The Year of Thrilling Anime 2024’s Biggest Hits
2024 was a phenomenal year for anime, offering high-quality series that captured the hearts and imaginations of fans worldwide. Even legendary franchises like Dragon Ball and One Piece couldn’t completely overshadow the fresh faces and stories that resonated with Japanese audiences. With streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix making these titles more accessible than ever, anime enthusiasts had an endless array of content to enjoy.
As the year winds down, it’s evident that the last quarter of 2024 delivered some of the most impressive anime releases to date. While preferences varied across different regions, Japanese fans have definitively chosen their standout series of the year. Surprisingly, some of the most anticipated titles, including One Piece, Dragon Ball: Daima (the latest project from Akira Toriyama), and Demon Slayer, didn’t secure a place at the top of the rankings.
A Shift in Dragon Ball’s Legacy
Though Dragon Ball: Daima didn’t dominate the charts as expected, the series still proved to be a significant highlight of 2024. The latest addition to the Dragon Ball franchise combined nostalgic elements with new twists, showcasing Akira Toriyama’s enduring creativity. Fans were treated to a fresh storyline that explored unexplored corners of the Dragon Ball universe, continuing to prove the franchise’s lasting influence on global anime culture.
A Year Defined by New Favorites
While iconic franchises like Dragon Ball maintained their presence, 2024 also saw emerging titles captivating audiences in unexpected ways. Japanese fans celebrated these newer works, demonstrating how anime continues to evolve and push boundaries. The impressive lineup of this year solidifies one truth: anime has never been more diverse, exciting, or globally impactful.
The Top Anime of 2024 According to Netlab
Netlab, a prominent platform, conducted a poll to determine the top three most popular anime of 2024 in Japan. The competition was fierce, with the first and second spots separated by just one vote.
1. Dan Da Dan
Taking the top spot was Dan Da Dan, a supernatural romantic comedy that premiered in October. The manga by Yukinobu Tatsu had already garnered a loyal following, but its anime adaptation by Science Saru took its popularity to new heights.
This quirky series follows Momo Ayase, a believer in ghosts but a skeptic of aliens, and her co-worker Okarun, who has the exact opposite beliefs. Their investigations into paranormal hotspots reveal that not only do ghosts and aliens exist, but they’re also coming after them!
Dan Da Dan’s blend of humor, romance, and thrilling supernatural elements has resonated deeply with fans, securing its position as Japan’s most beloved anime of the year.
2. Too Many Losing Heroines!
In second place, is Too Many Losing Heroines! (Make Heroine ga Ōsugiru!) became one of the year’s biggest surprises. Based on the novels by Takibi Amamori and illustrated by Imigimuru, this romantic comedy turned traditional genre tropes upside down.
The story follows Kazuhiko Nukumizu, a shy and introverted boy, who witnesses the most popular girl in his class being rejected. This unexpected event leads him to befriend Anna Yanami. Soon, Kazuhiko starts noticing and connecting with other girls who have also faced rejection.
The anime’s unique premise and heartwarming approach to romance earned it a dedicated fan base.
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Season 3)
No list of popular anime would be complete without mentioning the beloved isekai series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. The third season premiered this year, continuing the adventures of Rimuru Tempest in his fantasy world.
This season, fans were treated to even more action, world-building, and character development. The excitement doesn’t stop there—Season 4 is already in production, and another movie is on the horizon, ensuring that Rimuru’s story will keep fans engaged for years to come.
For those unfamiliar, the series follows Rimuru, a former human who is reincarnated as a slime. By consuming other beings, Rimuru gains their abilities, becoming one of the most powerful entities in this fantastical world.
Honorable Mentions
Although they didn’t make the top three, several other anime made waves in 2024:
- One Piece continued its legendary journey with thrilling arcs and battles.
- Dragon Ball: Daima marked Akira Toriyama’s latest venture, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
- Demon Slayer maintained its high-quality animation and emotional depth, captivating both new and longtime fans.
A Look Ahead
As we step into 2025, the anime industry shows no signs of slowing down. Anticipation is already building for upcoming titles, including the fourth season of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and new projects from industry titans like Studio MAPPA and Kyoto Animation.
Japanese pop culture, powered by anime, continues to thrive on the global stage. With its ability to innovate and resonate with audiences of all ages, the future of anime looks brighter than ever.