2025 has given anime fans unforgettable series whose legacy will continue to grow over time. However, while events like the Crunchyroll Awards typically evaluate the most outstanding titles to decide which one deserves the accolade as the best of the year, no other series has brought anything as different to Japanese animation as Netflix’s most underrated anime of 2025.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth went largely unnoticed, becoming a hidden gem during the Winter 2025 anime season. Leaving behind the grand battles and tropes of the medium to tell a story about curiosity that steadily escalated into the most epic quest for knowledge, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth reached the pinnacle of anime in 2025.
More Than Just a Historical Account, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Challenges the Conventions of Modern Anime
While it’s common for slow-paced historical anime not to appeal to a wide audience, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is more than just the real events it’s inspired by, becoming an incredibly human story about how far people are willing to go for their passion and dreams, all while centering on the early investigations of the heliocentric theory.
Although most people are familiar with the heliocentric theory taught in school, the anime was inspired by 15th-century Poland, where this dangerous ideology contradicted the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe and was stagnant under the heavens. As a result, any research outside the norm was considered heretical and faced intense repression by the Inquisition.
“If you offer coins, you get bread.
If you offer taxes, you get rights.
If you offer labor, you get rewards.
So what exactly do you have to offer to know everything there is to know about this world?” – Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Volume 1.
While it could have felt like a boring history class,Orb: On the Movements of the Earth constantly defies expectations, creating an addictive atmosphere full of political tension and moral and philosophical reflections that keeps viewers glued to the screen. It also departs from modern anime standards, as there are no clear heroes, and instead invites viewers to analyze each character.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Perfectly Develops Its Morally Complex Characters
Although Orb: On the Movements of the Earth does not shy away from depicting the cruel tortures of the period, with many heartbreaking moments that will not leave viewers indifferent, the anime doesn’t delve into them for gratuitous violence or shock value, but its focus is entirely on the values of the characters.
Although the audience is aware that the heliocentric theory will eventually be proven, what becomes interesting is seeing how the characters manage to survive and carry out their investigations while questioning their decisions, the consequences they must face, their religious beliefs, and the meaning behind searching for the truth.
Furthermore, just as its title has multiple meanings in Japanese (since Chi represents knowledge, blood, and Earth), Orb: On the Movements of the Earth blends an intellectual thirst for knowledge with a ruthless persecution, but it does so without directly pointing out the rights or wrongs of enemies and allies, but rather developing their opposing intentions, ambitions, and situations without an absolute evil.
This unique worldview allows viewers to put themselves in the character’s shoes to reflect on what one would be willing to sacrifice, as well as get their own interpretation of the message the anime tries to convey.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Is One of the Most Inspiring Anime of All Time
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth begins its story with Rafal, a child prodigy who suddenly finds himself at a crossroads between taking the risk and satisfying his curiosity and the fear of jeopardizing his comfortable future and receiving punishment for stepping outside the rules. Although set in the last millennium, many viewers can identify with Rafal’s struggle.
From the importance of connecting with others to demonstrating what humans are capable of when they set their minds to it, the anime is full of life lessons. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth teaches that sometimes a leap of faith is necessary to achieve something extraordinary, making it an incredibly inspiring story.
Likewise, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth weaves around the growth and conflict of several characters, such as being a woman in a male-dominated field who isn’t recognized for her contributions, or how people are underestimated because of their economic class and denied access to education and opportunities, inviting viewers to see that the environment doesn’t define people.
Orb is also able to move viewers by conveying the moment when the characters’ values and perspective change and how they strive to do everything possible to fulfill their passion, even if not in a revolutionary way, but as a quiet, burning blue flame that can be extinguished and rekindled by someone else.
Despite Intense Competition, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Is a Masterpiece
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is simply a masterpiece of animation. From its breathtakingly beautiful night sky landscapes, to its soundtrack that elevates the most gripping scenes, and how it manages to condense Uoto’s original manga without losing the essence of the story, the anime is a self-contained marvel in just 25 episodes.
So, while 2025 saw the release of many hidden gem anime, such as Takopi’s Original Sin and Clevatess, and massively popular sequelslike Solo Leveling Season 2 and Dandadan Season 2, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth exceeded viewers’ expectations in every aspect, boasting masterful storytelling, compelling character development, visually stunning animation, mind-blowing plot twists, and a moving and unforgettable story.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Might Be Ignored In Crunchyroll’s Anime Awards
Despite the numerous awards and critical acclaim garnered by both the anime and manga in Japan, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth has maintained a relatively low profile among Western audiences. This suggests that, despite being one of the best-rated anime of recent years, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth may not receive recognition at major award ceremonies.
The anime could suffer the same fate as groundbreaking and thought-provoking series like Pluto and Vinland Saga, which were overlooked at previous Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Nevertheless, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth isn’t just for history fans; it’s a thrilling story that transcends religion and science to deliver a message for the future, worthy of standing as the best of 2025.
