Despite anime's worldwide popularity, there is still a disparity in the level of popularity of certain anime between Japan and the West, particularly in America. The unpopularity of some anime in America can be attributed to factors such as the length of time it took for them to be officially licensed, as well as their age, as seen in classics like Doraemon. Additionally, unfavorable timeslots and a lack of appeal to American preferences contribute to the lower popularity of certain anime in America.
Anime has experienced a significant surge in popularity in America in recent years. The availability of streaming platforms has made it easier than ever to access both new and old anime shows. As a result, many anime series that gain traction in Japan also become big hits in America and other parts of the world.
However, not every successful anime in Japan finds the same level of success in America. Various factors, such as a lack of official translations or a storyline that doesn't appeal to international audiences, can cause an anime to fail to replicate its success outside of Japan. At best, these anime series are regarded as cult hits in America, despite their high quality.
Despite the ease of watching anime, many shows still go unnoticed in America. This article highlights 10 underrated anime series streaming on Crunchyroll that deserve more attention.
One such underrated anime is Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai. Despite its impressive animation and adaptation of a classic manga, it failed to become a big hit in America, possibly due to its late airtime.
Another anime that is more popular in Japan than in America is JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind. While it is globally recognized as one of the best installments of the franchise, it remains divisive among American fans.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal is another anime that saw more success in Japan. Its attempt to capture a younger audience with simplified writing didn't resonate with American viewers, tarnishing its reputation in the West.
Sword Art Online, despite its initial popularity, faces criticism in America for its overpowered protagonist and controversial themes, leading to a difference in its level of popularity compared to Japan.
Gintama, a long-running manga and anime series, has only achieved cult status in America, mainly due to the absurdist and reference-based nature of its comedy.
Tokyo Revengers, although being a successful manga, has faced a decline in popularity as an anime in America, partly due to availability issues and controversial story decisions.
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha suffered from being released at a time when magical girl anime were perceived as solely for girls, resulting in poor reception in America despite its success in Japan.
Kinnikuman, an influential manga franchise, never gained a significant following outside of Japan due to its age and the lack of an official English translation.
Similarly, Saint Seiya, a popular shonen anime, missed out on America's anime boom due to a delayed licensing process, leading to its cult classic status in the country.
Lastly, Doraemon, a long-standing and iconic anime franchise in Japan, has remained virtually unknown in America due to a lack of official licensing until the 2000s.
These underrated anime series serve as examples of the difference in popularity between Japan and America, emphasizing the diverse appeal and preferences within the anime community worldwide.