Streaming services have made anime more accessible than ever, with Netflix, Crunchyroll, and even Hulu offering massive libraries of content, but Amazon Prime Video has an underrated collection that every anime fan needs to check out. While other platforms house some of the most popular and mainstream series, there are hidden gems on Amazon Prime that often go unnoticed. Fans who are looking for something fresh and unique, Amazon Prime is the perfect place to go.

While Amazon's available anime might not dominate the trending charts, they each offer something special, whether it is a nostalgic throwback, a deeply emotional narrative, or an unforgettable fantasy adventure. Fans who are craving something new, look no further than Amazon Prime Video's anime collection.

10 Ghost Stories

Supernatural Comedy by Pierrot; Loosely Based on the Novel by Toru Tsunemitsu

Ghost Stories - Poster

Your Rating

Ghost Stories
Release Date
2000 - 2001
Network
Fuji TV
Directors
Johei Matsuura
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Tomoko Kawakami
    Satsuki Miyanoshita
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kotono Mitsuishi
    Kayako Miyanoshita

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
BUY

A group of students confronts supernatural disturbances at their school caused by spirits awakened by nearby construction. Led by Satsuki, they team up with friends and a possessed cat to battle these ghostly foes, blending humor and horror in their quest to restore peace.

Writers
Akatsuki Yamatoya, Ryota Yamaguchi, Masashi Sogo
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1

At first glance, Ghost Stories appears to be just another supernatural anime about kids battling spirits. However, the English dub completely transforms it into one of the most hilarious and unexpected anime experiences ever. Due to lackluster reception in Japan, the English localization team was given free rein to rewrite the dialogue, resulting in a parody filled with absurd humor and satirical jokes.

Related
Anime's Funniest Dub, Ghost Stories, Has Aged Horribly, but I Still Love It

Ghost Stories was turned into a joke by its silly English dub, and while some lines have aged poorly, the show is still entertaining.

This version of Ghost Stories is a must-watch for anime fans who enjoy unpredictable comedy. The voice actors inject so much personality into their performances that it feels more like a raunchy improv session than a traditional dub. For fans who love anime that do not take themselves too seriously, this is the perfect hilarious hidden gem.

9 Penguin Highway

Fantasy Adventure Film by Studio Colorido; Based on the Novel by Tomihiko Morimi

Penguin Highway promotional art featuring protagonists Lady and Aoyama riding a way of floating penguins

For those who appreciate whimsical storytelling with a sense of mystery, Penguin Highway is an absolute delight. This coming-of-age film follows a young boy, Aoyama, who investigates a bizarre phenomenon involving penguins appearing in his town. The story balances childlike curiosity with deep philosophical themes about growing up and understanding the unknown.

The animation is stunning, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s surreal story. As Aoyama unravels the mystery behind the penguins and their connection to a mysterious woman, the movie delivers both heartwarming and thought-provoking moments. It is a perfect choice for those who love animated films that explore profound themes in an imaginative way.

8 Dororo

Dark Fantasy Anime by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions; Based on the Manga by Osamu Tezuka

Your Rating

Dororo
Release Date
2019 - 2019
Directors
Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Writers
Yasuko Kobayashi
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Adam Gibbs
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Chaney Moore

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Franchise(s)
Dororo
Creator(s)
Osamu Tezuka

A dark and gripping tale set in feudal Japan, Dororo tells the story of Hyakkimaru, a boy born without limbs, eyes, or skin due to a demonic curse. As he grows, he embarks on a journey to reclaim his stolen body parts by slaying the demons responsible. Alongside him is Dororo, a spirited orphan who serves as his companion​​​​​​.

This anime beautifully blends action, tragedy, and emotional depth, making it a standout among historical fantasy series. The themes of identity, revenge, and morality are explored through powerful storytelling and breathtaking animation. For fans who enjoy samurai epics with a supernatural twist, Dororo is a must-watch.

7 Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

Fantasy Drama Film by P.A. Works; Directed by Mari Okada

Maquia

Your Rating

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms​
Release Date
July 20, 2018
Runtime
115 Minutes
Director
Mari Okada
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Manaka Iwami
    Maquia
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Miyu Irino
    Ariel
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Yuuki Sakurai
    Ariel as a Child
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ai Kayano
    Leilia

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
RENT
BUY

Writers
Mari Okada

Few anime films capture the depth of human emotions like Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. Directed by Mari Okada, this heart-wrenching story follows Maquia, an immortal girl who raises a human child despite knowing she will eventually outlive him. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the age of time in a deeply moving way.

The animation is breathtaking, with ethereal landscapes and detailed character expressions that enhance the film’s emotional weight. Whether fans are looking for a film that will make htem cry or one that beautifully captures the essence of motherhood, Maquia is a masterpiece that should not be missed.

6 Hunter x Hunter

Shonen Adventure Anime by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi

For those who love adventure anime with incredible world-building and character development, Hunter x Hunter is an essential watch. The series follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out to become a Hunter and find his father. Along the way, he encounters dangerous foes, unexpected allies, and thrilling challenges that test his strength and resolve.

Related
Hunter x Hunter Hides Shonen's Most Unhinged Hero And I Can Prove It

Gon is well known for being hard-headed, loyal to his friends, and always trying his hardest, but he's also completely unhinged.

Unlike many shonen anime, Hunter x Hunter subverts expectations with unpredictable storytelling and complex character arcs. The battles are intense, often relying on strategy rather than brute force.​​​​​​​ For both newcomers and long-time fans of anime, Hunter x Hunter offers an unforgettable journey that only gets better with each episode.

5 Magic Knight Rayearth

Isekai Fantasy Anime by Tokyo Movie Shinsha; Based on the Manga by CLAMP

Magic Knight Rayearth

Your Rating

Magic Knight Rayearth
TV-PG
Fantasy
Adventure
Mecha
Magical Girl
Shoujo
Release Date
1994 - 1995
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Yuri Shiratori
    Primera
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Megumi Ogata
    Mokona
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Jûrôta Kosugi
    Eagle Vision
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Satomi Kôrogi
    Emeraude

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Magic Knight Rayearth is the perfect pick for fans who are nostalgic for the classic 90s era of anime​​​​​​​. This series blends the magical girl genre with isekai elements, following three girls transported to a mystical world where they must become legendary warriors to save the realm.​​​​​​​

What sets Magic Knight Rayearth apart is its mix of fantasy adventure, heartfelt friendships, and mecha battles. The character development is strong, and the story gradually shifts from a lighthearted quest to a deeper, more emotional tale. Fans of Sailor Moon or Cardcaptor Sakura will find this series incredibly charming and worth revisiting.

4 In This Corner of the World

Historical Drama Film by MAPPA; Based on the Manga by Fumiyo Kouno

Your Rating

In This Corner of the World
PG-13
Anime
Drama
Family
Release Date
November 12, 2016
Runtime
129 Minutes
Director
Sunao Katabuchi
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Non
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ava Pickard
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kenna Pickard
  • Headshot Of Karen Strassman
    Karen Strassman

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
RENT
BUY

Writers
Sunao Katabuchi, Fumiyo Kono, Chie Uratani

A beautifully crafted historical drama, In This Corner of the World offers a realistic look at life in Japan during World War II. The story follows Suzu, a young woman who moves to Hiroshima and faces the hardships of war while trying to maintain hope and normalcy.​​​​​​​

Unlike other war-focused anime, this film takes a quiet, personal approach, focusing on daily life and human resilience rather than large-scale battles. The hand-drawn animation and watercolor-like aesthetic make the film visually stunning, while the emotional depth ensures it lingers in viewers' minds long after the credits roll.

3 Honey and Clover

Slice-of-Life Romance Anime by J.C. Staff; Based on the Manga by Chica Umino

Honey and Clover (2005)

Your Rating

Honey and Clover
Release Date
2005 - 2006-00-00
Directors
Ken'ichi Kasai
Writers
Yôsuke Kuroda
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Yuri Lowenthal
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Sam Riegel
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Cam Clarke
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Julie Ann Taylor

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Franchise(s)
Honey and Clover
Creator(s)
Chica Umino

A slice-of-life romance that perfectly captures the ups and downs of young adulthood, Honey and Clover follows a group of college art students as they navigate love, dreams, and personal growth. The series is both heartfelt and bittersweet, portraying the struggles of transitioning into adulthood with authenticity.

What makes Honey and Clover stand out is its deep emotional storytelling and well-developed characters. It explores themes of unrequited love, ambition, and self-discovery in a way that feels incredibly real. For fans who enjoy introspective anime that focuses on personal relationships, this series is a must-watch.

2 InuYasha

Fantasy Adventure Anime by Sunrise; Based on the Manga by Rumiko Takahashi

0358654_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

Inuyasha
Release Date
2000 - 2004-00-00
Network
ANIMAX, Nippon TV, YTV
Directors
Masashi Ikeda, Yasunao Aoki, Akira Toba, Hirofumi Ogura, Takashi Ikehata, Kunihiro Mori, Noriaki Saito, Naoki Hishikawa, Teruo Satou
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ai Kobayashi
    Akago (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kappei Yamaguchi
    InuYasha (voice)

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Writers
Katsuhiko Chiba, Akatsuki Yamatoya
Creator(s)
Rumiko Takahashi

A staple of early 2000s anime, InuYasha is an isekai fantasy adventure that still holds up today. The story follows Kagome, a modern-day girl who falls into a well and finds herself in feudal Japan, where she meets the half-demon InuYasha. Together, they embark on a journey to collect the shards of the Shikon Jewel and battle powerful enemies.​​​​​​​

With its mix of action, romance, and supernatural elements, InuYasha remains one of the most beloved anime series. The dynamic between Kagome and InuYasha, alongside a colorful cast of ing characters, makes for an engaging and memorable experience. For anime lovers who have never watched this classic, now is the perfect time to dive in.

1 Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku

Romantic Comedy Anime by A-1 Pictures; Based on the Manga by Fujita

Wotakoi Love Is Hard for an Otaku (2018)

Your Rating

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for an Otaku
Release Date
2018 - 2021-00-00
Directors
Yoshimasa Hiraike
Writers
Fujita
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Arisa Date
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kento Ito

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Franchise(s)
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku
Creator(s)
Fujita

For anime fans who love romantic comedies with a nerdy twist, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is an absolute treat. The series follows two office workers who are both secret otaku, one a hardcore gamer, the other obsessed with BL (boys’ love) manga. Their relationship is refreshingly mature, focusing on the challenges of dating as adults who share niche interests.

Related
Wotakoi Is One of Anime's Best Romances, And Its Spiritual Successor Is Finally Here

I Have a Crush at Work is a mature romance that focuses on two adults and their workplace romance, just like Wotakoi!

1

What sets Wotakoi apart is its humor and reliability. It portrays the awkward yet endearing aspects of nerdy romance in a way that feels natural and charming. For fans who are looking for a lighthearted yet thoughtful rom-com, this anime is a fantastic choice.