2023 is a promising year for anime fans all over the world, with blockbusters coming one after another this spring and summer. This spring, we are already blessed with an overwhelming amount of highly anticipated anime coming our way, such as Demon Slayers: Swordsmiths Village Arc, Hell’s Paradise, Oshi no Ko, Mashle: Magic and Muscles, Dr. Stone: New World, and Vinland Saga: Season 2. With more animated sensations like Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Bungou Stray Dogs 5 and Jobless Incarnation Season 2 coming this summer, we are guaranteed to be busy in the next couple of months.
However, there are still so many good anime from this spring that has been flying under the radar because of the more popular ones. While these animated series are not as flamboyant and well-marketed as the blockbusters we mentioned above, some of them are as equally impressive in terms of animation and storytelling. Let’s take a look at these 11 most underrated anime of spring 2023 that you definitely should take a look at, and who knows, you might find a new favorite series to binge in the next week.
#1. The Dangers In My Heart
Source: Shin-Ei Animation
Easily one of the most adorable and wholesome anime of the season, The Dangers in My Heart follows the romantic adventure between Kyotaro Ichikawa, a socially awkward student with a weird interest in murder, and Anna Yamada, the class beauty who’s also a teenage model and actress.
At first, this seems like the normal unpopular boy-famous hottie typical troupe in most romance anime, however, seeing how the two’s wholesome relationship develops naturally over time, and Ichikawa’s unreal character development from a lonesome weirdo into a caring and endearing man is truly a sight to behold. The two are loved by many anime fans, and at some points, even claim the top spot as the couple of the season.
#2. Insomniacs After School
Source: LIDENFILMS
Adapting from the most recent work of famous romance manga artist Makoto Ojiro, the anime tells the story of two high school students Ganta Nakami and Isaki Magari who are unable to sleep at night due to various reasons, on their way to find and protect their new napping sanctuary in the day, and going on trips at night.
Like The Dangers In My Heart, the events of Insomniacs After School are wholesome and adorable, with the relationship between Ganta and Isaki keeps growing stronger and stronger each day. The anime also shows us the stunning visual of Japanese scenery at night during their adventures, while tackling some more serious problems like PTSD and mental problems.
#3. Skip and Loafer
Source: P.A Works
At first, Skip and Loafer might look like your typical shoujo anime, but the more we watch it, the more we’re invested in Mitsumi Iwakura’s intriguing story with her new friends in the city. Her best friend and also love interest, Sosuke Shima, is a great guy who has quite an interesting personality, and seeing the two’s goofy yet endearing interactions together are too much for my heart to bear.
The anime doesn’t solely focus on the romance aspect though, as it also discovers about friendship and the struggle Mitsumi has to face as she moves into a whole different environment from her hometown.
#4. Heavenly Delusion
Source: Production I.G
Enough with romance anime for now, as we’re moving to a post-apocalyptic setting of Heavenly Delusion. The world is filled to the brim with monsters, and the two protagonists, Maru and Kiruko, must embark on their journey to find the mythical Heaven. The anime is widely praised for the intriguing mystery and action scenes in each episode, while also addressing the complex gender issues of Kiruko and some others.
#5. KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!
Source: Drive Studio
KonoSuba series, and while waiting for the official sequel, we can feast our eyes with this little spin-off adventure about one of the series’ fan-favorite, Megumin. The anime tells the story of the explosion magic fanatic before meeting Kazuma’s gang, as she enrolls in the prestigious Red Prison Academy to learn more about her clan’s secrets and history.
The spin-off also features another well-loved character in the original series, the shy and awkward Yunyun, and don’t worry, Kazuma and his team will also make a brief return to have some fun!
#6. My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
Source: Madhouse
Having two gamers fall in love with each other in anime isn’t a new concept by any means, but it doesn’t stop us from enjoying My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999. Akane, a gamer girl who just got dumped recently by his ex, gets to meet Akito Yamada in the online game Forest of Savior, only to learn he’s an absolute hottie in real life, who’s also very blunt and socially awkward. Seeing the two unlikely souls getting closer thanks to an online game is a sight to behold, and we’re excited to see how their romantic affair will turn out.
#7. My Clueless First Friend
Source: Stduio Signpost
Another Akane on the list, but this one is in elementary school, and is often bullied and shunned by her friends, who refer to her as “Grim Reaper” due to her quiet personality and how she looks. Taiyo Takada, however, doesn’t think the same way, as he thinks Grim Reaper is such a cool nickname that he wants to befriend one right away.
The anime is full of unexpected wholesome moments between the two children, and while there are hints of romance here and there, it still remains to be a lighthearted and pure story that everyone can enjoy.
#8. I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too
Source: Millepensee
One of the few isekai anime to enjoy this season, I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World forges a new path as it gives the protagonist, Yuya, the liberty to travel between two worlds at will. From being an overweight and awkward geek at school, Yuya learns the immense power in the other world, and levels up, while also changing his appearance in the process to be a more attractive man. With his new abilities and look, the protagonist tries to make new friends in both worlds, while honing his skills to become even stronger than ever.
#9. Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
Source: Studio Pine Jam
The troupe that the anime follows is nothing new: a main protagonist who is so unremarkable, he stays almost invisible to everyone’s eyes, except for one. Kubo, a popular girl in Junta’s class, somehow feels attracted to him, and is the only one who greets him every day without fail.
The anime is full of wholesome and cute moments that make our hearts go wild, and while the plot is quite simple and predictable, it has that healing factor, that makes all of us want to return and watch our weekly dose of Kubo and Junta.
#10. A Galaxy Next Door
Source: Asahi Productions
It feels like everything comes for Ichiro Kuga at once: His father’s death makes him the only one who can take care of his two younger siblings, and as he’s struggling with his manga artist career, a new mysterious assistant who goes by the name of Shiori Goshiki jumps in to help him with work. It turns out, Shiori is a princess from another world, and after Ichiro touches her tail, she immediately declares them engaged!
#11. The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2
Source: Studio Kafka
Continuing the events in the first part, after defeating Cartaphilius, Chise is now invited to enroll in the prestigious College, where all the young mages go, to study further about magic while also looking for away to remove her curses. However, the heroine even manages to unveil a sinister plot in the school, and with her groom Elias, she is more than determined to put a stop to this evil plan.
The second season also shows us a wonderful magic display just like the first, with beautiful scenery of the Victorian settings. A lot of fan-favorite characters in the first part also make their return along with Chise and Elias, and we can see how the two’s bizarre relationship will play out, now as teachers and student of the academy.
Which do you think is the most underrated anime of Spring 2023 so far? Let us know in the comment.