Anime is a type of animation originating in Japan. The genre has a small but dedicated fan base because of its narrow appeal. Nonetheless, over the years, anime has gained a devoted fan base in the West and all across the world. While many of today's most popular anime titles continue to enjoy widespread popularity, many older series have fallen into obscurity.

These old anime were once very popular, but for a variety of reasons, most people have forgotten about them. The distinctive visual style, engaging stories, and unforgettable characters of these long-forgotten anime made them stand out. They were adored by people of all ages because of the universal themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery they presented, and they deserve to be recognized to this day.

8 Hajime No Ippo

Hajime no Ippo, main character screenshot

Growing up without a dad made Makunouchi Ippo determined and motivated. He helps his mother run the family fishing company and attends high school, where he is bullied. Although he has been through this for quite some time, his life takes a turn for the better when he meets Takamura, who introduces him to the world of boxing.

Aoki, Kimura, Miyata, and Coach Kamogawa are just a few of the incredible people Ippo gets to meet thanks to his initiation into this new world. Ippo gains the courage to pursue his goal of being a successful boxer with the encouragement of his mother and friends. The anime community was impressed by the Hajime no Ippo series when it first aired in 2000, thanks to its polished animation and gripping plot. Despite having excellent sequels, most anime fans have forgotten about it as time has passed.

7 Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

02-Cast-from-Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Wing

As an older anime series in the iconic franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing has been eclipsed by newer anime series in the Mobile Suit Gundam world that have premiered in recent years. The demographic of the show's original viewers is also likely to have aged out of the anime fandom, and gone on to other things.

Five individuals, all from the space colonies, are dispatched to Earth to help in the rebellion against the tyrannical United Earth Sphere Alliance. Each of the five young men is equipped with a formidable mobile suit called a Gundam, granting them the means to wage war on the Alliance and free the colonies from their rule.

6 Inuyasha

Inuyasha anime Inuyasha Kagome Miroku Sango Shippo

Even though it hasn't been on the air since the year 2004, the anime series Inuyasha continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many viewers, despite the fact that many younger viewers have forgotten about it. It was a well-liked program during its run on television, but interest in it has waned somewhat since then.

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A character named Inuyasha, who is half-demon and half-human, sets off on a voyage with a little girl whom he incorrectly recognizes as Kikyou. Together, they go on a mission to gather the Shikon Jewel's shards so that they might restore equilibrium to the world. The variety of comedic timing and exciting characters featured in the show contributed to the program's reputation for excellence.

5 Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin anime main characters promo art

As it first aired more than 20 years ago and has since been overtaken by more popular series, Rurouni Kenshin has largely been forgotten by most anime viewers. Himura Kenshin, a former assassin who has pledged never to kill again, is the protagonist of the manga and anime series.

Despite having gone out of fashion, the show has maintained a loyal fan base, with many supporters complimenting the show's engaging plot and distinctive characters. For those who have seen it, this classic samurai animation holds a special place in their hearts and is still widely regarded as a masterpiece.

4 Devil May Cry

Devil may Cry cover image

Devil May Cry is a classic anime that has been largely forgotten by the industry. Although it has its followers, this anime has never been as widely watched as other shows in the genre.

Demon hunter Dante, a relative of the heroic Sparda, is the main character of this show. He took a job protecting Patty Lowell, a wealthy heiress's daughter. Although he originally sees his job as babysitting Patty, he eventually starts using his demon-hunting expertise to keep her safe.

3 Higurashi

a drawing of some of the protagonists of Higurashi, as seen on the new anime adaptation

The show, which debuted in 2006, is based on a well-known graphic novel of the same name. The plot centers on a group of friends living in a small town that is plagued by a string of unexplained deaths and other unsettling events.

The series is well-known for its psychological horror aspects and its dark, violent tale. Several sequels, a manga, and a live-action film have all been inspired by the success of the Higurashi series. Despite its fame, many anime watchers have forgotten about the show.

2 Slayers

Slayers anime

The Slayers anime franchise is a classic, but unfortunately, modern anime viewers tend to forget about it. During the course of the series, the sorceress Lina and the warrior Gourry Gabriev face off against a number of powerful enemies.

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As the story progresses, the characters go on adventures all across the world and come across creatures from myth and legend. They engage in combat against the powers of darkness, find new friends and foes along the road, and gain fresh insights into the mysteries of their world.

1 Soul Eater

Black Star, Soul eater Evans, Tsubaki, Maka, Patricia, and Death the Kid, together.

The Soul Eater anime ran from 2008 to 2009 and is an action-adventure show. Fans and critics alike enjoyed the show. It was lauded for its distinct visual style, likable protagonists, and fun tone.

In order to become a Death Scythe, Soul Eater Evans, a partner of Scythe-Meister Maka Albarn, must collect the souls of 99 people and one witch. Despite its widespread praise, Soul Eater has largely fallen out of favor with the anime community in recent years, perhaps because it ended more than ten years ago and hasn't received a sequel or remake.

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