The Winter 2024 anime season is in full swing, featuring over 30 anime across different genres and streaming platforms.
While it might not have as many big names or sequels as some past seasons, there’s still a lot of quality and variety to explore.
This season is especially packed with action, comedy, and isekai stories, offering fans plenty of options to enjoy. Additionally, keep an eye out for the romance anime, as they are poised to be a highlight of this quarter’s lineup.
With almost 500 episodes airing each season, it’s tough to keep up with everything. So, let’s narrow it down and take a look at the top anime of Winter 2024.
1) Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling was undoubtedly the most anticipated anime of Winter 2024. Based on one of the most popular manhwa ever, the adaptation has big shoes to fill. A-1 Pictures has mostly started off strong.
The first episode focused heavily on setting up the world with a lot of exposition, which made for an enjoyable but oddly-paced start.
However, even though it felt more like a teaser of what’s to come, the content was generally good. Thankfully, the following episodes more than lived up to the hype of the first, showcasing the appeal of this story intense action and a likable main character with massive power.
After mysterious gates to fantastical worlds appear across the globe, people start developing special abilities, giving rise to the hunter profession.
These hunters are divided into ranks based on their powers, and E-rank members like Sung Jin-woo don’t have much of a future; they’re destined to stay weak.
During a mission in a D-level gate, Sung Jin-woo and a group of hunters decide to explore a secret passage in search of treasure.
This turns out to be a grave mistake, as Sung Jin-woo ends up on the brink of death. However, he’s chosen to become a player, allowing him to boost his stats by completing daily challenges.
Solo Leveling is a power fantasy where the main character has to earn his strength, even though he grows really quickly.
Sung Jin-woo constantly challenges himself against threats that seem stronger than him, making sure fights aren’t one-sided. The world of hunters in the story is also really interesting.
2) Classroom Of The Elite 3
Classroom of the Elite’s Season 3 continues with its signature mix of mind games, academic competitions, and the looming threat of expulsions.
Fans of the previous seasons will probably find this new saga enjoyable, especially as Ayanokouji faces challenges that test his control.
Season 3 also puts Arisu Sakayanagi and Honami Ichinose in the spotlight more than ever, revealing these two intriguing characters who use very different approaches to influence their classmates.
While Classroom of the Elite’s Season 3 has been enjoyable, the series does have its drawbacks. In an effort to cover the remaining first-year arcs, the adaptation is moving at a rapid pace, rushing through storylines.
This is typical for the anime, but Season 3 feels particularly constrained, leaving little room for both the characters and the audience to take a breather.
While it may not have been consistently outstanding, Classroom of the Elite season 3 hit a high note with one of its most satisfying episodes yet. Episode 8 showcased the anime at its finest, offering suspense, twists, and even a bit of humor.
3) Mashle: Magic And Muscles – The Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc
Mashle’s Spring 2023 episodes were alright, with some jokes that got old and fights that didn’t impress much. It wasn’t amazing, but there were some good parts. Maybe it’ll get better as the other characters get more developed.
Season 2 has to show that this story can be exciting and funny, even when Mash, the muscle-brained main character, takes a backseat.
It looks like this might be happening, as some of the funniest moments of the season have focused on other characters, even though Mash is still the main star.
4) Delicious In Dungeon
A clever twist on the Dungeons and Dragons formula, Delicious in Dungeon follows a group of adventurers on a crucial mission: to rescue a friend (and relative) who’s being slowly digested by a dragon.
With high stakes and no time to waste on stocking up food, they opt to catch their meals instead. This anime is all about survival off the land, particularly in a dungeon teeming with fantastical monsters and creatures.
Surprisingly, Delicious in Dungeon manages to turn even the most revolting creatures into mouthwatering dishes that could rival those in Food Wars.
This anime is of comedy genre, the humor mainly comes from Laios and Senshi’s eagerness to eat monsters, which contrasts hilariously with Marcille’s aversion to this type of food.
The animation is also impressive, and the dungeon’s levels are packed with cool details that will surely delight fans of fantasy or tabletop games.
5) A Sign Of Affection
Winter 2024 seems to be embracing romance, and A Sign of Affection has all the elements to be a standout. Yuki Itose, a college student with hearing impairment, has a charming encounter with Itsuomi Nagi, a well-traveled individual, while on a train.
She finds herself wanting to see him again. Fortunately, her friend knows him, and they end up visiting his workplace. This gives Yuki the courage to ask for his contact information.
A Sign of Affection has two main characters who are instantly likable. Yuki is charming and straightforward, but she also shows some nervousness since these feelings are new to her.
Nagi, on the other hand, almost seems too perfect, but his genuine care for Yuki is simply endearing.
6) Tsukimichi Moonlit Fantasy Season 2
Tsukimichi Moonlit Fantasy might seem like your typical isekai anime with its overpowered protagonist, instantly devoted female characters, and a standard medieval-style world.
However, it manages to carve out its own unique identity, showing that tropes can work well if handled properly. The anime’s biggest strength lies in its characters, especially Makoto, Tomoe, Mio, and Shiki.
Makoto can take down major threats effortlessly, yet remains likable due to his humor and the prejudice he faces for his appearance. Despite his flaws, they don’t hinder him much.
In many isekai anime, the main character gathers a lively group of followers eager to catch their leader’s eye. Tsukimichi follows this pattern but gives these characters space to shine on their own.
Tomoe and Mio, in particular, have a dynamic that’s both entertaining and action-packed, often bringing big laughs to the anime. Season 2 seems to be building on the strong foundation set by its predecessor.
7) The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic
10 anime are exploring the genre, Winter 2024 is not lacking in isekai anime. These stories are popular, but their frequent appearance can make it hard to get excited about new ones, as they often reuse the same tropes.
While this is true for some of this season’s offerings, Winter 2024 also offers several isekai anime that break the mold.
My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered, despite its mixed adaptation, stands out as the ultimate anti-isekai tale.
Sasaki and Peeps offers a quirky mix of clichés that go beyond the usual isekai fare, while Ishura presents a fascinating blend of elements.
Next up is The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, where a high school student gets accidentally summoned to another world by a kingdom in desperate need of heroes.
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Alongside two talented schoolmates, Ken Usato discovers his talent for healing magic, catching the eye of Rose, the leader of the eccentric Rescue Squad.
However, Ken quickly finds out that his new master’s training methods are anything but pleasant. The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic gives a fresh spin on the isekai genre, with Ken as an endearing lead character.
What’s more, the anime has been incredibly funny, with Rose’s antics keeping the laughs rolling. As the season goes on, the mood shifts slightly with the looming war against the demon kingdom, and the anime has managed these more serious moments effectively.
8) The Dangers In My Heart Season 2
The Dangers in My Heart was one of the top romance anime of 2023, and season 2 might just be even better.
Anna and Kyotaro’s relationship has moved from awkward banter to heartwarming friendship, built on support and mutual respect.
Though they’re not officially a couple yet, the story doesn’t shy away from showing Anna and Kyotaro’s deep fondness for each other.
They’re both figuring out their overwhelming feelings, but their friendship is solid and down-to-earth, even with a romantic twist.
The Dangers in My Heart shines with gorgeous animation, genuine characters, and delightful humor. It’s a great example of how to develop characters well.
Romance might not be everyone’s thing, but this series is definitely one of the top Winter 2024 anime, and a must-see for romance fans.
9) The Witch And The Beast
The Witch and the Beast has a lot of positive reviews, even though the anime hasn’t fully explored the potential of its concept yet.
The story, set in a world reminiscent of the Victorian Era, follows Guideau and Ashaf as they tackle supernatural cases.
Guideau is particularly invested in finding the witch who cursed her. The season, following an episodic format, delves into various intriguing cases that are entertaining on their own.
However, they don’t seem to connect much, although they do help build the world. Guideau and Ashaf are portrayed as “cool” characters, each wrapped in their own mysteries despite their contrasting personalities.
However, they come off as a bit too distant at the moment, making it challenging to fully connect with them beyond their roles as the show’s leads.
Interestingly, the most captivating episodes of The Witch and the Beast have focused on another detective duo altogether the much more intriguing Phanora and Johan. Nonetheless, the main pair still manages to bring their own brand of fun to the anime.
10) Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga
The latest arc of Blue Exorcist hasn’t quite grabbed the spotlight compared to some other action anime in Winter 2024. Sequels can find it tough to keep viewers engaged if they’re not the most talked-about titles.
Blue Exorcist’s adaptation, despite its popularity, has faced challenges with long breaks between seasons and changes to the story.
Nonetheless, the Shimane Illuminati Saga has been an enjoyable journey, skillfully mixing action and drama along the way.
After a few fun and light episodes, the season really got going with Izumo’s kidnapping by the Illuminati, thanks to a shocking betrayal.
From then on, Blue Exorcist has been a mix of the heroes’ daring rescue, Izumo’s past, and the Illuminati’s plot to bring back their demonic leader.
These storylines have not only been great on their own but have also come together to make a gripping story. Plus, it looks like Blue Exorcist might have Winter 2024’s most despicable villain.
11) Ninja Kamui
Ninja Kamui is a surprisingly late addition to the Winter 2024 season, but it’s shaping up to be an exciting ride, especially from the first couple of episodes.
Being licensed by Warner Bros. and Adult Swim means this original anime has fewer restrictions, so get ready for some intense action.
The story is pretty straightforward, almost simple. A former ninja named Joe is hunted down by his clan, left for dead after they brutally kill his family.
Somehow, he survives. Now, his sole purpose is revenge, and he’s set on taking down every member of his clan. As mentioned before, expect lots of action and blood.
While its premise may seem cliché, Ninja Kamui manages to make the most of it. The show delivers intense action scenes and hints at an interesting world.
It’s still early to say how deep the story will get, but the anime has set up enough threads to suggest it’s more than just bloody fights.
However, even if it turns out to be just an action-packed adventure, that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Sometimes, keeping things simple works best.
12) 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys A Carefree Life Married To Her Worst Enemy!
While not as popular as isekai, stories about reincarnation in the same world are quite common compared to other niche themes.
Winter 2024 brings one of the most intriguing twists on this concept in a while. Rishe, a noblewoman, finds herself stuck in a strange time loop.
Every time she reaches the age of 20, she dies, only to reincarnate a few years earlier, just as her awful fiancé is about to embarrassingly leave her.
Despite living different lives each time, Rishe’s fate always leads to death, caused by a war started by a prince from a neighboring country.
However, on her 7th loop, she encounters the same man, sparking an unexpected romance that she hopes will lead to a brighter future.
A good idea is wasted if it’s poorly executed or if the characters are dull. Luckily, 7th Time Loop doesn’t have this problem.
Rishe is a fantastic, confident, and active protagonist, shaped by her real experiences from her many (albeit short) lives.
Prince Arnold is a mysterious but charming male lead, making him fascinating in his own way. The chemistry between Rishe and Arnold adds another layer of intrigue to the story.
13) The Unwanted Undead Adventurer
Just like many seasons before it, Winter 2024 is filled with fantasy anime, with most of the popular anime falling into this genre.
Some anime might not get as much attention amidst big titles like Frieren or the numerous isekai stories. The Unwanted Undead Adventurer is a perfect example of an underrated anime from Winter 2024.
Rentt is a Bronze-level adventurer who hasn’t seen much progress in recent years. Despite being tough on himself, he has unknowingly left a mark on his guild and those around him.
During an exploration of a low-level dungeon, he stumbles upon a hidden passage that leads to a battle against a mighty dragon.
Rentt is defeated, but to his surprise, he doesn’t die. Instead, he finds himself transformed into an undead creature. Thus begins his quest for transformation as he strives to regain his humanity.
The Unwanted Undead Adventurer presents a clever idea with a strong main character and a couple of friendly supporting characters.
While it might not seem groundbreaking at first glance, Rentt comes across as a fully fleshed-out character with a backstory that shapes his current choices.
His transformation and the mysterious dungeon he frequents, hoping to become a more powerful vampire to appear more human-like, add layers of intrigue to the story.
14) Urusei Yatsura
Rumiko Takahashi’s Urusei Yatsura is a notable comedy and sci-fi manga that inspired two anime versions. The 1981 classic is a must-see, though it can be hard to find nowadays.
A new adaptation premiered in 2022, now easily accessible on HIDIVE. With fantastic animation and a faithful adaptation of the manga, this latest version of Urusei Yatsura proves why it’s remained popular for so long, especially in Japan.
The anime’s humor and characters feel like they’re straight out of the ’80s, even with a modern touch. The “pervert” protagonist, Ataru, might be a bit old-fashioned, but he’s one of the better examples of this trope, and his antics are always funny.
Lum, Ataru’s soon-to-be bride, steals the spotlight with her many roles. She balances out Ataru’s mischief and adds heart to the story. Plus, she’s a big part of the hilarious slapstick moments in the anime.
Urusei Yatsura is a comforting anime. The characters don’t change much, and the skits may seem insignificant, but they’re also dependable. Viewers know what to expect when they tune in for an episode of this show.
15) Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! may sound a bit too goofy to take seriously, but it doesn’t quite capture the anime real charm.
Adachi can hear people’s thoughts when he touches them, a power that has mostly been a burden in his life. However, one day, he accidentally touches his popular coworker, Kurosawa, and learns about his big crush.
This revelation not only shocks Adachi but also makes him reconsider his perceptions of his coworker. As the two slowly grow closer, Adachi finds himself holding back to avoid giving Kurosawa false hope.
Yet, Adachi’s own feelings are becoming increasingly complicated. Cherry Magic presents a classic Boys Love pairing: a confident man interested in an inexperienced guy, but with a supernatural twist.
This twist adds depth to their interactions. Adachi comes across as a relatable guy in a tough spot with no clear solutions.
Meanwhile, his power offers a peek into Kurosawa’s actions, showing a person who isn’t as confident and secure as he appears.
16) Kingdom Season 5
Kingdom deserves more recognition than it gets. The manga is considered a masterpiece, but the anime started off with disappointing CGI in the first season.
While the storytelling was already amazing, anime relies heavily on visuals, and bad animation can be hard to ignore.
Season 2 was an improvement, and by season 3, the animation became really great, a trend that has continued.
Now with over 120 episodes, season 5 might be tough to jump into for newcomers, so it might not get as much attention as other Winter 2024 anime. However, this doesn’t take away from its quality.
In season 5 of Kingdom, the Koko You Campaign arc is the focus. Li Xin’s unit teams up with Huan Yi’s huge army to battle against Zhao’s forces in a unique forest battlefield.
Since Li Xin and Huan Yi’s armies have very different approaches, there’s immediate tension as they head into a risky fight.
In just a few episodes, Kingdom does a great job setting up the important characters in the current storyline, the battleground they’ll fight on, and the key strategy that will likely decide the outcome.
Honorable Mention
Zen Mesuana wa Ore no Mono
Youma Shoukan e Youkoso
Addicted To My Stepmom
Shuugaku Ryokou de YouCha to Onaji Group ni Nacchatta Mekakure InCha-chan
