10 Underrated Fantasy Anime That Outshine Spirited Away

1. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)

This whirlwind of a show is a trip – quite literally. Our nameless protagonist is stuck in a Groundhog Day-esque loop, where he relives his two years at a Tokyo university in various clubs, from cycling to cinema, over and over. Each episode is a different 'what if?' scenario that changes his destiny. Despite the speedy dialogue that requires the reading skills of a champion speed-reader, the narrative intricacy of The Tatami Galaxy is unparalleled. On MyAnimeList, this anime has a remarkable 8.56 score. By the end of the show, you might be questioning your own life decisions and the seemingly endless possibilities life offers. That's pretty deep for a show that starts off with a guy in a love triangle with a moody doll, right?

2. Kino's Journey (2003)

Kino's Journey is a philosophical odyssey that follows Kino and her talking motorcycle, Hermes, as they explore various lands with different cultures, governments, and ways of life. Each place visited carries its own tale that adds to the overall theme of the story. This isn't your usual action-packed fantasy, but rather a contemplative exploration of human nature and society. Did I mention the motorcycle talks? 'Cause it does.

3. Dennou Coil (2007)

Now, this one is a bit of a technological wonder. Set in the near future, Dennou Coil is an adventurous tale of a group of children navigating through a world integrated with augmented reality, where the line between the virtual and the real is often blurred. This anime does a fantastic job of tackling technological issues that even the adult world grapples with. The creator of the series, Mitsuo Iso, worked on this project for nearly a decade! His dedication paid off, with the series achieving a score of 8.04 on MyAnimeList.

4. Mushishi (2005-2006)

Mushishi tells the story of Ginko, a 'Mushi master,' who travels around to research Mushi, creatures that exist in the most fundamental level of life. Most Mushi are harmless, but some cause severe problems for the humans who can perceive them. Mushishi is more of an episodic anthology than a linear story, but it stands out with its serene storytelling and enchanting atmosphere. It's the kind of series you'd watch on a lazy Sunday, sipping on some tea.

5. Kaiba (2008)

If Inception was made into an anime, it might look something like Kaiba. This anime is set in a universe where memories can be stored as data, allowing the rich to buy, sell, and steal them. The anime follows an amnesiac protagonist named Kaiba as he navigates through this dystopian world. Its unique art style, reminiscent of the '60s and '70s cartoons, further amplifies its otherworldly vibe. Kaiba has an impressive 8.14 score on MyAnimeList, proving that its offbeat style did not go unnoticed.

6. Haibane Renmei (2002)

Are you into angels and existential dread? Well, Haibane Renmei might just be your cup of tea. The anime follows a group of angel-like beings called Haibane, living in a walled city, guided by unspoken rules that control their existence. Rakka, a newly 'hatched' Haibane, grapples with her new reality while searching for the meaning of her existence. Interestingly, the anime was inspired by Haruki Murakami's Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.

7. Ergo Proxy (2006)

Enter a utopian city, Romdeau, where humans and androids coexist. But all is not what it seems. Re-l Mayer, an investigator, comes across something strange – androids infected with the Cogito virus are gaining self-awareness. But wait, it doesn't stop there. She also encounters mysterious beings known as Proxies. Dark, cryptic, and philosophically charged, Ergo Proxy will leave you questioning reality. The anime has a 7.90 score on MyAnimeList, showing that viewers do love a dose of philosophical inquiry in their anime.

8. Mononoke (2007)

Breaking away from traditional storytelling, Mononoke serves its tale as an episodic anthology, where each arc centers around a different 'Mononoke,' or malevolent spirit. The Medicine Seller, our main character, exercises these spirits, but only after unveiling their Form, Truth, and Reason. The unconventional art style that borrows from traditional Japanese paintings complements the eerie narrative, resulting in a captivating series. Interestingly enough, Mononoke was originally a three-episode arc in another anime, Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror, but it gained such popularity that it spun off into its standalone series.

9. Shinsekai yori (2012-2013)

Set a thousand years in the future, Shinsekai yori or From the New World, delivers a chilling story of a society where humans have developed telekinetic abilities. As the story unfolds through the eyes of Saki Watanabe, we're gradually exposed to the dark truths of this seemingly utopian society. This isn't just another dystopian tale, though. It's a beautifully paced narrative that builds up to an emotionally explosive climax.

10. Seirei no Moribito (2007)

Our last stop takes us to a historical fantasy realm where we follow Balsa, a skilled spearwoman and bodyguard, tasked with protecting a prince. Prince Chagum carries a water spirit in his body, which puts his life in danger as his own father wishes to sacrifice him to prevent a drought. This heart-racing, action-packed adventure gives us a unique female lead who kicks some serious butt. Moreover, it brings a fascinating blend of Asian cultures into the fantastical narrative.