Best Anime 2024 - Investment Policy

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of watching and analyzing various shows under my belt, I must say that 2024 was an exceptional year for anime. Each of these top three titles showcased unique storytelling, captivating characters, and outstanding visuals that left me in awe.

2024 has undeniably been a golden year for me as an anime enthusiast! Each season brought forth several exceptional series, catering to a diverse range of tastes. From heartwarming romance and pulse-pounding action, to intriguing isekai, hilarious comedy, thought-provoking sci-fi, and gripping drama – the offerings were truly outstanding. Some titles even managed to measure up against all-time greats! Admittedly, there were a few misses along the way, but the successes far outshone the setbacks. In essence, being an anime fan today is nothing short of exhilarating!

As an avid fan, navigating through the vast cosmos of content can sometimes feel like searching for the brightest celestial bodies in the night sky. Yet, the noteworthy anime of 2024 possess a unique allure that sets them apart from their peers. They shine brilliantly and demand attention. Let’s explore them together.

Here are a few important criteria:

Only new anime and sequel seasons that debuted in 2024 will be considered . Therefore, never-ending juggernauts like One Piece will not be included. Also, anime that started in the Fall 2023 season ( Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries ) will be omitted. Both of those series were highlighted in last year’s “best of” discussion .
No movies or specials.
Fall 2024 anime will be included, even if they still have an episode to go.
MyAnimeList scores are included as a reference, but they are just one piece of the puzzle and not the sole determining factor.

Honorable Mentions

2024 was an incredible year for anime, overflowing with outstanding productions! Unfortunately, I can’t highlight every fantastic show from that year. However, here are a few series that nearly made it onto my list of the top anime of 2024:

Blue Box
Kaiju No. 8
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You Season 3
KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! 3
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2
Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Ranma ½
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
Solo Leveling
Welcome Home
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

10. The Fable

Hilarious Dark Comedy Anime That Just Kept Getting Better And Better

Katsuhisa Minami’s graphic novel “The Fable” is a remarkable piece of work that anyone seeking a seinen story with a mix of humor and mature themes should definitely check out. Although it may not completely capture the enchantment of the original, Tezuka Productions’ animated adaptation stands on its own merits and skillfully juggles comedy and drama. The show possesses an unique art style which might take a few episodes to become accustomed to, yet it proves effective in enhancing both the absurd humor and the scattered instances of violence that are sprinkled throughout the series.

After spending a year in hiding, the hitman known as Fable and his driver find themselves relocated to Osaka, where they assume the identities of the Satou siblings. Despite their efforts to steer clear of trouble, they find themselves unwillingly entangled in the seedy underbelly of the Yakuza. Additionally, they are compelled to intervene in the protection of two women who are being deliberately targeted. The main narratives are riveting, but The Fable truly shines when Akira and Youko engage in playful antics, whether it’s Akira trying to blend in or Youko teasing unsuspecting men.

9. [Oshi No Ko] Season 2

Setting The Stage Alight

2024 was an unforgettable year for me and [Oshi No Ko], filled with highs and lows! The climactic ending of the manga certainly left a significant impact, but fear not, fellow anime fans, as we can immerse ourselves in the captivating sequel season without missing a beat. This time around, the story takes an intriguing turn by delving into a theatrical production inspired by another beloved manga – it’s a thrilling deviation that promises to keep us hooked!

This anime delves deeply into the transformation process, highlighting that disagreements can occur even when everyone is striving to do their utmost. The play is remarkable and boasts memorable scenes for almost every significant character, with Kana, Akane, and Aqua shining particularly brightly. Even Melt undergoes a striking evolution, which seems unexpected given his portrayal during season 1’s Show Business narrative. However, the main plot point, Aqua’s revenge, takes a secondary role in season 2, but it does receive occasional progression.

8. Sound! Euphonium 3

The End Of An Era

The popular anime titled “Sound! Euphonium” concluded its third season, following Kumiko during her last year as a member of Kitauji High School’s concert band. Ideal for music enthusiasts, this series is more about character development and drama than an alternative to idol anime centered on concert bands. The storyline concentrates on the main characters’ personal growth as they pursue their passions while contemplating their future plans.

In the last season, the importance of what comes next for Kumiko, especially as she’s uncertain about her plans for the Euphonium once she graduates from high school, is heavily emphasized. Despite its light-hearted interactions, optimistic outlook, and everyday life scenes, season 3 carries an undercurrent of sadness. Everyone involved – characters and audience alike – are aware that change is on the horizon, inevitable, and often intimidating.

7. Girls Band Cry

2024’s Best CGI Anime…And Just An All-Around Great Show

Gaining significant popularity due to its unavailability on North American streaming platforms during its initial release, “Girls Band Cry” was undoubtedly the most shocking anime hit of 2024. The 2020s have seen numerous girl band narratives, all of which have been exceptional. “Girls Band Cry” focuses on Nina, a teenager who ventures to Tokyo in search of self-discovery. Having suffered from bullying and strained family relationships, Nina is authentic and relatable, and her quest for belonging in the world is heartwarming. Over time, she crosses paths with a guitarist named Momoka and becomes part of the band Togenashi Togeari.

In the initial episodes of this anime, it’s quite intense as the main characters exhibit volatile behavior, particularly Nina, who often explodes with emotion. However, as the girls start functioning more like a team, the narrative shifts towards warmth and acceptance in the latter half. Moreover, the CGI in Girls Band Cry is simply remarkable, boasting some of the best animation quality, especially among anime productions – it’s truly awe-inspiring.

6. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict

The Redemption Story Continues With One Of The Best Action Anime Of 2024

2022 saw Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War hardly stumble, with each segment ranking as one of the top shonen releases for its specific year. The latest installment, The Conflict, is no exception and might even be the strongest entry thus far, kicking off with a visually captivating opening episode that felt like it belonged on the big screen.

Following this, the series frequently delivers high-quality battles interspersed with surprising twists, all while reintroducing characters who continue to add value. The animation and combat scenes in Thousand-Year Blood War often receive the most praise, but its storyline should not be overlooked. Although it may not be exceptional, the narrative is skillfully paced and handles a large ensemble of characters effectively. The series even includes a few unexpected emotional impacts, or “gut punches”.

5. Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season

A Niche Work Of Art

The exceptional anime, “Monogatari,” is nearly impossible for most viewers to appreciate, yet it’s overwhelmingly impressive. Despite any competition, the direction in “Off & Monster Season” stands out among all 2024 anime productions, coupled with outstanding voice acting, intricate storytelling, and humor that borders on absurdity (though fanservice has been slightly scaled back from earlier seasons). If you’re a fan of “Monogatari,” you’ll find the latest installment delightful; however, for those unfamiliar with the series, the sequel may not offer much appeal due to its inaccessibility.

Title “Off & Monster Season” comprises three unique tales: Nadeko Draw, Acerola Bon Appétit, and Shinobu Mustard. The first narrative has a touch of maturity, the second saga delves into Shinobu’s transformation into a vampire, while the last unfolds as a thrilling whodunit. Each story is exceptional, but Acerola Bon Appétit stands out due to its darkly enchanting setting shift and the captivating debut of the charismatic Deathtopia Virtuoso Suicide-Master.

4. Kingdom: Season 5

The Epic Continuation Of An Epic Saga

It’s surprising that Kingdom isn’t as widely recognized as it should be, particularly outside Japan. The manga is a timeless classic, but its initial adaptation faced challenges in terms of animation quality. However, the writing was spot-on. Unfortunately, seasons 1 and 2 can be tough to get through due to their extensive use of CGI. But since around season 3, Kingdom has been free of major animation issues, making it consistently one of the top historical anime ever since then.

Season 5 centres on a struggle for control over the Koku You Hills, a vast forest region marked by three towering hills, between the Qin and Zhao forces. Character Shin must collaborate with the infamous General Kan Ki, who employs ruthless tactics such as manipulating his allies to achieve his goals. Although the story primarily concentrates on the conflicts between these two powerful armies, the unpredictable Kan Ki’s involvement creates an atmosphere of constant peril and heightens the tension, suggesting that the Hi Shin Unit is always under threat from potential danger.

In its fifth season, the series “Kingdom” delivers an exhilarating journey from start to finish, standing out as one of the top anime expected in 2024. Despite not being easily approachable for some viewers, its intricate plotlines and well-developed characters make strategic moves a focal point rather than just physical might.

3. The Dangers in My Heart Season 2

A Teen Romance Executed To Perfection

In a unique twist, the anime series “The Dangers in My Heart” seems to be one of the shows that crosses traditional genre boundaries, particularly within the romance-comedy genre. As it progressed during the Spring 2023 season, it gained significant traction, particularly when Ichikawa’s “grimmer” fantasies began to take a backseat, making way for a focused exploration of the blossoming relationship between him and Anna. The sequel skillfully expands on this foundation, allowing the endearing bond between the protagonists to drive the narrative forward.

In the Winter 2024 season of “The Dangers in My Heart,” Anna, initially admired, emerges as a fully rounded character, with the series skillfully portraying her vulnerabilities alongside her attraction to Ichikawa. Surprisingly, Ichikawa also undergoes significant growth, learning to embrace his feelings for Anna and even entertain the idea that she might feel the same way. This anime rom-com stands out among its peers due to its exceptional storytelling in the Winter 2024 season.

2. Delicious In Dungeon

A Mouth-Watering Fantasy Anime That Goes From Strength To Strength

Initially, it seemed like the gradual popularity of “Delicious in Dungeon” was more of a smoldering ember rather than an immediate blaze, perhaps due to its initial broadcast coinciding with the second half of “Frieren” and being exclusive to Netflix. However, as the season progressed, this show by Trigger slowly but surely ignited curiosity among viewers. By the time we reached the final episode, their adaptation of Ryoko Kui’s seinen manga had led us on a captivating journey that was rich in dark humor, stunning visuals, and intriguing lore. Along the way, it managed to win our hearts with its band of adventurers who, despite initially appearing as stereotypes, proved to be far more complex and endearing than expected.

In “Delicious in Dungeon”, the protagonists are constantly propelled forward by a significant aim. The series generally preserves a cheerful demeanor throughout its initial 12 episodes, a move likely designed to make characters like Laios and Marcille appealing to viewers. However, as the story progresses, it takes on a more intense tone which dramatically alters the overall atmosphere, yet manages to do so seamlessly without compromising the aspects that made the early episodes so delightful. The anticipation for Season 2 is palpable.

1. Dandadan

A Stunningly Complete Blend Of Comedy, Romance, Action, And Animation

The forceful excitement surrounding something like “Dandadan” could either be a blessing or a burden, as it was expected to live up to high standards that would have likely doomed any other adaptation. However, Science Saru managed admirably, presenting a visually stunning spectacle filled with endearing and well-crafted characters. Following Momo’s defense against bullies, an unusual bond is formed between him and Okarun (not his true name), as they engage in a wager to prove the existence of yokais or aliens first. In the end, they end up tied, unwittingly entering two distinct worlds teeming with imaginative and perilous creatures. Additionally, Okarun experiences the loss of… well, his balls.

A lot of great things can be said about Dandadan‘s vibrant, energetic, and slapstick-heavy action sequences, and just as much praise can be levied at the show’s tactful dip into heavy content, courtesy of a haunting look into the backstory of one specific spirit. However, Dandadan‘s success primarily comes down to its characters, particularly Momo and Okarun. They are just all-around fantastic, and their relationship grows beautifully throughout the first season. They are delightful as individuals and even better as a unit, and they are hardly the only great characters in this series. As a full package, Dandadan is the best anime of 2024. The only negative was that season 1 only lasted for 12 episodes and ended on a bit of an awkward note. Fortunately, Dandadan season 2 is just a few months away.

2024-12-20 17:07