Must-Watch Underrated Anime Series for a Weekend Marathon In the Year 2025
Not all anime make it to the mainstream spotlight, but some hidden gems deserve your attention just as much as the big titles. If you're looking to break away from the usual lineup of popular shows, here's a list of five underrated anime that are perfect for a weekend binge.
1. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
Episodes: 12
A gripping story of time travel with emotional depth, Erased follows Satoru, a man who has the ability to go back in time moments before a life-threatening event. When his mother is murdered, he's sent back 18 years into the past, giving him the chance to solve a series of child abductions and prevent multiple tragedies. It's a tightly paced series that blends suspense with heartwarming moments, and its short length makes it ideal for a weekend watch.
2. Paranoia Agent
Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Thriller
Episodes: 13
From the legendary Satoshi Kon, Paranoia Agent dives into the collective anxieties of modern society through surreal storytelling. When people across Tokyo are mysteriously attacked by a boy with a golden bat, the line between reality and delusion blurs. The anime explores psychological trauma, media obsession, and social pressure in a unique and haunting way. It's thought-provoking and unlike anything else.
3. Barakamon
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama
Episodes: 12
When hot-headed calligrapher Seishuu Handa punches a critic, he's sent to a remote island for some soul-searching. There, he encounters quirky villagers, especially a mischievous little girl named Naru, who turns his quiet retreat into a heartwarming journey of self-discovery. Barakamon is a feel-good anime that seamlessly blends humor, nature, and personal growth.
4. 91 Days
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Episodes: 12
Set during the Prohibition era in the United States, 91 Days is a revenge-driven tale of mafia warfare. Avilio returns to the town of Lawless to infiltrate the family responsible for his family’s murder. The noir aesthetic, intense storytelling, and morally complex characters make this a binge-worthy thriller with a cinematic feel.
5. A Place Further than the Universe (Sora yori mo Tooi Basho)
Genre: Adventure, Slice of Life, Drama
Episodes: 13
A coming-of-age story that’s both emotional and inspiring, A Place Further than the Universe follows four high school girls as they set off on an expedition to Antarctica. It’s a journey about friendship, dreams, and pushing past one’s limits. Beautifully animated with heartfelt writing, it’s a quiet masterpiece that many overlook.
Final Thoughts
If you're tired of rewatching the same blockbuster anime, give these underrated series a chance. Each offers a unique story, memorable characters, and binge-worthy pacing—perfect for a cozy weekend indoors. Dive in, and you might just discover a new favorite.