As we welcome a new year, anime enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate the lineup of the Winter 2024 anime season. This year promises an exciting blend of fresh narratives, returning classics, and continuing sagas set to captivate audiences and dominate conversations.
My curated list of the Best Anime in Winter 2024 is here to guide you through the season’s most promising releases, from action-packed shounen epics to heartwarming slice-of-life tales. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to the world of anime, this list is your guide to the hottest releases of the Winter 2024 season. Don’t miss out!
*This article will be updated as new anime information is announced.
▽Check here for the best anime list of all seasons in 2024!▽
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1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Second Cour)
The most popular anime series this season might be Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (葬送のフリーレン). Strictly speaking, it’s an anime that started in the autumn of 2023, but its second cour is continuously airing this winter 2024 season, making it a highlight of this period, so it’s impossible not to pick it up here. From September to December last year, 16 episodes were broadcast, and another half is being aired from January. The original manga series by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe is also being well-received.
In Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the long-lived elf Frieren, who has developed an interest in humans, starts a new journey with her apprentice and wizard Fern, and a young warrior Stark. They also add a priest named Sein to their group of companions. The second cour of the first season mainly deals with the First Class Mage Exam Arc. To continue their journey, they need to pass the First Class Mage Exam, and Frieren and Fern take on this challenge. New Mage characters also appear one after another.
Aired: From September, 2023
Expectation: ★★★★★
▽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 […]
2. Classroom of the Elite 3rd Season
Categorized as psychological thriller and slice of life, Classroom of the Elite (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ) is becoming one of the most popular anime series in the recent years. After the 12-episode first season in 2017 and the 13-episode second season in 2022, the anticipated third season comes in the beginning of 2024. It is based on the school-themed light novel that has been written by Shogo Kinugasa and illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose since 2015.
In this third season, the Year 1 Arc comes to a conclusion. A far more grueling exam stands before Ayanokoji’s class. Furthermore, the development in the relationship between Kei Karuizawa and Kiyotaka Ayanokoji is a highlight. The light novel has already started with the sequel titled Classroom of the Elite: Year 2, showing yet another exciting development. The protagonist Ayanokoji’s past is slowly being revealed, and new characters are added as freshmen. The battle between classes, as well as Ayanokoji’s personal struggles that surround him, are becoming a spectacle.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★★★
The second season of the Classroom of the Elite anime series just ended, and you may wonder which volume to read in the […]
3. The Dangers in My Heart Season 2
The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 (僕の心のヤバイやつ 第2期) is one of the most anticipated anime of the winter 2024 season. As a testament to the trend in recent years, it is an excellent work in the rom-com genre. Despite the first season only starting in April 2023, due to its immense popularity, this sequel, the second season, was promptly decided. The original manga is written by Norio Sakurai and has been serialized since 2018. The anime production is handled once again by Shin-Ei Animation, which created a flawless 12 episodes for the first season.
This romantic comedy anime, set in Tokyo, portrays the blossoming love between Kyotaro Ichikawa, a socially awkward boy suffering from Chunibyo, and Anna Yamada, a vibrant and beautiful girl. In the second season, we’re left wondering how their relationship, which has gradually gotten closer, will evolve. Let’s look forward to seeing how their bond changes amid further events in their school life.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★★★
The Dangers in My Heart has become one of the centerpiece anime of 2023 since it began airing in the spring. Lots of new[…]
4. Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage
Coming this Winter 2024 is the much-awaited sequel to the popular school-based romantic comedy anime, Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage (弱キャラ友崎くん 2nd STAGE). Produced once again by Project No.9, the anime continues to adapt the well-loved light novel series by Yuki Yaku and Fly that began in 2016. The charm of its story and characters promises to keep fans hooked in this new season.
The protagonist, Fumiya Tomozaki, is one of Japan’s top gamers but in reality, he’s a loner in high school. Under the guidance of the school’s perfect heroine, Aoi Hinami, the adventure of a bottom-tier high schooler’s life begins. In the finale of the first season, Fumiya was seen challenging Aoi’s rational approach to conquering the game of life. There’s also Fuka, who’s grown closer to him, and despite their seemingly flawless exteriors, all the heroines have their own personal issues to grapple with. The anticipation lies in seeing how these elements will evolve in the second season.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★☆☆
Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki is an anime that incorporates gaming as its main theme, thriving in a world where online […]
5. Shaman King: Flowers
Shaman King: Flowers (シャーマンキングFLOWERS) is the much-anticipated sequel to the classic shonen action-adventure series Shaman King. The original Shaman King series recently sparked discussion with its 52-episode remake, broadcasted from 2021 to 2022. Animated by the same anime studio as the previous series, Bridge, Shaman King: Flowers is based on the manga by Hiroyuki Takei, serialized from 2012 to 2014. Furthermore, the series continues in its sequel, Shaman King: The Super Star, keeping the legacy of Shaman King alive.
Shaman King: Flowers centers around Hana Asakura, the son of the original series protagonist, Yoh Asakura. Like his father, Hana is a Shaman, a person capable of communicating with and controlling spirits. As he begins to navigate his own spiritual powers, a new generation of enemies emerges, challenging him to live up to his family’s legacy. This manga is a mix of coming-of-age struggles, thrilling battles, and supernatural adventures as Hana seeks to define his identity as a Shaman.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★★☆
6. Mashle: Magic and Muscles – Divine Visionary Selection Exam Arc (Season 2)
The second season of Mashle: Magic and Muscles (マッシュル-MASHLE-) is the highly-anticipated follow-up to the anime adaptation that started in 2023, based on the Shonen Jump manga. Slated to arrive in January 2024, the new season picks up with the Divine Visionary Selection Exam Arc (神覚者候補選抜試験編), continuing the perfect blend of action, fantasy, and comedy that has made Mashle: Magic and Muscles such a hit. The original manga, written by Hajime Komoto, has been in publication since 2020. The anime adaptation is again handled by A-1 Pictures, promising consistent production quality.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles” tells the story of Mash Burnedead, a boy born in a world where magic is everything but he possesses none. Using his unmatched physical prowess, he aims to survive in this magic-dominant world, aiming to become the Divine Visionary, the highest position in the magical government. In the second season, the series continues to depict the battles between Mash and a host of enemy characters who stand in his way.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★☆☆
Countless masterpieces have emerged from Weekly Shonen Jump, the ever-popular manga magazine, and many have been turned […]
7. Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
When speaking of Hokkaido, it’s known as the northernmost region of Japan, famous for its beautiful snowy landscapes and rich gourmet experiences, including fresh seafood and fruits. A new romantic comedy anime set in this enchanting land is Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! (道産子ギャルはなまらめんこい). Originally a manga by Kai Ikada, it began online serialization in Shonen Jump+ in 2019. The anime adaptation is a joint production between Silver Link and Blade, known for their recent works like The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious in 2022 and Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero in 2023.
Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! starts with a boy named Tsubasa Shiki, who transfers from Tokyo to a high school in Hokkaido, where he meets a gal named Minami Fuyuki. The setting is the real Hokkaido city of Kitami. The original title of the anime includes the word Dosanko, which refers to people from Hokkaido (although some may find this term offensive). The heroine Minami is very outgoing and quickly closes the distance with the transfer student Shiki. This school romantic comedy also captures the unique local charm of Hokkaido.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★★☆
8. Kingdom 5th Season
This winter, the highly popular historical action series Kingdom reaches its fifth season: Kingdom 5th Season (キングダム 第5シリーズ). Its original manga, written by Yasuhisa Hara and serialized since 2006, released its 70th volume in November 2023. So far, the anime has covered up to around volume 41 of the manga. Since the third season was aired in 2020, new episodes of the Kingdom anime have been broadcasted every year, produced by Pierrot and its subsidiary Studio Signpost. While the manga is highly acclaimed, the anime’s unique, immersive battle scenes are also not to be missed.
Kingdom is a grand historical story set in China’s Warring States period. It follows the young boy Ri Shin, who aspires to become the greatest general, and the young king Ei Sei, who will later become the First Emperor. The fifth season primarily covers the Koku You Campaign Arc, focusing on one of the strongest characters in the allied forces, the general Kan Ki. However, their brutality is such that even the soldiers of their own state of Qin feel fear. The spotlight is on how they will perform in the Battle of Koku You, in a joint campaign with the Hi Shin Unit led by Shin.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★★☆
9. Solo Leveling
The anime and manga production boom has long been underway, not only in Japan but also in South Korea. One unique work in the winter 2024 anime lineup, already gaining high popularity among fans, is Solo Leveling (俺だけレベルアップな件). Originally, Solo Leveling was a novel by Chugong, published in South Korea from 2016 to 2018, and was later adapted into a manga and webtoon with illustrations by Dubu. The novel and manga have been also published in Japan and have finally been turned into an anime by A-1 Pictures, with music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, who has been involved in various popular anime productions.
This action fantasy focuses on individuals called Hunters who possess supernatural powers. These Hunters travel through Gates to isekai worlds, aiming to earn rewards by clearing dungeons. The protagonist, Shun Mizushino (originally named Sung Jin-woo in the original works), is considered the weakest E-class Hunter. He risks his life in dungeons to earn money for his mother’s expensive medical treatment. However, he eventually acquires the unique ability to level up on his own.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★☆☆
▽For those who want to enjoy the continuation of Solo Leveling Season 1 right now, you can read it in the manga!▽
A series with a unique background that seems like a typical isekai anime from the Japanese light novel trend, but is act[…]
10. Tales of Wedding Rings
The title Tales of Wedding Rings (結婚指輪物語) might remind you of the British masterpiece The Lord of the Rings, but this anime is essentially a “newlywed isekai fantasy” centered around the theme of wedding rings. The original work, a manga series by Maybe, achieved a cumulative circulation of 1.4 million copies at the time of its anime adaptation and has been serialized in Monthly Big Gangan since 2014. Although it has a setting similar to a Narou-kei light novel, it is an anime adaptation of this manga series.
The protagonist is Satou, a typical high school boy (bearing one of the most common Japanese surnames), who plans to confess his feelings to his childhood friend Hime. However, he is faced with the news of her moving away. In a twist of fate, Satou is transported to an isekai world where, contrary to reality, he is proposed to by Hime. It turns out that Hime is one of the five Princesses of the Ring in that world. As the hero, the Ring King, Satou learns he must marry the remaining four princesses to confront the threats to the world…
11. ‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess
‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess (姫様“拷問”の時間です) is a uniquely delightful anime for comedy enthusiasts. Its tagline is “The world’s kindest ‘torture’ fantasy anime that brings a smile to everyone’s face.” The original manga, written by Robinson Haruhara and illustrated by Hirakei, has been serialized in Shonen Jump+ since 2019. Now, Pine Jam is making it into an anime adaptation.
The story centers on the Princess of the Imperial Army, captured by the Hellhorde. She is subjected to “torture” to make her reveal the Imperial Army’s secrets. Although the Princess is a true warrior who has survived many battles and near-death experiences, can she withstand the various forms of torture? Contrary to what one might expect from this serious setup, the torture isn’t the typical physical or mental pain one might imagine. Instead, she is tantalized with irresistibly delicious freshly baked toast, the most tempting act of eating ramen late at night, and playing with adorable animals – these are her weaknesses.
Aired: From January, 2024
Expectation: ★★★★☆
12. Dropkick on My Devil! Apocalypse Arc
Dropkick on My Devil!, an anime renowned for its edgy comedy, has taken a unique turn following its third season. Embracing the power of crowdfunding, this innovative series has steadily produced new episodes as Original Video Animations (OVAs). Once all 12 episodes are complete, they will be aired as the much-anticipated fourth season. In a special collaboration with Takamori Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, Dropkick on My Devil! Apocalypse Arc (邪神ちゃんドロップキック【世紀末編】) has been announced as a single-episode production, scheduled for release on December 27, 2023.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Jimbocho, transformed into ruins by an extraterrestrial object, violence reigns supreme under the rule of Yurine Hanazono. In this chaotic world, the mischievous Jashin-chan, guided by the stars, travels southward on a quest to confront Yurine. Her journey takes her to the foot of the lush Aso Mountains in Takamori Town, where an unexpected encounter awaits. This latest installment promises to blend the series’ signature humor with a thrilling new setting, offering fans an exhilarating adventure in the ruins of a once-bustling Tokyo district.
Aired: From December 27, 2023
Expectation: ★★★★☆
13. Burn the Witch #0.8
Burn the Witch, another action fantasy manga by Tite Kubo, known for Bleach, was made into a movie in 2020. This winter, a story depicting its prequel is set to be animated. It’s titled Burn the Witch #0.8. Studio Colorido, which produced the first anime movie, also handles the production of this episode. Specifically, it will first be released in Japan on December 30, 2023, on the video streaming services Amazon Prime Video and Lemino, and then it is scheduled to be distributed worldwide.
Burn the Witch is a fantasy action story set in Reverse London, a hidden side of London, and revolves around witches and wizards who confront otherworldly beings known as dragons. This time, a prequel story will be depicted, focusing on the tales of two witches, Ninny Spangcole and Noel Niihashi.
Aired: December 30, 2023
Expectation: ★★★★☆
Best Anime Movies Released in Winter 2024
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Two powerful titles are set to be released from Studio Shaft in the winter of 2024. First and foremost is the highly anticipated direct sequel to the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series: Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising (劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ〈ワルプルギスの廻天〉). The original anime was broadcasted in 2011, marking its 10th anniversary in 2021. The story, which had been stagnant since the release of Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie – Rebellion in 2013, is finally set in motion again.
Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp
From the Monogatari series, Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp (傷物語 -こよみヴァンプ-), which condenses the three-part Kizumonogatari into a single film, is confirmed to be released on January 12, 2024. The anime adaptation of the Monogatari series paused with “Zoku Owarimonogatari” produced in 2018, but any future developments are worth looking forward to.
Haikyu!! the Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump
Additionally, the latest installment in the Haikyu!! series, Haikyu!! the Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦), will be released in February 16. The anime series concluded with its fourth season, and it was announced that the sequel would come in the form of two completely new anime movies. This film, Haikyu!! the Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump, is the first part of that duo.
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