Discover the Biggest Anime of 2024: Poll Analyzes Global Favorites

The anime industry has experienced another phenomenal year, consistently delivering a string of hits that has captivated audiences and attracted new fans to this vibrant art form. After a record-breaking year in 2023, anime has continued its upward trajectory into 2024, showcasing beloved series with new seasons while introducing fresh titles that have quickly made a significant impact.

This year also saw a remarkable increase in accessibility, as several anime series became available on mainstream streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. This wider reach allowed viewers who may not have actively pursued anime to discover and enjoy these stories. Adding to the excitement of the year, MyAnimeList conducted a poll to identify the most popular series among its users. Notably, Solo Leveling emerged as the frontrunner by a significant margin, with shōnen action and isekai genres dominating the remainder of the list.

MyAnimeList's top-ranking anime of 2024 in terms of popularity.

While many results from the poll align with fan expectations, the absence of certain high-quality shows has raised eyebrows. The close competition among the entries was evident, yet Solo Leveling secured the top position with exceptional viewership numbers, leaving the competition behind. The groundwork has been laid for intense rivalry as we head into 2025, but for now, Solo Leveling reigned supreme in 2024.

Insights from 2024’s Most Popular Anime Rankings

A Mixture of New and Established Titles in Top Rankings

The year 2024 showcased a small selection of anime series that commanded viewer attention. According to MyAnimeList, none of the competing shows could rival the overwhelming popularity of Solo Leveling. Emerging as a fresh contender, this adaptation of Chugong’s beloved Korean web novel captivated fans with its breathtaking animation and thrilling action. Concluding the year with over 800,000 viewers on the site, Solo Leveling firmly established its dominance in the rankings.

As Season Two of the highly praised anime is set to premiere at the beginning of 2025, it seems likely that the series will continue to lead the popularity charts. Nonetheless, it faces notable competition from another rising star, Dandadan, which finished in third place and has stirred significant discussions across social media. With Science SARU delivering a stunning adaptation in its first season characterized by its unique visuals and fast-paced story, anticipation for Dandadan’s sequel is palpable among anime enthusiasts.

The impressive rank of Dandadan’s third place is particularly noteworthy since it only aired during the fall season, giving it the least time to gather viewers compared to other entries. In contrast, Solo Leveling debuted in January 2024. Other expected names in the rankings included Demon Slayer at second place, with Konosuba and Mushoku Tensei occupying fifth and sixth positions respectively. Additionally, series such as Kaiju no. 8 and Delicious in Dungeon experienced substantial success in their inaugural years.

Notable Omissions from the Popularity Ranking

Absence of Popular Titles: An Understanding

A shocked-looking Ichigo, with his mouth open and eyes wide.

Despite substantial fanfare surrounding many series featured in MyAnimeList’s top selections for 2024, some widely celebrated titles did not make the list. Notably, the absence of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Re:Zero stands out, despite their immense popularity. However, this should not be interpreted as a reflection of the shows’ quality or fanbase. Out of the ten most-watched series, only two had debuted after the conclusion of the spring season.

In polls like this conducted by MyAnimeList, rankings are primarily determined by viewership numbers, effectively favoring series released earlier in the calendar year. Therefore, the fact that any show debuting after spring managed to break into the top ten speaks volumes. Dandadan’s third-place finish serves as a testament to its immediate popularity upon release.

As we look forward, 2024 proved to be another landmark year for the anime world, yet the acknowledged top-ranked series only scratch the surface of the remarkable offerings available. Fans should keep a close eye on Solo Leveling and Dandadan as they strive to maintain their momentum into 2025, while they prepare for new seasons from heavyweights like My Hero Academia and One Punch Man, which will undoubtedly create robust competition for the top rankings.

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