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frostfires-blog · 3 days ago

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✦✴Top 10 2024 Anime✴✦

So, surprisingly, this option was the winner of this poll that I did a few weeks ago... I wanted to put this out sooner, but I got caught up with other things.

Overall, I added 49 new entries to MyAnimeList in 2024... This might not seem like much to most of you, but it was considerable considering I'm pretty picky. The fact that 47% of the series were newly airing anime was surprising—particularly compared to the 24% from the previous year—as I typically only watch subsequent seasons and marathon series that have already been released.

*P.S. I included all anime that finished airing in 2024 even if they started in 2023 (e.g. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) but didn't include anime that are still airing in 2025 even if they started airing in 2024 (e.g. Ao no Hako) since that's typically how the official anime awards handles things... I also opted to include anime that I started and completed in 2024 even if they didn't originally air in 2024. I also didn't include any sequel seasons, only new series.

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-> Honorable Mentions:

⦁ Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou desu / The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent

⦁ Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai / A Condition Called Love

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-> Top 10 New 2024 Anime:

10) Goukon ni Ittara Onna ga Inakatta Hanashi / How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Kaichou wa Maid-sama!, Romantic Killer & Kiss Him Not Me! Although this series is not for everyone—considering its unconventional premise—its balanced blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life elements make it an enjoyable and wholesome watch. The series' superb voice acting, simplicity, and colourful array of relatable characters are its key strengths. While it does not have a lot of depth, its unique premise allows it to subvert several classic tropes—making the series feel refreshingly nostalgic.

09) Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi / The Elusive Samurai

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Akatsuki no Yona, Gintama, Kemono Jihen & Kimetsu no Yaiba While at first glance this anime appears to be a typical action-adventure shounen series—its art direction, tone, and humour are incredibly distinct. This series also challenges the conventional notion of a hero by substituting brute strength with agility and keen instincts. This anime balances its brutal historical setting—which is rife with war and political power struggles—with its anachronistic, self-aware comedy. Another strong point is its dynamic character design and natural synergy between its vibrant cast. The series' kaleidoscopic and mind-bending visuals are a testament to its creativity and distinctiveness—as it skillfully employs colour, imagery, and symbolism to enhance its allure and tone.

08) Kaijuu 8-gou / Kaijuu No. 8

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Attack on Titan & Jujutsu Kaisen Firstly, I wanted to note that #09 and #08 are completely interchangeable—I just thought it would be funny to place Kaijuu No. 8 in 8th place haha. This series follows an organisation that uses strength, wits and technology to defend Japan by fighting monstrous creatures called Kaiju. At its heart, this series is simple yet entertaining classic battle shounen anime. Its strong points are its amazing soundtrack, quirky characters and clever cliffhangers. While I wished it explored its setting, themes and characters more thoroughly—its high-paced action sequences were very satisfying. (P.S. Hoshina lives in my head rent-free.)

07) Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimama na Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu suru / 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion & The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent Once again, #07 and #06 are interchangeable—I just thought it would be funny to place 7th Time Loop in 7th place. Don't let this series' ridiculously long title deter you—if you're a fan of shojosei historical fantasy romance, then I'd highly recommend it. This series captivated me with its compelling blend of romance, drama, and mystery—in addition to its dynamic animation and music. The narrative follows our heroine—who is stuck in a seemingly endless time loop—through her 7th life. Using her vast array of skills from her past lives, she endeavours to stop the war that inevitably claims her life by becoming the fiancee of the man who will start it. The series' protagonist is compelling, capable, and confident—while the male lead is mysterious, complex, and captivating. The series' strong points are its complex characters, compelling narrative, and the strong chemistry between its main couple.

06) Yubisaki to Renren: A Sign of Affection

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Kimi Ni Todoke & Ao Haru Ride This series follows its protagonist, Yuki, as she navigates everyday life and relationships with a hearing disability. This anime conveys that there is beauty in simplicity, striking a great balance between depicting the perspective of a deaf protagonist and portraying a sincere and authentic romance. The series' meticulous attention to detail is especially noteworthy—particularly in its use of colour, imagery, sound, and body language to adequately convey emotions and subtleties, thereby allowing the viewer to fully engage with the characters' differing perspectives. Another commendable aspect of the series is that it recognises Yuki's challenges without excessively embellishing or romanticising them. We not only witness the beginnings of a heartfelt romance between Yuki and Itsuomi as they gradually learn to communicate with each other—but also develop an appreciation of the value of human connection and exposure to various languages and cultures. If you're looking for a cosy slice-of-life romance series, then I'd recommend this series.

05) Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai / Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

Check this out if you're a fan of: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, Kokyuu no Karasu & Mo Dao Zu Shi This series is arguably the most underrated anime of 2024. This series is an enthralling blend of historical fantasy, mystery, drama, and action set in a universe where mystical shape-shifting ravens are embroiled in an intricate political power struggle. This anime's selling points are its carefully crafted multi-layered narrative, characters, and world-building—which collectively create an incredibly immersive and compelling viewing experience. This series does a great job of playing with the viewer's perceptions of characters throughout the series as they encounter substantial moral and emotional and moral obstacles. Its unpredictability stems from not only its originality but also its well-executed twists and complex character interactions—which force viewers to consistently reassess alliances and plot points. If you're looking for a compelling and multidimensional series with fluid action sequences, stellar music, and captivating aesthetics—then look no further.

04) Hoshifuru Oukoku no Nina / Nina the Starry Bride

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Akatsuki no Yona, Kaizouku Oujo & Fushigi Yugi Although this series seems like another retake of the classic rags-to-riches romance—it is an enthralling blend of drama, romance, and historical fantasy. While many complain that this anime does not bring anything revolutionary to the genre, I do not believe it needs to. Its selling points are not its originality, but rather its endearing characters, stunning designs and fantastical setting. This series is both nostalgic and engaging while refraining from being overly reliant on classic tropes—demonstrating that a tried-and-true formula can be effective without feeling unimaginative. Although love triangles typically possess a negative connotation within the anime community—this series employs the trope to enhance our comprehension of the primary characters, advance the plot, and fuel character development, rather than to force the main pairing together or introduce superfluous drama and miscommunication. I haven't seen a love triangle this compelling and unpredictable in anything else besides Chihayafuru, Fruits Basket and Who Made Me A Princess. Ultimately your enjoyment of this series will be heavily influenced by how much you care about its characters and genre. So ,I'd only recommend it if you're a fan of shoujosei historical, fantasy romance. That being said, I'm very excited to read the manga, which from what I've seen is much better-paced and more detailed than the anime.

03) Wind Breaker

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Tokyo Revengers, Jujutsu Kaisen and Tsurune This series centres around a group of delinquents at an all-boys school that have banded together to protect their town and its people from nearby thugs. It is generally critiqued for its simplistic story, but I believe it is another example of how simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The series' best attributes are its character development, character interactions, animation, pacing and character design. What differentiates Wind Breaker from many other series is that it is equally as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed addressing several relevant themes such as isolation, discrimination, self-discovery, camaraderie, acceptance, redemption and integrity. The series' lack of fantastical elements augments its emotional resonance by adding a degree of sincerity and realness. The series' exceptional voice acting, complex characters and authentic character interactions further add to its resonance. I'm incredibly excited to see how much more the characters will grow in the upcoming sequel season...

02) Sousou no Frieren / Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Fumetsu no Anata e & Violet Evergarden I have to start this off by admitting that I obstinately avoided watching this series until around five months after it finished airing—only relenting after discovering my favourite seiyuu cast in it—because I allowed my prejudices to obscure my judgment. I obviously regret being so petty now and want to take this as a lesson going forward and hope you guys will learn from my mistakes too. Although Frieren seems like another archetypal action-fantasy series with an OP protagonist—there is so much more to the series. After having watched it I was honestly surprised at its popularity given its focus on sentiments, subtleties and symbolism rather than action. The series presents us with its primary recurring themes from the very beginning: the value of forging relationships, the purpose of life, and the gravity of goodbyes. Through these themes the series imparts to us the message that life is short thus we should strive to live in the moment and embrace every connection and small happenstance. Sousou no Frieren is one of the anime series that has the potential to shift your approach to how you choose to live your life, as a result of this message. Aside from its thematic richness and emotional resonance, the series boasts incredible animation, music, and voice acting along with compelling characters and fluid battles. An understated part of the series is how tactfully it handles its heavy themes, without making an overt spectacle out of them but rather maintaining a consistent melancholic tone.

01) Kusuriya no Hitorigoto / The Apothecary Diaries

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Kokyuu no Karasu, Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai, Sauinkoku Monogatari & Akagami no Shirayuki-hime I'm sure no one is shocked that this series is at number one, given that I've written three hanakotoba posts about it and it made my top ten favourite series and top fifteen favourite female characters lists. In many respects, this series feels like a breath of fresh air, yet it still retains a sense of nostalgia. At its core, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is a blend of mystery, drama, comedy and historical romance. The series follows Maomao, our protagonist, as she utilises her analytical mind and knowledge of various medicines, plants and poisons to fulfil tasks and solve mysteries in Imperial China's Rear Palace. This series differentiates itself from many other series in the mystery genre by resolving its cases through the application of worldly knowledge—which just is not commonplace given its historic and secluded setting—rather than in a pretentious or cryptic manner. This does not detract from Maomao's intelligence, but it does give the series a grounded and authentic atmosphere that other mystery series lack. Much of the series' appeal stems from its dynamic cast—particularly its compelling yet flawed protagonist whose personality is defined by the juxtaposing qualities of cautiousness and curiosity. Although the series starts with episodic mysteries, it gradually unravels into a more complex overarching mystery allowing its characters and narrative to naturally evolve—thus highlighting the series' pacing as one of its strong points. The series' immersive ambience and aesthetics are not only the result of its careful integration of Chinese cultural elements but also its skilled application of colour, lighting, and music to convey various connotations to the viewer. My favourite aspect of the series is its deft integration of numerous flowers as visual motifs for different characters and story arcs. The integration of floriography not only complements the series—considering Maomao's expertise with plants and herbs—but also augments its richness and immersiveness, highlighting the series' meticulous production.

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P.S. I've posted two polls centred around this post. If you want to participate here are the links: Part 1 │Part 2

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