Anime That Otaku Underestimated But Ended Up Loving

Japanese netizens have been embroiled in a lively debate over whether they should judge an anime solely by its initial appearance or whether they should give it a try and look beyond first impressions. The discussion has arisen in various forums and social networks, where users share their experiences when encountering anime that appear unremarkable, but that pleasantly surprise once they are given a chance.

Some argue that it is important not to get carried away by appearances and to explore a wide range of works to discover hidden gems, while others argue that time is limited and prefer to invest it in series that catch their attention from the start.

This debate has led to a broader reflection on the nature of entertainment and the importance of keeping an open mind when exploring new cultural works. Netizens have shared recommendations for series that initially seemed unpromising but turned out to be memorable and enriching experiences.

"It would be Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann."
"Hmm, I would think of Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru, Kageki Shojo and Deaimon."
"Yubisaki to Renren, without a doubt."
"Oniichan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nai n da kara ne!!".
"I definitely have to mention Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou., Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion, The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior and Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord. I used to hate isekai otome with reincarnation stuff, but when I saw these series, I really found them interesting."
"Odd Taxi".
"Lycoris Recoil".
"I didn't think it would be a big deal, but it was surprisingly interesting."
"I didn't have a lot of expectations for Shangri-la Frontier, but it really got me."
"Futoku no Guild. Back then I was against the isekai narou-kei, but this story really got me."
"BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!".
"Daphne in the Brilliant Blue, I still remember it."
"Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu and Classroom of the Elite".
"Walkure Romanze, I have no doubt."
"Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? and Non Non Biyori, I thought lolis were disgusting, but the story of retellings of life was extremely funny."
"Sister Princess, what a good decision I made at the time."
"Hataraku Maou-sama, only the first season, sadly."
"The OVA version of Legend of the Galactic Heroes. I thought it was an old-fashioned, dark story."
"Shinsekai yori, absolutely."
"I was delighted that I gave Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It a chance."
"Kill Me Baby! and Kemono Friends, what a love."
"I certainly regret not seeing HUNTER x HUNTER sooner."
"Recently I would say MF Ghost."
"Blue Archive, I'm certainly finding it very interesting."