As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over three decades of watching under my belt, let me tell ya, 2024 was one heck of a year for us otakus! The lineup this year had me reminiscing about the good ol’ days and even introducing me to some fresh, new faces.
It’s clear now; the popularity of anime has spread globally. A hobby that was initially confined to its originating nation has evolved into a captivating form of entertainment, attracting viewers from every corner of the world each day. With an abundance of anime series encompassing various genres, it’s only natural for new shows to emerge annually, offering more vivid, diverse, and intriguing stories than ever before.
2024 saw a flurry of fresh anime series debuting on streaming platforms, swiftly garnering immense popularity. Amongst these new faces, veteran franchises also made their comeback with new seasons. The diversity in offerings throughout the year was breathtaking – from grandiose fantasy sagas to intimate character explorations; the medium continued to captivate us with tales that fans eagerly embrace.
But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Of course, if you’re an otaku, you’re keeping track of new releases. But in this list, we’ve made sure to bring together the 10 absolute best anime series that graced our screens in 2024. Anime that transported us to new worlds to make us laugh, cry, and inspire.
10
‘Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!’
Too Many Losing Heroines! – Unassuming Kazuhiko: A Love Triangle Among the High School Ranks
Sharp and Humorous High School Romance
In terms of storytelling, “Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!” excels by creating a protagonist who is both despondent and skeptical, mirroring our shared longings and hidden doubts. The engaging animation effectively portrays the spirit of adolescence and presents characters in amusingly familiar predicaments. It cleverly dismantles the stereotype that love is effortless and humorously criticizes overused tropes that have grown tiresome.
9
‘The Elusive Samurai’
The Escape Artist Samurai
Unique Anime With Introspective Moments
This anime’s main focus is on a samurai’s unwavering commitment to restoring his family’s reputation and its prominent position in history. The show masterfully blends historical drama, action, and humor, resulting in a vivid and immersive setting where each battle is intricately designed and every scene exudes an authentic Japanese refinement. The music score beautifully enhances the intense and comical scenes, while the well-rounded characters have earned it a devoted fanbase.
8
‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2’
In the second installment of “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation,” we follow Rudeus Greyrat as he continues his journey, now a teenager, after being transported into a magical world. His goal is still to locate his missing mother, Zenith, and attend Ranoa University of Magic. Throughout this season, Rudeus reconnects with his old friend Sylphiette, only for her to vanish again, creating new hurdles and exciting escapades for Rudeus to overcome.
Heartfelt Story with Engaging Plot Twists
In 2024, eagerly awaited anime sequel, “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2, continues to develop the narrative set in the first installment, providing an immersive account of Rudeus’ journey into maturity, his interpersonal connections, and ultimately, his marriage and the arrival of a child. The series boasts breathtaking visuals and its original soundtrack includes captivating pieces such as “Spiral” and “Musubime,” perfectly complementing the emotional depth and dramatic twists within the narrative.
7
‘Wind Breaker’
According to Satoru Nii’s manga series titled “Wind Breaker”, the story lacks complexity, intrigue, or unexpected developments. Instead, it revolves around a band of idlers who seem to seek trouble wherever they roam. We follow the character Haruka Sakura, a high school student haunted by his past and known for his fighting prowess, as he transfers to Furin High School and encounters a group of peers. Together, they establish the Bofurin organization with the mission to preserve tranquility in the town of Makochi.
An Action Enthusiast’s Paradise
If you appreciate shows like Yu Yu Hakusho or enjoy watching characters who are high school delinquents engage in battles, Wind Breaker offers a fun and breezy viewing experience. It particularly shines in its depiction of personal development and camaraderie, as the protagonist frequently relies on approval, assistance, and empathy from others to keep participating in intense brawls. The anime is also distinctive for its battle arcs and the idea of ‘Bofurin’ is quite intriguing.
6
‘Kaiju No. 8’
Naoya Matsumoto’s comic book series is being turned into an anime by Studio Khara and Production I.G (known for Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass). The story revolves around Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old ordinary man who stumbles upon his hidden potential and lifelong ambition to serve in the Defense Force, when a small creature with the ability to speak flies into him and turns him into a powerful humanoid kaiju. He struggles with this new identity while using his powers to safeguard humanity.
A Unique Blend of Action, Humor, and Heart
The animated series “Kaiju No. 8” truly delivers as promised, crafting a thrilling narrative that’s brimming with pulsating action, clever humor, and poignant character growth. Its innovative blend of tokusatsu genre elements with classic shounen storytelling techniques keeps viewers on their toes, ensuring an exciting and unforeseen plotline. The battles are fierce, Kafka’s emotional transformation is impactful, and the animation quality remains consistently high, making “Kaiju No. 8” one of the most captivating anime releases in 2024.
5
‘Tonbo!’
Tonbo!” is an amusing sports anime that revolves around Tonbo Ooi, a young girl who grew up in Kagoshima after losing her parents in a car accident and was nurtured by her grandpa. She discovered her passion for golf on the island and even inherited the No. 3 iron from among the three golf courses. When Tonbo crosses paths with Kazuyoshi Igarashi, a once-prominent golfer seeking employment on the island, she assists him in rekindling his love for the sport.
Charming Sports Anime
Golf has often been perceived as an exclusive pastime, yet its tranquility and enjoyment are undeniable. The anime “Tonbo!” capitalizes on this sensation and intertwines a tale of personal development into its sports-oriented narrative. The characters, both authentic and captivating, truly shine. Additionally, a unique student-mentor bond develops between Tonbo and Kazuyoshi, which is tender and endearing. In a year brimming with fast-paced action anime and continuations of popular series, “Tonbo!” stands out as thoughtful and emotional.
4
‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’
In a rare occurrence, you don’t often come across an anime series that combines history with space and focuses more on characters rather than battles. As its title implies, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth delves into the complex choreography of celestial bodies and their influence on our planet. The narrative centers around a group of young intellectuals in 15th-century Europe, including twelve-year-old prodigy Rafal, who are trying to decipher the mysteries of the cosmos by embracing heliocentrism.
Explores the Fabric of Reality
Orb: Journey Through the Earth’s Motion is an artistic triumph. Its animated depiction breathes life into outer space and intricately portrays various constellations. The series also intertwines science fiction with a growing-up tale, where young minds explore cosmic enigmas. In a world overflowing with isekai anime that have grown monotonous and predictable, this one stands out thanks to its unique tone and thought-provoking narrative.
3
‘Dan Da Dan’
According to the manga of the same title by Yukinobu Tatsu, Dan Da Dan is an entertaining anime series that blends action, humor, and the supernatural. The story revolves around two high school students, Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura. While Momo has a firm belief in ghosts, Ken stands by his conviction of aliens. Their differing opinions lead them into a wager, but they are both taken aback when they each experience unusual events. Before long, they find themselves embroiled in a struggle against the supernatural.
An Adolescent Tale Set in a Supernatural World
With a quirky blend of supernatural and humor, Dan Da Dan offers a one-of-a-kind, unrestrained ride through excitement. The extraordinary bond between Momo and Okarun, along with their zany, unexpectedly tangled adventures with spirits and extraterrestrials, make the series an original viewing experience. The mix of laughter and tension is amplified by the dynamic soundtrack.
2
‘Solo Leveling’
Among this year’s highly awaited premieres, the captivating dark fantasy anime titled “Solo Leveling” is based on the acclaimed South Korean web novel by Chugong. This gripping tale centers around Sung Jinwoo, who is known as the weakest hunter in a world where individuals possess extraordinary powers and battle monsters that manifest through enigmatic portals. Following an encounter with a double dungeon, Jinwoo gains a remarkable ability to enhance his abilities and strength as he progresses, making him stand out among his peers.
A Visually Stunning Masterpiece
Solo Leveling skillfully balances ordinary life elements with extraordinary action, pushing the boundaries of dark fantasy through intricate plotting and outstanding animation. The evolution of Sung Jinwoo from the lowest-ranked hunter to an indomitable power is a captivating journey marked by thrilling battles, stunning monster designs, and an inspiring soundtrack. The series has earned a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, primarily due to its compelling main character and immersive world-building.
1
‘Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2’
Another anime that fans were really looking forward to watching in 2024 was the second season of Mashle: Magic and Muscles. An action comedy, it follows the adventures of Mash Burnedead, a boy who has no magical powers in a world where magic is everything. However, Mash’s lack of magic is compensated for by his unparalleled physical strength. In Season 2, Mash and his friends continue their year at the prestigious magic school and face new enemies and obstacles.
A Heartwarming Subversion of Shounen Tropes
The anime, titled “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” manages to blend action and humor in a way that appeals to fans of all ages. It consistently delights viewers with its unique blend of magic and physical feats. The main character, Mash, tackles challenges in an unexpected manner, but it’s his perseverance that makes each fight both amusing and motivating. Beneath the action, “Mashle: Magic and Muscles” offers some outrageous situations and a generous helping of slapstick humor to keep things interesting.
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2024-12-12 05:32