The number of masterpiece anime has dwindled in recent years, but their overall count still outnumbers what an average person can consume in their lifetime. Many masterpieces survive simply through word of mouth, while others fail to maintain a legacy, either due to lack of accessibility or disinterest in the genre they belong to.
A masterpiece for an action enthusiast can be a dull watch for someone who prefers the laid-back approach of slice-of-life anime, which makes it even harder for certain anime to be considered a masterpiece outside its niche. Unfortunately, these anime eventually lost their place in conversations to newer releases and get lost in oblivion, but they’re still absolutely worth going back to today.
Asobi Asobase Is the Best Comedy Anime Ever
Asobi Asobase is one of those rare comedy anime that doesn’t cater to the masses. The series follows the school life of three girls who decide to create a “Pastime Club” to partake in shenanigans, but fail miserably every time. Whether it’s a butler shooting lasers from the body’s food exit or a baby smoking on a pacifier, Asobi Asobase is bizarre in more ways than one.
Unfortunately, its quirky nature is also its weakness. Asobi Asobase’s primary objective was never to become popular but to resonate with people who share a similar sense of humor. It’s a masterpiece anime that commits to the art and the genre, and doesn’t deserve to be forgotten.
Golden Boy Is an Ecchi Masterpiece With 90s Goodness
In the ecchi genre, no anime dares to challenge the throne of Golden Boy. The perverse series follows the educational journey of Kintarou Oe, who takes on temporary jobs to gain knowledge through practical experience while cycling his way through Japan.
At first glance, Golden Boy might look shallow, but at a closer look, viewers realize the message it aims to relay: making education fun. Despite its unorthodox approach, Golden Boy is a masterpiece one shouldn’t forget. Its quirky storytelling, love for the ecchi genre, and brilliant display of 2D animation all allow it to hold up today.
Run With the Wind Is a Tribute to the Sport of Running
It is unfortunate that a masterpiece like Run with the Wind has been forgotten without ever getting its deserved accolades. It’s a sports anime about a group of amateur runners aiming to participate in the prestigious marathon of Hakone Ekiden.
Run with the Wind is a character-driven story that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey and inspires them to never give up. Instead of showing miraculous transformation, Run with the Wind chooses to present the reality of marathons, and their brutality, through a bunch of flawed characters who become each other’s strength. The jaw-dropping animation and inspiring plot are its greatest strengths.
My Love Story Will Worsen Viewers’ Cuteness Aggression
There’s no other romance comedy anime as precious as My Love Story. It all begins when the giant-statured Takeo saves the doll-like Rinko from a train groper. Even though Takeo falls in love at first sight, he keeps his distance, thinking she might get intimidated by his looks, and eventually fall for his heartthrob best friend Makoto. Unbeknownst to him, it was love at first sight for Rinko as well.
Besides its heart-fluttering romance, My Love Story stands out because of the brotherhood between Takeo and Makoto. While most romance comedies use clichés to incite laughter, My Love Story doesn’t do any of that. My Love Story’s comic timing is unpredictable and so precise that one cannot stop themselves from laughing.
Mushishi Is an Iconic Supernatural Anime One Shouldn’t Miss
Mushishi is a supernatural mystery anime that’s hauntingly beautiful. It talks about mushi, beings that simply exist. No one knows their place of origin or how they came into being. To find those answers, a mushi researcher, better known as ‘mushishi’, travels across faraway lands to help people suffering due to the mushi’s existence, and to learn more about these enigmatic beings.
Usually, anime like these often carry a tense and stifling atmosphere, but not Mushishi. Its existence is peaceful, healing, and meditative, and the anime has a will of its own. Mushishi is an Iyashikei anime that comes to life thanks to the brilliant sound design and unique tranquility.
Tsurune Is Kyoto Animation’s Forgotten Sports Anime Masterpiece
Tsurune is a letter of encouragement to those struggling to overcome an insurmountable obstacle. The sports anime focuses on Minato’s journey of overcoming his yips, something every athlete is painfully aware of. Instead of focusing solely on the sports, Tsurune emphasizes interpersonal chemistry amongst the characters.
The archery anime is poetic in nature, where the term “tsurune” describes the beautifully sharp sound produced when an arrow is released from the bow. What makes Tsurune a true masterpiece is KyoAni’s way of portraying the characters with kindness, with care, and with endless affection. The heartfelt storytelling and mesmerizing animation are nothing to joke about either.
From the New World Is a Spine-Chilling Psychological Thriller
From the New World is a dystopian thriller that mirrors the current reality more than ever. From the New World’s episodic nature lets it build a world at its own pace, without being swayed by the handful of genres it represents. As the story progresses, the series steadily evolves into a psychological thriller. It portrays the endless greed of mankind in its truest form.
From the New World revolves around the naive souls whose curiosity for the unknown has led them to a devastating discovery, further pushing them into a world of chaos. Sadly, even the intricate world-building and layered storytelling couldn’t save From the New World from being forgotten.
As a Sci-Fi Anime, Den-noh Coil Was Way Ahead of Its Time
Technologies like smart glasses and virtual reality, which were far from being realized in the 2000s, were already a core part of Den-noh Coil. To add to the madness, the sci-fi mystery puts children at the center of the plot, handing them powers that outweigh their abilities.
As predicted, this leads to endless conundrums, taking viewers on a roller-coaster ride. Written and directed by Mitsuo Iso, Den-noh Coil is a masterpiece. Not only because of its futuristic vision, but also because of the story’s execution and the thoughtful character writing.
Yakitate!! Japan’s Is a Hilarious Anime for Baking Addicts
Yakitate!! Japan dominated the gourmet scene before Food Wars became a household name. The series finds a perfect balance between education and entertainment while delivering a full-course meal. It gives a closer look at the world of bread-making, and the competitiveness, the pressure, and the importance of creative and fresh new ideas.
It’s the consistent pacing, bizarre cast, and distinctive comedy that make Yakitate!! Japan a masterpiece, even if it’s forgotten. With only 69 episodes, Yakitate!! Japan leaves a strong impression on its viewers, especially with its voice acting performances and the extraordinary facial expressions of characters.
Silver Spoon Urges Its Viewers to Touch Grass
Silver Spoon is about a journey of self-discovery and following one’s heart. To challenge oneself to break through the shackles of the exhausting rat race. Written by Hiromu Arakawa, the author of Fullmetal Alchemist, Silver Spoon is a slice of life anime that gives a broader perspective of the behind-the-scenes of the food industry.
Silver Spoon will humble anyone who does not appreciate the work that puts food on the table of common people, something which the author has borrowed from her own experiences in life. This, in turn, helps viewers resonate with the lively cast of characters. Animated by A-1 Pictures, Silver Spoon is undoubtedly a forgotten masterpiece.