Anime has evolved tremendously over the decades, with certain titles shaping the industry as we know it today. However, some anime were simply too ambitious, too innovative, or just too different for their era, leading them to be overlooked or forgotten. These hidden gems, though, paved the way for trends we see today. Let’s revisit 7 forgotten anime that were way ahead of their time (1998-2005).
1. Kaiba (2008) – A Dystopian Masterpiece Before Its Time
Masaaki Yuasa’s Kaiba was a mind-bending dystopian anime that explored identity, consciousness, and social disparity. With an art style reminiscent of old-school Western animation, it visually deceived viewers into thinking it was lighthearted, while its deep themes predated discussions we see in shows like Westworld and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Behold, the 12 most powerful anime characters, ranked by none other than me, the Almighty.
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Trailer:
2. Dennou Coil (2007) – Predicting Augmented Reality Before It Was Mainstream
Years before AR technology became popular, Dennou Coil presented a world where augmented reality glasses allowed children to interact with digital creatures and navigate a virtual world layered over reality. Its vision of AR was strikingly accurate, making it an unrecognized precursor to today’s tech-driven entertainment landscape.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Trailer:
3. Texhnolyze (2003) – Cyberpunk Nihilism at Its Best
Before Psycho-Pass or Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex gained cult followings, Texhnolyze delivered a bleak cyberpunk story about survival, human augmentation, and societal collapse. It was slow-paced, philosophical, and deeply unsettling—perhaps too much for mainstream audiences at the time. However, its themes are more relevant than ever in today’s discussions about AI and transhumanism.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Trailer:
4. Now and Then, Here and There (1999) – A Gritty Isekai With Real Stakes
Long before Re:Zero or Mushoku Tensei redefined isekai, Now and Then, Here and There took a very different approach. Instead of power fantasies or adventure, it portrayed a brutal war-torn world, tackling themes of child soldiers, survival, and moral dilemmas. It was an emotional gut-punch that never got the recognition it deserved.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Trailer:
5. The Big O (1999-2003) – A Noir-Mecha Hybrid That Confused Audiences
Imagine Batman: The Animated Series mixed with giant mechas, mystery, and existential philosophy—that’s The Big O. Its noir aesthetics, psychological storytelling, and episodic yet overarching plot structure made it unique, but audiences at the time weren’t ready for such a blend. However, its cult following has grown over the years, and many now see it as a hidden masterpiece.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Trailer:
6. Serial Experiments Lain (1998) – The Internet’s Dark Side Before We Knew It
Decades before discussions on online identity, digital footprints, and virtual consciousness became mainstream, Serial Experiments Lain was already exploring these ideas in an abstract and eerie manner. It tackled themes of reality vs. cyberspace and predicted how the internet could shape human interaction—a concept that is more relevant than ever in today’s world.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Trailer:
7. Planetes (2003) – Realistic Space Travel Before Hard Sci-Fi Became Cool
While space anime typically focused on grand adventures and intergalactic battles, Planetes grounded itself in realism, depicting space debris collectors dealing with ethical dilemmas, economic struggles, and the harsh realities of outer space. Before Interstellar or The Expanse, Planetes showed us what a practical future in space might look like.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Trailer:
Conclusion
These anime may have been ahead of their time, but their themes, storytelling, and innovative ideas have since become relevant in today’s anime and entertainment landscape. If you’re looking for something different—something that wasn’t fully appreciated in its time—these forgotten classics are worth your watch.
What are your thoughts on these anime? Do you think any other hidden gems deserve recognition? Let us know in the comments!
Pingback: Best Anime to Watch When You’re Depressed or Feeling Lost in 2025