The year 2024 has been a landmark for anime, delivering a wealth of blockbuster series, hidden treasures, and long-awaited returns. Now, with the final quarter underway, the Fall 2024 anime season is treating fans to an impressive lineup of new premieres. Staying true to the year’s high standards, this season offers over 50 unique titles, spanning genres from romance and fantasy to action, sports, and horror, ensuring something for every viewer.
With such a diverse array of instant hits, niche delights, and beloved classics, Fall 2024 presents anime fans with the challenge—and excitement—of choosing which series to follow each week. While it may seem overwhelming, some standout titles are already emerging as the season’s highlights. For those unsure where to begin, here are some of the best shows Fall 2024 has to offer.
1: Dandadan
Dandadan stands out as one of Fall 2024’s most anticipated anime releases, with its first few episodes even securing a theatrical debut, showcasing the series’ early momentum. Science SARU has masterfully brought Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga to life, channeling its vibrant energy into a dynamic art style and intense animation. This adaptation perfectly captures the story’s blend of slapstick humor and action, making Dandadan’s debut one of the year’s most memorable.
The story follows Momo and Ken, two teenagers who challenge each other to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens. What starts as a simple bet quickly spirals into an extraordinary adventure involving supernatural beings, eccentric elderly characters, and otherworldly mysteries. Despite starting as near strangers, the bond between Momo and Ken grows naturally, adding an engaging depth to the fast-paced narrative.
With a unique mix of supernatural action, humor, and subtle romance, Dandadan is set to be a standout shonen hit this season. The adaptation showcases Science SARU’s dedication to staying true to the manga while enhancing it with visually stunning animation, paving the way for this series to become a modern classic in anime’s new generation.
2: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Once celebrated as a pillar of shonen’s “Big Three,” Bleach faced an unfortunate downfall, with its manga ending on a muted note and the anime leaving fans hanging after its abrupt 2012 conclusion. Yet, a decade later, studio Pierrot has breathed new life into this beloved franchise, bringing the acclaimed Thousand-Year Blood War arc to the screen.
In its third installment, The Conflict, the series intensifies the battle between the Soul Society and the Quincy, delivering even more breathtaking action sequences, rich character depth, and intricate lore. Standing strong even as an independent story, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War showcases some of the finest shonen action in anime, solidifying its place as a genre-defining experience.
3: Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World
Re:ZERO has always been a divisive series, with Subaru initially coming across as a challenging protagonist. However, through his journey in season 1, he grows in self-awareness, making him more relatable. Season 2, while impressive, sometimes drags with lengthy dialogues, especially in part 2. Still, Re:ZERO stands out among isekai anime with its ambitious storytelling, sharp writing, impressive animation, and a dark, unsettling atmosphere that sets it apart.
Season 3 adapts volume 5 of the light novel, sending Subaru, Emilia, and their companions to Priestella, following an invitation from Anastasia, a Royal Selection candidate competing for the throne. This new arc dives into Re:ZERO‘s political intrigue, featuring all five candidates prominently in the season’s opening episode. With Emilia in the spotlight, the other contenders—especially Priscilla—finally receive the character development they deserve.
The central storyline of season 3 introduces a familiar yet deadly threat to Priestella, plunging Subaru into another “Return by Death” cycle. Known for blending hope with grim tragedy, this season maintains high-stakes action and tension, as the Witch’s Cult Sin Archbishops unleash chaos upon a city housing many key characters. Subaru faces enemies beyond his capabilities, and he’s not alone in risking everything, with each hero given their moment to shine amidst the relentless battle.
4: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
DanMachi has always been a solid series, but season 4 truly elevated its storytelling, offering its strongest set of episodes yet. Now, the Fall 2024 installment faces the challenge of matching that high bar, especially with its structure that shifts focus among different female characters each arc. As a result, the close connection between Bell and Ryuu, heavily developed in the previous season, takes a back seat in season 5.
While this shift might disappoint some fans, season 5 opens on a lighter note, with Bell invited on a date during the lively Goddess Festival. However, true to DanMachi’s style, the tone soon darkens as Bell becomes entangled in a twisted world controlled by an obsessed goddess willing to stop at nothing to achieve her desires. Season 5 continues to blend adventure and emotional stakes, ensuring that Bell’s journey remains as captivating as ever.
5: Dragon Ball Daima
The legendary Dragon Ball franchise makes a triumphant return this anime season with Dragon Ball Daima, the last project that Akira Toriyama himself helped bring to life. This fresh take on the beloved classic reinvigorates the series for longtime fans while providing an inviting entry point for newcomers eager to explore the Dragon Ball universe. With an original storyline, Daima revisits the essence of the franchise, blending martial arts combat and exploration with a modern touch.
Boasting impressive visuals and a narrative that’s accessible to all, Dragon Ball Daima captures the energy of classic shonen in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. While existing fans will revel in this new adventure, the Fall 2024 season offers a perfect introduction for a new generation of shonen enthusiasts, allowing them to dive into this iconic series without needing to navigate its vast history.
6: Blue Lock Season 2
The highly anticipated sequel to the popular sports shonen, Blue Lock, has claimed a divisive spot among this Fall’s top anime releases. Though visually less refined, the first season gained a loyal fanbase with its intense storytelling, eccentric characters, and unique tone that turns soccer matches into high-stakes, almost survival-like contests.
Season 2 adapts the U-20 arc, celebrated by manga fans as one of Blue Lock‘s strongest storylines. However, the excitement of this ruthless sports narrative has been tempered by a noticeable dip in animation quality. Despite this, Blue Lock’s second season keeps fans engaged, as the thrilling story and even the humorous quirks in animation have drawn sports enthusiasts back week after week, solidifying its place as a must-watch in the Fall 2024 lineup.
7: 365 Days To The Wedding
Adapted from a manga by the creator of The World God Only Knows, 365 Days to the Wedding takes an unconventional approach to romance by centering on two coworkers who pretend to be engaged to avoid being transferred by their employer to a remote location. Both Rika and Takuya are reserved to the extent that most of their colleagues know little about them, making this story’s adult, workplace setting a refreshing departure from typical anime romances.
Rika and Takuya may not be instantly endearing—Rika’s practicality can feel distant, while Takuya’s reserved nature is relatable yet subdued. However, they are fully developed from the start, with clear personalities, insecurities, and boundaries that give depth to their dynamic. 365 Days to the Wedding uniquely captures the nuances of adult relationships, blending humor and realism in a charming exploration of companionship and self-discovery.
8: Blue Box
Known for its action-packed supernatural titles, Shonen Jump also delivers when it comes to heartfelt romances and sports dramas. Blue Box is a prime example, weaving a slow-burn love story between a driven basketball player, Chinatsu, and Taiki, a dedicated badminton player, into a compelling narrative that celebrates both romance and athletic ambition.
While the premise may seem familiar, Blue Box shines through its execution, presenting a tender romance alongside beautifully animated sports scenes that rival the intensity of major shonen action sequences. This classic love story with an athletic twist is a standout anime this Fall, perfect for fans seeking a mix of emotional depth and inspiring sports moments.
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