The year 2024 has delivered not only some of the best anime in recent memory but also some of the most thrilling moments on screen.
From the eagerly awaited showdown between the Hashiras and Muzan Kibutsuji in Demon Slayer: Season 4 – Hashira Training Arc to the unforgettable debut of Luffy’s Gear 5 in One Piece, this year has pushed the boundaries of animation, presenting a treasure trove of scenes that leave viewers craving more.
With countless moments sparking conversations and captivating audiences, here are the 10 best anime highlights of 2024.
10. Uzumaki – The Perfection of Episode 1
It took Studio Fugaku five years to adapt Junji Ito’s magnum opus, Uzumaki, into an anime series. While the show became controversial following the disappointing final three episodes, there is no denying that the premiere episode was a masterclass in adaptation.
From the chilling scenes of individuals transforming into spirals and being consumed by them to the faithful recreation of the manga's black-and-white artistry, everything was presented with exceptional fluidity, making the first episode of Uzumaki one of the most stunning pieces of anime in recent memory.
The story follows high school student Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito, as they navigate the terrifying spiral curse that plagues their hometown of Kurouzu-cho, leading to grotesque transformations and madness among its residents.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding its release on September 29, 2024, fans have expressed concerns about the subsequent episodes' quality and whether they can maintain the depth and horror that made the manga a classic.
9. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – The Fight Against Frieren’s Clone
The anime adaptation of Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s manga Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stands out as one of the best anime of 2024.
It explores the journey of the elven mage Frieren as she grapples with her immortality and feels the emotional weight of her former comrades’ passing after defeating the Demon King. This prompts her to reconnect with their memories and fulfill their last wishes.
Continuing with its action-packed First Class Mage Exam arc, Episode 26, titled "A Fatal Vulnerability," features a striking conclusion to a battle where Frieren and her human apprentice, Fern, face an exact replica of Frieren, complete with her memories and magical abilities.
This showdown showcases some of Frieren’s most powerful magic, depicted with stunning animation that sets it apart from other series.
The battle culminates in a surprising twist when Fern reveals her own incredible magical power, which both Frieren and her clone underestimate.
8. Delicious in Dungeon – The Revival of Falin
Another hit anime of 2024 is Ryoko Kui’s Delicious in Dungeon, which follows a group of adventurers exploring a dungeon to rescue party leader Laios’ sister from the Red Dragon while indulging in various monster meat recipes along the way.
The mid-season arc, titled "Red Dragon," takes a dramatic turn when the crew finally retrieves Falin’s bones and staff from the dragon's stomach.
To revive her, the elf Marcille uses black magic, harnessing the dragon's flesh and blood to resurrect her mostly-digested friend.
However, employing black magic comes with its own consequences. But before those consequences unfold, Falin is successfully revived, and the party celebrates with dragon soup and steaks.
7. Look Back – Fujino Runs Amid the Pouring Rain
The anime adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back has delivered one of the standout scenes on television in 2024.
The story follows two teenage girls, Ayumu Fujino and Kyomoto, who bond over their love for drawing manga. However, they face the challenges of rivalry and friendship as they work hard to improve their artistic skills while confronting the realities of life and loss.
In addition to being one of the best anime released this year, it features an iconic scene when Fujino runs through a heavy downpour after meeting Kyomoto for the first time, realizing that she is the artist she had negatively compared herself to years ago.
After finally finding a friend and creative partner in Kyomoto, Fujino is inspired to draw again, speeding up her walk through the rain as she skips, splashes, and sprints in a stunning minute-long sequence that captures the beauty of their connection.
6. Girls Band Cry – The Festival Showdown
Toei Animation’s original anime Girls Band Cry is one of the most underrated gems of 2024, following a group of girls in a rock band whose messy character dynamics and personal dramas enhance the emotional impact of their musical performances.
A prime example of this is Togenashi Togeari’s performance at the music festival in Episode 11, titled “The Center of the World,” which is nothing short of magical.
The band Diamond Dust, which Togenashi's guitarist Momoko left for being too pop-oriented, returns to its rock roots to the delight of the audience, putting pressure on Togenashi to deliver an outstanding performance.
However, just as the credits roll, leading viewers to believe the episode has concluded, Nina candidly shares her insecurities with brutal honesty, beautifully expressing them through song.
With its stunning cinematography and poignant performances, Girls Band Cry presents one of the strongest arguments in favor of CG anime on television today.
5. My Hero Academia Season 7 – Katsuki Bakugo’s Fight Against Tomura Shigaraki
In My Hero Academia Season 7, Deku and Class 1-A team up with America’s top hero, Star and Stripe, to confront All For One and the League of Villains in a high-stakes battle for humanity’s future, while also grappling with the emotional fallout from betrayal within their ranks.
As the anime adaptation of Kohei Horikoshi’s masterpiece delivers some of the finest battles on television, Episode 11, titled "Light Fades to Rain," features an intense showdown between Katsuki Bakugo and Tomura Shigaraki.
Just when it seems Bakugo will triumph with the help of Best Jeanist and Mirko, an unexpected twist occurs when Shigaraki delivers a devastating blow that tears into Bakugo's heart.
Fortunately, Edgeshot comes to Bakugo's rescue, but this act comes at a significant cost, as he makes the ultimate sacrifice for Bakugo and humanity's survival.
4. Solo Leveling – Ji-woo Sung Faces Igris
Chugong’s Solo Leveling was one of the most highly anticipated anime adaptations of the year, and it successfully lived up to viewers’ expectations.
Following Ji-woo Sung's journey from being the weakest hunter to becoming the strongest, the series features some of the best anime battles on television, including his climactic face-off against the Bloodred Knight Commander Igris, which defines the series.
As Ji-woo triumphs over the powerful Igris and a legion of knightly foes, this hard-won victory boosts his confidence in his newfound skills, making Solo Leveling an engaging watch.
3. Dandadan – Acrobatic Silky’s Tragic Revelation
Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan is a serious contender for anime of the year, excelling across its diverse genres.
The series follows two high school students, Momo and Okarun, who have conflicting beliefs yet work together in a chaotic world filled with supernatural creatures and awakened powers.
One of its standout episodes, Episode 7 titled “To a Kinder World,” features the backstory of the yokai antagonist Acrobatic Silky.
Through flashbacks to her human life, we learn about her tragic death by suicide after debt collectors kidnapped her daughter, leading her to become a wandering spirit determined to protect Aira, an orphaned girl who mistook her for her mother.
In a heartbreaking twist, Silky sacrifices her own aura to bring Aira back to life after consuming and killing the girl she believed to be her “daughter.”
Before the yokai fades away, filled with regret and suffering, Aira gives her one last hug and prays that the memory of her family will not be forgotten.
This episode not only reveals Aira's sensitive side but also adds depth to Dandadan as a whole.
2. One Piece – The Debut of Luffy’s Gear 5
In its 26-year run, the anime adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has thrilled fans with some of the best shonen fights of all time.
This year, it made an epic reveal with the debut of Luffy’s Gear 5, a symbolic power of Joy Boy that helps him liberate others from the World Government’s relentless villainy during an intense battle against Kaido.
This transformation was a major game-changer, signifying Luffy's acceptance of his role as Joy Boy while showcasing stunning animation and creativity.
As Luffy unleashed his new power, it promised to shift the balance in his ongoing struggle against oppressive forces.
1. Demon Slayer Season 4 – The Beginning of the Demon Slayers’ Fight Against Muzan Kibutsuji
Of course, this list would not be complete without highlighting the beginning of the Demon Slayers' final fight against the demon king Muzan Kibutsuji in Demon Slayer Season 4 – The Hashira Training arc.
The intense confrontation starts with a gripping discussion between Muzan and Hashira leader Kagaya Ubuyashiki, culminating in Ubuyashiki's sacrifice in a powerful explosion aimed at attacking Muzan.
Lady Tamayo then emerges, baring her fangs to confront Muzan, followed by Gyomei Himejima, who uses his unique Stone Breathing techniques to inflict further damage on the demon king.
However, the battle takes a shocking turn when Nakime suddenly opens the doors to the Infinity Castle, abruptly ending the fight and leaving viewers with a major cliffhanger as the season concludes.
These major moments help define each series as a whole, contributing to an exciting year for anime. With their creativity, emotional depth, and thrilling storylines, it’s easy to see how these titles have undeniably captivated viewers worldwide.