Underrated Anime List: Top 10 Animes Every Fan in Pakistan Should Watch in 2025

Anime is no longer an obscure passion; it is now becoming a cultural phenomenon in Pakistan,

alongside streaming services and fan events on a large scale. While big names like Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer receive all the attention, there are many hidden gems that deserve the same reverence. If you're seeking recommendations for anime outside the mainstream, here are ten lesser-known favorites that every fan should see at least once.

1.    91 DAYS

If you enjoy mafia stories like The Godfather or Peaky Blinders, 91 Days is an anime that you should not miss. It takes place during Prohibition and follows Avilio, a man who returns to his hometown to get revenge after receiving a strange letter containing the identities of the mafia gang that murdered his family. With only 12 episodes, it's fast-paced, full of twists, and will keep you intrigued until the very end. Despite its excellent writing, 91 Days is occasionally overlooked when compared to popular anime, making it must-watch for anybody who appreciates dark and emotional stories.

Image credits: Shuka studios

2.    DEAD MOUNT DEATH PLAY

We are all familiar with the animes where normal humans who are sick and tired from their every-day 6-9 job and monotonous life, are suddenly isekai-ed (i.e. reincarnated) into historical eras or completely different fantastical worlds in different bodies. But that’s not the case with Dead mount death play. This anime takes the usual isekai-anime formula and flipped it around. The story follows a Corpse God, the evil and powerful necromancer who’s defeated in his own world, only to wake up in a body of a murdered boy in modern day Tokyo! Hence, his wild journey begins where he has to deal with the local police, assassins, gangs, and mysterious allies in an unfamiliar world. The combination of fantastical powers in a metropolitan environment, along with its characters, makes the story unique. It’s dark, quirky, and definitely underrated as compared to other fantasy animes.

Image credits: Geek studios

3.    GOLDEN KAMUY

Golden Kamuy is equal parts survival tale, treasure hunt, and historical exploration, but don't be fooled: it's a crazy adventure! It follows Sugimoto, a military veteran called "Immortal Sugimoto," as he partners up with Asirpa, a cunning Ainu girl, and Shiraishi, a prisoner and pro escape artist, to find hidden treasure in Hokkaido. Along their path, they encounter deadly competitors, crazy assassins, unforgiving environments and form unusual bonds. The combination of action, comedy, cultural depth, along with its eccentric characters is what make this anime a breath of fresh air, although it remains underrated in comparison to popular anime. If you're looking for something unique and exciting, this is a must-see.

Image credits: Geno studios

4.    UNDEAD UNLUCK

The people who say that a perfect duo does not exist clearly haven’t watched Undead Unluck. If you’re tired of same old shonen trope, this anime is here to shake things up! The story begins with Fuuko, a girl cursed with fatal "unluck" who causes misfortune for whomever she touches. Just as she decides to give up on life, she meets Andy, an immortal guy who cannot die no matter what happens to him. Together, they uncover a world of strange powers, secret organizations, and outrageous battles that are both amusing and serious in scope. The bond between the two characters is equal parts hilarious, crazy, and emotional, making this anime a thrilling journey that you won't want to miss.

5.    THE WITCH AND THE BEAST

If you enjoy supernatural mysteries and fashionable characters, The Witch and the Beast should be on the top of your list. The plot revolves around Ashaf, a mystery man with a coffin, and Guideau, a fiery girl with an ominous curse, as they venture to track down witches and expose magical conspiracies. The gothic visuals, riveting stories, and chemistry between the protagonists make it memorable. However, it receives only a fraction of the attention given to other dark fantasy animes, despite the fact that it deserves far more.

DOROHEDORO

If you think anime can’t be both horrifying and hilarious at the same time, then Dorohedoro is here to prove you wrong. Set in the chaotic, violent metropolis known as "the Hole," the story follows Caiman, who is desperately looking for the sorcerer responsible for his cursed reptile face. As the story progresses, you'll encounter a cast of unusual but memorable characters, including assassins who love gyoza, sorcerers with deadly powers, and friends who stick together even in the most peculiar yet dangerous situations. It's brutal, humorous, and surprisingly enjoyable, making it one of the oddest but most unique anime you'll ever see, and it's absolutely underrated.  

 Image credit: MAPPA studios

7.    SHANGRI-LA FRONTIER

Who said only "perfect" games could be enjoyable? Shangri-La Frontier twists that premise on its head. The plot revolves around Sunraku, a player who excels in winning the worst, most broken, bug-ridden games ever created. When he eventually decides to take on one of the top VRMMORPGs on the market, his unusual abilities, honed by playing “trash” games, offer him an advantage over everyone else. This anime is quite a delight to watch as he tackles obstacles with creativity, wit, and pure gaming instinct. It's unique, humorous, and full of creative moments, making it a genuine hidden gem.

8.    MASHLE

What if, in an alternative universe, Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts but had zero magic, a nonsense attitude, and relied on raw physical strength? Well, you don’t have to imagine because that’s literally Mashle for you. The anime follows Mash, a kind but tremendously powerful boy, as he joins a magical academy where strength alone should not be enough, but he makes it work in the most comical manner. The humor, absurd battles, and Mash's deadpan personality render it an incredible joy to watch. While it has a fan following, it is still not as popular as it should be, and it is perfect if you love action-comedies.

9.    TERROR IN RESONANCE

For the psychological thriller enthusiasts, Terror in Resonance is a masterpiece that few people know about. The anime follows two mysterious teens who commit acts of terrorism in Tokyo, but their motivations are far greater than they appear. As a detective seeks to apprehend them, the narrative delves into pain, morality, and what pushes individuals to extreme measures. It's unsettling, beautifully drawn, and thought-provoking, definitely one of anime's most overlooked thrillers.

1   SUMMERTIME RENDERING

Summertime Rendering is a mystery thriller that is going to keep you captivated to the screen. It starts off with Shinpei returning to his hometown following the death of a childhood friend, only to discover bizarre events and mysterious twists that imprison him in a time loop mystery. Each episode brings a new level of tension, unexpected revelations, and creative character interactions. It's compelling from beginning to end, yet it still doesn't get the global exposure it deserves, making it the ideal hidden gem for topping off our list.

 Therefore, mainstream shows will always dominate the spotlight, but these underrated animes proves that hidden gems often deliver some of the best stories that leave a lasting impact on you. From mafia-revenge stories and time-loop mysteries to chaotic comedies and dark fantasies, each anime brings its own flavor of peak cinema. Give them a try because who knows, your next favorite anime might be on this list.