30 Most Overrated Animes You Shouldn’t Believe the Hype

Anime has become a mainstream entertainment medium, and with its growing popularity, the number of shows produced yearly has significantly increased. While some of these shows have lived up to the hype, many others have failed to deliver.

It’s not uncommon for a show to be overhyped, leading to high expectations and disappointing fans in the end. If you’re a fan of anime, you’ve probably experienced this at some point.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 30 overrated animes you shouldn’t believe the hype about. These shows may have generated a lot of buzz or received critical acclaim but ultimately failed to live up to their expectations.

In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why these animes fell short and why you should avoid them. So, if you want to save time and sanity, read on to discover the animes you should skip.

Most Overrated Animes

There are a lot of animes out there that are overrated by many. These anime are often praised for their art, story, or characters, but in the end, they’re not all that great. In this list, we’ll rank the top most overrated anime of all time with their short description.

1. Dragon Ball GT (1996)

Overrated Anime

Dragon Ball GT is often considered one of the most overrated anime series ever. While it may have had some good moments, it is considered mediocre. 

The plot of Dragon Ball GT is weak and dull. There is little action and excitement, and the story seems copied from other anime series. The characters in Dragon Ball GT are bland and uninteresting. They lack personality and charisma, which makes them hard to relate to.

The animation in Dragon Ball GT is poor and dated, making the series feel old and outdated. It also looks very similar to other anime series from the 1990s. The music in Dragon Ball GT is terrible and hard to listen to. It often sounds corny and cheesy, which seriously detracts from the series’ quality.

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2. Beyblade (2001)

Overrated Anime

Beyblade (2001) is one of the most overrated anime ever. The anime is about two young boys getting a metal Beyblade toy and competing against each other in battles using the Beyblades.

However, many people believe that anime is very poor and does not deserve to be ranked as one of the most overrated. Some people argue that the characters are uninteresting and that the show lacks enough action.

Others claim that the plot is too predictable and that it does not make sense why some characters are chosen to fight in battles while others are not.

In addition, some people claim that the animation is outdated and doesn’t look good. Many people believe that Beyblade (2001) is a terrible anime series that should not be ranked as one of the most overrated anime ever.

3. Final Fantasy: Unlimited (2001)

Overrated Anime

Final Fantasy: Unlimited is a 2001 Japanese anime television series directed by Noboru Sugimori and produced by Square Pictures. It is the direct sequel to the 1995 anime film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and adapts the story of its predecessor’s final chapter, which was never released in Japan.

The plot centers on SeeDs, a group of young people who are summoners of the magician summoner Cloud Strife. The show’s original soundtrack was composed and performed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, including two tracks dedicated to the video game spin-off Dirge of Cerberus.

The series has been acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its stunning visual effects, detailed worldbuilding, emotional depth, and action sequences. However, it has been criticized for its weak plotline and excessive use of stock characters.

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4. Hamtaro (2000)

Overrated Anime

Regarding cartoons, it would be nearly impossible to count the profits. With various adaptations, the anime became a hit among kids worldwide and spawned multiple cartoons dubbed into many languages.

The story is about a ten-year-old girl with a pet hamster who often tries to make friends and have adventures on his own.

5. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000)

Overrated Anime

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters has existed for over 20 years, yet it is still considered one of the most overrated anime. This iconic show is often cited as a prime example of why mainstream audiences do not take anime seriously.

Despite its popularity, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters has never really held up to scrutiny. It’s typically praised for its art style and storytelling, but these qualities are not unique to the show. Many other popular anime from this era share these same qualities.

Furthermore, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters suffers from typical anime tropes like recycled characters and unoriginal plots. While these elements may be entertaining for certain viewers, they do not make up for the lack of substance found in the show.

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6. Bobobo-Bo Bo-Bobo (2003)

Overrated Anime

Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo is one of the most overrated anime of all time. It’s not even that good. The characters are Porter and Bobobo, two idiots who do nothing but bicker and argue with each other. The plot is also convoluted and ridiculous.

Ultimately, everything comes together so vaguely that it’s hard to tell what happened. There’s also absolutely no creativity or innovation in this show whatsoever. It’s just a rehash of old ideas with a new setting and some colorful characters slapped on top. If you want an overrated anime, try Parasyte instead.

7. Pokémon (1997)

Overrated Anime

Pokémon is an anime made of fantasy, comedy, and adventure on our planet. The plot is about a young boy named Ash Ketchum, a trainer of Pokemon creatures. He was joined by other humans, including Goh, and became one of the three greatest trainers in history. His primary mission was to become a master of Pokemon.

To accomplish his goal, he had to go through different regions of the world, where he competed in many battles known as the Pokemon Leagues. Although repetitions were demerited in it, the fictional storyline was quite liked by those who watched it for the first time or for multiple times.

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8. X (2001)

Overrated Anime

“X or XTV” is a Japanese anime series of the same name. It tells the story of Kamui, an esper who can determine humanity’s fate. When a dark shadow emerges from Tokyo, Kamui returns and faces two organizations demanding his power.

This series has multiple themes, but one of them is action, supernatural thrillers, and dark fantasy. “X or XTV” was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and released on October 3, 2001. As the story unfolds, Kamui tries to ensure mankind’s protection by sacrificing himself so that nothing will happen to them.

For being such an epic series with lots of complicated characters and awful theme songs, people sometimes overhype “X or XTV.” The viewer connects more than they should while enjoying the design.

9. Pilot Candidate (2002)

Overrated Anime

With a title like Pilot Candidate and a high rating of 8.3, it’s no surprise that this 2000 series has been overrated. The story is about planet Zion and its last hope to survive battles against the antagonist, who aims to obliterate the human race.

However, Pilot Candidate disappoints in plot development and characterization, but not everything suffers from these shortfalls. It may start with an intriguing premise, but unique character designs that feel off-kilter in every sense make the anime so memorable.

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10. Duel Masters (2002)

Overrated Anime

Duel Masters is an anime that, despite having a cult following, is largely considered overrated by mainstream audiences. The show follows two competitors who fight each other using medieval-style battle cards to determine the winner.

While the show has its supporters, it’s generally seen as inferior to other anime classics like Naruto and Bleach. Despite this, Duel Masters has fans, many of whom believe it’s one of the best anime shows.

However, due to its relative obscurity, finding dedicated outside fans cannot be easy. In addition, some viewers find the show’s dated animation and formulaic storytelling frustrating.

11. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)

Overrated Anime

Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly was released on July 9, 1994, as an anime adaptation of the comic name Dragon Ball written by Akira. The protagonist, Mr. Satan, fights with his old rival on an island and gets the company of Android 18 to ensure he gets paid.

Then Satan reaches a small town and discovers that his rival doesn’t want to fight, creating a force of bio warriors who go against him. Critics and fans suggest that Dragon Ball Z is one of the least loved in the Dragon Ball franchise because of its senseless plot and unwanted action scenes that come back repeatedly in the story.

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12. Sonic X (2003)

Overrated Anime

Sonic X (2003) is often considered one of the most overrated animes ever. Despite its popularity and large fan base, the show has received criticism for its weak storytelling, inconsistent character development, and lack of originality.

The show revolves around Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends traveling between their world and the human world, facing off against various villains.

While the premise may sound promising, many viewers have found the execution lacking, with poor pacing and repetitive storylines.

Additionally, the show has been criticized for its reliance on fan service and marketing tie-ins rather than focusing on creating a compelling and original story.

Overall, while Sonic X may have its fans and nostalgic appeal, it falls short of delivering a truly memorable and well-executed anime experience.

13. Qwaser Of Stigmata (2010)

Overrated Anime

Qwaser Of Stigmata (2010) is one of the most overrated anime that has garnered a considerable following despite its many flaws. The anime is infamous for its excessive and gratuitous fanservice, often distracting from the plot and character development.

The anime follows a story about a group of people who possess the ability to control an element known as “soma” and their fight against an evil organization.

However, the plot is poorly developed, and the characters lack depth, making it difficult for viewers to connect with them. The excessive focus on fanservice further detracts from the anime’s overall quality.

Despite its flaws, Qwaser Of Stigmata (2010) has gained a significant following due to its unique premise and fan service.

However, its lack of substance and poor execution make it one of the most overrated anime in recent years, and it’s not recommended for viewers looking for quality storytelling and well-developed characters.

14. Tekken: The Motion Picture (1998)

Overrated Anime

Tekken: The Motion Picture (1998) is one of the most overrated anime adaptations ever. Despite being based on the popular Tekken video game franchise, the anime fails to capture the essence of the game and leaves fans disappointed.

The plot of Tekken: The Motion Picture is convoluted and confusing, with numerous characters and subplots that are poorly developed. The animation quality is also subpar, with stiff and awkward character movements that detract from the viewing experience.

Overall, Tekken: The Motion Picture is a disappointing anime adaptation that fails to live up to the expectations of fans of the Tekken franchise.

Its convoluted plot, poor character development, and subpar animation quality make it one of the most overrated anime ever. Fans of the franchise are better off sticking to the original video games instead.

15. Reign: The Conqueror (1999)

Overrated Anime

Reign: The Conqueror (1999) is often regarded as one of the most overrated anime series ever. Despite its flashy animation and impressive voice cast, the series falls short in many areas and fails to deliver a compelling story or memorable characters.

One of the biggest issues with Reign: The Conqueror is its convoluted plot, which is often difficult to follow and lacks clear direction. The series also suffers from inconsistent pacing, with long stretches of exposition followed by rushed action sequences. This makes it difficult for viewers to become invested in the story or care about the fate of the characters.

Additionally, the character development in Reign: The Conqueror is lacking, with many main characters feeling underdeveloped and one-dimensional.

The series also relies heavily on shock value and gratuitous violence, which can be off-putting for some viewers. Reign: The Conqueror fails to live up to the hype and is a prime example of an overrated anime series.

16. Kämpfer (2009)

The story of ‘Natsuru Senō’ is amazing; because of this, it received much-deserved acclaim. The theme of romance and action, based on a manga by Yasuhiro Kuroda, made it a compelling story.

Natsuru develops feelings for a girl named Sakura, who then gets tangled up in the fact that he’s actually a guy – especially when he must fight alongside the rest of his team to protect Sakura from other Kämpers.

His transformation from male to female and back again left him with complicated emotions, especially when Kämper has stereotypes going against both males and females as red and blue, respectively. The final exception is that another Kämper works for peace between these two groups – white.

17. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)

Overrated Anime

Lord Slug, known in Japan as Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug, is an anime television series produced by Toei Animation and directed by Tadayoshi Yamamuro. The series follows the adventures of Goku, a young boy who embarks on a journey to defeat the powerful alien tyrant Lord Slug.

Despite being released in 1991, Lord Slug has since gained a large cult following due to its innovative animation and action-packed episodes. However, many mainstream critics have labeled the show overrated, citing its repetitive plot, poor soundtrack, and significant flaws.

Despite this, Lord Slug remains one of the most popular anime titles, with legions of fans worldwide. In particular, its intense battles and memorable characters have won it many loyal followers.

Nevertheless, several other anime titles are far better suited for those looking for an exciting adventure tale. So if you’re considering settling down with a box set of Lord Slug DVDs, be warned: you may be disappointed.

18. Cyborg 009: Call Of Justice III (2016)

Overrated Anime

In 2016, the cyberpunk anime, Cyborg 009: Call of Justice III aired on Japanese television. The series is about a group of humans and cyborgs who fight against evil forces. Unfortunately, the series has been widely considered one of the most overrated anime ever.

Despite a stellar cast and some great action scenes, many people say the writing is poor, and the plot is unoriginal. Some claim that the animation is subpar, making it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, some say that the characters are poorly developed, and their motivations are unclear.

Despite its merits, many people believe Cyborg 009: Call of Justice III is overrated. If you’re looking for an exciting cyberpunk anime to watch, feel free to check out other options instead.

19. Yu-Gi-Oh! (1998)

Overrated Anime

Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular anime series that has been around for over 20 years. While the show may have a dedicated fanbase, many anime fans believe that Yu-Gi-Oh! is one of the most overrated anime series ever.

The first problem with Yu-Gi-Oh! is that it is not particularly original. The show borrows heavily from other anime franchises, including Cardcaptor Sakura and Dragon Ball Z.Thee characters and plot are not particularly compelling.

Another major issue with Yu-Gi-Oh! is its pacing. The series can sometimes be prolonged, making it difficult to keep viewers interested. Additionally, some episodes focus too much on filler material instead of advancing the story arc.

Finally, some reviewers believe that the CGI in Yu-Gi-Oh! is outdated and cheesy. Many argue that the animation looks worse than similar shows from a decade ago.

20. Zatch Bell (2003)

Overrated Anime

This popular anime series was released on April 6, 2003, and has given us multiple mesmerizing episodes. Its wild popularity can be seen with the adaptation of a film version released in 2009.

The storyline follows a mixture of other great anime series with the same theme of fantasy and adventure. It’s set in modern times when a mystical creature named Mamodo comes to Earth.

It happened because of a tournament that is held every 1000 years. Since they carry supernatural powers, there is also a set of spells that you can read aloud by humans called Zeno Bell and his twin brother Zatch Bell.

21. Monster Rancher (1999)

Overrated Anime

“Monster Rancher (1999) – an overrated anime that fails to deliver on its promises of adventure and excitement.”

Monster Rancher (1999) is a classic example of an overhyped anime that ultimately failed to live up to expectations. The series follows the adventures of a young boy named Genki, who is transported to a magical world populated by monsters. Despite its promising premise, the anime falls short in many aspects.

One of the main issues with Monster Rancher is its lackluster storytelling and character development. The plot is often predictable and formulaic, and the characters are one-dimensional and fail to elicit much emotional investment from the audience.

The series also suffers from pacing issues, with long stretches of filler episodes and slow-moving storylines that fail to hold the viewer’s attention.

In addition, the animation quality and production values of Monster Rancher are mediocre at best. The character designs are simplistic, and the action scenes lack great anime’s dynamic energy and choreography hallmarks.

Overall, while Monster Rancher may hold nostalgic value for some viewers, it is ultimately an overrated anime that fails to deliver on its promises of adventure and excitement.

22. Ikki Tousen (2003)

Overrated Anime

Ikki Tousen is an anime about martial arts and fighting competitions between ancient warrior schools.

In the manga, the story takes place in the Kantō region where a competition related to territorial supremacy happens between 7 high schools with fighters known as Magatama who have jewels called Magatama that contain creations of warriors from 3 ancient Chinese kingdoms, which include Hakufu Sonsaku.

She’s a skilled fighter, and she has a strong personality. She’s supposed to conquer all 7 schools and fulfill her destiny, but life comes at you fast and changes everything.

23. Eiken (2003)

Overrated Anime

Eiken (2003) is a classic example of an anime that has received far more attention than it deserves. The series revolves around high school students and their overly-endowed classmates and is often criticized for its juvenile humor and lack of substance.

While it may have been marketed as a comedy, the series fails to deliver any real laughs, relying instead on cheap gags and fan service to keep its audience engaged.

The characters in Eiken are one-dimensional and forgettable, with little to no character development throughout the series. The main protagonist, Densuke Mifune, is a typical high school student surrounded by a group of busty girls.

However, his interactions with these girls are often crass and uncomfortable, making it difficult for the audience to relate to him or find him likable.

Overall, Eiken is an anime that is best avoided by anyone looking for quality entertainment. While it may have a cult following among some fans, its juvenile humor and lack of substance make it an overrated and forgettable series. Plenty of other anime offers more depth, creativity, and entertainment value, and it’s worth exploring those instead.

24. Queen’s Blade: The Exiled Virgin (2009)

Overrated Anime

Queen’s Blade is an anime series about a group of female warriors who fight for the kingdom of Teiras. The show has been criticized for its poor animation, weak plot, and clichéd characters. In addition, many fans believe that the series is overrated due to its popularity on online forums and in popularity polls.

Queen’s Blade: The Exiled Virgin is the second season of the anime series Queen’s Blade. It was released in 2009 and followed the adventures of the female warriors from the first season as they fought against new enemies.

Some new characters include Elize, a princess who wants to overthrow Teiras; and Rutger, a skilled swordsman who joins forces with the females to defeat Elize. While Queen’s Blade: The Exiled Virgin improves upon some aspects of the first season, it does not meet fan expectations.

Many reviewers found that the plot was too thin and lacked complexity. Other complaints focused on the poor animation quality, which detracted from the overall experience.

Overall, Queen’s Blade: The Exiled Virgin is considered overrated by many fans who believe that much better anime exists on television or online without paying for it.

25. SD Gundam Force (2003)

Overrated Anime

SD Gundam Force (2003) is a highly overrated anime that fails to live up to the hype. Despite being part of the Gundam franchise, it lacks storytelling, characters, and overall quality.

The anime focuses on a group of Gundam robots who must defend the peaceful Neotopia from the evil Dark Axis. However, the plot is predictable and lacks depth, with little character development and uninspiring action scenes.

Furthermore, the animation quality is subpar, with poorly designed characters and clunky CGI. Overall, SD Gundam Force (2003) is a disappointing entry in the Gundam franchise that fails to deliver on its promises.

26. Transformers: Armada (2002)

Overrated Anime

Transformers: Armada (2002) is one of the most overrated anime series that fails to live up to its hype. Despite its popularity, this show falls short in terms of character development, storytelling, and animation quality.

Firstly, the character development in Transformers: Armada is lacking, leaving viewers little emotional connection to the characters. The main characters feel one-dimensional and uninteresting, failing to evoke any significant emotional response from the audience.

Secondly, the storytelling in Transformers: Armada is underwhelming, with a predictable and formulaic plot that fails to engage the viewer. The story lacks depth and complexity, making maintaining interest in the show over time difficult.

Lastly, the animation quality of Transformers: Armada is subpar, with inconsistent and often choppy animation that fails to showcase the franchise’s potential. The visuals are lackluster and fail to capture the essence of the Transformers universe, leading to a disappointing overall viewing experience.

27. Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom (2010)

Overrated Anime

Most Overrated Anime: “Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom (2010)” – A lackluster adaptation of a popular otome game that fails to capture its essence. The plot is convoluted, and the characters lack depth, leading to a forgettable viewing experience.

The series follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man and joins the Shinsengumi, a group of samurai tasked with protecting Kyoto. Despite the interesting premise, the execution falls flat. The pacing is slow, and the action scenes lack excitement.

Furthermore, the romance subplot feels forced and lacks chemistry. The characters’ motivations are poorly explained, making it difficult for viewers to connect with them. Overall, “Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom (2010)” is a forgettable anime that fails to live up to its potential.

28. Agent Aika (1997)

Overrated Anime

Agent Aika (1997) is considered one of the most overrated anime ever. Despite its popularity, the series is often criticized for its excessive fan service and lackluster plot. Many viewers feel the show focuses more on gratuitous panty shots and sexual innuendos than actual storytelling.

The anime follows the adventures of Aika Sumeragi, a salvager who uncovers ancient relics from the ocean floor. While the premise may seem promising, the execution falls short. The plot is convoluted and poorly developed, with many characters feeling underutilized and two-dimensional.

Furthermore, the excessive fan service in Agent Aika has drawn criticism from fans and critics alike. The show is notorious for its numerous panty shots, often inserted for no apparent reason other than to titillate the audience.

This focus on fan service detracts from the overall quality of the series and reinforces negative stereotypes about anime as a medium.

29. Green Green (2003)

Overrated Anime

The anime, which debuted on July 12, 2003, was directed under the genre of romantic comedy. The narrative takes place in the Japanese countryside in an all-boys boarding school.

This school is also considered the world’s last surviving Paradise for males. The plot thickened when all of the girl’s schools agreed to spend a month at the boy’s school to determine if opposing genders could get along.

Yuusuke Takazaki, the protagonist, enters the narrative with his wicked housemates. Midori, one of the girls who arrived, excitedly hugged the protagonist.

30. MegaMan NT Warrior (2002)

Overrated Anime

Rockman. EXE, or MegaMan NT Warrior, is a science fiction and adventure anime based on a video game franchise. It is available on Cartoon Network and was directed by Takao Kato and written by Kenichi. The plot revolves around Lan Hikari and the titular character MegaMan.

They formed an unusual bond despite receiving threats from cybercriminal organizations. Other characters such as Roll, Glide, IceMan, and Gutsman are present throughout the series.

With so many similarities to the Battle Network, the series opens with some divergence. The distinction is that there is no proof in the anime of Lan being MegaMan’s twin brother.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the anime industry is vast and diverse, with many shows to choose from. However, not all anime is created equal, and some shows may not live up to the hype. In this article, we’ve highlighted 30 of the most overrated animes you may want to avoid.

While opinions on these shows may vary, it’s important to remember that hype doesn’t always equal quality. It’s essential to do your research and make informed decisions when choosing which anime to watch.

Don’t let the hype train sway your judgment; always trust your instincts when deciding what shows to watch. Hopefully, this list helped you discover new anime that truly deserve the hype and avoid wasting your time on shows that fall short of expectations.

FAQ’s

How did we go about ranking them?

We looked at factors including fan rating, critical acclaim, average ratings on online databases, and how often other fans on various forums or social media pages recommend these anime. These numbers can help determine whether an individual series is considered “overrated” or not, based on a combination of opinions from different groups of people.