9 Best Anime Recommendations Rarely Highlighted in the Action Genre, Featuring Masterpiece Stories - Next Level Animation Visuals

Kapanlagi.com - In the vast ocean of countless Japanese animation works, some hidden gems often go unnoticed by the mainstream. Like the best anime rarely highlighted in the action genre below, which offers rich narratives, stunning visuals, and original concepts that are too good to miss.

In this article, Kapanlagi presents the best anime that are rarely highlighted but possess outstanding story quality, animation, and execution. From psychological thrillers to fantasy adventure anime, each of these works offers an unforgettable viewing experience and deserves wider recognition.

So, what are these anime? Here is a list of the best anime rarely highlighted in the action genre, with masterpiece stories and next-level visuals. Let's check it out, KLovers!

1. ID: INVADED (2020)

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Detective Sakaido investigates a serial murder by entering the "mizuhanome", a world within the killer's mind. Each case reveals pieces of a puzzle connected to his personal life, making it one of the best anime rarely highlighted in the action genre with shocking twists.

In the hunt for the actual perpetrator, the line between reality and illusion becomes increasingly blurred. Sakaido must confront his own past trauma while preventing the next murder in a psychological battle that tests his sanity.

Available on: Funimation, Hulu, AnimeLab, Crunchyroll

2. THE CASE STUDY OF VANITAS (2021)

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In 19th century Paris filled with vampires and steampunk, Noe meets Vanitas, a human with the legendary Book of Vanitas that can heal "cursed" vampires. Battles and mysteries continue to emerge in this best anime rarely highlighted in the action genre.

The complex relationship between Noe and Vanitas develops as they uncover a conspiracy threatening the existence of both vampires and humans. Behind the stunning action, this anime explores themes of self-acceptance, trauma, and the desire to be saved.

Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, iQIYI

3. TALES OF ZESTIRIA THE X (2016)

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Sorey, a young man well-versed in ancient history, leaves his village to become the Shepherd, a legendary hero who cleanses spiritual darkness. His journey against the Lord of Calamity is filled with spectacular battles in this often-overlooked top anime of the action genre.

Accompanied by Seraph, an invisible spiritual being to ordinary humans, Sorey faces complex moral and political corruption. With stunning animation from studio ufotable, each episode presents mesmerizing visuals and a deep exploration of idealism and sacrifice.

Available on: Funimation, Hulu, Netflix

4. SHINSEKAI YORI (FROM THE NEW WORLD) (2012)

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In a telekinetic society 1000 years after the collapse of our civilization, Saki and her friends uncover a horrifying truth about human history. Sharply exploring morals and ethics, this often-overlooked top anime of the action genre offers profound social critique.

Mysteries continue to unfold as they discover the strict control system of their society and its connection to the "rat monster" species. Psychic and political battles create constant tension in a narrative that boldly explores the dark sides of power and evolution.

Available on: Crunchyroll, Hi-Dive, Amazon Prime, Apple TV

5. HOUSEKI NO KUNI (LAND OF THE LUSTROUS) (2017)

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Phosphophyllite, the weakest gem in the community of eternal gem creatures, struggles to find purpose in life while fending off attacks from the Lunarians who hunt them. This best anime, rarely highlighted in the action genre, features stunning CGI with deep philosophical themes.

Over time, Phos undergoes a dramatic physical and mental transformation, losing parts of its body and replacing them with other minerals. Its journey of identity explores change, loss, and the desire to be valued in a constantly shifting world.

Available on: Amazon Prime, HIDIVE, VRV

6. VIVY: FLUORITE EYE'S SONG (2021)

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Vivy, the first AI idol, is given a mission by an AI from the future to prevent a great human-AI war 100 years later. Changing a pivotal point in AI history, she fights in this best anime, rarely highlighted in the action genre, with stunning fight choreography.

A century-long time-travel journey brings Vivy face to face with moral dilemmas about her identity and purpose in life as an AI. While saving humanity, she discovers the true meaning of singing wholeheartedly in a sci-fi tale with profound emotional dimensions.

Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix

7. DOROHEDORO (2020)

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In a dystopian world divided between the Toxic Hole and the strange Magic World, Caiman searches for the witch who cursed him with a lizard head. This hunt is filled with surreal violence in one of the best anime that rarely highlights the action genre with a unique aesthetic.

Together with Nikaido, a friend and the owner of a gyoza shop, Caiman battles a gang of witches led by En. A network of characters with conflicting motivations creates a complex narrative that balances horror, dark humor, and unexpected moments of humanity.

Available on: Netflix

8. DECA-DENCE (2020)

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Natsume, an enthusiastic orphan girl, joins the defense of the last giant fortress of humanity against the Gadoll monsters. Working with the mysterious Kaburagi, they uncover shocking secrets in this often-overlooked best anime of the action genre.

A major twist at the beginning of the series changes the entire perspective of the world built, presenting a sharp critique of capitalism and social control. Large-scale battles with unique mechanics and evolving characters create an unexpected and satisfying narrative.

Available on: Funimation, Hulu

9. AKUDAMA DRIVE (2020)

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In a post-war cyberpunk Kansai controlled by an authoritarian system, an ordinary woman gets caught up as a "Swindler" among S-class criminals. They undertake dangerous missions in this often-overlooked best anime of the action genre with stunning neon visuals.

Each "Akudama" has special abilities: Cutthroat, Doctor, Hacker, Brawler, and Courier, each with their own motives behind the mission to rescue prisoners from the Shinkansen. Social critiques about justice and freedom emerge amidst brutal action and shocking plot twists.

Available on: Funimation, Hulu

That’s the list of the best often-overlooked action genre anime that you can watch. There are still many more anime recommendations that you can discover by reading articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?

(kpl/dhm)