Looking Back at 2024: A Landmark Year for Anime
The year 2024 delivered a stunning array of anime titles — from high-budget studio showcases to emotionally resonant indie darlings. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer looking for fresh titles, 2024 had something for everyone. Studios took bold creative risks, new franchises emerged, and fan-favorite series returned with powerful new arcs. As anime continues to grow globally, this year was proof that the medium is thriving in both storytelling and artistic innovation.
In this two-part seasonal review, we’ll explore the most talked-about, highest-rated, and most impactful anime released in 2024. We’ll cover key highlights from each quarter, starting now with the Winter and Spring seasons — and continuing in Part 2 with Summer and Fall.
Winter 2024: A Season of Unexpected Excellence
While the winter season typically includes fewer blockbuster titles, Winter 2024 surprised viewers with emotionally powerful series, experimental visuals, and strong narrative work. This season was about character-driven storytelling, with a few bold genre entries that stood out from the crowd.
The Dangers in My Heart – Season 2
Returning after a solid debut in 2023, The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 expanded on the surprisingly wholesome romance between Kyotaro and Anna. What started as a darkly comic take on teenage angst blossomed into a heartfelt and realistic exploration of first love.
The animation remained crisp, and the tone delicately balanced awkward humor with genuine emotional growth. This season leaned deeper into character development and slow-burning chemistry, making it a must-watch for fans of slice-of-life romance. Despite its niche tone, it built a loyal following thanks to authentic storytelling and relatable protagonists.
Solo Leveling – An Explosive Debut
Arguably the most anticipated anime of Winter 2024, Solo Leveling finally made its anime debut — and it did not disappoint. Adapted from the hit Korean webtoon, the story follows Sung Jin-Woo, an E-rank hunter who becomes humanity’s strongest thanks to a mysterious leveling system.
The animation by A-1 Pictures was consistently impressive, especially during high-stakes battles. The pacing was swift, the soundtrack immersive, and the progression of Jin-Woo from underdog to unstoppable force kept viewers hooked. This series marked a significant moment for Korean content entering the anime sphere and lived up to nearly all the hype.
Bucchigiri?! – Stylish Chaos Meets Samurai Soul
Created by MAPPA, Bucchigiri?! was one of Winter 2024’s most unique titles. Mixing delinquent brawling with supernatural samurai elements, this show was an explosion of visual flair and chaotic energy. Director Hiroko Utsumi (Banana Fish, Free!) brought a distinct rhythm and cinematic touch that made every scene unpredictable yet captivating.
It wasn’t for everyone — the tone jumped wildly from absurd to poetic — but that’s what made it memorable. For those seeking something weird, bold, and unafraid to break form, Bucchigiri?! was one of the season’s most interesting experiments.
Delusional Monthly Magazine (Gekkan Mousou)
Blending sketch comedy with surreal world-building, Delusional Monthly Magazine flew under the radar but offered one of the most imaginative concepts of the season. Centered on an eccentric group that publishes stories of the supernatural, each episode introduced quirky “articles” that turned bizarre ideas into full-blown adventures.
The series took full advantage of its creative freedom, using shifting art styles and unexpected plot twists to keep viewers engaged. Though it didn’t reach mainstream audiences, it earned praise from those who enjoy abstract humor and genre-bending storytelling.
Spring 2024: Sequels, Surprises, and Strong Originals
The Spring 2024 anime season delivered more variety, with high-stakes sequels, hidden gems, and a few breakout originals that will likely remain fan favorites for years to come. Themes of identity, grief, and legacy were central across multiple genres, from dark fantasy to quiet romance.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Cour 2
After a critically acclaimed debut in late 2023, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End returned in Spring 2024 with its second cour — and once again proved why it’s considered a modern classic in the making.
Continuing the contemplative journey of the elf mage Frieren as she reflects on the meaning of time, memory, and human connection, this cour brought greater emotional weight to the narrative. The pacing remained gentle but deliberate, with some of the most visually breathtaking episodes of the year. Studio Madhouse poured heart and soul into every frame.
This series offered a unique take on the “after the adventure ends” concept and cemented itself as a quiet giant of the season.
Viral Hit (How to Fight) – A Korean Underdog Thriller
Another webtoon adaptation, Viral Hit was a Spring 2024 surprise. The story follows a bullied teenager who discovers fame by livestreaming street fights — only to realize that his newfound power brings greater risks and personal cost.
Balancing gritty realism with action stylization, this series tackled themes like violence, social media addiction, and self-worth. The character work was surprisingly nuanced, and while some moments felt formulaic, the emotional stakes elevated it beyond typical action fare. It was especially popular among younger viewers and fans of Lookism or Mob Psycho 100.
Kaiju No. 8 – The Human Side of Monster Hunting
Kaiju No. 8 finally hit screens after years of buzz — and it delivered a solid first season with strong world-building and a likable lead. Following Kafka Hibino, a janitor turned kaiju-fighting soldier, the series stood out by focusing on older characters, workplace dynamics, and emotional maturity.
The visuals were clean, the monster designs memorable, and the emotional beats surprisingly sharp. While not the most groundbreaking anime of the season, it struck a balance between action and character-driven storytelling that made it easy to enjoy and hard to put down.
Yuru Camp Season 3 – Relaxation, Reimagined
Spring also brought a new installment of Yuru Camp (Laid-Back Camp), now animated by a new studio, C-Station. Fortunately, the heart of the series — its meditative pacing and love for nature — remained intact.
Fans of the iyashikei (healing) genre were treated to even more cozy campfires, scenic locations, and the unshakeable friendship between Rin, Nadeshiko, and the Outdoor Activities Club. It continued to celebrate the simple joys of life, reminding viewers that anime doesn’t always need battles or drama to be deeply fulfilling.
A Season for Every Taste
Between Winter’s experimental flair and Spring’s thematic richness, the first half of 2024 proved that anime continues to evolve — embracing diversity in tone, art, and subject matter. These standout series not only reflect the industry’s current trends but also signal a broader creative freedom that bodes well for the future of anime.
From battle-packed power fantasies to minimalist character studies, each season brought something new to the table — and the rest of the year would only build on that momentum.
Summer 2024: Heatwaves, Heartbreaks, and High Stakes
While Summer anime seasons are sometimes lighter in content, Summer 2024 brought a surprisingly balanced lineup. From massive sequels to charming originals, this season delivered a rich emotional range and some of the year’s most visually stunning moments.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – Part 3
Continuing the climactic adaptation of Tite Kubo’s final arc, Bleach: TYBW – Part 3 reignited fans’ passion for the long-running shonen franchise. This cour picked up the intensity with high-stakes battles, dramatic sacrifices, and deeper dives into characters long overdue for their spotlight.
Studio Pierrot delivered some of its strongest animation work to date, with upgraded fight choreography and dynamic character interactions. The emotional weight of scenes involving the Sternritter, especially characters like Jugram Haschwalth and Bambietta Basterbine, gave more depth to previously underdeveloped antagonists.
While primarily for long-time fans, this part cemented TYBW as one of the most successful revivals in modern anime.
Undead Girl Murder Farce – Continued Genius and Macabre Mystery
Though it technically began in 2023, Undead Girl Murder Farce continued to gain traction into 2024 with new episodes and growing international buzz. This gothic, supernatural mystery featured a decapitated immortal head (yes, really) solving murders in a world filled with vampires, demons, and twisted human ambition.
Its offbeat humor, literary references, and philosophical undertones made it a delight for fans of shows like Monogatari or Bungou Stray Dogs. The art style was clean and theatrical, with exaggerated expressions and careful world-building. For those craving something intellectually playful with mystery and magic, this was a standout.
My Deer Friend Nokotan – Chaos, Comedy, and Pure Absurdity
Possibly the weirdest and most delightful entry of Summer 2024, My Deer Friend Nokotan introduced the world to a deer-girl with a nose for sinners and a chaotic energy that steamrolled over the life of her serious classmate.
Think Nichijou or Asobi Asobase, but cranked to eleven. The humor was fast, loud, and borderline unhinged — yet strangely heartfelt. The animation leaned into the absurd, with bold expressions and exaggerated reactions that made each gag land perfectly.
It wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but those who vibed with its chaos found a hidden comedy gem that brought something truly unique to the table.
The Elusive Samurai – A Historical Shonen with Sharp Direction
Based on the manga by Assassination Classroom author Yūsei Matsui, The Elusive Samurai adapted a story set in feudal Japan, focusing on a young lord who survives a betrayal and uses stealth and cunning to reclaim his position.
This wasn’t your typical sword-swinging epic — it was more about avoidance, strategy, and mental battles. The art direction stood out with stylized panels that mimicked traditional Japanese ink work, while the action scenes combined fast-paced movement with inventive layouts.
The historical setting and the theme of resilience made it compelling, especially for fans of Dororo or Kingdom, though it remained a bit under the radar due to the niche premise.
Fall 2024: A Climactic Close to an Impressive Year
Fall 2024 ended the year with emotional finales, genre-defining experiments, and powerhouse sequels. It brought together everything anime fans had come to love — rich world-building, heartbreaking stories, and ambitious visuals.
Chainsaw Man – Season 2
After its groundbreaking first season, Chainsaw Man returned with even more blood-soaked mayhem, psychological torment, and pitch-black humor. Season 2 dove deeper into the Control Devil arc, giving characters like Reze and Makima new dimensions of complexity and horror.
MAPPA once again delivered stellar animation, seamlessly blending hand-drawn carnage with cinematic flair. But what elevated Season 2 wasn’t just its violence — it was its emotional undercurrent. Denji’s loneliness, self-worth, and complicated desires made for a compelling character study amidst the chaos.
Though not as shocking as its debut, this season solidified Chainsaw Man as one of the most creatively daring shonen series of the decade.
Oshi no Ko – Season 2
Following the breakout success of its debut, Oshi no Ko Season 2 moved deeper into the arc of the Tokyo Blade stage play, delivering poignant commentary on the acting industry, fan obsession, and personal trauma. This season focused more heavily on character psychology, particularly through Kana, Akane, and Aqua’s evolving relationships.
It was slower-paced than the explosive first season, but richer in emotional tension. The writing remained sharp, especially in how it critiqued fame and performance through layered, meta-narrative techniques.
The visuals continued to impress, and the voice acting — especially during intense stage scenes — earned critical praise. Though less flashy, Season 2 marked an artistic step forward for the series.
Blue Lock – Season 2
Soccer anime continued to shine in 2024 with Blue Lock Season 2. Building on the momentum of its first season, this cour introduced new rivals, refined egos, and even more strategic mind games. The series’ unique concept — turning soccer into a psychological elimination tournament — evolved with bigger risks and bolder plays.
Animation quality improved notably, and the character dynamics reached a new level of intensity. Fans praised the season for keeping the tension high while developing core players like Rin Itoshi and Shidou Ryusei.
Whether or not you’re into sports anime, Blue Lock remained a thrilling experience for anyone who enjoys competition, mind games, and over-the-top passion.
Yami Shibai – Season 12
While not a mainstream hit, Yami Shibai quietly continued into its 12th season, offering short, haunting stories rooted in Japanese folklore. Each episode is under five minutes, but they pack in chills through clever storytelling and traditional art-inspired animation.
This season leaned more into urban horror and psychological dread, with a few episodes drawing inspiration from recent social anxieties. Its minimalist style and eerie sound design kept it creepy without relying on gore or jump scares.
For fans of horror anthologies or those looking for bite-sized scares, Yami Shibai remained an atmospheric staple of Fall.
The Big Picture: 2024 Was a Year of Balance and Brilliance
Anime in 2024 proved that variety, depth, and experimentation are alive and well. Across all four seasons, we saw:
- The mainstream grow stronger (Solo Leveling, Chainsaw Man, Kaiju No. 8)
- The emotional slice-of-life genre continue to thrive (A Place Further Than the Universe, Yuru Camp)
- The unexpected comedies steal the spotlight (Nokotan, Delusional Monthly Magazine)
- And legacy franchises return with renewed excellence (Bleach, Oshi no Ko, Blue Lock)
Importantly, 2024 showcased a global fusion of anime culture — with more Korean webtoons, international collaborations, and growing diversity in story types and visual approaches. We saw small studios stepping up with experimental hits, and major names taking risks that paid off.
What’s Next for Anime?
As the curtain closes on 2024, it’s clear that anime is in a golden age of creativity and cross-cultural resonance. From sprawling battle arcs to quiet character studies, from bombastic comedy to thoughtful social critique, the anime world continues to reflect — and influence — the global emotional landscape.
Whether you followed the seasonal releases week by week, or are only now catching up on what you missed, the 2024 catalog offers a buffet of styles, stories, and experiences worth exploring.
If 2023 was about momentum, then 2024 was about mastery.
Let’s see what 2025 brings.