As a lifelong connoisseur of animated cinema and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of manga and anime, I must say that these upcoming releases have me absolutely thrilled!
Looking back on 2024, it’s clear that as a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel thrilled by the outstanding cinematic offerings we’ve been graced with this year. Whether it’s the pulse-pounding summer blockbusters, the heartwarming surprises from independent productions, or the gems tucked between, the movie scene has delivered an unforgettable entertainment experience.
2024 saw a remarkable surge in the global appeal of anime, with its resurgence marked by stunning animation and narratives that resonate with a wider spectrum of viewers. This year, these captivating tales unfolded on the big screen, captivating countless audiences and showcasing the boundless potential of anime for adventure, drama, action, and romance. Among the multitude of outstanding films, I’ve carefully curated a list of the 10 standout anime movies from 2024 that are truly a pleasure to behold. As a discerning movie-goer, I wholeheartedly recommend adding these masterpieces to your viewing queue.
10 Kimi no Iro
A visually captivating coming-of-age movie titled Kimi no Iro, directed by Naoko Yamada, revolves around Totsuko Higurashi, a high school student with an extraordinary gift: she can see the emotional hues within people. Accompanied by her classmate Kimi, who embodies the most radiant color of all, and Rui, a quiet and introspective music lover, Totsuko joins forces to form a band. They begin their musical journey within an old church.
A Vibrant Story of Becoming
In the collection of movies directed by Yamada, Kimi no Iro stands out as one of the most moving, colorful, and visually striking films ever made. The film’s visual style is so compelling that when combined with the characters’ personal journeys of self-discovery and acceptance in a religious setting, it makes for an even more poignant and powerful viewing experience. This movie is thought-provoking and uses metaphors, and it boasts outstanding music composed by Kensuke Ushio.
9 Mononoke the Movie: Karakasa
Under the alternate title “Phantom In The Rain: Mononoke The Movie“, this psychological horror film serves as both a sequel and spin-off of the original “Mononoke” anime series. The narrative focuses on Asa and Kame, two newcomers at Ooku, the famed pleasure palace, who begin their duties in the harem. Quickly bonding, they find themselves ensnared in a web of power struggles and deceit. Additionally, the enigmatic Medicine Seller, a roving exorcist targeting malevolent spirits called “Mononoke”, is a key figure in this intricate tale.
Haunting but Elegant
Directed by Kenji Nakamura, the film “Mononoke the Movie: Karakasa” carries on the tradition of the Mononoke series by blending horror with aesthetic charm. The animation stands out with its fusion of classic Japanese artistry and contemporary influences. While the plot can be complex and disorienting at times, the visuals are captivating enough to keep you spellbound. Additionally, it boasts a talented ensemble voice cast, spearheaded by Hiroshi Kamiya, a renowned voice actor from popular series like “One Piece” and “Haikyū!!”.
8 Kuramerukagari
In the peculiar coal mining town named “Hakoniwa,” which mysteriously alters its design every day, much like a maze, Kuramerukagari tells the story of two young individuals: Kagari, the proprietor of a mapping enterprise, and Yuya, who detests the town’s inundation with coal diggers and prefers to leave. Their paths cross, leading them to unearth a dangerous plot that could potentially endanger the entire town.
An Enchanting Addition
“Kuramerukagari stands out as one of the top anime films in 2024 due to its unique blend of steampunk style with traditional elements. While it might share connections with Kurayukaba, its innovative idea of a transforming town and the intriguing relationship between the two main characters keep viewers captivated. Moreover, the enigmatic plot, skillfully crafted by creator Ryohgo Narita and director Shigeyoshi Tsukahara, adds depth to the overall viewing experience.
7 Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix
A follow-up to the movie “Given,” titled “Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix” continues its captivating storyline, which is based on a manga of the same name by Natsuki Kizu. This cinematic masterpiece has been skillfully directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi. While details about the plot remain scarce, it’s known that it carries on directly from where “Elga Given” ended, delving deeper into the intricate relationship between Hiiragi and Shizusumi.
A Beautiful and Melodic Journey
The original series resonates deeply with viewers due to its intricate portrayal of interpersonal relationships and coming-of-age themes, a connection that is further strengthened by its focus on boy bands. This film continues this tradition by delving into the characters’ vulnerabilities, exploring how their bonds evolve over time, and showcasing enduring love when it involves the right person. Through heartfelt music, subtle emotions, and a relatable setting, the story aims to capture the essence of these characters.
6 My Oni Girl
My Enchanted Companion
Predictable but Worth a Watch
Initially, My Oni Girl might appear to be just an ordinary fantasy romance. However, upon closer examination, the storyline delves into deeper and more unsettling themes, as each character grapples with their individual struggles within the enchanting yet challenging world depicted. This film is helmed by Tomotaka Shibayama, who has previous experience working with Studio Ghibli, giving it a distinctive aesthetic quality.
5 Blue Lock: Episode Nagi
Just as Jujutsu Kaisen maintained momentum by launching a prequel film between its initial and second series, Blue Lock provides an engaging spin-off ahead of Season 2. This particular tale focuses on Seishiro Nagi, a rather unremarkable second-year high school student who leads a humdrum existence. However, his monotonous life takes an unexpected turn when Mikage Reo unearths his latent soccer abilities and compels him to join the Blue Lock project.
An Exciting Sports Anime Film
In a fresh and engaging reinterpretation of the soccer anime genre, Blue Lock: Episode Nagi delivers a film that matches its intensity and immersion. The seamless animation breathes life into every tactic and strategy, but it truly shines when focusing on Nagi’s involvement in the elite striker training program. Moreover, as an under motivated yet exceptionally skilled main character, Nagi resonates with many viewers due to his relatability.
4 My Hero Academia: You’re Next
My Hero Academia: It’s Your Turn Now
Another One of My Hero Academia’s Epic Story
Presenting Dark Might and his notorious gang, the Gollini Family, was an intriguing move, as these stories deviate from the main plotline of My Hero Academia, but they provide captivating insights into the epic battles our beloved characters engage in and the incredible powers they wield when confronting their toughest adversaries. The movie adaptation escalates the series’ thrilling action to a grand cinematic level, featuring stunning visuals and nail-biting encounters.
3 Look Back
Under the guidance of Tatsuki Fujimoto, the captivating film titled “Look Back” tells a story about two girls, Fujino and Kyumoto, who are as different as night and day but share a common passion for drawing manga. Fujino is well-liked and sociable, while Kyumoto tends to keep to herself and often misses school. However, both excel in their artistic pursuits. Their friendly rivalry eventually drives them apart as they each pursue their dreams independently. Years pass before their paths cross again.
Raw and Simple Movie About Friendship
The film “Look Back” delves into themes of ambition and loss, and chronicles a person’s growth as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The portrayal is genuine and emotional, striking a chord with fans who appreciate character-driven content. What sets the movie apart are its intricate settings, vivid characters, and the unique subject matter of manga creation – a field that director Fujimoto has extensive knowledge of due to his experience.
2 Spy x Family Code: White
As a cinema enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the international box office debut of the 2024 anime spin-off movie, titled “Spy x Family Code: White”. In this intriguing tale, our spy, Loud Forger, finds himself on the brink of being replaced during Operation Strix. To avoid this fate, he cleverly orchestrates a plan where his telepathic daughter, Anya, competes in a cooking competition at Eden Academy and wins. However, their peaceful winter retreat takes an unexpected turn when Anya unwittingly becomes entangled in a mission that could potentially jeopardize global peace.
Funny and Touching at the Same Time
In the vein of enriching the captivating setting and smooth flow of the initial series, Spy x Family Code: White reintroduces the beloved Forger family and immerses them in an intricate tale brimming with action, wit, and emotion. The film stands independently for viewers unacquainted with the anime as it doesn’t demand extensive lore or background knowledge to appreciate. Consequently, it has garnered widespread acclaim and is highly recommended viewing.
1 Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle
Spotlighting one of the most eagerly awaited confrontations in the anime series Haikyuu!!, this 2024 release is undeniably the most highly anticipated among them. Titled “Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle”, the story revolves around the Karasuno High School volleyball team’s journey into the third round of the national championships, where they encounter Nekoma High School. Hinata, the team’s leading player with a long-standing rivalry with Kenma, takes center stage in this intense clash, employing his strategic skills and teamwork to outplay Nekoma.
Brings Back the Intense Volleyball Drama
In 2020, the storyline for the popular anime Haikyuu!! came to an end, but fans were delighted to learn that the remaining chapters would be presented in two movie installments. The first film, titled “Haikyuu!!: The Dumpster Battle“, was a captivating experience for dedicated series followers as it delved not only into Hinata’s progression and determination to triumph, but also revisited significant moments from the show. Additionally, the actual match sequences are incredibly engaging, making them a must-watch, especially for those who enjoy the sport.
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2024-10-20 04:02