Best CG Anime Of 2024, Ranked

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Summary

  • CG anime quality and viewership are seeing a rise, with hit series like Beastars and Dorohedoro.
  • CG anime remains niche due to limited studios, but quality series like Kamierabi and Kengan Ashura stand out.
  • A diverse range of CG anime, from Gundam to Sand Land, offer unique storytelling and top-notch visuals.

In recent times, there’s been a significant upsurge in full Computer-Generated (CG) anime, boosting both quality and audience engagement. The stereotype that CG animation was subpar compared to traditional methods is rapidly fading. Shows like Beastars, Trigun Stampede, and Dorohedoro, to mention a few, have solidified the status of CG anime within mainstream productions. This shift in perception has drawn an increasing number of fans worldwide.

In other words, it’s fair to say that creating CG anime is still a specialized endeavor. Given that there aren’t many CGI anime studios globally – with Studio Orange being one of the most recognized – they can only churn out a limited number of anime each year. The year 2024 was particularly sparse for CGI anime, with barely a dozen series produced. Yet, some of those productions were standouts among the best anime of that year.

7. Kamierabi 2nd Season

A Bizarre Yet Intriguing Battle Royale Story

  • Japanese Title: KamiErabi GOD.app Season 2
  • Release Date: Oct 3, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 6.21

The storyline of KamiErabi GOD.app revolves around a group of individuals chosen as potential “GOD” contenders. They receive this surprising invitation through an unusual application that mysteriously appeared on their smartphones. Much like in the initial season, we join Goro, a high school student and one of the “GOD” candidates, who is still grappling with coming to terms with his new reality – finding himself thrust into a survival competition from which there seems to be no escape.

This peculiar yet fascinating anime hails from the creative mind of Yoko Taro. If you’re familiar with his name, it’s because he is the mastermind behind the legendary game Nier: Automata. Fans of his work will know that the narrative is likely to be convoluted, and the aesthetics will be highly stylized. If that appeals to you, then I recommend giving KamiErabi a spin.

6. Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance

One of the Best Gundam Series in Years

  • Japanese Title: Kidou Senshi Gundam: Fukushuu no Requiem
  • Release Date: Oct 17, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 6.45

The narrative of “Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance” centers on an elite group of Zaku fighters known as the Red Wolf Squadron, who are determined to safeguard the European Front against the continuous assaults by the Earth Federation. From the turbulent battles at the frontlines to a clandestine infiltration operation, this brief series encompasses everything that enthusiasts might hope for in an authentic Gundam series.

The “Requiem for Vengeance” series, it seems, stirs up quite a debate among Gundam enthusiasts. While some passionate followers dislike this series, others who have been with it for a long time appreciate its unique offerings. Viewing the terror of a Gundam from Zeon’s soldiers’ perspective offers a fresh and engaging experience. For those tired of angsty teenagers leading the way, it’s refreshing to see a mature adult soldier stepping into the spotlight.

5. Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac – Battle Sanctuary Part 2

The Battle Against the Gold Saints Continues

  • Japanese Title: Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya 3rd Season
  • Release Date: Apr 1, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 6.47

Title Two: Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac – Battle Sanctuary Chapter 2

This is the second segment of the second season in the Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac series, a modern interpretation of the ’80s’ Saint Saiya. The second season revolves around the struggle between the Bronze Saints and the legendary Gold Saints to safeguard Athena. This second instalment kicks off with Seiya engaging in an epic fight within the Scorpio Mansion.

The classic Saint Seiya is among the most legendary Action Fantasy anime series, admired globally. Some fans who know the original might express apprehension about a completely CG (Computer-Generated) version of Seiya. Yet, it’s hard to dispute the enhanced and thrilling action scenes. The dazzling and swift visual effects beautifully convey the powerful cosmic energy of these Saints and their glistening armor.

4. Sand Land: The Series

An Expanded Version of Akira Toriyama’s Short Story

  • Japanese Title: SAND LAND: THE SERIES
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.51

In the tale of “Sand Land”, the central character is an aging, resolute man named Rao, who embarks on a mission to locate a pure water supply in a desolate desert. Joining him on this quest is Beelzebub, a lively, benevolent, and somewhat innocent prince from the Demon Realm, along with his timid and cautious counselor, Thief.

Sand Land originates from a short manga of the same title created by Akira Toriyama, published in the year 2000. A movie adaptation followed in 2023, which garnered positive responses from fans. In light of this success, the story was expanded into an entire anime series. The initial six episodes serve as a recap of the movie with added scenes, while the seventh episode introduces a fresh storyline penned by Toriyama himself. Regrettably, this esteemed manga artist passed away on March 1, 2024, prior to the debut of this series.

3. Kengan Ashura Season 2 Part 2

The Duel to Find the Most Powerful Martial Artist Continues

  • Japanese Title: Kengan Ashura 2nd Season Part 2
  • Release Date: Aug 15, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.85

In much the same vein as Saint Seiya, this is the second installment of the second season for Kengan Ashura. The narrative focuses on a martial artist named Ohma who gets drawn into a clandestine organization populated by affluent individuals. Instead of corporate heads squaring off against each other, it’s their martial artists who engage in conflict. Not unlike its predecessor, the series continues to depict Ohma as he navigates through this treacherous and ruthless underworld, aiming for dominance.

Kengan Ashura is an animated series based on a manga titled the same way, written by Yabako Sandrovich and illustrated by Daromeon. Initially, the first season was exclusively produced for Netflix. However, due to overwhelming fan appreciation, it resulted in the creation of a second season. Notably, the global streaming rights for this second season have been granted to Crunchyroll instead.

2. Beastars Final Season Part 1

Legosi’s Battle for Love and the Future

  • Japanese Title: BEASTARS Final Season
  • Release Date: Dec 5, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.99

Without a doubt, the concluding chapter of “Beastars” sees the resolution of numerous threads that have been woven throughout the story. It’s during this phase where Legosi starts giving serious thought to his upcoming decisions. The romantic journey of Legosi and Haru takes an unexpected turn, prompting them to ponder on the complex dynamics between predator and prey. Furthermore, the show unveils its most mysterious antagonist yet – a hybrid creature named Melon.

In Beastars, the plot may initially appear straightforward, but as viewers delve deeper, they’ll come to appreciate its intricate layers and rich character development. The second half of Season 2 is set to debut in 2025, though an exact release date has not been announced yet.

1. Girls Band Cry

An Inspiring and Relatable Story of Music and Friendship

  • Japanese Title: Girls Band Cry
  • Release Date: Apr 6, 2024
  • MyAnimeList Score: 8.39

Girls Band Cry” follows Nina Iseri, who departs from her small town for Tokyo after dropping out of high school, hoping to chart a fresh course. Her inaugural day in Tokyo is marred by mishaps – she misses her train stop, gets locked out of her new apartment, and ends up with a phone that’s out of power. However, an unexpected meeting with a musician named Momoka Kawaragi sets Iseri on a new path. This narrative unfolds the story of their union to create a band, as well as their initial steps towards fame.

Among the numerous anime series of 2024, Girls Band Cry stands out as a surprising gem. Although there are many stories in the world of anime that revolve around bands and music, the narrative of Girls Band Cry resonates deeply with its audience due to its authentic and relatable human touch. While its CGI animation might seem unusual for those who were accustomed to more traditional slice-of-life anime, it won’t be long before viewers are captivated by the story’s heartwarming and motivating message, rather than the visuals themselves.

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2025-01-12 01:34