Netflix's Hidden Gems: 7 Underrated Anime to Stream in October 2023

Netflix is a veritable treasure trove of all kinds of bright and memorable projects from around the world. In particular, the streaming service has begun to invest in the acquisition and production of animated series, which are garnering ratings on par with big-budget live-action shows.

The same can be said for the Japanese anime industry: think of hits like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners or Castlevania, produced in Japan under the aegis of the service. But Netflix's vast library also includes many other fascinating anime that, unfortunately, are not often mentioned outside of Japanese pop culture fans.

7. Violet Evergarden (2018, 13 episodes)

Uncertain how to live outside of war, Violet Evergarden, who lost her arms, takes a job at a ghostwriting postal company. Over the course of the series, she must come to terms with her trauma, learn about human emotions, and search for a mentor who disappeared during the war.

6. Mononoke (2007, 12 episodes)

Set in 19th century Japan, Mononoke is a supernatural mystery about a mysterious medicine man who carries a sword, even though only samurai are allowed to do so. But he carries the sword for a reason: the protagonist is an occult master who hunts evil spirits.

5. Devilman Crybaby (2018, 10 episodes)

Devilman is a Netflix original that is undeservedly underrated. Based on the iconic '70s manga and anime, Devilman Crybaby follows the friendship and rivalry between two teenagers who turn out to be a demon and Satan, and their plunge into the madness of the apocalypse.

4. Great Pretender (2020, 23 episodes)

Great Pretender is an anime with a striking visual style and an equally striking plot, following a group of con artists who arrange the most convoluted schemes around the world to rip off the greedy rich.

3. Little Witch Academia (2017, 25 episodes)

This series is sure to appeal to all fans of Harry Potter-inspired stories about magical academies. Little Witch Academia is about a girl with a completely non-magical background who aspires to become a powerful witch.

2. Dorohedoro (2020, 12 episodes)

Based on the iconic manga by Q Hayashida, Dorohedoro promises a wild ride for newcomers thanks to its surrealistic style and world-building: the story centers on a lizard-like gyoza lover who has lost his memory and is torn between the worlds of humans and magicians.

1. Monster (2004, 74 episodes)

Monster can compete with the most profound Western crime dramas. Set in Germany, this psychological thriller follows a talented Japanese neurosurgeon who saves the life of a young man. Only this rescue has a fateful consequence: the enigmatic young man turns out to be a psychopath and a brilliant killer.