Probably can't call it underrated, but some of Hayao Miyazaki's lesser known work is also some of my favorite.
One example is the On Your Mark [1] music video, which is possibly the only time he went into cyberpunk, and despite being a few minutes long and having no dialog it has amazing world-building and storytelling.
Future Boy Conan (Mirai Shōnen Konan) [2] is a great TV series by him that doesn't get mentioned enough IMO.
There's been a few recommendations already for Serial Experiments Lain, but whilst I did enjoy it, for my money Texhnolyze by the same creator is absolutely incredible (and much less discussed). It's very slow going though, particularly at the start, but I still think about the last several episodes on an alarmingly regular basis (having watched it years ago).
I also recommend Now and Then, Here and There: a fish-out-of-water fantasy show in which the main character acts like a stereotypical comedy protagonist but the world he gets transported to is an absolute wasteland ravaged by war and environmental degradation. Unsurprisingly also not a light-hearted watch.
If Hayao Miyazaki can be considered the Steven Spielberg of anime films, then I personally consider Satoshi Kon as the Stanley Kubrick. My top 3 from his filmography are “Perfect Blue”, “Tokyo Godfathers”, and, of course, “Paprika.”
Haven't watched much of anime, and haven't watched any for more than a decade. But back then I had huge impression from Azumanga Daioh. Nothing special in plot, just a year in the life of a few schoolgirls. But such lively and unique personages, I remember I had lump in the throat when I watched the last episode, as if I was saying farewell to close friends that I will not ever see again.
If we're going for obscure, I'm going to recommend Armitage 3, which is a Ghost in the Shell-esque cyberpunk action adventure. Same energy, and definitely better than a simple clone.
Also a mention to Wolf's Rain. It's a post apocalyptic dystopia where wolves can pretend to have human form, and try to survive. It sounds bonkers but it's charming and it works.
Welcome to the NHK - A black comedy about hikikomori, the anime industry, cult religions, conspiracy theories, pyramid schemes, suicide, and other topics. Not cheerful topics, but it is funny and has a lot to say.
A friend made me watch Talentless Nana which had such a cool moment in episode one, I ended up watching the whole thing right after. Even started reading the manga afterwards, which was a first for me. Unfortunately saying more would kinda lessen the impact.
Not sure if it fits "anime" but the recent animation movie Mars Express is quite good, hugue GitS vibes, tho I don't recommend watching it in the original french even if you speak french like me, french dubs are horribles.
I don't know if it can be considered "underrated", but I know so many people who like anime and have never watched the 2004 Monster(and haven't heard of the manga either).
My friend bullied me into watching the 2011 anime and I grumbled about it being for kids for the first four seasons, while admitting it has its moments and some cool characters. Was not prepared for the total horrorshow that is season 5.
2011 style is quite kiddy. Comparing 1999 and 2011 is like a study of pre and post "moe" styles of anime. 1999 feels a lot less juvenile IMO. Although I did watch it when I was barely a teenager...
Hi all, my own
I did this little animation movie and the music alone
birds and bees
here is the link it has been censored down for general consumption but it is for adults
One example is the On Your Mark [1] music video, which is possibly the only time he went into cyberpunk, and despite being a few minutes long and having no dialog it has amazing world-building and storytelling.
Future Boy Conan (Mirai Shōnen Konan) [2] is a great TV series by him that doesn't get mentioned enough IMO.
1: https://vimeo.com/394801904
2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Boy_Conan