10 Anime That Deserve More Attention Than One Piece

1. "Mob Psycho 100"

Forget the Pirate King; it's all about the Psychic King! If there's an anime that has been overshadowed, yet delivers a colossal punch, it's Mob Psycho 100. It's an intriguing narrative with a 82% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.5 on MyAnimeList. Mob, the protagonist, is a middling student but a super-powered psychic. He battles the mundane and supernatural with equal apprehension and, more often than not, just wants to get home and do his homework. Written by the same brilliant mind behind One Punch Man, it's a show that equally presents humor, action, and heart in spades. Don't miss it.

2. "March Comes in like a Lion"

No pirates here either, just a riveting emotional journey through the life of a shogi prodigy, Rei Kiriyama. In 2017, this underrated gem received the "Anime of the Year" award by Tokyo Anime Award Festival, but its viewership figures are still unjustly overshadowed by One Piece 's enormous fanbase. With a surprisingly profound story and an 8.4 rating on MyAnimeList, it'll make you ponder about life, loneliness, and the board game shogi. An anime that stirs up emotions with every episode, it will undoubtedly captivate you, teaching you about the subtle game of shogi in the process.

3. "Land of the Lustrous"

When you're looking for a dazzling, break-from-the-norm series, look no further than Land of the Lustrous. Set in a world inhabited by 28 crystal entities called Gems, this beautiful anime has a unique take on existence, conflict, and identity. You wouldn't find a single pirate in sight, but there are more than enough unique characters to go around. With a MyAnimeList rating of 8.4, it presents a visually stunning CG that leaves you breathless and a narrative that just keeps pulling you in.

4. "Made in Abyss"

No, it's not about manufacturing anything; it's about an abyss that promises adventure, danger, and a compelling narrative that won't let you go. It's like One Piece's Grand Line, only darker and more mysterious. This anime will draw you in with its cute character designs but holds you tight with its progressively complex and dark narrative, underscored by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. It was so popular among viewers that it got an 8.70 rating on MyAnimeList and even had a sequel movie, Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul, which grossed over $4.9 million globally.

5. "The Promised Neverland"

What's more enticing than the plot of a bunch of kids trying to escape a harrowing fate from a deceptively serene orphanage? With its debut in 2019, The Promised Neverland took the anime community by storm, quickly climbing up the ladder with an 8.51 rating on MyAnimeList. While One Piece has its fair share of battles against fierce enemies, these youngsters aren't fighting fearsome pirates but a far more sinister foe. However, it's the mind games and strategic ploys that make this anime worth watching.

6. Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu (Parasyte: The Maxim)

A teenager and an alien parasite fighting for survival against other alien parasites. This might sound like a start of a terrible joke, but Parasyte is no laughing matter. With an impressive 8.34 rating on MyAnimeList and a solid 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it delivers a narrative that is equally horrific, heartfelt, and philosophically thought-provoking. It also boasts of some of the most beautifully grotesque and surreal animation you'll see, making it an excellent recommendation for any One Piece fan looking for something different.

7. "Chihayafuru"

Pirates? No. Superpowers? No. Epic battles? Well, in a way, yes. This underrated anime doesn't feature grand adventures or fights for the world's fate, but it does revolve around a traditional Japanese card game called Karuta. It's a heartfelt and intense coming-of-age story about passion, friendship, and the competitive spirit that resonates with every card match. And let me tell you, never have you ever seen a card game portrayed with such emotional intensity!

8. "Barakamon"

In a world where power levels, grand battles, and epic journeys are often the main draws, Barakamon stands out with its refreshing simplicity and heartwarming narrative. This anime tells the story of a calligrapher's self-discovery journey, earning an 8.4 rating on MyAnimeList. The quirky characters and the unique rural setting combine to create a lighthearted, feel-good experience that's a pleasant detour from pirate-infested waters.

9. "Dorohedoro"

If One Piece's exotic world-building caught your attention, then Dorohedoro's grimy, dystopian universe will be a captivating change of scenery. It's a bizarre blend of fantasy, horror, and dark humor that revolves around Kaiman, a man with a lizard head, in his quest to regain his human form. It garnered a considerable audience rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to its dynamic characters and a thick, intriguing plot.

10. "Hyouka"

Replace pirate mysteries with high school ones and what you get is Hyouka. A slice of life anime filled with everyday mysteries, it delivers a refreshing take on high school life that's far from your typical shonen battles. It garnered an 8.15 rating on MyAnimeList, all thanks to its well-developed characters, breathtaking animation, and gripping narrative. Hyouka proves that you don't need pirates, devil fruits, or world-threatening disasters to have an engaging plot!