There are thousands of anime available across dozens of genres, so it makes sense that not every series produced is a fan favorite. Taste may be subjective, but there are definitely anime with ratings that are less than stellar. However, as with most forms of media, viewers can find something good in even the worst anime. Be it a decent arc, a killer soundtrack, or a unique animation style, no "bad" anime leaves its audience without something to take away.
Some anime viewers' favorite characters are ones they find while watching shows they despise. Unfortunately, shows with a bad rap usually have characters who go underappreciated by the anime-watching community seeing as no one wants to watch the shows they come from.
10 Re-Kan! Isn't The Worst, But Narumi Deserves Better
Re-Kan! isn't bad, but not a lot happens in its 13-episode run. For slice-of-life fans, Re-Kan! brings to the table a typical protagonist-who-sees-ghosts schtick, and the characters are lively enough. That being said, the show doesn't do much to set itself apart from other anime in this genre.
Narumi, the resident tsundere, adds so much heart to the otherwise tame series. She hates all things occult and pretends to dislike the other prominent characters, but fans see through her act. Even if the show is lackluster, Narumi's character makes it worth the watch.
9 Merman In My Tub Is Too Short For A Character Like Wakasa
Merman In My Tub is criminally short; it's only 13 episodes, with each episode running for fewer than five minutes. Despite how easy it is to pass over an anime that takes place almost entirely in a bathroom, Wakasa's character is the perfect blend of chaotic and charming.
There aren't nearly enough merman characters in anime, and fans always love a good princely-type male lead. Wakasa is hilarious and brings so much life to an otherwise short and unnoticeable series. The second viewers finish watching Merman In My Tub, they're left wanting another show dedicated just to Wakasa.
8 Misaki Spices Up The Pet Girl Of Sakurasou
The Pet Girl of Sakurasou is an anime that garners mixed opinions from its viewers, but it ultimately lacks the steady fanbase of an average shojo. The show relies on melodrama to fuel its plot, but by far the most interesting character is the extroverted student Misaki Kamiigusa.
Misaki not only acts as a mentor and older sister figure to the younger students, but she's proof that, sometimes, an eccentric view on life is the best way to brighten other people's days. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou has a slow plot and bland protagonists, so most fans look forward to Misaki's scenes.
7 Tabitha Adds Mystery To The Familiar Of Zero
The Familiar of Zero follows the classic isekai-turned-harem layout, with Saito fulfilling the role of an average human in a world full of mages. The setup sounds cool, but what could be an interesting plot ends up wasted on unlikeable characters and cheap use of tropes.
Tabitha adds intrigue to an otherwise bland cast of characters. As one of the few characters who doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve, she is allotted her own story arc and character exploration that makes viewers want to know more about her past. Unfortunately, Tabitha doesn't get nearly the amount of screen time she deserves.
6 Yuno Is The Best And Worst Part Of Future Diary
Future Diary is an anime infamous for its edgy themes and excessive gore. While the show has its cult following, most viewers find the series' protagonist, Yukiteru, to be one of the most underwhelming heroes of any anime... ever.
The show feels wasted on different types of fan service, especially considering the premise is such a unique one. Yuno, being one of the most iconic yandere characters of all time, is one of the only reasons to keep watching Future Diary, and mostly because of how unhinged and chaotic she is.
5 Megumin Is Hilarious In KonoSuba
KonoSuba, despite being a widely popular series, garners just as many haters as fans. While KonoSuba's take on an isekai storyline in a dungeons-and-dragons-styled universe is interesting, many viewers are put off by the redundant and tasteless jokes at the female characters' expense.
Megumin is by far the most theatrical character, and her obsession with explosion magic leads to hilarious situations and a jovial dynamic in the group. Despite her powers being used for comedic sake, Megumin is also a great asset to her team and is reason enough to watch the series.
4 Kana Has Personality In Brynhildr In The Darkness
Brynhildr in the Darkness is comparable to most harem sci-fi anime, with the exception that the main protagonist is exceptionally boring. Unfortunately, the cast starts off pretty dry and the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Kana Tachibana is the first character that has a noticeable personality, and fans fall in love with it. Kana, on the surface, has a sassy attitude and distrusts those she isn't close with.
After she becomes acquainted with others, however, Kana does everything in her power to protect them. Her clever decisions save her friends on more than one occasion, and her story is one of the most compelling in the series. Despite the show lacking in its character writing, Kana stands out.
3 Literally Everyone In Fairy Tail Deserves Better
Fairy Tail is proof that, after a while, boiling nearly every character down to a cheap joke ruins the plot. Fairy Tail has the makings of an epic shonen: the soundtrack, the fight scenes, the friendship.
Unfortunately, the unique characters and their fleshed-out dynamics can't reach their full potential in a show that relies so heavily on fan service. Both hero and foe alike have intriguing stories and goals in Fairy Tail, so it's a shame that the show's self-made limitations hold them back.
2 Hotaru Keeps The Meaning Of Dagashi Kashi Alive
Dagashi Kashi is another case of an anime not having enough confidence in its premise and relying instead on overt fanservice for exposure. Hotaru has an energetic and competitive personality that fans adore, and she single-handedly carries the premise of the series.
Fans learn about different types of snacks and their origins, making this series have the potential to be just as educational as interesting. Unfortunately, most of the informative scenes rely on Hotaru's knowledge, making her the only character that sticks out to the audience.
1 Tensai Carries Nanana's Buried Treasure
Nanana's Buried Treasure isn't necessarily a horrible show, but its complicated structure and premise prevent it from joining the ranks of anime that are more palatable to a wider audience. If there is one reason to watch this convoluted series, it's for its resident master detective, Tensai.
While the main reason to love Tensai is for her adorable detective getup and confident attitude, she also isn't lying when she calls herself a master detective. Tensai's deduction skills exceed any other character's, and without her, the main cast wouldn't progress in their treasure hunt as well as they do.