38 Underrated Films You Need to Discover
38 titles
- 1
Kayoko's DiaryMovie · 1991 · 90mIn 1940, young Kayoko begins first grade, unaware of the hardships that await. By 1945, she faces a world irrevocably changed by difficult times.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.2 - 2
Iblard TimeMovie · 2007 · 30m · Animation, Fantasy, AdventureThe film follows a peaceful journey through Iblard, a fantastical realm first visualized in the paintings of Naohisa Inoue. Inoue's artwork drew inspiration from Impressionism and Surrealism.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 3
Princess AreteMovie · 2001 · 104m · Adventure, Animation, FantasyPrincess Arete, held captive by a sorcerer who believes she poses a threat to his immortality, finds an unlikely ally in a kind villager. Together, they devise a plan for her escape.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.9 - 4
MelodyMovie · 2008 · 8mA short film about a young rabbit with human-like qualities grappling with the grief of losing his mother.IMDb 3.2 - 5
Take the X TrainMovie · 1987 · 51mToru Ishihara leads a normal life, juggling a relationship and a job with a train enthusiast. His world is turned upside down when a mysterious, ghostly train called the X Train appears, wreaking havoc as it travels the tracks. Toru discovers he has an inexplicable connection to the X Train, a power that attracts the attention of ruthless individuals who want to exploit it for their own gain.IMDb 6.8TMDB 3.2 - 6
CencorollMovie · 2009 · 27m · Animation, Science FictionWhen a colossal monster appears, terror grips a town's residents, but Yuki and her classmate Tetsu remain calm. Tetsu also has a peculiar pet of his own, a creature called Cenco. Meanwhile, another boy, Shuu, is the one controlling the destructive monster, setting the stage for an impending confrontation.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 7
Neo TokyoMovie · 1989 · 50m · Science Fiction, Animation, AdventureThis three-part film series features a variety of stories for different viewers. The first, "Labyrinth labyrinthos," follows a curious girl and her cat who are mysteriously transported to a strange world full of puzzling obstacles.
"Running Man" is an action adventure about a determined racer facing their greatest challenge: a relentless rival seeking to win. This suspenseful competition will keep audiences engaged.
Finally, "Construction Cancellation Order" examines the impact of new technology as a worker struggles with the decision to shut down their team of robots. The story explores themes of loyalty, responsibility, and the relationship between humans and machines.
Together, these films offer a diverse range of experiences designed to captivate audiences from beginning to end.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 8
Fumiko's ConfessionMovie · 2009 · 3m · Animation, Comedy, RomanceFumiko, a schoolgirl who recently confessed her love, is rejected by the boy, who wants to focus on baseball. Heartbroken, she runs downhill through the town, increasing her speed as she cries.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7 - 9
Genius PartyMovie · 2007 · 102m · Animation, Science Fiction, FantasyGENIUS PARTY is a collection of seven very different but equally impressive short films. Atsuko Fukushima offers a visually stunning abstract piece. Masaaki Yuasa, known for MIND GAME and CAT SOUP, presents "Happy Machine," a deceptively simple story exploring a child's first year with his signature graphic style and dreamlike logic. Shinji Kimura’s “Deathtic 4” delves into the unsettling aspects of childhood imagination, revealing a world of dark and playful surprises. Hideki Futamura’s “Limit Cycle” envisions virtual reality, while Yuji Fukuyama’s "Doorbell" and Shinichiro Watanabe's "Baby Blue" use subtle realism to create surreal situations. Finally, Shoji Kawamori’s “Shanghai Dragon” playfully reimagines classic anime conventions.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 10
TekkonkinkreetMovie · 2006 · 103m · Action, Adventure, AnimationBlack and White, two orphaned children, fight to survive in the harsh streets of Treasure Town. Their lives are upended when a powerful corporation plans to demolish the town for a new amusement park, forcing them into a desperate struggle for their home.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 11
Roujin ZMovie · 1991 · 80m · Animation, Drama, Science FictionThis drama centers on Mr. Takazawa, an elderly man cared for by Haruko, a dedicated nursing student. The Japanese Ministry of Public Welfare introduces Z-001, a new computerized hospital bed with robotic functions, designed to be more efficient than human nursing. Haruko questions whether the machine can truly understand and meet Mr. Takazawa's individual needs, believing in the importance of human connection in healing. The film examines the challenges of technology in healthcare, prompting reflection on the irreplaceable human elements of patient care.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 12
Mermaid's ScarMovie · 1993 · 56mJapanese legend says eating mermaid flesh grants immortality, but it's far more likely to cause death or turn you into a monstrous creature called a Lost Soul. Mermaid Saga follows Yuta, an immortal who has lived for five centuries, as he journeys across Japan searching for a cure while encountering others whose lives have been destroyed by consuming mermaid flesh.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.8 - 13
Genius Party BeyondMovie · 2008 · 81m · AnimationStudio 4°C, a leading animation studio, presents a collection of five short films by five acclaimed directors. Each director brings a unique style and approach, united by a shared commitment to maximum creativity. The films range from classic anime to detailed urban scenes, vibrant bursts of color, and animated cyberpunk. Studio 4°C's head, Koji Morimoto, contributes an abstract piece designed to be visually stunning. This collection is a showcase of exceptional talent and imaginative filmmaking.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 14
KiteMovie · 1998 · 50m · Animation, Action, ThrillerOrphaned and hardened by a violent past, Sawa is a highly skilled assassin working for a mercenary group. She's a master of disguise and lethal combat, but hides a troubled inner life behind a charming facade. When her partner, Oburi, decides to leave their violent world, Sawa is forced to confront her own doubts and the morality of her life. This story explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the difficult choices made in a dangerous world.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7 - 15
Other WorldsMovie · 1999 · 2m · Animation, Romance, DramaThis film features two people having a candid conversation about their past relationship. They explore the complexities of love, heartbreak, and how they both made choices. The intimate setting reveals the subtleties of their connection as they discuss the reasons behind their decisions.
Forgiveness, self-discovery, and acceptance naturally arise from their discussion, emphasizing the importance of communication in relationships. As they navigate difficult emotions together, they reveal vulnerability, making their story relatable.
Ultimately, the movie offers a realistic look at two people revisiting their history to understand themselves and each other better. By honestly portraying both the good and bad of relationships, it encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and find connection in shared struggles.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.5 - 16
Pale CocoonMovie · 2005 · 23m · Animation, Science FictionIn a distant future where history has been lost, humanity lives in a decaying, completely artificial world. The sea and sky are gone, and glimpses of a real world exist only in recovered records from the past. The Bureau of Record Excavation is tasked with finding these relics. Ura works for the bureau's 92nd office, deeply engrossed in restoring the records and captivated by the past. Riko observes him from a distance, wary of the past, believing some things are better left forgotten. Everyone understands that learning about the past reveals the misery of their present reality. But one day, Ura uncovers a peculiar video...IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 17
Royal Space Force - The Wings of HonneamiseMovie · 1987 · 121m · Animation, Science FictionIn a future world consumed by war between the nations of Honneamise and The Republic, a group of dreamers launches an ambitious space program to escape the violence. Shirotsugh Lhadatt, an astronaut candidate, joins this program and undergoes a profound transformation, growing from a lost person into a leader determined to push humanity forward.
Against a backdrop of possible global disaster and driven by a yearning for change, the film explores personal growth, responsibility, and the potential for good within people. As Shirotsugh faces the challenges of leadership and wartime choices, the story is an emotional experience that examines war, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge during crisis.
With stunning visuals and a moving story, the film prompts viewers to think about their place in the future, reminding us that hope can endure even in difficult times.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 18
Belladonna of SadnessMovie · 1973 · 87m · Animation, Drama, FantasyThis is a dark story of revenge in a strict, old-fashioned society. On her wedding night, a young woman is brutally attacked by the lord she's supposed to marry. Afterward, she's exiled from her village and family. Desperate, she makes a dangerous deal with supernatural beings, gaining powerful abilities in exchange for her soul. Driven by these powers, she sets out on a perilous journey to get revenge on the lord who ruined her life.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 19
Gall Force: Eternal StoryMovie · 1986 · 86mFor centuries, the Solnoids and the Paranoids have been locked in war. After narrowly escaping a major space battle, seven Solnoids journey to Chaos, a planet intended as their new home. A malfunction during their warp jump sends their ship far ahead of the main fleet, leaving them to face unforeseen challenges alone.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 20
1001 NightsMovie · 1998 · 23m"1001 Nights," the inaugural film in the innovative "Filmharmonic" series, unfolds like a vivid dream. It features original music composed by a renowned filmmaker and a celebrated composer.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 21
Kite LiberatorMovie · 2008 · 58m · Animation, Thriller, ActionSawa has been missing since the events in Kite, and a new killer is terrorizing the city. Known as the Angel of Death, this assassin is admired for her efficient and elegant killings, leaving only feathers behind. The public doesn't know the truth: the Angel of Death is actually Monaka, a seemingly ordinary young woman. Like her predecessor, Monaka has lost her family, and her astronaut father is often away on duty, though he promised to return. While she lives a quiet life attending school and working part-time, Monaka transforms completely when she receives an assignment.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.2 - 22
She and Her CatMovie · 1999 · 5m · Animation"She and Her Cat" offers a unique look at the lives of a young woman and her cat in a city apartment. The story is told entirely from the cat's point of view, showing its thoughts, feelings, and relationship with its owner.
The film explores companionship, loyalty, and the special connection between people and animals. Through the cat’s observations of its owner’s daily life, we see their world from a perspective very different from our own. This creates a heartwarming story that highlights the profound impact pets have on our lives and emotions.
"She and Her Cat" is a tender and captivating film about the unspoken bond between humans and their pets, perfect for animal lovers and anyone who has shared their life with a beloved companion.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 23
Open Your MindMovie · 2005 · 35mOpen Your Mind explores the extraterrestrial origins of life, depicting six deities arriving from outer space. These beings evolve through water, air, and earth, each ruling one of the six elements of the godai philosophy: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Sky, and Consciousness ("Awakening").IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.8 - 24
Only YesterdayMovie · 1991 · 119m · Animation, Drama, RomanceThe film follows Taeko as she reflects on her life, moving between the present and memories of her youth. It explores the difference between her youthful dreams and the reality of her adult life. As we experience these personal moments with Taeko, we consider whether our dreams can survive time or if they change with life. This moving story suggests that our choices and experiences shape who we become, connecting our past, present, and future.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 25
Nekketsu UchuujinMovie · 2009 · 2mAi, a student, encounters an alien who possesses a time machine. Ai also appears in the short film "Kobe to Watashi."TMDB 5.0 - 26
To: A Space FantasyMovie · 2010 · 88m"Elliptical Orbit" follows the Flying Dutchman as it returns to Earth after a long journey, carrying valuable "protons" for energy. However, a terrorist group in military gear attacks the station where the ship docks, aiming to weaponize the proton cargo into a devastating bomb. "Symbiotic Planet" tells the story of two lovers from opposing sides of a conflict who struggle to build a life together.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1 - 27
Dimensional LoopMovie · 2001 · 5m"Dimension Loop" is an original animation by Koji Morimoto about an ethereal alien and a young boy who can move vertically. Morimoto's visuals are presented at an unprecedented pace. Combined with Kicell's gentle, nostalgic singing, the film creates a feeling of weightless floating. The world is rendered in a refined monotone. The characters cross dimensions and connect with one another, leaving the audience to wonder about their ultimate destination.TMDB 9.0 - 28
Rain, the Little Girl, and My LetterMovie · 2005 · 6mKatari, a budding novelist, writes a love letter to a classmate. Unbeknownst to her, the letter transforms into a heartfelt story that deeply touches a young girl.IMDb 5.4TMDB 6.0 - 29
Aquatic LanguageMovie · 2002 · 9mA diverse group of people are gathered in a café one evening: two girls gossiping, two men debating, a reader, and a young man recently heartbroken. The waitress strikes up a conversation with the boy, drawing his attention to an easel, while other patrons start to notice strange occurrences.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.5 - 30
Eternal FamilyMovie · 1997 · 29mSix individuals, unaware of each other's true identities, live together as a family within a sealed environment. Each has been implanted with fabricated memories, shielding them from the reality of the world outside. Unbeknownst to them, their lives are broadcast to the public as a reality television show set in the fictional town of Champon City.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.5 - 31
La Maison en Petits CubesMovie · 2008 · 12m · Animation*La Maison en Petits Cubes* follows a grandfather who builds his house with blocks to keep the rising floodwaters at bay, triggering a cascade of cherished memories.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 32
Franz Kafka's a Country DoctorMovie · 2007 · 21m · Animation, DramaA country doctor urgently recounts being called to a young patient late one night. The situation quickly becomes bizarre when he's transported to the bedside by strange horses. Distracted by his own problems and resentment towards his patients, the doctor misses a critical wound. Humiliated by the villagers' unrealistic expectations of him, he's trapped in a repeating cycle, losing everything with each journey.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 33
Cat SoupMovie · 2001 · 33m · Fantasy, Animation, Science FictionThis darkly humorous story follows Nyatta, a kitten who walks and talks, as he journeys to the afterlife to rescue his sister's soul.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 34
MemoryMovie · 2009 · 7mAfter a nuclear war devastates the planet, soldiers in a futuristic society discover a damaged robot while exploring the ruins.TMDB 6.0 - 35
Glassy OceanMovie · 1998 · 23mIn a world that seems parallel to our own, time moves at a drastically slower rate. Here, the ocean exists as a solid surface, allowing its inhabitants – a collection of unusual people – to walk across it with ease.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 36
Hotori: Simply Wishing for HopeMovie · 2005 · 40mAt the Personality Plant, robots are created and gradually given artificial memories of actual people. Suzu is one of these robots, designed to replace a child a family has lost. He meets Hitori, a young girl who is losing her memories. The two children befriend each other and try to understand who they are as their memories change.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8 - 37
Book GirlMovie · 2010 · 102mKonoha Inoue and Tōko Amano, who calls herself "the Literary Girl," are the only members of their high school literature club. Their lives change when Konoha's forgotten past resurfaces, drawing them into a complex mix of emotions: love, jealousy, revenge, regret, and the possibility of forgiveness.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.1 - 38
sound / phantasma / mirrorMovie · 2004 · 6mKojiro Shishido's short amateur film, a 2005 winner at the 10th annual Student CG Contest, demonstrates a keen eye for subtle shifts in light and shadow found in nature. The film is accompanied by an equally delicate soundtrack composed by Shishido.
