Top 10 Anime of 2024 You Must Watch: From The Elusive Samurai to Dandadan

According to SAEDNEWS, Despite a large number of anime released each year, only a limited number truly deserve to be watched. As we approach the end of the fall season, we can now introduce you to the best anime of 2024 that every anime fan must see.

10. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

Too Many Losing Heroines not only features masterful direction and flawless character design but also a unique concept about girls who have been rejected by their love interests and how they grow from the experience. This is one of the most creative romantic comedy anime of recent years. Additionally, the main characters of Makeine are well-developed, each with distinct personalities. Notably, Nokomizu, despite being a typical reclusive boy, helps the three rejected girls deal with their emotions and problems—unlike other stories focused on creating harems around the protagonist.

Furthermore, the focus on personal growth for each heroine goes beyond overcoming heartbreak. Themes like friendship, self-esteem, and helping others are explored, while the anime is enhanced by plenty of humor and quirky supporting characters.

9. Kaiju No. 8

Although Kaiju No. 8 is influenced by anime like Parasyte and Attack on Titan, it is not a typical shonen. The protagonist is not a child but a 32-year-old man with no remarkable abilities who gains extraordinary powers. However, instead of helping him achieve his dreams, these powers put him at risk of being killed. This narrative gives the anime a distinct tone, as Kafka is more motivated than anyone to improve himself and prove his worth to his childhood friend.

Additionally, one of the most interesting aspects of Kaiju No. 8 is its tone. The series does not take itself too seriously and features unique humor, particularly with Kafka, who, despite his Kaiju powers, has his goofy moments. The supporting characters are also well-developed.

8. Blue Box

While sports anime have always been popular due to the thrill of competition, Blue Box brings back romantic narratives among athletes—something that has been overlooked since successful series like Yuri on Ice and Cross Game. Similarly, Blue Box is layered with sports elements but leans toward the romantic comedy and slice-of-life genres, diverging from adrenaline-filled shonen titles.

The story begins with the new cohabitation of the protagonists as Chinatsu transitions from an unattainable, platonic love for Taiki to someone more accessible, showing how they inspire each other to achieve their goals. Beyond its beautiful animation, Blue Box shines with its well-crafted characters and realistic depiction of everyday struggles, from anxiety to the efforts required to become better players.

7. Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

Inspired by classic Super Sentai series like Power Rangers, Go! Go! Loser Ranger! offers a fresh take on the genre with a dark twist reminiscent of The Boys. Far from being a family-friendly story about superheroes in spandex, the series blends humor, violence, and action.

What makes Go! Go! Loser Ranger! interesting is its departure from the typical battle between good and evil. The protagonist, D, is not a conventional hero but one of the monsters who decides to challenge the status quo by exposing the identities of the Dragon Keepers. The anime takes creative liberties in adapting the source material, introducing characters more effectively, making it essential viewing even for those familiar with the original manga.

6. Ranma 1/2

Following the success of the Urusei Yatsura remake by David Production, the modern adaptation of the classic anime Ranma 1/2—a pioneering shojo known for its portrayal of gender roles—has also become a hit, satisfying both old and new fans alike.

While the original series was renowned for its excellent character design, the remake retains its essence with new coloring, updated character designs, and modern aesthetics while staying faithful to Rumiko Takahashi's manga. This timeless story, featuring Ranma's struggles with gender identity due to a curse, also includes hilarious situations. The series shines through Ranma and Akane’s relationship, evolving from a forced compromise to mutual understanding and respect, creating a delightful romance.

5. The Elusive Samurai

From the creator of Assassination Classroom, The Elusive Samurai is a must-watch due to its beautiful animation, spectacular action, and intriguing story based on historical Japanese figures. The introduction follows a harsh reality where a child becomes the sole survivor of his clan and must find allies, grow stronger, and seek revenge to reclaim his rightful position.

Despite its dark and bloody moments, The Elusive Samurai has plenty of humor, even in serious scenes, offering a compelling duality that makes it enjoyable. The charismatic and quirky characters with unique abilities complement the elusive heir of the Hojo clan, distinguishing it from other anime of 2024.

4. Delicious in Dungeon

Although food has been explored in anime before, Delicious in Dungeon brings a unique twist by combining cooking with dungeon exploration and a rescue mission. This anime tells the story of a unique group that enters a dungeon to save one of their members before it’s too late.

The charm lies in how the underground world develops with its ecosystem, legends, and dangers. The main challenge is balancing survival with savoring meals. Beyond the gourmet take on unappetizing-looking monsters, the anime features lovable characters, fantastic humor, unexpected twists, and classic fantasy adventures, making it a satisfying treat.

3. Dandadan

Dandadan was 2024’s biggest surprise, with an unpredictable and captivating narrative balancing various themes seamlessly—from a sweet, slow-burning high school romance and emotional backstories to terrifying supernatural entities battling interplanetary beings.

The anime’s odd characters, stunning visuals, and chaotic storytelling make it an excellent choice for viewers seeking a unique narrative. Its greatest appeal lies in its wild, fantastical premise where Japanese yokai fight aliens, offering both comedy and emotional depth.

2. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Orb breathes new life into anime by exploring the dangers of challenging the notion that the Earth is not the center of the universe. This philosophical anime highlights curiosity and the thirst for knowledge in a dark period of oppression.

Despite its slow pace and focus on philosophy, Orb doesn’t shy away from depicting characters who face torture and burning for their beliefs. Its high-quality animation, soundtrack, complex characters, and unexpected twists make it a standout.

1. Solo Leveling

The immense popularity of Solo Leveling is no accident. Its story elevates the power-fantasy genre to epic heights. As the title suggests, the narrative revolves around a weak hunter thrust into life-threatening situations, gaining strength through a mysterious, game-like system.

The anime focuses on action, brilliantly designed battle scenes, and a well-developed protagonist who grows stronger over time instead of mastering his powers immediately. With one of the best introductions, Solo Leveling is a visually stunning experience, keeping viewers on edge as they follow Sung Jin-Woo’s journey through dungeons.