Anime fans, have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through streaming platforms, looking for a show that will truly blow your mind?
What if we told you that 2024 has already redefined what anime can be? This year has delivered some of the most spectacular series we’ve ever seen—stories that have gripped our hearts, visuals that have dazzled our eyes, and characters that will stay with us forever.
In a time when animation studios are pushing boundaries and fans are more connected than ever, how do you choose the Anime of the Year?
The competition has been nothing short of brutal, but we’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding action, soul-crushing drama, or laugh-out-loud comedy, this list of 2024’s 20 must-watch anime has it all.
So buckle up, because this isn’t just a roundup—it’s a celebration of why we fell in love with anime in the first place.
1. Demon Slayer: The Final Arc
Rating: 9.8/10
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Are goodbyes ever easy? Not when it’s to a series as iconic as Demon Slayer. The Final Arc had everything: breathtaking battles, gut-wrenching sacrifices, and visuals so stunning they set social media on fire. But beyond the spectacle, this season reminded us why Tanjiro and Nezuko’s story has captured millions of hearts worldwide. The final confrontation with Muzan Kibutsuji wasn’t just a fight—it was an emotional crescendo that had fans sobbing into their pillows.
Stat Spotlight: With over 40 million viewers tuning in worldwide for its finale, this arc cemented Demon Slayer as a global phenomenon.
2. Attack on Titan: Final Season – Part 4
Rating: 9.7/10
Where to Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll
How does one end a series that’s been a decade in the making? With sheer brilliance. The conclusion of Attack on Titan wasn’t just epic—it was hauntingly philosophical, tackling themes of freedom, morality, and the cost of peace. MAPPA outdid itself with animation that captured every gut-wrenching moment, from Levi’s final battle to Eren’s ultimate fate.
Real Talk: Love or hate the ending, you can’t deny this series will be discussed, dissected, and debated for years to come.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen: Season 3
Rating: 9.6/10
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Is Gojo the strongest sorcerer alive, or is he the soul of this series? In Season 3, Jujutsu Kaisen raised the stakes to unimaginable levels. From jaw-dropping battles to emotional revelations about Yuji and Megumi, this season had us hooked. And let’s not forget: that fight scene with Gojo—it wasn’t just action, it was art.
Fun Fact: Gojo’s fight was so viral, clips of it amassed over 10 million views on TikTok within 24 hours of airing.
4. One Piece: Gear 5 Saga
Rating: 9.5/10
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
What’s more legendary than Luffy finally unlocking Gear 5? Watching it break streaming records worldwide. This arc brought everything we love about One Piece: high-stakes battles, heartfelt camaraderie, and jaw-dropping visuals. Luffy vs. Kaido wasn’t just a fight—it was a masterclass in storytelling.
Achievement Unlocked: The Gear 5 debut episode saw Crunchyroll’s highest traffic spike in history.
5. Oshi no Ko: Season 2
Rating: 9.4/10
Where to Watch: HIDIVE
Ever wondered what fame costs? Oshi no Ko: Season 2 answered with brutal honesty. Aqua’s quest for revenge deepened, and Ruby’s rise to stardom brought unexpected twists. The series peeled back the glittering façade of the entertainment industry, revealing its dark, exploitative underbelly.
Memorable Moment: Ruby’s performance in Episode 8 had fans calling it the “scene of the year” on Reddit threads.
6. Chainsaw Man: Season 2
Rating: 9.2/10
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Chaos. Gore. Humor. Heart. If you thought Chainsaw Man couldn’t get crazier, Season 2 proved you wrong. Denji and the gang faced new enemies, deeper betrayals, and moments of shocking tenderness that caught us off guard. MAPPA’s animation was as jaw-dropping as ever, making each fight scene feel like a mini-movie.
Quote That Stuck: “If I can’t dream, what’s the point of surviving?”—Denji
Why This Year Feels Different
2024 hasn’t just been a year of great anime—it’s been a cultural shift. Studios are taking bigger risks, from adapting fan-favorite webtoons like Solo Leveling to giving villain-centric arcs in My Hero Academia. Even sports anime (Blue Lock) and niche genres (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) have delivered groundbreaking narratives.
Stat Spotlight: Did you know anime streaming grew by 35% globally in 2024, with the US and India leading the charge?
7. Spy x Family: Season 3
Rating: 9.1/10
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Anya’s chaos. Loid’s espionage. Yor’s… questionable cooking skills. Season 3 of Spy x Family proved once again why this family of spies is so lovable. Equal parts comedy and heart, this season was a reminder that sometimes, anime can just make you feel good.
From gut-wrenching finales to comedic escapades, 2024’s anime lineup has set a new standard. Whether you’re a long-time otaku or a newcomer, these 20 picks will remind you why anime isn’t just entertainment—it’s art.So, which show will you binge next? Or better yet, which one deserves your vote for Anime of the Year?
