10 Best Anime of 2024 You Need to Watch

2024 has been a great year for anime, with some of the best adaptations in recent years captivating viewers worldwide. With a great diversity of series, there’s plenty to catch up on for those who choose to look back at the year’s standout animes. However, thanks to globalization and the improvement of streaming services, although there is greater access to all types of anime, this can also make it more difficult to know where to start.

Despite the oversaturation of new releases, most of the time only a few end up being memorable and worth recommending. This way, with Fall season close to ending, it’s now possible to point a clear line to the finest adaptations of 2024 that every anime fan should watch.

10 Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

Based on the Novel Written by Takibi Amamori and Illustrated by Imigimuru

Too Many Losing Heroines not only has sublime direction and great character design, but its unique concept of featuring girls rejected by their love interests and how they grow from it is one of the most innovative among recent romantic comedy anime. Moreover, the main characters in Makeine are well-crafted, each with a distinct personality, especially Nukumizu, who stands out because, despite being the typical solitary boy, after witnessing the rejection of three girls, contrary to other stories focused on building a harem for the protagonist, he actually helps them deal with their feelings and troubles.

Also, the focus on the personal growth of each of the heroines goes beyond just overcoming being in love with someone who doesn’t correspond to them, but also touches on topics such as friendship, self-esteem, and helping others, all enhanced with a large dose of humor and crazy secondary characters.

9 Kaiju 8

Based on the Manga by Naoya Matsumoto

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite TV ShowsMy Watchlist

Kaiju No. 8

Kafka Hibino, a disillusioned Kaiju corpse cleanup worker, dreams of joining the Defense Force that protects Japan from monstrous Kaiju attacks. His life takes a surreal turn when he becomes infected by a Kaiju parasite, granting him the power to transform into a Kaiju himself. Known as Kaiju No. 8, Kafka must navigate the dual life of a monster and a protector, facing enemies both human and Kaiju.

Cast

Masaya Fukunishi , Wataru Kato , Asami Seto , Fairouz Ai , Kengo Kawanishi , Yuki Shin

Release Date

April 13, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Ichirō Ōkouchi

Directors

Shigeyuki Miya , Tomomi Kamiya

Creator(s)

Naoya Matsumoto

Expand

Although Kaiju No. 8 has influence from other animes such as Parasyte and Attack on Titan, it isn’t a conventional shōnen since the protagonist isn’t a kid, but a 32-year-old man with no outstanding abilities, who gains an extraordinary power that, instead of helping him fulfill his dream puts him at risk of being killed. However, this premise is what gives the anime a different touch, since Kafka is more motivated than anyone to improve and prove himself to his childhood friend, and be useful in his own way.

Related

New Kaiju No. 8 Anime Drops First Look Ahead of OVA Release

Ahead of Kaiju No. 8’s eventual return, a look into the OVA as well an exciting compilation has been revealed.

Additionally, one of the most interesting parts of Kaiju No. 8 is the tone of the story, since it has a unique sense of humor that doesn’t take itself very seriously, especially Kafka, since despite his abilities as a kaiju, he has his moments of goofiness and isn’t overwhelmingly powerful, but rather other secondary characters stand out too.

8 Blue Box

Based on the Manga by Kouji Miura

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite TV ShowsMy Watchlist

Blue Box

Taiki Inomata, a junior high student at Eimei Academy, is a dedicated badminton player with a crush on Chinatsu Kano, a star basketball player. Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways when Chinatsu moves in with Taiki’s family. Balancing sports, school, and budding feelings, Taiki aims to prove himself worthy of her admiration while striving for Nationals​.

Cast

Reina Ueda , Akari Kitō , Shoya Chiba

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Kôji Miura

While sports animes are always popular thanks to the excitement of competition, Blue Box brings back the romance among athletes that was missing since hit series like Yuri on Ice and Cross Game. Likewise, Blue Box is also filled with a sports coating but leans towards the slice-of-life and romantic comedy genres, representing a break from purely shōnen titles packed with adrenaline and battles of wits.

Blue Box begins with the new coexistence of the protagonists, as Chinatsu goes from being an unreachable platonic love to someone more accessible to Taiki, showing how they both become a source of inspiration for each other to achieve their goals while their relationship simmers over a very slow fire. The best part about Blue Box, beyond its beautiful animation, is its well-constructed characters and how it realistically portrays their everyday struggles, from anxiety to the efforts needed to become better players.

7 Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

Based on the Manga by Negi Haruba

Go! Go! Loser Ranger! follows a rebellious foot soldier from the evil army, sent to infiltrate the heroic Ranger Force. Disillusioned by his organization’s treatment of minions, he seeks to undermine and overthrow the Ranger Force from within. The series combines action and satire, presenting a unique take on the classic hero vs. villain narrative.

Cast

Yûsuke Kobayashi , Daishi Kajita , Yumika Yano , Yuichi Nakamura , Kensho Ono , Kôsuke Toriumi , Mao Ichimichi , Go Inoue

Release Date

April 7, 2024

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Writers

Keiichirō Ōchi

Directors

Keiichi Sato

Creator(s)

Negi Haruba

Expand

An anime inspired by the classic Super Sentai, like Power Rangers, Loser Ranger is an original take on the genre by giving it a dark twist, reminiscent of The Boys. Being far away from a family-friendly story about superheroes in spandex bodysuits, the series demonstrates a great mix of humor, violence, and action.

The most interesting thing about Loser Ranger is that it doesn’t present the typical battle between good and evil, as D isn’t the typical heroic protagonist but one of the monsters who decide to infiltrate and challenge the status quo by trying to unmask the Dragon Keepers. The anime also took many creative liberties while adapting the source material to make a better and fast-paced introduction to the characters, so it is a must-watch even for those who have read the manga.

6 Ranma 1/2

Based on the Manga by Rumiko Takahashi

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite TV ShowsMy Watchlist

Ranma 1/2

In this comedic series, martial artist Ranma Saotome navigates life with a unique predicament: he transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water. His engagement to Akane Tendo adds further complexity, as they encounter numerous challenges within familial and martial arts dynamics.

Cast

Kappei Yamaguchi , Megumi Hayashibara , Noriko Hidaka , Minami Takayama , Kikuko Inoue , Akio Otsuka , Chō , Shou Okumura , Soshiro Hori , Kouichi Souma , Koichi Yamadera

Release Date

October 6, 2024

Seasons

1

After the success of Urusei Yatsura‘s remake by David Production, the modern adaptation of the classic anime Ranma 1/2, which is a pioneering shojo because of its representation of gender roles, has also become a hit that has satisfied older and new fans alike. The original series was known for its great character design, yet the remake managed to have its own essence with a new color scheme, updated character design, and a modern aesthetic that is still true to Takahashi’s manga while also appealing to a new generation of fans.

Related

Ranma 1/2 Was So Ahead of Its Time That the Anime is Still Fresh Almost 40 Years Later

Ranma 1/2 is a series that has never shied away from breaking toxic gender stereotypes, an amazing trait that has kept it relevant for decades.

Ranma 1/2‘ remake has proven it’s a timeless story, showing Ranma’s struggle with his gender identity because of his curse while also featuring the hilarious situations that entails. The anime shines thanks to Ranma and Akane’s relationship and how they go from a forced compromise to understanding and respecting each other while also developing an adorable romance.

5 The Elusive Samurai

Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui

The Elusive Samurai is set during the Kenmu Restoration between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. It follows Hojo Tokiyuki, a young boy whose family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji. Accompanied by a priest and his followers, he seeks revenge using his extraordinary abilities to evade capture.

Cast

Asaki Yuikawa , Yuichi Nakamura , Hinaki Yano , Mari Hino , Sayumi Suzushiro , Aoi Yuki , Kikunosuke Toya

Release Date

July 6, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Rino Yamazaki , Dai Katarayama

Directors

Yasushi Tomoda

Expand

From the same creator of Assassination Classroom, The Elusive Samurai is a must-watch anime because of its beautiful animation and spectacular action, as well as its interesting story based on the power intrigues and clashes between real figures from Japanese history. The anime’s introduction follows a harsh reality where a child becomes the lone survivor of his clan and must find allies and become powerful with the motivation of one day taking revenge and claiming the position he deserves.

However, despite its dark and bloody moments, The Elusive Samurai has a lot of humor, even in some serious moments, giving it a very attractive duality that makes the series more enjoyable and interesting. The anime also stands out thanks to its cast of charismatic and strange characters whose unique abilities become the perfect combination with the small and elusive heir of the Hojo clan.

4 Delicious in Dungeon

Based on the Manga by Ryôko Kui

Based on the manga series, Delicious in Dungeon is a comedic fantasy series with a cooking emphasis. The series follows the exploits of a guild leader named Laios as he heads into a massive dungeon that contains a sunken kingdom, lured by the promise of untold treasure if he can slay the magician that caused it all. When a dragon takes his sister captive, Laios partners up with a new group of adventures and finds themselves cooking monsters to keep themselves filled as they seek to stop the dragon and save his sister.

Cast

Sayaka Senbongi , Kentarou Kumagai , Hiroshi Naka , Asuna Tomari

Release Date

January 4, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Ryoko Kui , Kimiko Ueno

Directors

Yoshihiro Miyajima

Expand

Although gastronomy has been a theme explored before in animes, Delicious in Dungeon gave its own twist by mixing food with dungeons and a rescue mission. Delicious in Dungeon is a slow-paced anime that follows a unique party going into a dungeon to save a member before it’s too late. However, its greatest appeal is the way the anime develops this small underground world, with its own ecosystem, lore, and dangers, where the main concern of the protagonists becomes finding the balance between eating to live and living to eat.

In addition to the gourmet approach to monsters with unappetizing appearances, the anime has lovable characters, an incredible sense of humor, unexpected developments, and the typical adventures of a fantasy world with magic and swords, making it more than a main course but a complete menu that leaves viewers hungry for more.

3 Dandadan

Based on the Manga by Yukinobu Tatsu

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite TV ShowsMy Watchlist

Dandadan

Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.

Cast

Natsuki Hanae , Shion Wakayama , Nana Mizuki , Ayane Sakura , Kaito Ishikawa , Mayumi Tanaka , Kazuya Nakai , Kaori Maeda , Miyu Tomita , Ryûnosuke Watanuki , Hikaru Tanaka , Seitaro Taniguchi , Satomi Kobashi , Mayuko Kazama , Ryuuzaburou Ootomo

Character(s)

Ken Okarun Takakura , Momo Ayase , Seiko , Aira Shiratori , Jin Jiji Enjōji , Turbo Granny , Serpoians , Miko , Muko , Momo’s Boyfriend , Male Student A , Male Student B , Elementary School Boy , Flatwoods Monster

Release Date

September 13, 2024

Seasons

1

Expand

Dandadan was the biggest surprise of 2024, taking the world by storm with an unpredictable and engaging plot that managed to perfectly balance different themes in a compelling way, from a sweet, slow-burn high school romance and heartbreaking backstories to disturbing paranormal beings fighting against interplanetary creatures.

Dandadan is a bizarre anime, but its eccentric characters, along with its visually striking and colorful animation with frenetic sequences, make it a perfect option for those viewers open to watching a unique story. Dandadan‘s biggest appeal is its chaotic atmosphere and that it revels in its weirdness, because no other dark fantasy shōnen can have Japanese yokai and aliens clash with each other. Dandadan‘s premise may sound like a parody series, but instead, it skillfully manages the comedy scenes with deep and emotional moments.

2 Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Based on the Manga by Uoto

In 15th-century Poland, young prodigy Rafal stumbles upon a revolutionary theory challenging the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe. Under the mentorship of a mysterious scholar, he begins exploring this heretical idea. As the Inquisition closes in, Rafal must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth​.

Cast

Maaya Sakamoto , Kenjiro Tsuda , Show Hayami , Katsuyuki Konishi , Yuichi Nakamura , Saya Hitomi

Character(s)

Rafał , Novak , Hubert , Oczy , Badeni , Yolenta

Release Date

October 5, 2024

Orb is a breath of fresh air in the medium, being an anime that, more than just showing a time when saying that the earth wasn’t the center of the universe was quite dangerous, is an ode that exalts how curiosity and thirst for knowledge can move the world. Despite being slow-paced and with a strong focus on philosophy, Orb doesn’t shy away from showing that it’s set in a dreadful period of oppression and persecution with characters being burned and tortured just for thinking differently.

Related

Netflix’s New Anime That Has Surpassed Re:Zero and Dan Da Dan in Japan Is a Hidden Masterpiece Everyone Should Watch

Netflix’s most underrated anime of Fall 2024 reaches the top place on its broadcast in Japan, proving it’s the season’s sleeper hit. 

However, the anime also highlights the beauty of finding a new perspective on life and connecting with others. Orb‘s high-quality animation, soundtrack, complex characters, and unexpected twists make it the sleeper hit of Fall 2024. Moreover, just like Rafal encounters a shock that completely changes his vision, Orb makes everyone want to know more and watches these discoveries unfold until the world changes.

1 Solo Leveling

Based on the Manhwa By Chugong

Your changes have been saved

My List

My Favorite TV ShowsMy Watchlist

Solo Leveling

Based on a webtoon series, Solo Leveling is an action-adventure fantasy anime originally created by Chugong. When Sung Jinwoo is slain in the depths of a high-level dungeon, he is reborn – but this time with a plan. Utilizing a unique program that only he can, Jinwoo levels up remarkably fast – and he intends to use his newfound strength to reach the heart of the dungeon and uncover its secrets.

Cast

Aleks Le , Justin Briner , Rebecca Wang , Dani Chambers , Michelle Rojas , Kent Williams

Release Date

January 7, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Noboru Kimura

Directors

Shunsuke Nakashige

Creator(s)

Chugong

Expand

Solo Leveling‘s immense popularity is by no means undeserved, as it took further ahead the recycled premise of power fantasies and enhanced it epically. Just as its title suggests, Solo Leveling’s story is based on a power quest where a weak hunter finds himself in a life-or-death situation and is saved by a mysterious game-like system that forces him to keep leveling up.

However, it’s its focus on action and brilliant battle choreography with a grounded and analytical protagonist who steadily gains strength instead of being overpowered from the beginning that has differentiated it from other generic animes. With one of the better introductions, presenting a dreadful threatening scenario, Solo Leveling Season 1 is a great visual experience that keeps viewers thrilled to discover the dangers hidden in the dungeons and how far Sung Jinwoo is willing to go which makes it the best anime of 2024 that everyone should watch.