The Best Anime 2024: Top New Series to Watch

Get ready for the best anime of 2024! Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming titles and explore the latest releases, which is a must for any anime enthusiast. The anime industry is always growing and changing, promising more creative storylines, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters each year. It’s important to highlight the best anime to watch each year, as it reflects current trends and the future direction of the medium. Among the new releases, a few stand out as potential contenders for the best anime of all time, promising to captivate viewers.

We will take you on an exciting journey to discover the best anime 2024 has to offer, including a variety of new series spanning different genres and themes like “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”, “Delicious in Dungeon”, “Kaiju No. 8”, “Solo Leveling”, and “The Apothecary Diaries”. Each series showcases the richness and diversity of upcoming anime, offering something unique for every viewer. Whether you’re looking for epic narratives, complex characters, or simply the best anime to watch in 2024, there’s something for everyone.

Related: If you have finished watching “Delicious in Dungeon” on Netflix, be sure to follow this list to see what show you should watch next on Netflix here.

Best anime 2024 list

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Plot Overview

“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” presents a unique perspective on the classic fantasy narrative by exploring what happens after the grand adventure is over. Based on the successful manga by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, the story follows Frieren, an elf mage, as she grapples with the aftermath of her epic quests. As her fellow human party members age and pass away, Frieren, blessed with immortality, must come to terms with the loneliness and the temporal distance that grows between her and the world around her. The plot intricately weaves through her centuries-long journey, capturing her interactions with new companions and her struggle with the memories of her former comrades.

Key Themes

The series delves deep into themes of time, loss, and the meaning of connections made throughout one’s life. “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” contrasts the fleeting lives of humans with the near-eternal existence of elves, bringing an emotional depth to Frieren’s interactions and personal growth. It reflects on the impact of time on relationships and the poignant realization that comes with outliving those one cares about. Additionally, the narrative explores the concept of starting anew as Frieren embarks on further quests, meeting new allies, and continually adapting to the changing world, which mirrors the cyclical nature of life and the ongoing quest for meaning.

Animation Style

The animation of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” stands out for its beautiful execution, which brings the manga’s charming character designs and picturesque watercolour backgrounds to life. Character designer Reiko Nagasawa and art director Sawako Takagi have successfully translated the manga’s aesthetic into the anime, capturing the essence of the story’s serene and reflective tone. The visual storytelling is enhanced by the use of flashbacks and montages that effectively depict the passage of time, juxtaposing Frieren’s unchanged appearance against the aging of her friends. This style not only enriches the narrative but also emphasizes the emotional weight of the themes discussed, making it a visually captivating experience that complements the story’s reflective nature.

Delicious in Dungeon

Plot Overview

“Delicious in Dungeon,” also known as “Dungeon Meal” (ダンジョン飯, Danjon Meshi), is a captivating Japanese manga series that has been adapted into an anime by Trigger in January 2024. The story unfolds in a fantasy world where adventurers embark on perilous expeditions through dungeons. The narrative begins with a group of adventurers who face a disastrous setback when a red dragon consumes the leader’s sister, Falin Touden. The survivors, Laios Touden, Chilchuck Tims, and Marcille Donato, must navigate the dungeon’s dangers to rescue Falin. With their supplies left behind, Laios proposes a novel survival strategy: sourcing their food directly from the dungeon, including the monsters themselves.

Key Themes

“Delicious in Dungeon” explores several compelling themes that enrich its narrative. At its core, the series examines survival and resourcefulness in extreme conditions. The adventurers’ decision to eat the dungeon’s monsters introduces a unique twist on traditional fantasy tropes, blending culinary creativity with survival tactics. The theme of camaraderie is also prominent, as the characters rely on each other’s strengths to overcome the challenges of the dungeon. Additionally, the series subtly delves into the ethics of survival, questioning what one is willing to do to save a loved one and at what cost.

Animation Style

Produced by the renowned studio Trigger, “Delicious in Dungeon” features an animation style that vividly brings the manga’s rich illustrations to life. The anime is noted for its detailed depiction of the eclectic and often bizarre meals prepared by dungeon monsters, which adds an element of whimsy and intrigue to the visual narrative. The environments within the dungeon are rendered with depth and detail, effectively creating a sense of tension and mystery that complements the story’s adventurous spirit. The animation also succeeds in balancing the light-hearted, comedic elements with the darker, more serious undertones of the plot, making it a visually engaging series that captures the true essence of the manga.

Kaiju No. 8

Plot Overview

“Kaiju No. 8” is set in a world where monstrous creatures known as kaiju have long threatened humanity. Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old who works as a kaiju disposal cleaner, experiences a life-altering event when a small kaiju flies into his mouth, granting him the powers of a kaiju. This incident transforms Kafka, leading him to reapply to the Defense Force, a military organization tasked with fighting these monstrous threats. Kafka’s journey is not just about battling kaiju but also fulfilling a childhood promise to fight alongside his friend, Mina Ashiro, who is now a captain in the Defense Force.

Key Themes

The series explores themes of transformation and redemption. Kafka’s transformation into a kaiju symbolizes a second chance at life and the pursuit of long-abandoned dreams. His struggle to maintain his humanity while harbouring the powers of a monster adds a complex layer to his character development. The theme of camaraderie is also prominent as Kafka, and his new allies in the Defense Force navigate the challenges of trust and friendship in a world where the line between humans and monsters is blurred.

Animation Style

The anime adaptation of “Kaiju No. 8” has sparked significant discussion due to its departure from the manga’s art style, as highlighted by fan reactions to the character’s key visuals. Produced by Production I.G, known for works like “Ghost in the Shell” and supervised by Studio Khara on kaiju designs, the animation has faced criticism for its less detailed and more rounded character designs compared to the more angular and expressive style of the manga. Despite these criticisms, the animation still aims to bring the thrilling and dynamic battles against kaiju to life, capturing the essence of Kafka’s transformation and the intense action sequences that are central to the narrative.

Solo Leveling

Plot Overview

“Solo Leveling” is set in a thrilling world where portals to dungeons appear globally, requiring humans with supernatural abilities, known as hunters, to combat the monsters within. The story centres around Sung Jin Woo, initially the weakest of hunters, who embarks on a transformative journey to become the strongest. This shift begins when he stumbles upon a unique system within a dungeon that allows him to level up in power, setting him apart from his peers.

Key Themes

The narrative of “Solo Leveling” delves into themes of perseverance, personal growth, and the moral complexities of power. Sung Jin Woo’s evolution from a weak to a formidable hunter explores the theme of self-improvement and the relentless pursuit of strength to protect loved ones. The story also examines the ethical implications of power, as Jin Woo often faces moral dilemmas that challenge his values and decisions, particularly in his interactions with other hunters and creatures.

Animation Style

The animation of “Solo Leveling” is handled by A-1 Pictures, renowned for their work on series like “Sword Art Online” and “Fairy Tail.” The studio brings a distinctive visual flair to the adaptation, maintaining fidelity to the manhwa’s art style while enhancing it with dynamic animations and vibrant effects. The adaptation is particularly noted for its detailed world-building and character development, which expand on the manhwa through the careful integration of light novel content. Critics and fans have noted the anime’s ability to capture the dark, intense atmosphere of the dungeons while also delivering high-energy action sequences that make Sung Jin Woo’s battles a spectacular visual experience.

The Apothecary Diaries

Plot Overview

“The Apothecary Diaries” unfolds in a fictional realm inspired by Imperial China during the Tang Dynasty. The narrative centres on Maomao, a young apothecary originally from the red-light district, who finds herself kidnapped and then sold into servitude at the imperial palace. Despite her dire circumstances, Maomao retains her inquisitive and eccentric nature, planning to serve quietly without drawing attention. However, her plans take a turn when she hears rumours of the emperor’s children and concubines falling critically ill. Using her extensive apothecary knowledge, Maomao investigates and uncovers the cause of their ailments, inadvertently drawing the attention of a powerful eunuch. This marks the beginning of her involvement in solving complex mysteries within the royal court.

Key Themes

The series delves into themes of curiosity and resilience as Maomao navigates the complexities of palace life while using her medical expertise to solve mysteries. Her role as a poison tester and medical detective highlights themes of survival and ingenuity, reflecting her ability to adapt and thrive in a constrained environment. The narrative also explores the dynamics of power and influence in the palace, examining how knowledge and information can shift these balances. Maomao’s interactions with the palace’s inhabitants, from the high consorts to fellow servants, reveal the intricate web of relationships and alliances that define the imperial court.

Animation Style

The anime adaptation of “The Apothecary Diaries,” which premiered in October 2023, brings the rich setting and intricate plot to life with its detailed animation. The visual portrayal captures the essence of a Tang Dynasty-inspired imperial palace, with its opulent architecture and vibrant court life. The animation carefully balances the historical elements with the fictional aspects of the story, creating a visually engaging experience that complements the narrative’s depth. The character designs reflect the distinct personalities of the cast, from Maomao’s practical and sharp demeanour to the regal presence of the court officials, enhancing the storytelling with visual depth and detail.

Conclusion

Through this exploration of the best anime series of 2024, we have journeyed across a landscape rich with varied narratives, from the poignant reflections in “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” to the culinary creativity and adventure in “Delicious in Dungeon”. Each series mentioned not only stands as a testament to the anime industry’s boundless ingenuity and storytelling flair but also serves to enrich the viewer’s experience with themes of camaraderie, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. These selections mirror the vibrancy of anime as a medium, offering a glimpse into the stories that captivates and inspires audiences around the globe.

As we anticipate the release of these exciting titles, the significance of anime in shaping and reflecting cultural, artistic, and emotional landscapes becomes increasingly evident. The diversity in genre, theme, and style highlights the medium’s adaptability and its capacity to explore complex narratives that resonate with a wide audience. Viewers are encouraged to delve into these series, not only for entertainment but as a means to appreciate the depth and creativity that anime continues to offer. The journey through 2024’s anime lineup promises to be as enriching as it is thrilling, marking another chapter in the medium’s ongoing legacy of exceptional storytelling.

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