Must Watch Anime from the Summer 2024 Lineup

Every anime season brings a fresh wave of shows that amaze audiences, and Summer 2024 is no exception.

Each quarter offers a mix of new releases and sequels, many of which successfully draw viewers back week after week.

While not every series is created equal, a select few manage to spark weekly discussions and leave a lasting impact, becoming memorable long after they conclude.

As we explore through the current season, it’s clear that some anime have already started to distinguish themselves from the rest.

As the season progresses, viewers will naturally begin to narrow down their watchlists, focusing on the most compelling series.

With so many options available, it’s challenging to keep up with everything, and not every show is worth the commitment.

Therefore, it’s essential to highlight the standout series that have captured the community’s attention.

These exceptional anime not only provide weekly entertainment but also promise to remain in the hearts and minds of fans for years to come.

To make the task of selecting what to watch easier, let’s shine a spotlight on the greatest anime of Summer 2024.

By focusing on these top-tier series, viewers can ensure they’re dedicating their time to the most engaging and memorable shows of the season.

Whether it’s a brand-new title or a highly anticipated sequel, these anime are the ones to keep on your radar as the season unfolds.

1) Oshi No Ko Season 2

The most anticipated anime of Summer 2024, Oshi no Ko, is expertly building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor.

Aqua’s relentless quest to uncover the truth behind Ai’s murder continues to drive the story, as he immerses himself deeper into the entertainment industry.

This season, he joins a theater production alongside the charismatic Kana and Akane, whose presence adds a vibrant dynamic to the storyline.

While the investigation into Ai’s death remains a constant undercurrent, the series deftly shifts focus to explore Aqua’s journey through various facets of the entertainment world.

Season 2 of Oshi no Ko emphasizes Aqua’s forays into diverse professions, from idol culture to reality TV, and now, the theatrical arts.

Each arc provides a new lens through which to view the entertainment industry, offering both a critique and a celebration of its complexities.

The theater arc, in particular, showcases Aqua’s adaptability and determination, highlighting his interactions with Kana and Akane, who both bring their unique flair to the stage.

Their combined talents and personal struggles enrich the story, making for a compelling watch. Oshi no Ko manages to balance its more sensational moments with a grounded portrayal of the entertainment industry’s darker and more passionate sides.

The series explores the gritty realities behind the glitz and glamour, revealing the challenges and sacrifices that come with fame.

At the same time, it underscores the dedication and fervor that drive individuals within the industry.

By presenting these contrasting elements, Oshi no Ko offers a nuanced and amazing exploration of showbiz, ensuring it remains a standout series this season.

2) Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian has emerged as one of the most eagerly anticipated new anime of Summer 2024, and it has certainly delivered on its promise.

This school-based romcom, adapted by Doga Kobo, spins a familiar yet charming tale of a popular girl concealing her obvious affection for a seemingly ordinary male lead.

The twist here lies in Alisa’s cold exterior, which is often betrayed when she expresses her crush on Masachika in Russian, under the false assumption that he doesn’t understand the language.

To avoid embarrassing her, Masachika pretends to be oblivious, adding a delightful layer of tension and humor to their interactions.

Despite its reliance on a well-trodden premise, Alya executes the genre’s staples with finesse. The playful banter between Alisa and Masachika is not only endearing but also establishes them as equals, a refreshing dynamic in romcom anime.

Alisa’s character, with her mix of tsundere and genuine vulnerability, contrasts perfectly with Masachika’s composed demeanor.

This balance prevents the series from falling into the trap of one-dimensional characters and keeps the story engaging.

What sets Alya apart is its strong male protagonist. Unlike the generic leads that often plague romantic comedies, Masachika stands his ground and doesn’t serve merely as a placeholder for the audience.

His interactions with Alisa and their mutual respect boost the series, making it more than just a typical school romance.

While Alisa and her best friend Yuki are undeniably fun characters, it is Masachika who anchors the story, ensuring that Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian remains a standout series this season.

3) My Deer Friend Nokotan

Bursting onto the scene with an amazing trailer and a shameless embrace of absurdity, My Deer Friend Nokotan is delightfully ridiculous and that’s a major compliment.

Determined to leave her delinquent past behind, Torako is committed to becoming the quintessential high school girl.

However, her plans are quickly derailed by the arrival of a new student, Noko, who charges into her life with relentless energy.

Noko is not only unpredictable and aggressive but also strangely adept at uncovering her classmates’ secrets. Oh, and she has deer antlers.

Torako’s grounded presence serves as a perfect foil to Noko’s wild antics, bringing just enough normalcy to keep the story from spiraling into complete chaos.

Despite being overshadowed by more eccentric characters, Torako’s attempts to maintain her idealized image provide a relatable anchor for the audience.

Noko, with her bizarre blend of knowledge and sheer unpredictability, isn’t the only character contributing to the show’s madness.

Anko, the sister-obsessed character, may tread familiar territory, but she stands out as one of the more memorable examples of this trope.

My Deer Friend Nokotan revels in its beautiful bizarreness and intelligent madness. The series is a whirlwind of eccentric personalities and outlandish scenarios, all brought to life with vibrant animation and sharp writing.

It’s an anime that thrives on its own unhinged energy, creating a uniquely entertaining experience that keeps viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode.

This blend of absurd humor and unexpected twists makes My Deer Friend Nokotan a standout in the Summer 2024 lineup.

4) Suicide Squad Isekai

After revealing its opening and closing sequences this week, Suicide Squad Isekai has swiftly captured the internet’s attention.

Inspired by the DC Comics’ Suicide Squad, this anime adaptation features a ragtag team of notorious villains: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark.

However, instead of their usual criminal exploits, they find themselves thrust into a fantastical world filled with orcs, dragons, and magic an unexpected twist on the original source material.

Upon arrival in this unfamiliar world, chaos ensues as the group inadvertently causes havoc, leading to their immediate arrest.

The situation turns dire when they discover that explosive devices implanted in their necks will detonate in just 72 hours unless they complete a perilous mission: aiding the queen of the world in defeating her formidable foes, the Imperial Army.

Now faced with an ultimatum and nothing to lose, these unlikely allies set aside their differences and work together to survive, explore the world, and achieve the seemingly impossible task before time runs out.

Suicide Squad Isekai promises a gripping story layered with intense action, strategic battles, and internal conflicts among the team members.

As they confront enemies both external and within their ranks, the series explores themes of redemption, camaraderie, and the will to survive against insurmountable odds.

With its unique blend of DC’s iconic antiheroes and a fantastical isekai setting, this anime stands poised to deliver an adrenaline-pumping ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the summer season.

5) Days with My Stepsister

Days with My Stepsister centers on the lives of two high school students, Yuuta Asamura and Saki Ayase, who find themselves suddenly living together as step-siblings after their parents’ remarriage.

Both have witnessed the breakdown of their parents’ previous relationships, leaving them with a deep-seated belief in the fragility of love between men and women.

This shared past has made Yuuta and Saki wary of forming close connections, fearing the emotional pain they observed in their childhoods.

Determined to avoid the hurt they’ve seen in their parents’ lives, Yuuta and Saki agree to keep their distance from each other when they first begin living under the same roof.

Despite their mutual decision to maintain a cold and formal relationship, the circumstances of their new family dynamic force them to interact and spend time together.

Gradually, the initial frostiness gives way to a budding friendship, as they start to understand and support one another in ways they hadn’t anticipated.

As Yuuta and Saki’s friendship deepens, they begin to question whether their bond could evolve into something more profound.

Despite their fears and the shadows of their parents’ failed relationships, the time they spend together opens the door to the possibility of a stronger connection.

Days with My Stepsister beautifully explores the journey from guarded strangers to close companions, highlighting the healing power of genuine human connection and the potential for love to flourish even in the most unexpected circumstances.

6) Pseudo Harem

In Pseudo Harem, Eiji Kitahama and Rin Nanakura share the stage in their school’s drama club, where Eiji harbors dreams of becoming more popular with the girls.

Seeing his struggle, Rin, a junior in the club with exceptional acting skills, decides to help him achieve his goal. She ingeniously convinces a group of girls to play the roles of Eiji’s affectionate harem.

While the sincerity of their feelings toward Eiji is questionable, Rin’s motivations run much deeper than mere acting.

Beneath her helpful facade, Rin harbors genuine romantic feelings for her senpai. Despite her efforts to boost Eiji’s popularity, he remains oblivious to Rin’s true affections, focusing instead on the attention of his newfound harem.

Rin’s heartache grows as she watches Eiji bask in the admiration of others, unaware of the more authentic and profound love she holds for him.

Her internal conflict intensifies, caught between her desire to make Eiji happy and her yearning for him to notice her true feelings.

The true test for Rin lies in whether she can muster the courage to reveal her own emotions to Eiji before her orchestrated harem complicates matters further.

As she explores this complex scenario, Rin balances her roles as a supportive friend and a hopeful lover, all while competing with the very girls she brought into Eiji’s life.

Pseudo Harem beautifully captures the bittersweet nuances of unspoken love and the lengths one might go to make their beloved happy, even at the cost of their own heart.

7) No Longer Allowed In Another World

No Longer Allowed in Another World offers a fresh twist on the isekai genre by featuring a protagonist who boldly contrasts the typical nerdy or otaku characters who relish their new lives in fantastical worlds.

The main character, inspired by the real Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai, is anything but eager to embrace his new surroundings.

Dazai, who passed away in 1948, finds himself inexplicably transported to a magical world, a place where he would much rather find a quiet corner to end his life than go on grand adventures.

Coming from a time long before the advent of video games and anime, Dazai is far from excited about his predicament.

His sole focus remains on seeking the perfect death, and he repeatedly places himself in perilous situations, hoping for a fatal outcome.

Yet, despite his best efforts, he continually emerges unscathed, much to his frustration. This cycle of seeking danger and surviving against the odds forces Dazai to confront the absurdity of his new life, all the while maintaining his morbid quest.

As Dazai explores this strange and magical world, he faces the unexpected challenge of adapting to his prolonged existence.

Through his trials and the people he meets, the series explores whether he can transcend his despair and find a reason to live.

No Longer Allowed in Another World explores the poignant and often darkly humorous journey of a man out of his time, grappling with the possibility of finding meaning and happiness in a life he never wanted.

8) Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season

Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season is a prequel, sequel, and everything in between, designed for the devoted fans of Araragi, Shinobu, and their eclectic companions.

This latest installment from Shaft in 2024 is bound to amaze those already entrenched in the Monogatari, but it’s not an entry point for newcomers.

Recommending it feels almost redundant, as anyone invested in the saga is likely already watching, while those unfamiliar with the series would find it perplexing without prior context.

As expected, Off & Monster Season continues the tradition of brilliance that the Monogatari series is known for.

The franchise rarely missteps, and any arcs considered bad are only so in a relative sense. With the conclusion of Araragi’s story in Zoku Owarimonogatari, this series shifts its focus to the women who define this intricate world

The story explores seemingly smaller-scale stories that explore the ongoing journeys of these pivotal characters, offering deeper insights into their lives and growth.

By spotlighting the girls of the Monogatari world, Off & Monster Season enriches the overarching story with fresh perspectives and untold tales.

These character-driven stories may appear less grandiose but are no less compelling, adding new layers to the beloved franchise.

For long-time fans, this series is a treasure trove of familiar faces and new adventures, reinforcing why the Monogatari series remains a standout in the anime.

9) 2.5 Dimensional Seduction

2.5 Dimensional Seduction is a comedy anime that dives deep into otaku culture and the world of cosplay.

The story centers on Masamune Okumura, a high school student and president of the school’s manga club, who is completely infatuated with a manga character named Lilliel.

For Masamune, real girls pale in comparison to his beloved 2D waifu, and he has never entertained romantic feelings for anyone in the 3D world.

This changes with the arrival of Ririsa Amano, a new member of the manga club who shares Masamune’s passion for manga and also happens to be an avid cosplayer.

Ririsa’s favorite character to cosplay is none other than Lilliel, the very character Masamune adores. In need of a photographer to capture her cosplay, Ririsa enlists Masamune’s help.

As they work together, Masamune begins to see Ririsa as more than just a stand-in for his manga obsession.

For the first time, he finds himself developing genuine feelings for a real person, blurring the line between his fictional fantasies and reality.

The Summer 2024 anime season is rich with isekai, comedy, and romance, offering a variety of shows to amaze otaku audiences.

While blockbuster sequels are sure to dominate the spotlight, new series like 2.5 Dimensional Seduction have the potential to shine brightly as well.

These fresh anime provide a great entry point for viewers without the daunting task of catching up on previous seasons or episodes.

With just one episode, fans can dive straight into the charming and humorous worlds these series present, making them a perfect addition to anyone’s watchlist this summer.

10) Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

The Summer 2024 comedy anime lineup is turning heads with its exceptional offerings, surpassing the last few seasons.

Among these standout shows is Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, which initially presents itself as a serious teen drama.

However, the series takes a sharp turn into refined hilarity with the introduction of Anna, who pulls her friendless classmate, Kazuhiko, into the whirlwind of her complicated love life.

As the quintessential childhood friend, Anna’s selfless encouragement of her crush to pursue her best friend leaves her in a perpetual state of ambivalence, unsure whether to love or despise them.

Kazuhiko’s deadpan humor perfectly complements Anna’s emotional outbursts, making them a dynamic and entertaining duo.

Their contrasting personalities create a delightful chemistry that drives the series forward, offering viewers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.

Anna’s internal struggle and Kazuhiko’s stoic presence provide a balanced mix of comedy and heartfelt moments, ensuring the story remains engaging and relatable.

With top-notch animation by A-1 Pictures, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! promises to be an insightful exploration of harem and romcom tropes.

The series goes beyond mere parody, treating its characters as genuine individuals rather than mere tools for humor.

By delving into the complexities of its characters’ relationships, Makeine offers a sophisticated and entertaining critique of genre conventions, making it a must-watch this season.

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