Top 10 Anime with the Best Character Development (Underrated Gems)
Anime is a medium filled with deep stories, complex characters, and incredible journeys of growth. While popular titles often dominate the spotlight, some underrated anime showcase exceptional character development, making them hidden treasures worth exploring. Below is a list of 10 underrated anime with outstanding character arcs, along with their plot, genre, ratings, and where to watch.
1. Barakamon
- Plot: Seishuu Handa, a young and talented calligrapher, is exiled to a remote village after a public outburst. Amid the quirky locals and a mischievous child named Naru, he learns valuable life lessons and matures as both an artist and a person.
- Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
- Rating: 8.4/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
2. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)
- Plot: Satoru Fujinuma is a 29-year-old with the mysterious ability to "revive" moments before a tragedy occurs. When he is sent 18 years into the past to prevent a series of kidnappings, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Drama
- Rating: 8.5/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Netflix, Crunchyroll
3. 91 Days
- Plot: Set during the Prohibition era, Avilio Bruno returns to the mafia under a false identity to avenge his family’s murder. His descent into revenge tests his morals and humanity.
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Rating: 7.8/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
4. Welcome to the NHK
- Plot: Tatsuhiro Satou is a 22-year-old recluse who believes in wild conspiracy theories. His journey to overcome social anxiety, guided by the mysterious Misaki, is a raw and heartfelt depiction of personal growth.
- Genre: Psychological, Drama, Comedy
- Rating: 8.3/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Funimation
5. March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion)
- Plot: Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player, struggles with depression and loneliness. Through his interactions with the Kawamoto sisters and others, he slowly learns to embrace life.
- Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
- Rating: 8.9/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Crunchyroll
6. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
- Plot: A group of childhood friends reunites after the ghost of their deceased friend, Menma, appears to one of them. They confront their grief and unresolved conflicts while rekindling their bond.
- Genre: Drama, Supernatural
- Rating: 8.4/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Netflix, Crunchyroll
7. Run with the Wind (Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru)
- Plot: A diverse group of college students is roped into forming a track team to compete in the Hakone Ekiden marathon. Each member’s growth through physical and emotional challenges makes this a compelling story.
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Rating: 8.4/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Crunchyroll
8. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin
- Plot: Seven teenagers face the harsh realities of life in a post-World War II reform school. Despite the bleak setting, their camaraderie and individual growth shine as they navigate challenges.
- Genre: Historical, Drama, Thriller
- Rating: 8.5/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Funimation
9. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
- Plot: Balsa, a wandering warrior, becomes the bodyguard of Chagum, a prince marked for assassination. Their journey leads to a deep exploration of duty, sacrifice, and emotional growth.
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Rating: 8.1/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
10. A Place Further Than the Universe
- Plot: Four girls embark on an expedition to Antarctica, each with personal reasons for the journey. Their emotional growth and the bonds they form make this a heartfelt story.
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Slice of Life
- Rating: 8.6/10 (MyAnimeList)
- Available on: Crunchyroll
These underrated anime deliver exceptional character development, proving that a great story doesn’t need mainstream popularity to leave a lasting impact. If you’re seeking meaningful journeys and profound growth, give these titles a watch!
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