As we approach the end of the year, the final wave of Japanese animated series is being released, and the top anime of Fall 2024 is shaping up to be one of the finest collections we’ve seen over the past year. This season, much like its predecessors, provides a remarkable array of genres, spanning romance, action, fantasy (both isekai and otherwise), sports, sci-fi, and even horror. Upon review, Fall stands out with its comprehensive lineup, with most titles available on platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, or Netflix in North America.
Offering over 40 anime series for Fall 2024, audiences have plenty of options, which can be equally beneficial and overwhelming. Staying updated on all these shows can be quite tiring, so it’s useful to know which titles to focus on. Let’s explore the best picks from this season.
Consider these important points:
- Rankings will be refreshed weekly.
- The episode cut-off date is set for October 19, 2024.
- MyAnimeList ratings are referenced but not the sole determining factor.
- Only shows that premiered this Fall 2024 season are included; sequels like
One Piece
,
Tower of God
, or
Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest
will not be considered. - Click the title of any anime to view a preview; note that not every series has a preview available.
-
Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror
has been excluded, as its premium episode fails to achieve a full recommendation. However, horror enthusiasts might still want to experience its pilot.
10 365 Days To The Wedding
A Distinctive Romance Focused on Two Awkward Colleagues Needing to Pretend to Be Engaged
Drawing inspiration from the manga by the creator of The World God Only Knows, 365 Days to the Wedding presents a quirky narrative centered on two coworkers who feign an engagement to avoid being transferred to Alaska by their company. Rika and Takuya face significant hurdles in communication, leaving their colleagues unaware of their true selves (or even their voices). The adult cast and workplace setting distinguish this series from typical anime romances, and the show features many more original aspects.
Initially, Rika and Takuya might not seem endearing. Rika’s practical nature keeps both her and the audience at bay, while Takuya’s reserved personality feels relatable yet unremarkable. Nevertheless, they are presented as fully developed characters immediately, showcasing their traits, vulnerabilities, and comfort zones effectively.
9 Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? 5
A Date, a Goddess, and Complex Situations
While some may consider DanMachi to be consistently good, its fourth season stepped up significantly, presenting the strongest episodes yet. The Fall 2024 series must aspire to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor, especially with its narrative structure that shifts perspective through various female characters with each arc. This results in Bell’s relationship with Ryuu receiving less spotlight in season five, despite prior emotional growth.
Though this changing focus can be somewhat frustrating, DanMachi has made an energetic start in the opening episodes, opting for a light-hearted vibe as Bell is invited on a date during the Goddess Festival. While complications rapidly ensue, this narrative arc has so far offered a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and intrigue.
8 Ranma ½
A Nostalgic Return to a Timeless Classic
The iconic Ranma ½ manga by Rumiko Takahashi is universally recognized, and the same largely holds true for the 1989 anime. While the original series still holds its charm, MAPPA’s 2024 adaptation is a welcomed remake—an accessible introduction for those unfamiliar with Takahashi’s legendary storytelling. Aside from a few modifications, this series remains authentically Ranma ½, filled with amusing slapstick comedy and captivating characters that humorously critique traditional anime romantic comedy tropes.
Without needing a refresher for its premise, here’s a quick recap: Ranma transforms into a girl when splashed with water, and his father intends to marry him to one of the Tendou sisters. With all three children hesitant about marriage, misunderstandings abound—especially between Ranma and Akane.
With exceptional animation and timeless humor, Ranma ½ continues to be an absolute joy to watch.
7 Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Challenging Doctrine with Resilience
Now this is a truly unique anime. Set in 15th-century Poland, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth depicts a world governed by religious doctrine, where dissent is met with torture or execution. The church asserts that the Earth is the universe’s center, a viewpoint that intrepid scholars dare to contest, often with dire consequences. Young Rafal is willing to sacrifice everything for the pursuit of knowledge.
Interweaving historical elements with fiction and a touch of sci-fi, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth captivates viewers through its setting and characters. The narrative is gradually building momentum, with an intriguing premise that keeps its long-term plans somewhat ambiguous. While Madhouse has delivered remarkable animation so far, the true strength of this series lies in its writing.
6 Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7
Like a Cozy Blanket on Chilly Evenings
Though not the most talked-about sequel of Fall 2024, Natsume’s Book of Friends makes a delightful return, particularly since its sixth season concluded in 2016. This series takes a refreshing departure from conventional supernatural narratives, focusing on Natsume, a youth gifted with the ability to see yokai, who inherits his late grandmother’s Book of Friends— a record containing the names of spirits, granting him control over them. Natsume chooses to return these names to their rightful owners, with the help of Madara, a formidable yet temporarily weakened yokai.
Natsume’s Book of Friends is celebrated as one of the finest iyashikei slice-of-life narratives, and season 7 appears poised to uphold the quality established by prior seasons. Progressing at a soothingly slow pace, this anime is both comforting and engaging, evoking moments of deep emotion—making it the perfect contrast to many of Fall 2024’s action-packed offerings.
5 Dragon Ball Daima
A Tribute and Celebration of Akira Toriyama’s Legacy
In the wake of the untimely passing of the legendary Akira Toriyama, his final work, Dragon Ball Daima, has premiered. So far, it has been nothing short of amazing. With stunning animation and a whimsical quality reminiscent of the franchise’s earlier arcs, Daima embodies the essence of a modern classic, expertly intertwining adventure, action, and humor—definitely a rarity among storylines in this illustrious franchise.
Initial episodes do a commendable job of blending nostalgic retellings of DBZ’s Buu Saga with fresh narratives that explore previously touched themes. While Daima has just begun its journey, the prospects look promising as Goku and friends venture into the Demon Realm.
4 Blue Box
A Unique Blend of Sports and Romance That Excels at Both
Among the most awaited anime of Fall 2024, Blue Box has made an impressive entrance, partly due to the superb animation produced by Telecom in its debut episode. Although the storyline features slightly familiar motifs, it shines as it artfully marries the sports and romance genres—two fields that typically cross paths yet seldom receive equal treatment.
Taiki nurtures a crush on Chinatsu, spurred to take badminton more seriously after witnessing her enthusiasm for basketball. Unexpectedly, circumstances place him closer to Chinatsu as they find themselves sharing the same house. Blue Box not only thrives on lovable protagonists but also showcases their remarkable chemistry, extending beyond just the lead pair. Taiki’s friendships with Kyou and Hina add depth and humor to the narrative.
3 Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
The Top Isekai Anime Returns for Another Promising Season
Re:ZERO’s reception can be divisive, with Subaru often characterized as a frustrating lead in season one, though he shows significant growth through introspection and increased self-awareness. While season two generally maintains a high quality, it sometimes risks dragging on, particularly during its lengthy dialogue segments. Nevertheless, within the isekai genre, this anime is known for its ambitious narrative, sharp writing, stunning animation, and sporadic dark themes.
Season 3 adapts volume 5 of the light novel series and follows Subaru, Emilia, and select other characters as they travel to Priestella, prompted by an invitation from Anastasia, a Royal Selection candidate vying for the throne ahead of Emilia and several others. The current saga is expected to delve further into Re:ZERO’s political dynamics, focusing on the interactions of the five main candidates, particularly emphasizing character exploration beyond just Emilia.
Yet, the season’s primary conflict involves the emergence of a familiar threat looming over Priestella, leading Subaru back into a “Return by Death”cycle. Re:ZERO’s talent for balancing light-heartedness with tragic elements is showcased brilliantly in the lengthy premiere episode of Fall 2024.
2 Taste
A Side-Splitting Comedy Featuring Exceptional Action and Characters
Not counting Uzumaki, Dandadan stands as the most anticipated new anime of Fall 2024; its initial three episodes even graced theaters, highlighting the adaptation’s enthusiasm. Early impressions suggest that Science Saru has brilliantly recreated the comic’s charm, delivering possibly the best premiere episode of the year thus far. Dandadan radiates an infectious energy, animated through a fluid art style that enhances both its comedic and high-octane action sequences.
Centring around two teens, Momo and Ken, who wager on proposing evidence for either ghosts or aliens, their quest soon evolves into wildly unexpected events, confronting a plethora of supernatural forces, supernatural grandmothers, and confiscated items. The bond between Momo and Ken develops rapidly from their initial acquaintance, feeling authentic and unforced.
1 Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict
Continuing the Redemption Arc
Following its hiatus in 2012, the Bleach series returned to air after nearly a decade, concluding a run that had once been incredibly popular but gradually waned. The series was respectable yet became overshadowed in the shonen battle genre, particularly regarding its anime adaptations. Nevertheless, Pierrot decided to bring back Ichigo as it adapts the manga’s Thousand-Year Blood War, a comeback that has significantly revitalized Bleach’s standing, resulting in one of the most consistently engaging action series of the 2020s.
Dubbed The Conflict (or Part 3), the story resumes the Soul Society’s battle against the Quincy, launching with breathtaking battles that showcase stunning visuals and remarkable abilities. In truth, Thousand-Year Blood War is so impressively crafted that even viewers unfamiliar with the original Bleach can appreciate this sequel as a standalone animation marvel.
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