The Top 10 Anime of 2024
Plus some honorable mentions towards the end!
Better later than never I suppose? This list was never a secret. I actually finalized my top 10 anime of 2024 on MAL and Anilist a while ago, which you could’ve found if you searched hard enough. But for posterity, I’m compiling my picks in this blog post for easier access and providing links to my full reviews for each of the shows I watched.
As always, my top 10 is composed of non-sequels. I’ll share the adjusted list including sequels towards the end. Without further ado, let’s begin the countdown!
Worth Watching (No. 10-4)
10. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
Nukumizu Kazuhiko has always been content living life as a "background character," avoiding the spotlight and steering clear of drama. But his quiet existence takes an unexpected turn when he witnesses Yanami Anna, a popular classmate, get rejected by her childhood friend at a restaurant. Labeling her a "losing heroine," Nukumizu soon finds himself dragged into Anna's world, as she confides in him about her heartache. Before he knows it, Nukumizu becomes entangled in the romantic misfortunes of two other girls: Yakishio Lemon, a spirited athlete, and Komari Chika, a reserved bookworm. Thrust into the messy world of unrequited love, Nukumizu's once peaceful life is now filled with the complications of being at the center of "too many losing heroines."
Length: 12 episodes, 24 min. each
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Director: Shōtarō Kitamura
Source: Light Novel
r/anime Award Nominations:
Romance: 2nd (Public), 3rd (Jury)
Animation: 6th (consensus)
Background Art: 2nd (Public), 9th (Jury)
Character Design: 5th (consensus)
Cinematography: 6th (Public), 8th (Jury)
Voice Acting Performance - Hikaru Tono as Anna Yanami: 4th (consensus)
OP - “Tsuyogaru Girl” ft. Mossa of Necry Talkie: 6th (Public), 5th (Jury)
ED
CRAZY FOR YOU: 5th (Public), 1st (Jury)
feel my soul: 7th (Public), 3rd (Jury)
Character of the Year - Anna Yanami: 4th (Public), 8th (Jury)
Anime of the Year: 7th (Public), 6th (Jury)
9. Look Back
Fujino, a talented and outgoing fourth-grader, is known for her fun and popular manga contributions to the school newspaper. Her confidence is shaken when Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate, submits beautifully detailed artwork that outshines her own. Consumed by jealousy, Fujino becomes determined to surpass Kyomoto’s skill. However, over time, she grows disillusioned and gives up on manga entirely. An unexpected meeting on graduation day brings the two face-to-face, sparking a new understanding of their shared passion for art, which leads to life-altering consequences for both.
Length: 62 min.
Studio: Studio DURIAN
Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Source: Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Drama: 2nd (Public), 1st (Jury)
Movie of the Year: 1st (Public), 2nd (Jury)
8. Nigoriri: 2.5 Dimensional Seduction
Masamune Okumura, a second-year high school student and self-proclaimed otaku, is deeply devoted to his favorite fictional character, Liliel, from his beloved manga series. As the president and sole member of the school’s manga club, Okumura insists he has no interest in real-life girls. His quiet routine takes an unexpected turn when Ririsa Amano, a first-year student with a passion for cosplay, joins the club. Sharing Okumura's admiration for Liliel, Ririsa persuades him to become her personal photographer for her elaborate cosplays, blurring the lines between his 2D fantasy and 3D reality.
As Okumura discovers the intricacies of cosplay photography, his childhood friend Mikari Tachibana enters the scene. Harboring unrequited feelings for Okumura, Mikari joins the club as a cosplayer in hopes of winning his affection. Caught between his growing feelings for Ririsa and Mikari’s attempts to get closer to him, Okumura struggles to reconcile his devotion to the fictional world with the real connections forming around him.
Length: 24 episodes, 24 min. each
Studio: J.C. Staff
Director: Hideki Okamoto
Source: Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Slice of Life: 2nd (Public), 9th (Jury)
7. SPY x FAMILY CODE: WHITE
Loid Forger faces the possibility of being replaced in the critical Operation Strix. Determined to secure his position, Loid hatches a plan to ensure his daughter Anya triumphs in a prestigious cooking contest at Eden Academy. The key to victory lies in preparing the principal’s most cherished dish.
The Forger family embarks on an adventurous journey to the homeland of this special cuisine. However, their quest inadvertently triggers a series of events that could escalate into a global crisis. As the stakes rise, the Forgers must navigate through unexpected challenges, testing their ingenuity and bond. Will their culinary mission save Loid's career and, more importantly, maintain world peace?
Length: 110 min.
Studio: Wit Studio and Cloverworks
Director: Takashi Katagiri
Source: Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Comedy: 6th (consensus)
Movie of the Year: 2nd (Public), 9th (Jury)
6. Girls Band Cry
Nina Iseri has always felt out of place in the countryside, and when she drops out of high school, she decides to move to Tokyo, determined to start fresh and prove she can make it on her own. Her first day is anything but smooth—she gets lost, ignored, and even locked out of her apartment. Just as she begins to question her decision, a chance encounter changes everything. Nina meets Momoka Kawaragi, a talented guitarist she has long admired, and the two instantly bond over their shared love of music.
What starts as a street performance evolves into an ambitious plan: to form a band. Alongside Nina and Momoka, three other girls join the group, each carrying their own burdens. Subaru Awa, a strikingly beautiful drummer, struggles to overcome societal expectations. Tomo Ebizuka, an aloof yet gifted keyboardist, hides a complicated past. Rupa, the intelligent and resourceful bassist, is determined to prove her worth. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of the music scene while confronting their personal struggles and insecurities.
Through their music, the girls find a way to express their raw emotions and support one another in a world that often feels unforgiving. Their journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared dreams. For these five young women, the stage becomes a place where they can truly belong and find the strength to keep moving forward.
Length: 13 episodes, 23 min. each
Studio: Toei Animation
Director: Kazuo Sakai
Source: Original
r/anime Award Nominations:
Drama: 3rd (Public), 5th (Jury)
Character Design: 6th (consensus)
Soundtrack: 3rd (Public), 10th (Jury)
Voice Acting Performance - Rina as Nina Iseri: 5th (Public), 9th (Jury)
OP - Wrong World: 3rd (Public), 9th (Jury)
Character of the Year - Nina Iseri: 7th (Public), 5th (Jury)
Anime of the Year: 5th (Public), 7th (Jury)
5. The Apothecary Diaries
Maomao’s quiet life as an apothecary is upended when she’s kidnapped and sold to the imperial palace as a lowly servant. Determined to keep a low profile, she hides her sharp mind and deep knowledge of medicine. However, her curiosity gets the better of her when rumors spread of mysterious illnesses affecting the emperor’s children. Unable to ignore the challenge, Maomao solves the puzzle, revealing a poisoned source that had gone unnoticed.
Her efforts don’t go unrecognized. Jinshi, a striking and enigmatic palace official, uncovers her involvement and elevates her from the laundry room to the position of a lady-in-waiting for one of the emperor’s favored concubines. As Maomao is drawn deeper into palace life, her expertise becomes indispensable, leading her to untangle medical mysteries and navigate the intrigues of a court where danger and secrets lurk behind every ornate screen. Despite her attempts to stay under the radar, Maomao’s sharp wit and unorthodox methods ensure she’s anything but ordinary.
Length: 24 episodes, 22 min. each
Studio: OLM and TOHO animation STUDIO
Director: Norihiro Naganuma
Source: Light Novel
r/anime Award Nominations:
Suspense: 1st (consensus)
Background Art: 4th (Public), 7th (Jury)
Character Design: 7th (Public), 3rd (Jury)
Cinematography: 9th (Public), 10th (Jury)
Soundtrack: 5th (Public), 3rd (Jury)
Voice Acting Performance - Aoi Yuuki as Maomao: 1st (consensus)
Character of the Year - Maomao: 1st (Public), 3rd (Jury)
Anime of the Year: 4th (Public), 5th (Jury)
4. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Over the span of a decade, Himmel and his crew—Heiter, the priest; Eisen, the dwarf warrior; and Frieren, the elven mage—band together to take down the Demon King. Bonds form amid their adventures and battles, creating cherished memories for most. For Frieren, however, these moments are but a blip in her thousand-year existence. After the party disbands post-victory, Frieren resumes her routine of spell collecting across the land, seemingly unfazed by the passing years.
But as time passes, Frieren realizes the impact of her time with the party, especially after losing two companions. She regrets not cherishing those moments more and vows to understand humans better, seeking genuine connections. Though their grand journey may be over, Frieren's journey of self-discovery is just beginning, promising new adventures and lessons along the way.
Length: 28 episodes, 24 min. each
Studio: Madhouse
Director: Keiichirou Saitou
Source: Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Adventure: 1st (consensus)
Animation: 1st (Public), 2nd (Jury)
Background Art: 1st (Public), 6th (Jury)
Character Design: 3rd (Public), 9th (Jury)
Cinematography: 1st (Public), 5th (Jury)
Soundtrack: 1st (Public), 4th (Jury)
OP - Haru: 2nd (Public), 8th (Jury)
ED - Anytime Anywhere: 1st (Public), 8th (Jury)
Character of the Year
Frieren: 2nd (Public), 7th (Jury)
Himmel: 6th (Public), 9th (Jury)
Anime of the Year: 1st (Public), 4th (Jury)
Honorable Mentions
Yorukura: Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night
In the vibrant city of Shibuya, four girls who feel disconnected from the world around them come together to form an anonymous artist group called JELEE. Mahiru Kozuki, a talented illustrator, had abandoned her artistic dreams after her jellyfish mural was ridiculed by classmates in elementary school. Now, years later, she still longs to reignite her passion for art.
Her life takes a turn when she meets Kano Yamanouchi, a former idol with a troubled past, who admires Mahiru's work and encourages her to pursue her dreams once more. Inspired by Kano's faith in her, Mahiru agrees to design the mascot for Kano's new music project. To bring this vision to life, she reaches out to her childhood friend, Kiui Watase, a professional streamer and vtuber, to help create their first music video. They’re soon joined by Kim Anouk Mei Takanashi, a pianist and dedicated fan of Kano's previous work.
As Mahiru, Kano, Kiui, and Mei work together, they realize that by combining their unique talents and perspectives, they can achieve something truly extraordinary. Striving to make JELEE a global sensation, they must also confront and overcome the shadows of their pasts. Through their collaboration, they discover that by supporting each other, they can shine brighter than they ever could alone.
Length: 12 episodes, 23 min. each
Studio: Doga Kobo
Director: Ryōhei Takeshita
Source: Original
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
In the kingdom of Yamauchi, the Yatagarasu—a race of three-legged ravens with the ability to transform into humans—hold sway over a divided land ruled by noble families. At the heart of this intricate society is the imperial court, where politics and power plays intertwine with ancient traditions. Four women arrive to vie for the hand of the enigmatic Crown Prince Wakamiya, a young man chosen by the royal priests to serve as the Kinu, the Mountain God's sacred servant. Despite his position, Wakamiya faces tension within his own family, stemming from his status as the second son of a concubine, a choice that has set him against his elder brother and stepmother.
Amid this turmoil, Yukiya, the teenage son of a northern village chief, is summoned to the palace to serve as the prince’s personal attendant. His arrival is far from coincidental, as his presence unravels secrets that threaten the fragile balance of the realm. With courtly rivalries, mysterious plots, and a looming threat from an unexpected enemy, Yamauchi’s fate hangs precariously on the actions of those within the palace walls.
Length: 20 episodes, 25 min. each
Studio: Pierrot
Director: Yoshiaki Kyougoku
Source: Novel
r/anime Award Nominations:
Suspense: 4th (consensus)
Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
In a world steeped in medieval European influence, Kraft Lawrence, a seasoned traveling merchant, roams from town to town with hopes of one day opening his own shop. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Holo, a wolf deity in the form of a young woman with ears and a tail. Holo, once revered as the goddess of harvest in the village of Pasloe, has grown disillusioned by the townspeople's shift away from their ancient traditions. Seeking to return to her northern homeland, she strikes a deal with Lawrence: in exchange for accompanying him on his travels, she will use her vast wisdom to assist in his trade ventures. As they journey together, they face both economic challenges and deeper questions of faith, trust, and companionship, all while navigating the ever-watchful eye of the Church. Together, they embark on an adventure that tests not only their skills in commerce but also the bond between man and deity.
Length: 25 episodes, 23 min. each
Studio: Passione
Directors: Takeo Takahashi and Hijiri Sanpei
Source: Light Novel
r/anime Award Nominations:
Romance: 3rd (Public), 9th (Jury)
The Podium (No. 3-1)
🥉 Mahoako: Gushing over Magical Girls
Hiiragi Utena admires magical girls and dreams of becoming a heroic figure fighting against evil. One evening, a doll-like figure claims she possesses dormant magical powers, sparking Utena's excitement. However, her dream takes an ironic turn when she transforms into a villain. Uninterested in aligning with the forces of evil, Utena attempts to quit. However, a group of magical girls appears, declaring war. As a battle unfolds, Utena discovers a penchant for inflicting pain on others, revealing her true nature.
Mahoako follows Utena as she embraces her new role as the leader of villains, engaging in battles against magical girls and indulging in her newfound sadistic tendencies.
Length: 13 episodes, 23 min. each
Studio: Asahi Production
Directors: Atsushi Ootsuki and Tadato Suzuki
Source: Web Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Comedy: 2nd (Public), 8th (Jury)
Voice Acting Performance - Fuuka Izumi as Utena Hiiragi: 3rd (Public), 10th (Jury)
🥈 A Sign of Affection
A Sign of Affection is a heartwarming anime that follows the life of Yuki Itose, a university student with congenital hearing loss. Despite her disability, Yuki navigates her world with grace, using sign language, text, and lip reading to communicate. Her life takes a turn when she meets Itsuomi Nagi on a train. Itsuomi, a multilingual young man who loves to travel, doesn’t know sign language, which initially presents a barrier between them. However, Yuki is drawn to Itsuomi's kindness, and the two develop a deep connection despite their communication challenges.
Length: 12 episodes, 23 min. each
Studio: Ajia-do
Directors: Yuuta Murano
Source: Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Romance: 5th (Public), 4th (Jury)
🥇 Dandadan
Momo Ayase, a high school girl who firmly believes in ghosts but dismisses the existence of aliens, finds herself in a heated debate with her classmate Ken Takakura, nicknamed "Okarun," an alien enthusiast who scoffs at anything supernatural. To settle their disagreement, they each venture into locations tied to the paranormal and extraterrestrial: Momo visits an abandoned hospital rumored to host UFOs, while Okarun explores a haunted tunnel.
Their bet takes a shocking turn when Momo is abducted by aliens, who inadvertently awaken her psychic abilities, and Okarun is possessed by a vengeful spirit. Forced to team up, Momo and Okarun use their newfound powers to defeat their otherworldly foes. As they continue battling a mix of spirits, aliens, and urban legends alongside friends and allies, their unusual partnership grows stronger. Along the way, they uncover more mysteries, navigate adolescence, and confront their evolving feelings for each other.
Length: 12 episodes, 23 min. each
Studio: Science SARU
Directors: Fuga Yamashiro
Source: Manga
r/anime Award Nominations:
Action: 1st (consensus)
Animation: 2nd (Public), 5th (Jury)
Background Art: 5th (Public), 10th (Jury)
Character Design: 2nd (Public), 8th (Jury)
Cinematography: 2nd (consensus)
Soundtrack: 2nd (Public), 7th (Jury)
Voice Acting Performance - Shion Wakayama as Momo Ayase: 2nd (Public), 8th (Jury)
OP - Otonoke: 1st (Public), 4th (Jury)
ED - TAIDADA: 3rd (Public), 10th (Jury)
Character of the Year - Momo Ayase: 3rd (Public), 10th (Jury)
Anime of the Year: 2nd (Public), 10th (Jury)
Sequels
If sequels were included in my top 10 anime of 2024, the list would look like this:
🥇 Bokuyaba: The Dangers in My Heart (Season 2)
🥈 Dandadan
🥉 Oshi no Ko (Season 2)
A Sign of Affection
Mahoako: Gushing over Magical Girls
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
The Apothecary Diaries
Konosuba (Season 3)
Girls Band Cry
SPY x FAMILY CODE: WHITE
Honorable Mentions
Date A Live (Season 5)
Nigoriri: 2.5 Dimensional Seduction
Haikyu!! Movie: The Dumpster Battle
Final Remarks
You can find lists of my 2024 Anime of the Year on my MAL and Anilist. Dunmeshi: Delicious in Dungeon is a show I definitely regret not watching in 2024. It’s been praised a ton and garnered a ton of nominations and awards in the most recent r/anime Awards, but it’s been relegated to my ever-growing Plan to Watch list for now. Murai in Love, Rising Impact, Oblivion Battery, and Tsumasho are titles that were on my radar as well. They’re much lower in priority, but if and when I get the chance I do want to watch them eventually.
And that’s all, folks! As always, you can find me on my socials on my Linktree. Subscribe to my Substack to get the latest posts sent straight to your inbox as soon as they go live!
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you soon!