Within the vibrant anime industry, numerous series have earned acclaim for their masterful storytelling and captivating characters, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Hunter x Hunter, and Attack on Titan. However, there exists a contrasting category: anime that, despite being criticized as some of the worst in history, maintain a surprising level of popularity. These poorly animated shows with lackluster narratives serve as a reminder that commercial success does not always correlate with quality.
Intriguingly, audiences are often drawn to these less prestigious titles for various reasons. It could be a quirky element that stands out or a convoluted storyline that, paradoxically, becomes engaging. Consequently, several poorly-received anime continue to attract viewers and are even greenlit for additional seasons on streaming platforms, showcasing their unexpected cultural longevity.
8 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Animated By Asread, White Fox, and Studio Mother; Based on the Light Novel Series by Ryo Shirakome & Takayaki
Arifureta is an isekai adaptation that initially gained traction due to its intriguing characters and rich world-building influenced by Norse mythology. Unfortunately, the anime’s execution falters, evident in its poor pacing that rushes the overarching narrative and omits crucial scenes from the original light novel. The series prioritizes action over character development, leaving viewers disoriented, especially in the early episodes that fail to effectively introduce protagonist Hajime and his motivations.
Compounded by significant production challenges, the adaptation suffers from subpar animation and awkward CGI, while its characters lack memorable arcs and depth. Despite these flaws, Arifureta has garnered a following and has been renewed for a second season, often praised ironically as a quintessential example of “so bad it’s good.”The peculiar revenge angle and engaging lead have attracted a dedicated fanbase, similar to other popular isekai like The Rising of the Shield Hero.
7 Rent-A-Girlfriend
Animated By TMS Entertainment; Based on the Manga by Reiji Miyajima
Rent-A-Girlfriend introduces a unique premise rooted in a contemporary topic prevalent in Japan, capturing viewers’ interest through its appealing character designs and initial comedic elements. However, the series struggles with pacing issues, primarily stemming from the unlikable protagonist Kazuya, who has gained notoriety as one of the least relatable characters in anime. The slow evolution of his relationship with Chizuru, along with sidelined characters, causes viewer frustration, leading many to abandon the series.
Critics have pointed out that the manga source material suffers from similar stagnation, with Kazuya remaining devoid of any significant growth. Nevertheless, the anime retains a fanbase drawn to its charming character designs and the curious decline of Kazuya’s situation. This phenomenon exemplifies the impact of drawn-out storytelling, as Rent-A-Girlfriend demonstrates how an anime can inadvertently sabotage its own success through excessive prolongation.
6 Tokyo Revengers
Animated by Liden Films; Based on the Manga by Ken Wakui
In its inaugural season in 2021, Tokyo Revengers captured immense popularity, even outpacing iconic titles like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. The series boasts a captivating premise involving time travel and gang conflicts in a bid to save the protagonist’s first love. Coupled with a diverse cast of compelling side characters, viewers were initially enthralled. However, many found the anime’s adaptation lacking, plagued by substandard animation and an overall sanitized portrayal of violence.
As the narrative progressed, Tokyo Revengers encountered several challenges, including plot inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters. Despite a waning buzz around its later seasons, the series continues to maintain a robust following, evidenced by its announcement of a fourth season, showcasing fans’ loyalty in the face of criticism.
5 Domestic Girlfriend
Animated By Diomedéa; Based on The Manga by Kei Sasuga
Watching Domestic Girlfriend evokes the experience of a melodramatic soap opera, filled with complicated themes such as forbidden romances and love triangles. While these elements present opportunities for engaging storytelling, unfortunately, the series ultimately falls flat. The characters’ flawed behaviors and their implausible decisions lead many viewers to feel discomfort rather than empathy.
Despite its shortcomings, Domestic Girlfriend endures as a guilty pleasure for fans intrigued by toxic relationships, with its well-received opening theme being one of the few redeeming aspects of the series.
4 The Future Diary
Animated By Asread; Based on the Manga by Sakae Esuno
The Future Diary, or Mirai Nikki, is anchored by a gripping premise involving a deadly game that showcases the psychopathic character Yuno Gasai. While it found success within the battleground genre, protagonist Yukiteru Amano leaves much to be desired, often criticized for being weak-willed and passive throughout the series.
Although the show features moments of high tension and unforeseen twists, the narrative becomes increasingly convoluted, filled with plot holes and lacking in character development. Despite these flaws, the engaging and dark elements continue to attract viewers seeking animated thrillers.
3 In Another World with My Smartphone
Animated By Production Reed & J.C. Staff; Based on the Light Novel Series by Patora Fuyuhara & Eiji Usatsuka
In Another World with My Smartphone is a standard harem isekai that begins with an interesting premise but fails to deliver engaging content. After being killed by God, protagonist Touya requests his smartphone, which propels the narrative into a realm of convenience and convenience-based solutions that strip the conflict of its tension.
The series, although sufficiently popular enough to merit a second season, suffers from repetitive plot structures that reduce Touya to an invincible character whose journey lacks significance. The focus shifts heavily to the harem elements, thereby losing potential for richer storytelling.
2 School Days
Animated by TNK; Based on the Visual Novel by 0verflow
School Days masquerades as a typical romantic comedy during its early episodes, where protagonist Makoto’s deceptions and romantic escapades develop with little substance. However, the series culminates in an unexpected and grim conclusion that has etched its legacy into the anime industry.
This notorious finale garnered significant attention, creating a bizarre phenomenon where the anime’s infamy rose far beyond its quality, fueled by shock value that remains a meme within anime circles. Its lasting impact highlights the curious nature of viewer engagement, often driven by unexpected twists.
1 The Seven Deadly Sins
Animated By A-1 Pictures; Based on the Manga by Nakaba Suzuki
While The Seven Deadly Sins starts as a captivating fantasy adventure, unveiling the complexities behind the titular sins, its trajectory falters as the narrative progresses. Initially praised for its robust adaptation of the source material, strong character introduction, and engaging soundtrack, the quality subsequently experienced sharp declines, particularly following the shift to Studio Deen.
Viewers noticed a drop in animation quality, characterized by lackluster action scenes, excessive reliance on static frames, and controversial censorship of violence. The series also faced criticism for its overuse of fanservice and weak writing in its finale. Despite these issues, The Seven Deadly Sins retains its place among popular franchises, recently expanding with a sequel emphasizing the next generation of characters.