5 Must-Watch Underrated Anime Gems You Missed in 2024

It's easy for some amazing anime series to be overlooked in 2024 because there will be so many releases. While well-known games dominated conversations, a number of underappreciated films had amazing narratives, stunning animation, and endearing characters but didn't receive the credit they merited. These underappreciated anime are worth seeing whether you're searching for a distinctive plot, a novel interpretation of well-known genres, or simply something different from popular culture. You might have missed these five 2024 anime gems, but they are definitely worth seeing!

(Image Source: r/DungeonMeshi Reddit)

Here are the top 5 Must-Watch Underrated Anime in 2024 !

1. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

(Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33044444/)

On October 5, 2024, the historical anime series Orb: On the Movements of the Earth debuted. It tells a gripping story set in Poland in the fifteenth century. Rafal, a kid prodigy who has a strong interest in astronomy, is followed throughout the narrative as he makes his way through a society that views challenging the geocentric conception of the universe as heresy. His exploration of the contentious heliocentric theory upends accepted religious beliefs, resulting in bitter disputes and self-sacrificing acts.

The anime is produced by Madhouse and directed by Kenichi Shimizu, with Shingo Irie handling the script. The series features character designs by Masanori Shino and a musical score composed by Kensuke Ushio. It is scheduled for a 25-episode run, airing over two consecutive cours on NHK General TV.

2. The Fable

(Image source: https://animeschedule.net/anime/the-fable)

Anyone who enjoys a wonderful seinen story with serious topics and humor should read Katsuhisa Minami's The Fable. Despite not capturing every aspect of the manga's genius, Tezuka Productions anime adaptation is nonetheless an amazing experience. It's a fun and dramatic movie since the comedy and drama are perfectly balanced. After you get used to it, you'll notice how nicely the distinctive art style fits with the series' blend of ridiculous humor and unexpected action sequences.

The plot centers on Fable, a professional hitman, who must live a tranquil life with his co-conspirator Youko for a year. They attempt to avoid trouble by posing as the Satou siblings in Osaka, but danger eventually finds them. Fable's "peaceful" life is anything but dull, what with being entangled in the Yakuza's turmoil and defending two ladies in peril. Even while the drama and action are compelling, some of the finest parts are the amusing interactions between Akira and Youko, whether it's Youko's cunning ways of playing tricks on others or Akira's clumsy attempts to appear like a normal person.

The series was produced by Tezuka Productions and directed by Ryōsuke Takahashi. It aired on Nippon TV and its affiliates, with global streaming available on Disney+ and Hulu in the United States.

3. Delicious in Dungeon

(Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21621494/)

Ryoko Kui is the author and illustrator of the Japanese manga series Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi). It was serialized in 14 tankōbon volumes in Enterbrain's Harta magazine between February 2014 and September 2023. Following a gang of adventurers who cook and eat monsters they come across in dungeons, the story inventively combines fantasy adventure with culinary themes.

At first, Delicious in Dungeon didn’t explode in popularity right away probably because it aired alongside the second half of Frieren and was locked behind Netflix exclusivity. But as the season progressed, word started spreading, and by the time its 24 episodes wrapped up, Trigger’s adaptation of Ryoko Kui’s manga had completely won over viewers. With its perfect mix of dark humor, stunning animation, and deep world-building, the series takes you on an unforgettable adventure. What makes it even better is how it slowly peels back the layers of its main characters who might seem like standard fantasy archetypes at first, but end up being so much more.

For most of its first half, Delicious in Dungeon keeps things lighthearted, letting us enjoy the dynamic between Laios, Marcille, and the rest of the party while keeping their main goal in focus. But then, the story takes a dramatic shift, bringing in more intensity while still keeping everything that made the series so enjoyable.

4. Dandadan

(Image source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30217403/)

The popular anime series Dandadan, created by the esteemed Studio Science Saru, ran from October to December 2024. The series offers a distinctive and exciting experience by deftly fusing science fiction and supernatural elements. Dandadan earned a devoted fan base over time, despite its initial sluggish rise in popularity possibly as a result of being a Netflix exclusive and airing alongside other well-known shows. It took viewers on an amazing journey full of dark humor, beautiful animation, and intriguing lore by the end of its 12-episode run. Despite their initial apparent heavy reliance on fantasy archetypes, the characters gained nuance and complexity that audiences found compelling.

The first half of the season maintains a lighthearted tone, endearing characters like Momo Ayase and Ken "Okarun" Takakura to viewers. The anime takes an intense turn as the plot develops, which drastically alters the mood of the whole work. This change is handled expertly without sacrificing the aspects that made the first few episodes so entertaining. The audience remains interested and hungry for more because of the harmony between humor and intensity.

5. Girls Band Cry

(Image source: https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_Band_Cry)

Despite its initial lack of popularity, the 2024 anime series Girls Band Cry has become a notable musical drama. The protagonist of the tale is Nina Iseri, a high school student who relocates to Kawasaki from rural Kumamoto in an attempt to start over. She meets Momoka Kawaragi there, who used to be in the idol group Diamond Dust. Through their mutual love of music, they come together to form the band Togenashi Togeari, overcoming both personal and professional obstacles.

Produced by Toei Animation, the series aired from April to June 2024, totaling 13 episodes. It was later made available on Crunchyroll in November 2024, broadening its accessibility to international audiences. 

2024 was packed with incredible anime, but some truly amazing series slipped under the radar. Whether it’s the thrilling action of The Fable, the heartwarming yet intense journey of Delicious in Dungeon, or the emotional struggles of Girls Band Cry, these underrated gems deserve a second look. Each of them offers something unique, proving that great storytelling isn’t always found in the biggest titles.

So, if you missed out on these anime the first time around, now’s your chance to catch up! Prepare your seats to go back to 2024’s anime nostalgic gems! 🌸🌸🌸