There is no doubt that 2024 has been an incredible year for anime fans. While big names grabbed all the attention, some truly amazing anime series quietly flew under the radar.
That’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up 10 underrated anime from this year that you might’ve missed but definitely shouldn’t ignore before 2024 ends.
10. Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again
- Genre: Slice of Life
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again is a heartwarming and hilarious anime. It is about an elderly couple named Haruto and Mitsue who discover a magical elixir in their quiet rural town. Whenever they take a sip of Elixir, it transforms them back into their 20s. With the help of this, they try to relive their youth and take on the world with fresh energy.
But being young again isn’t as easy as it sounds. They have to keep their secret from their curious grandchildren, figure out how to deal with a modern world that feels completely unfamiliar and navigate all the chaos that comes with being young.
It’s a fun mix of wild adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, and touching scenes that celebrate love, family, and the joy of living in the moment.
9. Viral Hit (How to Fight)
- Genre: Action Manga
Viral Hit is a story about Hobin Yoo, a high school boy who’s tired of being picked on. One day, he stumbles across a bizarre YouTube channel that teaches the strangest but most effective fighting techniques. Once he masters these techniques, he starts standing up to bullies.
But here’s the twist—he records his fights, uploads them, and they go viral. Suddenly, Hobin goes from being invisible to internet-famous.
At first, it’s all fun and games. But fame has its own problems. Stronger enemies start showing up, things get way more dangerous, and Hobin realizes that the internet’s love can turn sour fast.
8. The Elusive Samurai
- Genre: Shonen Manga
Set in the chaotic world of feudal Japan, this anime is inspired by the real-life of Hojo Tokiyuki, a historical figure in the 1300s. He witnesses the brutal overthrow of his family and Hojo clan by Ashikaga Takauji, who was the general of their army. Somehow, Tokiyuki escapes capture by Ashikaga and then begins a journey of vengeance against his family betrayer.
Along the way, he encounters various characters and forms alliances that help him restore his family legacy and retake what belongs to him.
7. Spice and Wolf
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
The Spice and Wolf anime is about Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant just trying to make a living in a medieval world. Everything changes when he bumps into Holo, a wolf goddess who looks like a cute girl with wolf ears and a tail. She’s smart, a little mischievous, and wants to head back to her homeland. So, she teams up with Lawrence for the journey.
Instead of big battles or magical showdowns, this anime is all about trade, clever deals, and bargaining. Lawrence and Holo make a great duo. You will witness how Holo uses her quick wit while Lawrence handles the business side of things.
6. A Sign of Affection
- Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
Just as the name suggests, the story centers around Yuki, who is a young woman but deaf by birth. Meanwhile, Itsuomi is a college student who falls for her after a chance encounter. Yuki is used to navigating the world with sign language, but she finds herself in a dilemma when she starts developing feelings for Itsuomi.
Itsuomi doesn’t know sign language at first, but he’s determined to learn so he can connect with Yuki. As they get to know each other, there are some funny and awkward moments, but also tons of sweet and touching scenes. This anime is all about love breaking down barriers and showing that sometimes the simplest gestures can mean everything.
5. Demon Lord 2099
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Demon Lord 2099 would appeal to people who enjoy a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and a little bit of humor. Some of you may also get the Isekei genre vibe from it. The story takes place in the year 2099, when the once-powerful Demon Lord has been mysteriously transported to the future, 500 years later.
Now, he is stuck in a modern world surrounded by high-tech gadgets around him that he doesn't understand, and has to figure out how to survive in this strange new reality while trying to regain his former power.
Overall, this anime is definitely a fun ride if you love a good twist on the typical demon lord story.
4. Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
A young Yatagarasu from the north was called to the Imperial Palace to become the personal attendant of Crown Prince Wakamiya, with whom he later became friends. However, things quickly get complicated when Yukiya arrives because a series of mysterious murders begin.
Worse than that, there's also the forthcoming threat of an invasion on the nobles of the region from a mysterious enemy. As Yukiya tries to navigate the palace's dangerous politics, he starts uncovering secrets and conspiracies against the imperial throne that could bring down the entire kingdom.
3. The Fable
- Genre: Comedy, Fight, Drama
How hard can it be to live a normal life for a year? Well, it isn't the case with Akira Katagiri, a legendary hitman. After completing a mission that made him a legendary figure in the underworld, he was given one simple task: live a normal life and lay low for a year.
To do this, he’s given a new identity and told to live like an ordinary person, but as you might guess, things don’t go exactly as planned.
From time to time, he finds himself against his older enemy, who wants to take revenge against him. No matter how hard he tries to live a life far removed from his violent past, he is dragged back into the world he’s trying to escape. There are some intense action scenes, but equally balanced out with hilarious moments.
2. Wind Breaker
- Genre: Shonen Manga
Wind Breaker introduces Haruka Sakura, a first-year student at Furin High School. Furin is a place where physical power rules, and some students even form groups to protect their town. Right from the start, Wind Breaker dives into intense action-packed scenes.
There are brutal fistfights and rivalries. The first season really focuses on Furin High’s ongoing clash with the Shishitoren gang. The anime also delves into the personal growth of the characters, where you will get glimpses into the lives of the various gangs and the challenges they face.
1. Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction
- Genre: Drama, Shonen
The final entry on our list is Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction. The story takes place in a world where a giant alien spaceship has been hovering over Tokyo for three years. Despite the constant threat, life for most people goes on as normal.
There are no alien battles or destruction as such; the anime focuses on the lives of a group of high school girls, Kadode and Oran, who are just trying to live normal lives despite the ongoing mounted alien threat in the background.