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In a year characterized by presenting amazing anime productions that have already taken their place in history, such as Solo Leveling, Dandadan, or Delicious in Dungeon, other series have unfortunately not reached the same level of impact, going unnoticed by many viewers. However, there are worthwhile animes that are hidden gems that promise to deliver an equally or even more enjoyable experience to the audience than the most popular titles.
2024 has left many refreshing and unique series that serve as incredible recommendations despite being overshadowed. Whether because they are niche series, their particular animation style, or troubles during their simulcast, these underrated animes didn't get the attention they deserved during their airing time but will definitely impact those who give them a chance and leave them wondering why they didn't watch them sooner.
10 Brave Bang Bravern!
Original Anime Series Directed by Masami Ōbari & Written by Keigo Koyanagi
Animation Studio: | CygamesPictures |
Season: | Winter |
Number of Episodes: | 12 |
A delirious and fun anime that deserves more people to give it a chance is Brave Bang Bravern, which was criminally overlooked despite its interesting premise and its director with experience in franchises like Gundam and Transformers. This anime might seem like a generic futuristic bellic series, but it separates itself from the typical military drama not only by including mechas, but also thanks to the personality of this gigantic, transformable, and unexpected ally of humanity.
The anime also takes the bromance to the extreme, but it’s the disconcerting contrast between different genres that at first glance don't seem to fit together that makes this series so unique. Brave Bang Bravern doesn't try to be serious and rejoices in its craziness and absurdity. With pilots, special attacks, battle poses, and explosions, the anime is an ode to the nostalgia of super robot lovers and a wild ride that won't fail to bring a smile to the viewers.
9 Viral Hit
Based on the Manhwa Written by Taejun Pak & Illustrated by Kim Junghyun
Viral Hit follows scrawny high school student Hobin Yu as he unexpectedly rises to fame by starring in a NewTube fighting channel. Guided by mysterious advice, Hobin starts defeating stronger opponents and earning substantial money, all while navigating the challenges and potential rivalries that accompany his newfound success.
Release Date April 11, 2024
Cast Satoshi Niwa , Nobuhiko Okamoto , Fairouz Ai , Yui Ishikawa , Shunsuke Takeuchi , Kaito Ishikawa , Yoshino Aoyama , Yuichi Nakamura , Tomokazu Sugita
Character(s) Kota Shimura , Toru Kaneko , Aki Yashio , Kaho Asamiya , Hamaken , Reo Shinjo , Rumi Meguro , Tatsuya Ogi , Tokei
Seasons 1
Animation Studio: | Okuruto Noboru |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 12 |
Either because of its not-so-polished animation or overshadowed by Wind Breaker, another anime about fighting that counted with a big production and fanbase, Viral Hit didn't garner as much attention as other manhwa adaptations like Solo Leveling and Tower of God. However, Viral Hit presented a very interesting premise, exploring human psychology and serving as a criticism of the prevalence of toxic social media influencers and livestream culture in today’s society.
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This way, more than just a fighting anime with insane expressions and brutal punches, Viral Hit is a crude series that addresses realistic issues such as bullying, financial difficulties due to health problems, and the lack of protection of vulnerable social classes, all through a young man whose situation drives him to want to become a viral phenomenon and make money by punching bullies.
8 Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again
Based on the Manga by Kagiri Araido
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again is a 2024 television series that follows an elderly couple who, through mysterious circumstances, find themselves transformed back into their youthful selves. As they navigate their newfound youth, they must reconcile their past experiences with their newfound vitality and adjust to the challenges and opportunities that come with being young again.
Release Date April 7, 2024
Cast Shin-ichiro Miki , Mamiko Noto , Shiori Mikami , Nao Tôyama
Creator(s) Kagiri Araido
Seasons 1
Animation Studio: | Gekkou |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 11 |
Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again’s premise is as simple as its title suggests: a series about an elderly couple who unexpectedly return to their younger selves, which might not sound as intriguing to many viewers. However, the anime is one of the best slice-of-life anime of the year, following these adorable grandparents who are not only crazy about each other but also have a wholesome view of life and family.
Cozy and with great comedy moments, the anime focuses on showing the couple’s everyday life while steadily dropping hints about the reason for their sudden change with a revelation that creates emotional moments and will make viewers gain a new perspective on life and the importance of seizing the day and valuing others. Additionally, Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again delivers a complete adaptation with one of the most touching anime finale.
7 Trillion Game
Based on the Manga Written by Riichiro Inagaki & illustrated by Ryōichi Ikegami
Animation Studio: | Madhouse |
Season: | Fall |
Number of Episodes: | 26 |
Whether it's because of its not-so-appealing character designs or premiering in a season full of highly popular anime, Trillion Game hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves. The anime is based on an award-winning manga by the same creator as Dr. Stone, which shares the same formula of ridiculously clever developments in a good way, but instead of focusing on starting a civilization with science, here the protagonists advance in the corporate world as they start a startup and gain business experience to become trillionaires.
The anime isn’t about the intrigue of whether they achieve their dream, since it’s revealed from the beginning that they do, but the suspense is in the process of how they reach success, which is told in retrospect by Gaku. The dynamic between Gaku and Haru, a programming genius with a street-smart and cunning character, creates absurd events as they implement their ambitious plans. Trillion Game doesn't fail to entertain and is a must-see for fans of stories of determined characters struggling to succeed.
6 Girls Band Cry
Original Anime Series Directed by Kazuo Sakai & Written by Jukki Hanada
Girls Band Cry follows Nina Iseri, who leaves high school and relocates to Tokyo. Struck by the music of Momo Kawaragi, she forms a band with Subaru Awasu, Tomo Ebutsuka, and Rupa. The film explores their journey, each grappling with personal challenges while uniting through music.
Release Date April 6, 2024
Cast Rina , Yuri , Mirei , Natsu , Shuri , Shuki Sato , Takahiro Miyake , Hikaru Araki , Rio Sato
Character(s) Nina Iseri , Momoka Kawaragi , Subaru Awa , Tomo Ebizuka , Rupa , Additional Voices
Directors Miho Hirayama , Kenji Imura , Masayuki Iimura , Yasushi Tomoda
Animation Studio: | Toei Animation |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 13 |
Due to the lack of simulcast during its airing, only becoming available with subtitles months later on Prime Video and Crunchyroll, and the use of CGI, Girls Band Cry was overlooked during its season. Going a step beyond other band-based animes like K-ON and Bocchi the Rock, Girls Band Cry showcases a music group of girls outside the typical high school environment, highlighting their struggles with adapting to the adult world and how, despite each member carrying a difficult past, they find a place to belong, sharing their passion for music.
Girls Band Cry has captivated viewers, even those who aren’t fans of CGI, thanks to its character design and natural and fluid animation that enhances the character’s movements and serves to create amazing musical sequences. Also, its great soundtrack and realistic approach to difficult themes like bullying and self-acceptance made Girls Band Cry one of the 2024 animes that more people should watch.
5 The Fable
Based on the Manga by Katsuhisa Minami
The Fable (2024) is an adaptation of Katsuhisa Minami's popular manga series, directed by Yūsuke Watanabe. Starring Junichi Okada as an elite assassin known only as The Fable, the show follows his attempt to live a normal life under the cover of an ordinary citizen. Set against the backdrop of a thriving underworld, The Fable must balance his dark past with his desire for a peaceful future.
Release Date April 7, 2024
Cast Kazuyuki Okitsu , Kana Hanazawa , Miyuki Sawashiro
Creator(s) Katsuhisa Minami
Writers Katsuhisa Minam , Mayumi Morita , Yuya Takashima
Directors Ryōsuke Takahashi
Animation Studio: | Tezuka Productions |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 25 |
The Fable is an anime about a hitman forced to take a sabbatical year during which he can’t murder anyone or get into trouble, which creates the perfect formula for comedy thanks to the amusing contrast of adapting to a normal life and the situations that his lack of social interactions entails. This way, The Fable shares the same atmosphere and type of absurd humor that viewers loved about The Way of the Househusband.
The adaptation failed to attract a broader audience because it was only available on Disney+, its animation didn’t reach the same level of detailed art as its source material and had a slow start. Yet, The Fable is a dark and fun anime that had viewers cracking up on the floor thanks to its hilarious and weird protagonist, whose only interest is his favorite humorist, Jackal Tomioka. The Fable proved to be the best option for seinen fans who enjoy action and dark humor and are open to watching something different.
4 Oblivion Battery
Based on the Manga by Eko Mikawa
Animation Studio: | Mappa |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 12 |
Although it could be seen as just a cliché sports anime, Oblivion Battery presents a different take on a baseball anime as the protagonists Haruka Kiyomine and Kei Kaname were already a prodigious battery at the beginning. But as Kei suffers from amnesia, he loses his passion and ability for the sport. Oblivion Battery it’s one of those series that becomes better with every episode and has the perfect balance between comedy and serious themes, as it explores the psychological burden of players due to the competitive pressure of the sport.
Because of this, Oblivion Battery focuses on the character development of both Kaname and other players, who begin to regain their confidence and love for the sport. Also, in addition to the beautiful animation, unique shots, and use of perspective during the games, expected from the recognized Studio Mappa, Oblivion Battery has one of the most cinematic episodes of a sports anime of all time and is a great candidate for episode of the year.
3 Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction
Based on the Manga by Inio Asano
Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction Part 1, released in 2024, explores the lives of high school girls Koyama Kadode and Nakagawa Ouran amidst an ongoing alien presence over Tokyo. While a war unfolds, the film delves into themes of human nature, dialogue, and adolescence, rather than focusing solely on the invasion.
Release Date March 22, 2024
Main Genre Sci-Fi
Cast ano , Lilas Ikuta , Atsumi Tanezaki , Miyuri Shimabukuro , Saeko Oki , Azumi Waki , Ryoko Shiraishi , Miyu Irino , Koki Uchiyama , Taito Ban , Junichi Suwabe , Kenjiro Tsuda , Tomokazu Sugita , TARAKO
Character(s) Ouran "Ontan" Nakagawa (voice) , Kadode Koyama (voice) , Kiho Kurihara (voice) , Ai Demoto (voice) , Rin Hirama (voice) , Futaba Takemoto (voice) , Makoto Tainuma (voice) , Keita Ōba (voice) , Kenichi Kohiruimaki (voice) , Naoki Watarase (voice) , Hiroshi Nakagawa (voice) , Nobuo Koyama (voice) , Isobeyan (voice) , Debeko (voice)
Director Tomoyuki Kurokawa
Writers Reiko Yoshida
Studio(s) Production +h.
Animation Studio: | Production +h. |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 18 |
From the acclaimed author of Goodnight Punpun, Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction, is a story that shows an alien invasion which doesn’t seem to pose any danger after its arrival but creates the intrigue of whether these beings are hostile or not, from the perspective of two normal teenagers, Kadode and Oran, who try to move forward with their lives as if nothing had happened despite this latent threat.
This sci-fi anime has one of the best representations of an apocalypse, but unfortunately, its controversial subtitles by Crunchyroll affected the audience’s interest in the series upon its airing. Despite its cute character design, the anime is deeper than it seems and delves into the character’s emotions and responses to certain events while also featuring political intrigue, friendship, and love. However, those looking to give Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction a try should watch the entire series before tackling episode 0, which is a better viewing experience to avoid earlier revelations.
2 Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Based on the Manga by Uoto
In 15th-century Poland, young prodigy Rafal stumbles upon a revolutionary theory challenging the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe. Under the mentorship of a mysterious scholar, he begins exploring this heretical idea. As the Inquisition closes in, Rafal must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth.
Release Date October 5, 2024
Cast Maaya Sakamoto , Kenjiro Tsuda , Show Hayami , Katsuyuki Konishi , Yuichi Nakamura , Saya Hitomi
Character(s) Rafał , Novak , Hubert , Oczy , Badeni , Yolenta
Animation Studio: | Madhouse |
Season: | Fall |
Number of Episodes: | 25 |
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is an anime based on the investigation of the heliocentric theory and the oppression and persecution during the time by the inquisition that had fallen under the radar of many viewers because of its historical setting. However, it's much more than the average cookie-cutter anime and generic isekai shows, as the story exalts the moment in life in which people encounter a shock that completely changes their perspective and conventional values, pursuing what they are truly passionate about.
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Orb is about the beauty of curiosity and follows a collection of thoughts highlighting the importance of impacting the next generation. The adaptation also has breathtaking animation, a soundtrack, intriguing developments, and interesting layered characters, but truly shines thanks to its dark tone, deep, and philosophical monologs loaded with love towards the search for knowledge that proves that, with dedication, anyone can help the progress of humanity.
1 Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
Based on the Manga Written by Chisato Abe & Illustrated by Natsumi Matsuzaki
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master unfolds in Yamauchi, a realm of shapeshifting three-legged ravens split into four regions. As Yukiya, son of the Northern leader, navigates a summons by the Imperial Prince, he encounters murder, mysteries, and an unforeseen invasion in this epic fantasy.
Release Date April 6, 2024
Cast Matsumi Tamura , Miyu Irino , Rina Honnizumi , Hiroki Nanami , Ayaka Fukuhara , Rie Kugimiya , Eiji Takeuchi , Satoshi Hino
Character(s) Yukiya , Imperial Prince , Asebi , Hamayū , Masuho no Susuki , Shiratama , Sumio , Natsuka
Seasons 1
Directors Toshiyuki Kato , Shigenori Kageyama
Animation Studio: | Pierrot |
Season: | Spring |
Number of Episodes: | 20 |
Yatagarasu is an interesting and captivating anime about power struggles in which a young man becomes a servant of the crown prince of the Kingdom of Yamauchi. The anime resembles The Apothecary Diaries as it also presents concubines and royal court mysteries, and even though the first episode may seem as boring as it only introduces the candidates from each faction, it is after Yukiya takes the spotlight that Yatagarasu unleashes its true potential as one of the best recent anime.
With brilliant storytelling, this fantasy series follows palace intrigues and political conspiracies, with a touch of suspense and well-constructed theatrical drama. It isn't short on great twists, excellent world-building, corruption, and deceit. Yatagarasu also features action, seasoned by its dense and dark tone, and while it keeps viewers hooked on seeing what will come next, it didn't reach the level of success as other titles, which makes it the underrated anime of 2024 that deserves way more attention.
English (US) ·