Top 10 Anime of the Year (So Far)
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VOICE OVER: Ashley Bowman
What a year 2024 has been for anime! Join Ashley as we look over the best series to come out of the anime scene so far this year, including the likes of "Delicious in Dungeon", "Kaiju No. 8", "My Hero Academia", and more!
Script written by Alex Crilly-Mckean
Top 10 Anime of the Year So Far
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the anime released across 2024 that have since blown us away! Be on the look out for spoilers ahead!
#10: “Wind Breaker” (2024-)
Delinquent anime has really come into its own as of late, and one of the greatest examples is that of Bofurin – a group of students who defend their small town from any and all threats…by beating the ever-loving crap out of them. The fight scenes alone, along with their exquisite choreography, are all the reason you need to watch, but thanks to the charming collection of leads, including resident tsundere Sakura, there’s enough heart to keep you invested as the lads punch their way to greater heights.
#9: “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” Season Three (2024-)
From one conflict right into another. After earning himself a spot as a Demon Lord and overcoming the threat of an invading kingdom, Rimuru now has to contend with various conspiracies from the human powers in the land, leading him and his monster army to tackle the likes of Luminous Faith. This of course leads to the much-anticipated rematch against the likes of Hinata. If you’ve been locked into the slime’s antics, you already know what to expect – plenty of slice of life fun, political disputes, and a whole lot of magical warfare!
#8: “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Hashira Training Arc” (2024-)
Yes, it’s a literal training arc, the calm before the storm, but we won’t deny we’re enjoying every bit of it. In the wake of the incident at the Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro and the rest find themselves undergoing strict tutelage by the Hashira in order to level up before the final battle with Muzan. Though, if anything, the training serves as a backdrop to the much needed character development for the Hashira who haven’t been given time in the spotlight – especially when it comes to Giyu. It may be the shortest season to date, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less essential.
#7: “My Hero Academia” Season Seven (2024-)
This season has barely started, and it’s already rocked our socks off with how hard it’s gone with both the battles and character revelations. With Deku’s dark hero arc in the rearview mirror, the Final War is brewing, forcing Class 1-A to prepare for their eventual showdown with Shigaraki and All for One. While the reveal of the long-rumored traitor made for an emotional gut punch, the true standout is Star and Stripe – who established herself as one of the series’ greatest characters in only a couple of episodes. After all, she’s got the power of ‘MURCIA on her side.
#6: “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” Season Two, Part Two (2024-)
It took a while, but things seem to finally be looking up for Rudeus, and we’re not just talking about him conquering that…uh…issue between his legs. Now, he’s got nothing but love in his life – a dedicated partner in Sylphie, building bridges with his two sisters, and a new adventure on the horizon. This isekai continues to excel with the growth and maturity of its lead, along with the expansion of its intricately magical world. Seems like Rudy truly is living his best life at the moment!
#5: “Kaiju No. 8” (2024-)
Say hello to the newest shonen juggernaut on the block, and he packs one hell of a punch! In a world where kaiju are commonplace, as are the defense forces trained to combat them – you’ve got Kafka, a 30 something with dreams of standing alongside his childhood friend and safeguarding the innocent, but now relegated to the sidelines. At least until a misfortunate encounter leaves him as a kaiju hybrid – one strong enough to take down monsters of any size with a single blow. The epicness of the animation combined with Kafka’s unique position as an older character easily paints this anime as one of the most bombastic and enjoyable of the year. Seriously, we can’t get that theme song out of our heads!
#4: “KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!” Season Three (2024-)
Our favorite group of dysfunctional degenerates are back, and to no one’s surprise, they’re already causing chaos within the kingdom. Only this time, it's of a much higher station. With the arrival of Princess Iris, Kazuma’s plans of an easy life are turned on its head, leading him into the innermost circle of the royal court. As you might have guessed, it’s all downhill from there, as thieves, body-swapping, and the reveal of divine treasures bring fresh turmoil to our hapless bunch. Though, by this point, it’s too be expected. If you’ve been eager for the return of KonoSuba’s particular brand of dry, raunchy and outlandish comedy – your time has come.
#3: “The Dangers in My Heart” Season Two (2024)
We didn’t think they could do it. We didn’t think they could improve upon perfection, and yet here we are. Ichikawa and Yamada’s high school romance might sound generic on paper, and yet, due to the earnest nature of their affections and some brilliant pacing, their budding relationship has made it a slice of life sensation that reaches the heights of giants in the genre such as Toradora. We aren’t joking. It’s that good. From the spicy gags right down to that god-tier confession, this is a show everyone needs to get on board with!
#2: “Solo Leveling” (2024-)
This ain’t your average power fantasy. As the weakest hunter in a world where magic and portals to fantastical dungeons exist, Sung Jinwoo’s life has been nothing but hardship, epitomized when a raid on a secret dungeon brings him inches from death. Que a last second twist of fate, and he finds himself granted the power to level up his strength while others remain stagnant. From there, the action goes off the rails. Gradually turning himself into an absolute unit, Jinwoo’s clash against villainous hunters and heinous monsters turned out to be one of the most entertaining rides of the year, and we can’t wait to see who or what the Shadow Monarch tackles next. Chances are, he’s not going to lose.
Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Mashle: Magic and Muscles” Season Two (2024)
“Laid-Back Camp” Season Three (2024-)
“Brave Bang Bravern!” (2024-)
“Classroom of the Elite” Season Three (2024-)
“Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” (2024)
#1: “Delicious in Dungeon” (2024)
Hey, everyone gets hungry, especially when diving into the depths of a monster-filled dungeon, so why not make a meal out of its dangerous inhabitants? That’s pretty much the premise of this fantastical comedy, and just like, it’s caught fire to become one of Netflix’s best. The laughs and creativity just don’t stop with this one. From the ways in which each monster is turned into cuisine, Laios somehow being both inept and a genius at the time, all the way to Marcille’s continued spiral into madness – this show truly is a treat.
Which anime has been your favorite of the year so far? Let us know in the comments!
