Last updated on December 11th, 2024 at 06:07 pm
2024 has been an amazing year for anime, with so many incredible shows to choose from. It was a tough call narrowing down the list, especially since there have been so many fresh, exciting premieres. For this post, I focused only on anime that debuted their first season this year—no sequels allowed! I also skipped over series that started in 2023 and wrapped up in 2024, like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, even though it was absolutely gorgeous. So, let’s jump right in and check out the best anime of 2024 that you definitely need to watch right now!
Blue Box
Blue Box follows Taiki Inomata, a high school student with dreams of becoming a professional badminton player. His journey becomes more complicated when he finds himself living with his crush, Chinatsu Kano, the star of the school’s basketball team. As Taiki navigates the pressures of sports, school, and his feelings for Chinatsu, he faces challenges that test his determination. This unique blend of sports, romance, and personal growth makes Blue Box one of the best anime of 2024, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
Wind Breaker
Wind Breaker centers on Haruka Sakura, a skilled fighter and outcast, who enters Furin High School, a place where strength is valued above all else. Initially focused solely on becoming the strongest, Sakura soon discovers the school’s true purpose: protecting the town of Makochi. As he joins a group of classmates, he learns the value of teamwork and begins to fight not for himself, but for others. This anime deserves a spot on the best anime of 2024 list for its compelling character development and thrilling action sequences.
Mission: Yozakura Family
Mission: Yozakura Family tells the story of Taiyo, a shy teenager who ends up marrying Mutsumi, the daughter of a powerful spy family, to protect her from danger. Now part of the Yozakura clan, Taiyo has to train as a spy and face various thrilling challenges while learning the value of family. This anime earns its place as one of the best anime of 2024 with its exciting mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it a fresh and enjoyable watch for fans of unique and action-packed stories.
Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf is a remake of the original classic, bringing a fresh look to the story of Lawrence, a merchant, and Holo, a clever wolf goddess. Together, they travel across towns, trading goods and solving problems, all while growing closer through their adventures. This anime deserves a spot on the best anime of 2024 list because of its charming story, thoughtful dialogue, and updated visuals, making it a treat for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dandadan
Dandadan tells the story of Ken Takakura, a boy who doesn’t believe in ghosts, and Momo Ayase, a girl who doesn’t believe in aliens. When they challenge each other’s beliefs, they unexpectedly encounter proof of both. As they are drawn into a series of bizarre and otherworldly events, their bond grows stronger, and they must navigate strange battles involving ghosts, aliens, and psychic phenomena. This exciting mix of humor, action, and supernatural adventure makes it one of the standout stories among the best anime of 2024.
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master is set in the Kingdom of Yamauchi, where people can transform into magical three-legged crows. The story focuses on a prince, Wakamiya, who must compete with his older brother for power, while women compete for his affection. As tensions grow within the royal family, a young man named Yukiya is sent to serve the prince, but his arrival is no coincidence. This anime is a strong contender for the best anime of 2024, with its mix of magic, politics, and character-driven drama.
Solo Leveling
A decade ago, mysterious gates appeared around the world, connecting to other dimensions and unleashing dangerous monsters. In response, humans gained superhuman abilities and became hunters, responsible for clearing the dungeons inside these gates. Sung Jinwoo, the weakest of all hunters, finds himself in a deadly dungeon with his party. After surviving an impossible situation, he gains access to a strange system that offers him incredible power—though at a great cost. Solo Leveling was one of the most hyped anime of 2024, making it a top contender for the best anime of 2024.
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
In Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, Kazuhiko Nukumizu, a quiet high schooler, unexpectedly gets involved in the messy romantic lives of three girls after witnessing one’s rejection. Anna, Lemon, and Chika each struggle with their feelings, pulling Nukumizu into their drama. This lighthearted yet engaging show, with its relatable awkward moments, earns its place as one of the best anime of 2024 for anyone looking for a fun twist on romance and high school life.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword
In Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Will Sefort, a student at Regarden Magic Academy, struggles with his lack of magical abilities while aspiring to climb the Wizard’s Tower alongside his childhood friend, Elfaria Albis Serfort. Elfaria’s immense magical talent led her to join the elite Magia Vander, but Will, relying on his physical strength and swordsmanship, fights monsters and defies expectations to keep the promise he made. This anime deserves a spot among the best anime of 2024 for its captivating blend of magical adventure, personal determination, and unique character growth.
The Fable
Fable, a feared assassin known for his unmatched ability to eliminate targets within seconds, is ordered by his boss to disappear for a year to avoid drawing police attention. Along with his driver, who poses as his sister, he relocates to Osaka under strict instructions to live as a regular civilian and not kill anyone, or face deadly consequences. However, his so-called vacation turns dangerous when Takeshi Ebihara, a suspicious yakuza leader, views him as a threat and schemes to eliminate him. The constant danger and clever counterstrategies make The Fable a must-watch and a deserving entry among the best anime of 2024.
Bucchigiri?!
In Bucchigiri?!, Arajin Tomoshibi, a transfer student at Ichizu High, just wants a normal life and a girlfriend. However, he’s dragged into a turf war between two rival gangs, Minato Kai and Siguma Squad, when he becomes involved with a pretty girl named Mahoro Jin, whose brother leads one gang, and his childhood friend Matakara, who belongs to the other. Things get even more intense when Arajin accidentally awakens a powerful genie named Senya, giving him the strength to fight back. This anime deserves a spot on the list of the best anime of 2024 due to its fun mix of school drama, supernatural action, and comedy, making it a unique and exciting watch.
Pseudo Harem
Eiji Kitahama dreams of having a harem of girls vying for his attention, and his drama club junior, Rin Nanakura, decides to make it a reality. Using her incredible acting skills, Rin plays various personalities, from flirtatious to reserved, creating a “pseudo harem” for Eiji. As their bond grows, Rin uses her roles to express her feelings, adding depth to their playful interactions. Pseudo Harem stands out among the best anime of 2024 for its creative premise, lighthearted humor, and charming romance.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Rafal, a 12-year-old genius in 15th-century Poland, wants to live a life guided by reason and respect. At first, he plans to study theology, the most respected field of his time, but a surprising encounter changes his path. He becomes fascinated with astronomy, a subject forbidden by the Church, which only accepts the idea that the Sun revolves around the Earth. Rafal risks everything to prove the truth that the Earth revolves around the Sun, but he must keep his work hidden to avoid punishment. This anime stands out as one of the best anime of 2024 with its inspiring story of Rafal’s courage to pursue truth despite the risks.
Kaiju No. 8
Kafka Hibino once dreamed of becoming a hero in the Defense Force, alongside his childhood friend Mina Ashiro. However, after years of disappointment, Kafka has given up on his dreams and now works as a cleaner, removing the remains of the kaiju slain by others—especially Mina, who has achieved their shared goal. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Reno Ichikawa, a passionate young recruit determined to join the Defense Force. After a dangerous encounter with a rogue kaiju, Kafka gains the ability to transform into Kaiju No. 8. With newfound powers, Kafka and Reno embark on a journey to fight the kaiju and prove that it’s never too late to fulfill one’s dreams. Kaiju No. 8 is my favorite anime from this list of the best anime of 2024, thanks to its perfect blend of action, heart, and Kafka’s emotional journey of redemption and second chances.
The Most Notorious "Talker" Runs the World's Greatest Clan
The story follows Noel Stollen, a clever strategist and master “Talker” who is often underestimated because he lacks combat skills. Despite this, Noel is determined to rise above his past and build the strongest clan. After being betrayed by his old allies, he uses his intelligence, charm, and cunning to gather powerful people to his side. His reputation as a “notorious” figure grows as he carefully plans his way to the top, showing that brains can be just as important as strength in building power. This anime deserves to be on the list of best anime of 2024 because it focuses on a clever protagonist who uses strategy over brute force to gain power, offering a fresh take on the action genre. It’s perfect for fans who enjoy a smart, determined lead.
That wraps up the best anime of 2024 that you should check out right now! This year brought so many fresh and exciting series, each with its own unique charm. Which one did you enjoy the most? Or is there another anime you think deserves a spot on this list? I’d love to hear what you think, so don’t be shy—drop a comment below! Let’s talk anime, and I’ll see you in the next post!