As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that 2024 has been an extraordinary year for this captivating medium. The diverse array of shows gracing our screens this year is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s become increasingly challenging to choose favorites among the stellar lineup. That being said, one series in particular has truly caught my eye – Dandadan.
2024 saw a whopping 199 anime series either debuting or returning to Japanese TV screens on my AniChart, and that total doesn’t even account for shorts, movies, direct-to-video/streaming releases, or series carrying over from previous years. It’s clear as day there’s more anime than any one gamer can possibly watch in a year. The worry is growing that this abundance might be becoming a bit too much under the current circumstances. However, on the bright side, with so much anime being produced, there’s plenty for everyone to discover from the past year’s treasure trove!
In essence, fans of various anime styles tend to favor distinct highlights from the year (it’s worth noting that fantasy anime enthusiasts had a particularly rich selection in 2024). However, I should mention there are still many beloved anime from 2024 waiting for me to watch. This compilation, though, showcases the unforgettable scenes in anime across various genres – ranging from mecha and music to shows that defy description – which generated the most buzz and feelings throughout the year.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – The end of the clone battle (Episode 26)
Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Sayumi Suzushiro
Episode Director: Hirotaka Mori
Rating: TV-14
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
In the autumn of 2023, “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” an exceptional high fantasy anime, captivated viewers with its unique premise – following the story beyond the usual heroic adventures from the eyes of a timeless elf who perceives 50 years as yesterday. The first season extended into winter 2024, delivering thrilling moments in the “First Class Mage Exam” arc, where the elf Frieren and her human disciple Fern competed against various vibrant characters in a series of enchanting magic trials.
In Episode 26, titled “A Fatal Vulnerability,” we witness the thrilling climax of one of the series’ most arduous battles yet. Here, Frieren and Fern find themselves locked in combat with a carbon copy of Frieren, possessing all her memories and magical prowess. The closely contested duel showcases the greatest manifestations of Frieren’s magical power to date, beautifully rendered through exceptional animation. The key to success in such a nail-biting encounter? Frieren’s duplicate, much like Frieren herself, underestimates Fern’s might.
Delicious in Dungeon – Reviving Falin (Episode 12)
Cast: Kentaro Kumagai, Sayaka Senbongi, Asuna Tomari, Hiroshi Naka
Episode Director: Chiho Kiyota
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: TRIGGER
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy
Where to watch: Netflix
In early 2024, another popular fantasy anime titled “Delicious in Dungeon” unfolds. This series accompanies a band of adventurers delving into dungeons, with two primary objectives: rescuing their leader Laios’ sister Falin from the Red Dragon’s belly… and discovering an abundance of monster-based recipes to satisfy their own hunger. Ideal for individuals who enjoy role-playing games like “Dungeons & Dragons” as well as cooking enthusiasts! The 12th episode, being the second half of the three-episode Red Dragon arc in the mid-season, introduces a significant twist in the serious questline, while still maintaining a lighthearted focus on the culinary aspects.
After extracting Falin’s skeleton and staff from the Red Dragon in the last episode’s finale, elf Marcille discloses her hidden expertise in dark sorcery. Utilizing the dragon’s tissue and blood, she brings back her partially consumed companion from the dead. If anyone thought there wouldn’t be repercussions for dabbling in dark magic… they clearly haven’t delved into a tale of such arcane lore before. Yet, the unveiling of these repercussions is yet to come, and for now, at least, Falin and the group can rejoice together over dragon soup and steaks.
Brave Bang Bravern! – Time travel beyond death (Episode 9)
Cast: Ryota Suzuki, Yohei Azakami, Kenichi Suzumura
Episode Director: Yoshinari Saito
Rating: 14+
Studio: CygamesPictures
Genre: Mecha
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
2024 saw the launch of one of the rare original mecha anime, “Brave Bang Bravern!”, where six out of its 12 episodes delve into a complex, homoerotic love triangle. As a gamer, I found myself questioning whether Japanese mecha pilot Isami Ao would fall for his American soldier comrade Lewis Smith… or for Bravern, the self-aware super-robot who often made suggestive comments about wanting Isami “within” him.
When Lewis perishes on the battlefield, his spectral form shuns transcendence to the afterlife, instead rewinding time and transforming into Bravern – an exaggeratedly heroic character reminiscent of the action heroes Lewis admired while growing up, watching TV shows. This audacious plot twist perfectly embodies the show’s charm, blending witty self-awareness with heartfelt earnestness, reflective of its unique “giant robots with superpowers set in a realistic universe” concept.
Girls Band Cry – The festival (Episode 11)
Cast: RINA, Yuri, Mirei
Episode Director: Miho Hirayama
Rating: 12+
Studio: Toei
Genre: Music
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hoopla
Due to unforeseen hold-ups with streaming licenses, “Girls Band Cry” was less widely recognized among American anime fans in 2024, but it’s definitely worth catching up on for those seeking the year’s top shows. This computer-animated series focuses on a rock band comprised of girls, and what sets it apart is its authentic portrayal of complex characters who stumble and experience personal turmoil, making their musical performances even more impactful.
In Episode 11, titled “The Center of the World,” Togenashi Togeari’s performance at the music festival reaches its pinnacle. After Momoka, Togenashi’s guitarist, left Diamond Dust because it was moving too pop-oriented, the band unexpectedly returned to its rock roots, creating a buzz among the audience. This placed immense pressure on Togenashi to deliver an outstanding show. The episode seems to be wrapping up earlier than expected due to early credit rolls, but this is merely a deception. As Nina introduces the group, she candidly expresses her doubts, which she later transforms into music. The stunning visual effects of the sequence serve as a compelling case for the use of computer-generated imagery in anime production.
Oshi no Ko – Melt proves his acting talent (Episode 17)
Cast: Takeo Otsuka, Seiji Maeda, Megumi Han
Episode Director: Daisuke Hiramaki
Rating: TV-14
Studio: Doga Kobo
Genre: Drama/Mystery
Where to watch: HIDIVE
As a devoted gamer diving into the world of anime, I can’t help but appreciate the peculiar charm of “Oshi no Ko”. It’s a unique blend of reincarnation fantasy and vengeful murder mystery, disguised as such to unveil an intimate, authentic portrayal of diverse aspects within Japan’s entertainment scene. In the year 2024, the anime continues its journey by focusing on the creation of a “2.5D” stage play inspired by a manga reminiscent of “Demon Slayer”, titled “Tokyo Blade”.
In Season 2, not only were the murder-mystery aspects as exciting as anticipated, but the main theater storyline was equally captivating. Among all episodes, “Growth” (Episode 17) was particularly remarkable in showcasing the transformation of arrogant model Melt Narushima. Despite initial low expectations due to his early rehearsals, he displayed an unexpected acting talent thanks to Kana’s additional training. This led to one of the year’s most impressive anime fight scenes between Melt and Sakuya, thanks to Doga Kobo’s exceptional animation quality.
Look Back – Running in the rain
Cast: Yumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida
Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Rating: 13+
Studio: Studio Durian
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Prime Video
Among the outstanding films released in 2024 within the U.S., “Look Back” stands out as the top anime movie. This cinematic interpretation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s single-chapter manga takes a dramatic turn in its latter part, but it is particularly remembered for an early scene: where Fujino dashes through the rain.
After crossing paths with Kyomoto for the first time, I discover that the artist I had previously criticized myself against is now a fan of my work and desires to collaborate on joint projects. Finding both a friend and a creative partner who ignites my passion to draw once more, I pick up speed on my walk home through the rain. Before long, I’m hopping, splashing, and racing – an outpouring of mixed feelings about my past and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in my life. Oshiyama’s animation brings the manga to life in a breathtaking 60-second sequence.
Uzumaki – The one good episode (Episode 1)
Cast: Uki Stakae, Shin-ichiro Miko, Mariya Ise
Episode Director: Hiroshi Nagahama, Kouichirou Sohtome
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: Fugaku (for this episode)
Genre: Horror
Where to watch: Max, AdultSwim.com
When an anime series, consisting of four episodes, takes more than five years to produce, it might suggest two possibilities: either the animators were meticulously crafting a masterpiece, or there were significant issues during production. However, for the Adult Swim-commissioned adaptation of Junji Ito’s renowned horror manga “Uzumaki,” it turned out to be primarily the latter – except for the first episode, which remains an exceptional work of television animation even in light of the chaotic production that ensued.
The initial episode is the sole credit given to Hiroshi Nagahama, who was initially announced as the show’s director. Additionally, this is the only instance where Ito’s challenging style has been accurately translated into animation. Striking black and white scenes depicting individuals transforming into and being engulfed by spirals are rendered with exceptional smoothness and intricate detail. The tempo may be quicker than usual, and it could be said that a four-episode adaptation of the entire manga was destined to fail from the outset. However, for this one episode, it’s not surprising that many critics were fooled into believing they were witnessing a classic.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth – Switching protagonists (Episode 3)
Cast: Maaya Sakamoto, Kenjiro Tsuda, Koichi Makishima
Episode Director: Masato Miyoshi
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Historical Drama
Where to watch: Netflix
In nine episodes, “Game of Thrones” reached a shocking turn where it killed off what appeared to be its main character. On the other hand, “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth” manages to achieve this twist in only three episodes. Rafal, a young student who advocates for the theory that the Earth revolves around the sun during an era when the Church believes Earth is at the center of the universe, faces inevitable doom. However, was anyone (except those who had read Uoto’s manga ahead of time) prepared for his demise in just three episodes?
In the third episode of the anime titled “I… Believe In Heliocentrism,” it is precisely this belief that Rafal holds that leads to a dramatic turn of events. Faced with the agonizing choice between renouncing his scientific convictions and enduring torture by the inquisition, Rafal chooses neither. Instead, he takes his own life. However, Rafal’s sacrifice for science does not mark the end of the pursuit of truth. The narrative leaps forward ten years later, introducing a new cast of characters who carry on the exploration of the very theories that Rafal championed.
Ranma 1/2 – Ranma vs. Ryoga (Episode 4)
Cast: Kappei Yamaguchi, Megumi Hayashibara, Noriko Hidaka
Episode Director: Parako Shinohara
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: MAPPA
Genre: Romcom/Action
Where to watch: Netflix
The 2024 “Ranma 1/2” anime is quite faithful to Rumiko Takahashi’s original 1987-1996 manga, as it follows the story closely. Previously, some parts were adapted into an anime from 1989-1992. This isn’t a groundbreaking series, but Takahashi’s unique blend of gender-bending martial arts made it a classic. Revisiting these cherished characters in MAPPA’s beautifully animated new take is sure to provide enjoyment.
In a more conversational style: Ryoga Hibiki, Ranma’s long-standing arch-rival for reasons that are downright silly and often forgotten by Ranma himself, is one of the most outstanding characters in the series. His epic first fight with Ranma at school in Episode 4, titled “The Hunter,” is particularly noteworthy. With his formidable umbrella weapon and razor-sharp bandanas, he elevated the absurdity of their battle to unprecedented levels. This fight stands out even more due to MAPPA’s vibrant animation style, which effectively highlights why “Ranma 1/2” was worth remaking (apart from the obvious financial reasons).
Dandadan – The tragedy of Acrobatic Silky (Episode 7)
Cast: Shion Wakayama, Natsuki Hanae, Ayane Sakura
Episode Director: Kotaro Matsunaga
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: Science SARU
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Romcom
Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
“Dandadan” – A captivating blend of fantasy, action, romance, and comedy, stands as a strong contender for the Anime of the Year. Its 7th installment, titled “To a Kinder World,” is undeniably its finest to date, and quite possibly the most impactful anime episode in 2024. Who would have thought that an episode starting with a battle to recover a lost testicle could also leave you teary-eyed?
To make things clear, Okarun’s lost belongings have no connection with the tragic story of Acrobatic Silky, our yokai antagonist. What makes this situation heartbreaking is that we learn about Acrobatic Silky’s past. Flashbacks show that she took her own life due to being kidnapped by debt collectors who had seized her daughter. As a spirit, she transformed into a monster to safeguard Aira, a girl who once thought she was her mother after seeing her ghost.
Although aiming to safeguard the now-adolescent Aira, Acro-Silky unknowingly devours and slays a girl she thinks is her child. Riddled with guilt, she sacrifices her life force to resurrect Aira. On the brink of vanishing, Acro-Silky, overwhelmed with regret and anguish, receives one final embrace from Aira and pleads for their family memory to endure. This poignant, heartrending finale showcases the tender side of Aira’s personality and underscores the emotional depth of “Dandadan.
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2024-12-16 15:30