A Silent Voice is a moving anime about Shoya Ishida, a former bully seeking redemption by reconnecting with Shoko Nishimiya, the deaf girl he once tormented.
Its core themes—redemption, empathy, the struggle to communicate, and the pain of isolation—resonate deeply with viewers.
Many anime explore similar territory with nuanced character development and powerful storytelling, yet remain underappreciated.
Here are 15 underrated anime series and films that fans of A Silent Voice should discover.
1. The Anthem of the Heart (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 7.81
- Studio: A-1 Pictures (Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai, Writer: Mari Okada)
- Awards: 36th Anima Festival Best Animated Feature, multiple nominations
- Summary: After a traumatic childhood incident, Jun loses her ability to speak and isolates herself until a school project helps her rediscover her voice.
- Similarities: Explores trauma, healing, and communication barriers, with a focus on empathy and forgiveness.
2. Senryu Girl (2019)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.36
- Studio: Connect
- Summary: Nanako, who cannot speak, expresses herself through senryu poetry and forms a unique bond with a misunderstood ex-delinquent.
- Similarities: Both leads are social outcasts; explores nonverbal communication and gentle romance.
3. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.38
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award
- Summary: College student Tsuneo becomes caretaker to Josee, a wheelchair-bound girl, and helps her embrace the world beyond her room.
- Similarities: Disability, overcoming prejudice, and emotional growth through connection.
4. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.55
- Studio: Studio VOLN
- Summary: A reserved boy discovers the diary of a terminally ill classmate, forming a transformative friendship.
- Similarities: Themes of mortality, regret, and the impact of reaching out to others.
5. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 8.34
- Studio: A-1 Pictures (Writer: Mari Okada)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Festival Winner
- Summary: A group of estranged friends reunite to help the ghost of their childhood friend find peace.
- Similarities: Grief, guilt, and the healing power of friendship.
6. ReLIFE (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 + 4 OVA
- MAL Rating: 7.97
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Summary: A 27-year-old man gets a second chance at life by reliving high school, facing past regrets and forming new bonds.
- Similarities: Redemption, second chances, and personal growth.
7. Violet Evergarden (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 13 + OVA + Movies
- MAL Rating: 8.65
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards Winner
- Summary: An emotionally scarred war veteran learns to understand and convey feelings as a letter writer.
- Similarities: Healing from trauma, learning empathy, and beautiful animation.
8. Wonder Egg Priority (2021)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.60
- Studio: CloverWorks
- Awards: Multiple nominations, Anime Trending Awards
- Summary: Ai Ohto enters a dream world to save girls from their trauma, confronting her own pain along the way.
- Similarities: Mental health, bullying, and the complexity of healing.
9. Nana (2006)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 47
- MAL Rating: 8.46
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: Two women named Nana navigate friendship, love, and heartbreak in Tokyo.
- Similarities: Emotional maturity, complex relationships, and realistic character struggles.
10. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.54
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Awards, IGN Summer Movie Awards
- Summary: Four girls embark on a journey to Antarctica, each seeking closure and growth.
- Similarities: Overcoming personal barriers, friendship, and emotional journeys.
11. 3-gatsu no Lion (March Comes in Like a Lion) (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 44 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.39
- Studio: Shaft
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Festival Winner
- Summary: A young shogi player struggles with depression and finds solace through new friendships.
- Similarities: Loneliness, bullying, and gradual healing through human connection.
12. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.38
- Studio: P.A. Works (Director: Mari Okada)
- Awards: Best Animated Film, Mainichi Film Awards
- Summary: An immortal girl raises a human child, exploring love, loss, and the passage of time.
- Similarities: Emotional storytelling, empathy, and the pain of separation.
13. Your Lie in April (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 8.65
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Summary: A piano prodigy rediscovers music and hope through a free-spirited violinist.
- Similarities: Healing from trauma, communication through music, and bittersweet romance.
14. Link Click (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 11 (Season 1)
- MAL Rating: 8.72
- Studio: LAN Studio (Chinese anime/donghua)
- Awards: Bilibili Anime Awards
- Summary: Two friends use supernatural powers to enter photos and solve emotional mysteries from the past.
- Similarities: Regret, empathy, and the consequences of changing lives.
15. Wolf Children (2012)
- Streaming: Funimation, Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.58
- Studio: Studio Chizu (Director: Mamoru Hosoda)
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year
- Summary: A mother raises two half-wolf children, facing prejudice and finding strength in family.
- Similarities: Social isolation, acceptance, and heartfelt character development.
Why These Anime Work for A Silent Voice Fans
Each of these anime delves into the emotional complexities of redemption, empathy, and self-discovery—core to A Silent Voice.
They feature characters overcoming trauma, seeking forgiveness, and learning to connect despite barriers.
With unique storytelling and strong character arcs, these underrated gems offer the same heartfelt impact and nuanced exploration of communication, making them perfect for anyone moved by A Silent Voice.
