A lot of anime content is currently being streamed ranging from adventure to life to romance to sci-fi, but some of them are hidden gems less known to the public. Despite being exceptionally well-made, they didn’t get the limelight. Many anime enthusiasts choose to watch these rare finds over the typical stuff that is usually available on the different streaming services. The lost gems are faithful to their source material and widely praised critically.
The anime that we’ve selected boast stunning animation, great music, and include a top-rated plot. Do get your hands on them the next time you are looking for something offbeat and you’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty of it.
1) Alps no Shoujo Heidi
Alps no Shoujo Heidi is an absolutely lovely anime adaptation of the 1880 Swiss novel written by Johanna Spyri. The novel has gotten other numerous adaptations beside the anime series, which should indicate how much the original novel has touched the hearts of its readers. Some adaptations surely have been much more grim and gut-wrenching than the rest with its happy moments, but none might ever be held as high as this particular adaptation. For many people, it is a taste of nostalgia from their childhood.
Many who have seen it might still imagine the people of Switzerland herding their goats while happily dancing on the high mountains of the Alps just like the character representing Japan in another series called Hetalia. It’s a wholesome story of a girl living in the alps with her grandfather that will linger on even after you’ve finished watching it.
2) Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
Former ace runner of Sendai Josei High School, Kakeru Kurahara is chased away from a convenience store for shoplifting. Shaking off his pursuer, he runs into Haiji Kiyose, another student from his university. Haiji is impressed by Kakeru’s agility and persuades him to live in Chikusei-sou, the run-down apartment where Haiji resides along with eight other students. Having lost his entire apartment deposit at a mahjong parlor, Kakeru accepts the offer reluctantly. Haiji reveals a secret during Kakeru’s welcoming party and the already interesting plot thickens.
Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru is a beautiful masterpiece. It is a must-watch for all sports fanatics and every episode offers a subtle dose of motivation; so be rest assured to learn something new from every bit that you see. The animation and excellent character development is worth praising and the storytelling will keep you hooked to this beautifully-done gem.
3) Bubblegum Crisis
The year is 2032, seven years after the Second Great Kanto earthquake decimated Tokyo. Now, the city is reborn as MegaTokyo, built from the labors of mechanical beasts known as Boomers. Originally created to benefit humanity, the mysterious corporation known as Genom now produces Boomers with incredible destructive power as a new type of advanced weaponry, capable of disguising themselves as humans. Yes, the story is as interesting as it sounds, if not more; thereby making Bubblegum Crisis a hidden gem in its truest sense.
The anime is thoroughly enjoyable and the quality of animation is quite extraordinary considering it was made in 1987. The music and soundtrack too deserve a special mention and you’ll love the characters irrespective of whether they play good roles or bad. The superlative plot thickens as the series progresses and you might end up watching it all over again after completing the first run.
4) Yoake Tsugeru Lu no Uta
The anime revolves around Kai, a young middle-schooler in Hinashi Town, which is a lonely fishing village. The young lad has a troubled childhood because of the complicated relationship between his parents. However, the unmotivated student finds joy in uploading songs he writes on the internet. One day, his classmates Kunio and Yuuho invite him to join their band, Seiren. As he reluctantly follows them to Merfolk Island, their practice spot, they meet Lu, the mermaid girl. What follows next is a series of beautiful sequences.
Yoake Tsugeru Lu no Uta has a lot to offer to anime lovers. The plot unfolds slowly and stunningly, and you’ll find yourself grooving to the addictive music. The anime, although messy in a couple of spots, is a genius masterpiece. When danger bestows upon Kai’s town, the sheer sincerity with which he gives his all to save the place from danger is sure to melt your hearts.
5) Flip Flappers
Cocona is an average middle-schooler living with her grandmother who is unsure about her life goals. She meets a strange girl named Papika who invites her to an organization called Flip Flap. Dragged along by the energetic stranger, Cocona finds herself in the world of pure illusion, a bizarre alternate dimension, helping Papika look for crystal shards. Upon completing their mission, Papika and Cocona are sent to yet another similar world.
Flip Flappers is the textbook definition of a hidden gem. It is a short, artistic original anime by a relatively unknown studio and also an anime which is quite ahead of its times. This is partially because of its symbolic themes, but also because the execution itself is very unorthodox. The surreal plot takes the audiences to a different world for a short span and well, you wouldn’t complain.
6) Mirai Shounen Conan
It’s July 2008 and mankind is facing the threat of extinction. An ultra-magnetic weapon, far more devastating than any nuclear weapon known, destroyed half the world in an instant. The earth’s crust was rocked by massive movements and five continents were torn completely apart leaving no more than just little habitable land for the people that survived from that monstrous explosion. One of the spaceships narrowly escaped destruction and crash-landed on a small island which had miraculously survived the devastation. After years, a boy was born. Will he prove to be a ray of light? Watch the anime to get the answer!
Mirai Shounen Conan is an absolute adventure with amazing characters and a very unique plot. It is directed by Hayao Miyazaki who’s brilliance can be seen in any work he touches upon. The flying machines and the crazy protagonist would appeal to the kids and the feel good factor will leave a smile on the faces of adults as well.
7) Roujin Z
The plot unfolds with the Z Project that was intended to give the new generation a break from caring for the old. The original intention was to create a machine to care for them without any intervention. At first glance, it looked like an excellent plan, and many of the younger generation approved of its application. But when old Mr. Takazawa became the test subject for the Z-001 machine, Haruko questioned both the tactics of the hospital and the moral implications of the machine. This is just the beginning until the machine goes crazy and the fun starts.
This anime is one of those rare finds that you come across occasionally and once you start watching, you know it’s going to be a gripping watch. By the end of it, Roujin Z not only meets your expectations, but exceeds them by a fair margin. With a unique premise and a definite direction, the anime is a joyous ride with really good animation for its time and a good story to keep the audience interested.
~ Hope you enjoyed the list!
