Welcome to the mesmerizing world of anime in 2024! As the year unfolds, we’re set to witness an enthralling lineup of anime series that promise to captivate audiences across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to the vibrant universe of Japanese animation, our curated list of must-watch anime of 2024 is your perfect guide.
As introduced in our Best Anime Movies 2024 article, 2024 is a fruitful year for anime movies as well, featuring the latest installment in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series, a reboot of Monogatari Series, and a new production by Super Peace Busters titled Fureru. Anime series are also set to have a busy year, not falling behind in excitement.
The second season of the explosively popular Oshi no Ko, the sequel to Mushoku Tensei, the completely new title Dragon Ball Daima, and new anime adaptations from popular manga and light novels are all among the anticipated titles. These latest anime are now easily accessible worldwide through streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll.
So, let’s quickly check out the best anime of 2024!
1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc (Season 4)
As of now, one of the few certainties is that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃) will continue to be regarded as one of the best anime in 2024. Following Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc in 2023, this spring sees the broadcast of Season 4: Hashira Training Arc (柱稽古編). The production is, of course, by Ufotable, known for its excellent work on the previous 48 episodes and the animated film in 2020. Although the original manga concluded in 2020, the anime is rapidly approaching its climax.
Season 3: Swordsmith Village Arc, focused on Tanjiro as well as the Hashira such as Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji, and introduced the strong demons Gyokko in the position of Upper Rank Five and Hantengu in the position of Upper Rank Four. This Season 4: Hashira Training Arc features other Hashira characters in full array. It sees the return of early fan-favorite character Giyu Tomioka and one of the strongest Hashira, Gyomei Himejima. Attention should also be given to Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu as they grow stronger under these powerful swordsmen.
Starting from February 2, 2024, ahead of the broadcast of the fourth season, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village (鬼滅の刃 絆の奇跡、そして柱稽古へ) will be screened as part of a world tour. This will feature the final 11th episode, of the third season and the first episode of the fourth season in theaters. It is scheduled to be shown in over 140 countries and regions around the world.
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2. Monogatari Series Off Season and Monster Season (Season 4 and 5)
The long-awaited sequel to Monogatari Series (〈物語〉シリーズ) is finally being adapted into an anime in 2024. These sequels, Off Season (オフシーズン) and Monster Season (モンスターシーズン), are the episodes that follow the First, Second, and Final Seasons aired from 2009 to 2019. The production are carried out by Shaft, with Akiyuki Shinbo continuing as the chief director, and Midori Yoshizawa being appointed as the new director.
These new two seasons are based on the light novels by Nisio Isin, which have been published from 2015 to 2021, and are now being adapted into anime. In detail, Off Season comprises four titles: Orokamonogatari, Wazamonogatari, Nademonogatari, and Musubimonogatari; Monster Season is composed of five titles: Shinobumonogatari, Yoimonogatari, Amarimonogatari, Ougimonogatari, and Shinomonogatari.
In Off Season, the focus is mainly on spin-off-like stories of the heroines after the protagonist Koyomi Araragi’s high school graduation. There are stories about Koyomi’s life after getting a job, and the introduction of entirely new characters, which is exciting. In Monster Season, Koyomi’s university life is depicted. Here, new relationships are explored, but of course, there is also a focus on the original heroines, so fans can rest assured.
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3. Oshi no Ko Season 2
As mentioned in the introduction, for many of today’s anime fans, the best anime of 2024 is likely to be the second season of Oshi no Ko (【推しの子】). Oshi no Ko, a suspenseful mystery manga that is currently one of the most popular around the world, was first animated by Doga Kobo in 2023 and has since received an incredible response. Especially notable was the first episode, which was an unusual 90 minutes long (typical TV anime episodes are 20-30 minutes), marking the start of the anime’s broadcast. With its impressive animation quality, the eagerly awaited second season is set to return in 2024.
Aqua, aiming for revenge for her mother and legendary idol Ai, and her twin sister Ruby, who strives to become the greatest idol like their mother, continue their journey in entertainment. New key characters surrounding each of them emerge and become significant factors in the second season. Depicted in the key visual of the second season, Akane Kurokawa starts a new stage play with Aqua, and Kana Arima, who recently began idol activities with Ruby, also joins the play. An unpredictable story starts moving again.
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4. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2
Since its anime debut in 2021, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation has been a major topic of discussion almost every year. In 2024, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 (無職転生Ⅱ ～異世界行ったら本気だす～ 第2クール) is set to air from April. The second season started airing in July 2023, and although the director changed from the first season, the series continued to maintain its high quality. Studio Bind, responsible for the production of the whole series, has only been gaining more fame. The second half of the second season is also attracting a lot of attention this year. Additionally, the original light novel series impressively concluded in 2022, with high expectations for the complete adaptation into anime.
In the second season, the isekai fantasy story begins with the protagonist, Rudeus, at the depths of despair after his travel partner and crush, Eris, leaves him. However, he eventually finds hope to live again and enrolls in the Ranoa Magic Academy, where he reunites with his childhood friend, Sylphiette. Rudeus’ journey to find his mother continues, and in the grand scheme of the story, it is still only in the middle stages. Let’s look forward to the new developments in Mushoku Tensei.
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5. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The anime series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (葬送のフリーレン), which began airing in October 2023, is one of the best anime of 2023, and its first season’s second part continues to be broadcast into 2024. It made an exceptional debut in the popular Friday Roadshow time slot, which typically features many popular films, starting with a two-hour special (equivalent to four episodes) – a rarity for an anime series. The original manga, created by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, has been well-received since its serialization began in 2020. There are high expectations for its ongoing adaptation by the renowned anime studio Madhouse.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End revolves around Frieren, an elf who lives many times longer than humans. The story begins after Frieren completes an adventure, having defeated the Demon King with the hero Himmel and their party (unlike most adventure series that focus on the journey itself). As Frieren embarks on a new journey, she encounters new companions, Fern and Stark, who are like disciples of her former party members. In a nutshell, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a high-quality, touching, otherworldly fantasy.
▽If you want to enjoy the continuation of the anime right now, please refer to this manga guide!▽
Between 2023 and 2024, an amazing anime was born: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, unfolding a laid-back adventure packed […]
6. Sound! Euphonium Season 3
One of Kyoto Animation’s flagship series launches its latest series in April 2024: Sound! Euphonium Season 3 (響け！ユーフォニアム3). This slice-of-life, coming-of-age drama is themed around the activities of a high school brass band. Following its first 13-episode season in 2015 and a second 13-episode season in 2016, the eagerly awaited Season 3 will return in April 2024. In the meantime, new standalone works have been released, including Liz and the Blue Bird (リズと青い鳥) in 2018 and Sound! Euphonium: The Movie – Our Promise: A Brand New Day (劇場版 響け！ユーフォニアム ～誓いのフィナーレ～) in 2019. In addition, a mid-length animation, Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest (特別編 響け！ユーフォニアム〜アンサンブルコンテスト〜), was released in 2023.
In the upcoming season, Kumiko, now a senior in her final year of high school, becomes the president of the Kita-Uji High School Brass Band Club, leading a group of over 90 members. Together with the newly joined students, she strives to achieve the long-awaited national gold medal in their final year of club activities. The third season continues to delicately portray the passion and sensitivity of teenagers, complex human relationships, and the brilliance found in everyday life.
7. Dragon Ball Daima
One of the world’s most famous action-adventure franchises is releasing an unexpected new series. The latest in the Dragon Ball saga, Dragon Ball Super, aired from 2015 to 2018, with the original series’ manga artist, Akira Toriyama, responsible for the story and character design concepts. Now, in the autumn of 2024, approximately six years later, a brand new series titled Dragon Ball DAIMA (ドラゴンボールDAIMA) is set to air. Akira Toriyama is again handling the story and character design concepts for Dragon Ball Daima, much to the excitement of fans.
Toriyama has explained that the title “Daima” is derived from the Japanese word for “Evil.” The main characters, such as Goku and Vegeta, have been transformed into children, reminiscent of the 1996-1997 series Dragon Ball GT. While many believe that no series will ever surpass the original Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, the anticipation for this new installment is undeniably high and thrilling.
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8. Tower of God Season 2
Tower of God Season 2 (神之塔 -Tower of God- 2期) is one of the most anticipated anime series airing in 2024. In South Korea, manga-like content known as webtoons and anime production have been thriving. Among them, Tower of God has become a global hit, especially in South Korea, the United States, and Japan. It began as a webtoon by SIU in 2010 and was adapted into a 13-episode anime by Telecom Animation Film in 2020. The production of the second season was announced at North America’s largest anime convention, Crunchyroll Expo 2022, and its broadcast from July 2024 was confirmed at Anime NYC 2023. It is a fine work that skillfully combines traditional action-adventure with the recent trend of death game elements.
Set in a tower where climbing to the top grants any wish, the protagonist, a young boy named Bam, aims to conquer the tower in pursuit of his childhood friend, a girl named Rachel. As Bam strives for the higher floors, he confronts new allies and enemies and faces numerous harsh trials. The second season will depict popular story arcs from the original work, The Prince of Zahard and The Workshop Battle.
9. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict (Part 3)
It looks like this year is going to be another great one for Bleach fans. Following the first anime adaptation of Bleach that aired from 2004 to 2012, the final arc, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, started in 2022. With the second part airing in 2023, it has continued to astonish viewers with its overwhelming visual quality. The third part of this final Bleach arc is coming in 2024 as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict (Part 3) (BLEACH 千年血戦篇-相剋譚- (第3クール)).
Let’s review the plot of the former part The Separation for the upcoming episodes:
In a millennium-spanning conflict, Ichigo Kurosaki, the Substitute Soul Reaper, battles against the Quincy’s Wandenreich to save the Soul Society. Overwhelmed by the Quincy, including their leader Yhwach and his elite Sternritter who can steal Bankai, many Soul Reapers fall. After being defeated and learning of his mixed Quincy-Soul Reaper heritage from his father Isshin, Ichigo seeks new powers to protect his loved ones. Meanwhile, Quincy descendant Uryu Ishida uncovers truths that challenge the Quincy leadership. As the battle enters a new phase, the Soul Society braces for its darkest moments in “The Nine Days of the End of the World.”
10. Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3
Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3 (ラブライブ！スーパースター!! 3期) is coming in the autumn of 2024. Studio Sunrise, known for masterpieces of mecha anime like Gundam and Code Geass, ventured into a new realm with idol anime, releasing the first series Love Live! in 2013. Since then, multiple titles have been released, and this Love Live! Superstar!! is the fourth installment in the champion idol anime series. This is the first time a Love Live series has continued to a third season, indicating the depth and complexity of each character’s story.
In Love Live! Superstar!!, set mainly in Omotesando, the heart of Tokyo, a group of diverse high school idols, including Kanon Shibuya with her wonderful singing voice, form an idol group named Liella!. The second season in 2022 introduced four new characters, and this third season will add even more members as the third generation. You can enjoy this anime in various aspects: the human drama of the girls, the everyday comedy, and the fantastic music in the show. Love Live is enjoyable regardless of the series order, so it’s recommended to start watching from this latest series.
11. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! Season 3
The third season of KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (この素晴らしい世界に祝福を!3), which can be considered the best anime in the isekai comedy genre, is finally set to air in 2024. Based on the hugely popular light novel, the first two seasons aired in 2016 and 2017, captivating fans worldwide. The eagerly awaited new sequel is now set to be released. While the prequel spin-off KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! (この素晴らしい世界に爆焔を！), focusing on the character Megumin, was broadcast in 2023, many are undoubtedly more excited for the main series’ third season. It’s also noteworthy that the anime production for the third season has shifted from Studio Deen, which produced the previous two seasons, to Drive.
KonoSuba is a typical isekai series, but it stands out from many other fantasy adventures. Rather than presenting an exciting adventure with grand dreams, it finds humor in the repetition of everyday life. Kazuma and his party often find themselves in the midst of trouble before they realize it. At first glance, it might seem trivial, but each character possesses their own humor, creating different relational dynamics and resultant laughter. The lack of a definitive goal makes it a series that could be watched endlessly.
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12. Dandadan
One of the most anticipated anime adaptations of a manga in 2024 is Dandadan (ダンダダン). Since its serialization began in 2021 on Shonen Jump+, it has remained one of the most popular manga on that platform. This trend of animating popular manga from Shonen Jump+ follows the likes of Spy x Family and Hell’s Paradise, and in 2024, the same is set for the broadcast of Kaiju No. 8. Notably, the production of Dandadan is being handled by Science SARU, known for their works on Masaaki Yuasa-directed anime such as Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Inu-Oh. Another exciting aspect is the music by Kensuke Ushio, who also worked on the soundtracks for A Silent Voice and Chainsaw Man.
Dandadan can be categorized as an action rom-com with an occult theme. It centers on high school girl Momo Ayase, born into a family of mediums, and her classmate Ken Takakura, known as Okarun, an occult enthusiast. Although both are interested in the occult, they have a fundamental disagreement: Momo believes in ghosts but not aliens, whereas Okarun believes in aliens but not ghosts. The story follows these two as they step into a world beyond their respective beliefs. As can be seen from the key visuals, the psychedelic landscapes and character designs alone are likely to captivate many viewers.
13. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
It looks like another year where modern-day slice-of-life romantic comedies are flourishing. A leading candidate for the best anime in this category is Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (時々ボソッとロシア語でデレる隣のアーリャさん). The series is based on a light novel that has been published since 2021, with SunSunSun writing the story and Momoco providing character illustrations. Doga Kobo, known for their expertise in slice-of-life anime, is in charge of production. This cute heroine-focused slice-of-life rom-com anime follows a recent trend, with last year’s hit being The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is currently one of the best-selling rom-com light novels and is eagerly awaited for its anime adaptation.
Masachika Kuze, a lackadaisical student known for his habitual napping during classes, finds himself seated next to Alya, a top student revered as the Lone Princess for her grace and academic prowess. Alya often appears cold towards Masachika but unexpectedly shows her affection in Russian, mistakenly thinking he doesn’t understand. Unknown to her, Masachika, who developed a proficiency in Russian due to a childhood crush, fully comprehends her words but pretends otherwise. This leads to an amusing love story where Masachika, aware of Alya’s true feelings, secretly relishes in their interactions, while Alya continues to believe her sentiments are unnoticed.
This anime was originally scheduled to be broadcast from spring 2024, but it has been postponed to July in order to prioritize quality.
2024 is brimming with new anime releases, and there just doesn’t seem to be enough time to catch them all. It would be wise to select those with high expectations initially. However, even if some aren’t widely known, there’s a chance you might discover a gem. Let’s enjoy our anime life this year as well!
If you want to explore more anime from 2024, please refer to the following lists of anime for each season: Best Anime in Winter 2024, Best Anime in Spring 2024, Best Anime in Summer 2024.
This is a collection of lists of the best anime series from the past.
Check out information on 2024’s anime movies, manga, and light novels below!
▶︎▷▶︎▷10 Best Anime Movies 2024
▶︎▷▶︎▷10 Best Manga of 2024 to Read in English
▶︎▷▶︎▷10 Best Light Novels to Read in English 2024
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