrates the mafia family that murdered his parents. Under the alias Avilio, he carefully plots his vengeance, weaving lies and alliances along the way. The grim setting and sharp storytelling create a tense atmosphere.

The show’s strength lies in its focus on human motives rather than flashy battles. Every choice Angelo makes pushes him deeper into a web of betrayal and moral conflict. It feels like a classic gangster drama told through anime’s unique lens.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (Seirei no Moribito)

This fantasy tale follows Balsa, a skilled warrior tasked with protecting Prince Chagum, who carries a mysterious water spirit inside him. Together, they travel across a richly imagined land while being pursued by assassins and uncovering hidden truths. The relationship between protector and child forms the heart of the story.

The series combines breathtaking animation with thoughtful storytelling. Rather than relying on constant battles, it emphasizes character development and moral choices. It’s a rare gem that delivers both action and emotional weight in equal measure.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.