Anime is currently enjoying a phenomenal surge in global popularity, captivating audiences everywhere. This enthusiasm has also ignited interest in the realm of manga, the weekly comic series that often serve as the foundation for anime adaptations. Thanks to increased word-of-mouth promotion and a rising curiosity among potential viewers, it has become remarkably easy for new series to gain traction. Notable recent successes include Chainsaw Man and Solo Leveling, which both garnered immense popularity right from their initial releases.

While many anime series come with high expectations, this isn’t the case for all of them. Some titles launch without significant hype, and this list aims to showcase some of the best anime that started off this way. The entries on this list initially had low expectations, either due to mediocre or unpopular manga, unassuming plots that failed to intrigue audiences, or simply because the anime adaptation surpassed the original manga in quality. Regardless of the circumstances, these ten exceptional series remind us not to judge a book by its cover.

10 Experience the Magic of ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023)

Discover the Artistry of Studio: Madhouse

Every anime enthusiast is likely familiar with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which has recently captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Following the defeat of the demon king and the restoration of peace in the realm, the elf mage Frieren finds herself grappling with the passage of time as her companions age and pass away. Taking on a new pupil from her past adventures, they embark on a nostalgic journey that retraces the paths of her earlier adventures. Their quest leads them to Aubsert, a mystical land where souls reside, allowing Frieren to express unsaid farewells and reconnect with lost friends.

Although many manga fans eagerly anticipated this adaptation, it surprisingly flew under the radar for many anime watchers. Even those familiar with the manga were taken aback by how exquisitely the Frieren anime was executed, showcasing a stunning blend of beautiful animation and captivating storytelling. This anime ranks lower on the list because the manga’s fanbase already recognized the source material’s quality. Nevertheless, the series has since been hailed as the best fantasy anime ever, proving it exceeded even the highest expectations.

Release Date

September 29, 2023

Cast

Mallorie Rodak , Jason Douglas , Clifford Chapin , Chris Guerrero , Jill Harris , Jordan Dash Cruz

Seasons

1

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9 Dive into the Whimsical Universe of ‘Space Dandy’ (2014)

Experience the Creative Genius of Studio: Bones

With no manga source to reference, fans had no clear indication of whether Space Dandy would be a hit or miss. The only glimmer of hope came from the fact that Shinichirō Watanabe, the legendary director behind Cowboy Bebop, was at the helm. This episodic series follows the comical escapades of Dandy, a romance-loving space traveler who, along with his companions QT and Meow, captures bizarre aliens for profit. However, their adventures are far from straightforward, as they frequently encounter strange threats and the persistent danger posed by the Gogol Empire.

Although the anticipation surrounding a new Watanabe series generated some expectations, the concept of a lighthearted comedic sci-fi didn’t excite many fans initially. Many potential viewers overlooked this anime, but those who took the plunge quickly discovered its brilliance. Despite its abundant humor, quirkiness, and campiness, it successfully delivers profound and sometimes dark narratives. With stunning visuals and a diverse array of storylines, Space Dandy offers an exhilarating experience that appeals to a wide range of viewers, solidifying its reputation as one of the best sci-fi anime.

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Space Dandy

Release Date

January 4, 2014

Cast

Ian Sinclair , Alison Viktorin , Joel McDonald , J. Michael Tatum , Micah Solusod , Kent Williams , Alexis Tipton , Colleen Clinkenbeard , Johnny Yong Bosch

Seasons

2

Creator(s)

Shinichirô Watanabe

Writers

Shinichirô Watanabe , Dai Sato , Kimiko Ueno , Ichirō Ōkōchi , Keiko Nobumoto , Toh EnJoe , Masaaki Yuasa , Hayashi Mori , Kiyotaka Oshiyama

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8 Discover the Inspiring Journey of ‘Hajime no Ippo’ (2000)

Experience the Craft of Studio: Madhouse

One of the most compelling aspects of anime is the exhilarating hype it generates among fans, particularly within the action genre. However, the sports genre, too, is renowned for delivering electrifying moments. Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit) tells the heartwarming story of Ippo, a timid boy who decides to join a boxing club after enduring relentless bullying. As he embarks on his journey, he discovers an innate talent for the sport, striving to become Japan’s champion by defeating every challenger that comes his way.

Before diving into this series, many fans anticipated a straightforward and entertaining sports anime. What they did not expect was that Hajime no Ippo would emerge as one of the greatest sports anime of all time. The underdog narrative serves as a captivating hook, but it is the depth of the characters, thrilling fight sequences, and well-timed humor that truly captivates audiences, ensuring they remain glued to their screens. Not only is this series among the most enjoyable anime, but its expertly crafted and perfectly paced battles create some of the most exhilarating moments within the sports anime landscape.