The year 2024 has delivered some of the finest anime in recent memory, captivating audiences and igniting the passion of fans around the globe.
From supernatural thrillers like Dandadan to the nostalgic allure of Dragon Ball Daima, these series offer unparalleled storytelling and unforgettable characters.
As we approach the end of the year, take a look back at the ten most popular anime that have kept viewers glued to their screens.
10. Wind Breaker
Despite being a sleeper hit, Wind Breaker has managed to outperform some of the most anticipated anime of the year.
With a solid rating of 7.90 on MyAnimeList, it has garnered positive reviews from fans, reflecting its growing popularity.
The series captivates viewers with its unique storyline and fresh characters, drawing them into the world created by Satoru Nii.
Following the adventures of Haruka Sakura, who aspires to become the strongest fighter at Furin High School, he soon discovers that the most notorious delinquents at his school are also the town's protectors.
With its engaging plot and dynamic animation, Wind Breaker has been renewed for a second season, set to premiere in April 2025.
9. Delicious in Dungeon
Delicious in Dungeon is one of the most delightful surprises of 2024, masterfully combining culinary arts with dungeon crawling to create an entertaining and appetizing experience.
Based on Ryoko Kui’s manga, the series follows a group of adventurers exploring dungeons while preparing gourmet meals from the monsters they encounter.
This unique premise offers a refreshing take on fantasy storytelling that has resonated with viewers. Delicious in Dungeon has quickly become a fan favorite with its charming animation and engaging characters.
Excitingly, a second season has already been announced, promising more culinary adventures ahead.
8. Sand Land: The Series
Sand Land: The Series is one of the most bittersweet anime releases of 2024, arriving shortly after the passing of Akira Toriyama in March.
This series is considered a must-watch for fans of the legendary Dragon Ball creator, serving as a fitting tribute to the late mangaka and representing one of the last projects he worked on before his demise.
Based on his single-volume manga, Sand Land chronicles the adventures of Sheriff Rao, an elderly lawman who traverses a vast and treacherous desert in search of a legendary spring to save his village from drought.
The anime has been praised for doing justice to one of Toriyama’s most underrated stories, skillfully blending 3D and 2D animation to capture the charm and humor of the original manga.
With its engaging narrative and unique visual style, Sand Land has the potential to continue the legacy that Toriyama left behind.
7. Uzumaki
Despite the many complaints about Uzumaki, the anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s magnum opus has undeniably been well-received by both critics and fans, achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have praised the series for its faithfulness to the source material, from its monochrome color palette to its ability to capture the manga’s eerie atmosphere.
While the tone of the praise shifted following the release of the second episode, there is no denying that Uzumaki has been one of the most anticipated anime of the past four years.
After several delays, it finally premiered in October, with both fans and critics expressing excitement over the debut episode.
Despite some criticisms, the series successfully captures the mind-bending horror characteristic of Ito’s storytelling, solidifying its place as one of the most popular anime of the year.
6. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Described as one of the best fantasy anime in recent years, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End gained significant popularity during its 16-episode run from September 2023 to March 2024.
Fans have embraced its unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and high-quality animation produced by Madhouse.
Adapted from the manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, the series follows Frieren, an elf mage who reflects on her past adventures with her heroic companions after they have passed away.
With thoughtful themes surrounding mortality and the importance of cherishing relationships, Frieren resonates deeply with viewers as it contemplates love, loss, and the passage of time.
Although it unfolds at a slow pace, many appreciate its emotional impact, character development, and thematic depth, making it a standout series of the year.
Fortunately, Frieren’s adventure will continue with a second season now confirmed.
5. The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries masterfully blends mystery with medicine, featuring the talented apothecary Maomao, who solves intriguing cases in the imperial court using her extensive knowledge of herbs and poisons.
Based on the manga by Natsu Hyuga and Touko Shino, the series has garnered a large following both in Japan and internationally since its release, topping streaming charts and becoming one of the most popular recent anime on Crunchyroll.
Fans praise its strong character development and the unique combination of a historical setting with a compelling narrative. The intricate character interactions and engaging mysteries, particularly showcasing Maomao’s cleverness and depth, have contributed to its success.
Due to its incredible reception, The Apothecary Diaries has already been confirmed for a second season.
4. Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No. 8 successfully delivers on the promise of its premise, following Kafka Hibino's action-packed adventure as he secretly transforms into a kaiju to protect humanity from monstrous threats while pursuing his dream of joining Japan’s Defense Force, which battles kaijus like him.
The series effectively combines thrilling monster battles with relatable characters, appealing to both action enthusiasts and fans who prefer character-driven stories, making it one of the standout shonen anime upon its release.
With its perfect balance of humor and intense action, Kaiju No. 8 is a fun watch that fans won't want to miss. The anime has already been renewed for a second season, promising more excitement ahead.
3. Solo Leveling
To say that Solo Leveling is one of the most popular anime of 2024 is an understatement. The series has even surpassed the viewership and ratings of established franchises like Attack on Titan, marking it as a breakout success of the year.
With its impressive viewership on Crunchyroll, a substantial fanbase stemming from the original manhwa by Chugong, and exhilarating action sequences, it’s easy to see why the series has achieved remarkable success.
Adapted from a beloved source material, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, who transforms from the weakest hunter into one of the strongest, gaining unique powers with the help of the "System."
The significant anticipation surrounding the series has contributed to its popularity, with fans expressing excitement over its animation quality and faithfulness to the original story.
Fortunately, this captivating journey will continue in Solo Leveling Season 2.
2. Dandadan
Dandadan has captivated viewers with its unique blend of supernatural action, comedy, and eccentric storytelling. The show has made a strong debut, quickly rising in popularity among anime fans and even landing on Netflix’s “most watched” list.
Critics and audiences alike have praised its engaging plot, intriguing characters, and visually stunning animation style.
Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, the series follows high schoolers Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura (also known as Okarun) as they embark on a journey to prove the existence of ghosts and aliens after making a bet. Their adventure leads to bizarre encounters with supernatural beings while they explore their feelings for each other.
With its perfect combination of occult themes, alien encounters, and comedic elements, Dandadan has successfully distinguished itself from other anime.
1. Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima offers a fresh take on the beloved Dragon Ball universe, featuring Goku and his friends transformed into children due to a powerful spell.
In this new reality, they must navigate their circumstances while striving to return to their original forms and confront emerging threats.
As the sixth installment in the Dragon Ball franchise and the last to be written by Akira Toriyama, Daima has attracted both longtime fans and newcomers eager to see how these celebrated characters adapt.
With its nostalgic elements and innovative storylines, the series successfully keeps viewers engaged. Fans have praised its inventive premise and strong character development, allowing them to see their favorite characters in a new light and evoking fond memories from the past.
As the adventure unfolds, Dragon Ball Daima promises to deliver exciting new challenges and experiences for Goku and his friends.
Each of these ten anime features unique storytelling elements that cater to diverse audiences, helping viewers discover new favorites. Fortunately, several of these series are already set to continue, while new and promising titles are expected to be released in 2025.