Ranked: Top 8 Anime Sequels to Watch in 2024

Highlights from the Anime Season of 2024

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Part 2) is hailed as a groundbreaking series with stunning visuals and electrifying battles.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (Season 3) continues to set a high bar for Shonen anime.
My Hero Academia (Season 7) takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, demonstrating exceptional quality.

The anime landscape in 2024 has reached extraordinary new heights, with standout series such as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War emerging as frontrunners of the season. Each anime season brings its peculiarities; however, this one stands out due to its delightful surprises. In this overview, we will explore the sequel series that have established high expectations for upcoming releases, taking into account factors such as animation quality, production value, audience reception, critics’ ratings, and a consistent commitment to enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

1. Freeze: Beyond Journey’s End (Part 2)

A Masterpiece Filled with Emotion, Action, Drama, and Cool Visuals

Part 2 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has solidified its status as one of the standout titles of 2024, delivering stunning animation and exhilarating combat scenes throughout its storyline. The season reached a pinnacle with episode 26, titled The Height of Magic, achieving an impressive IMDb rating of 9.4. This episode features an exhilarating showdown between the candidates of the First Rate Mage Exam and a clone of Frieren, which has been lauded as one of the most captivating action sequences of the year.

The remarkable dedication of the production team is evident as they showcase the full potential of this series, solidifying its importance in the fantasy anime genre. The enhanced quality of animation, visual effects, and character design in this season reflects their higher standards. The creators’ commitment to perfectionism has certainly paid off.

2. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (Season 3)

Ichigo’s Story Continues to Dominate Shonen

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has maintained its momentum in its third season, culminating in extraordinary quality in its latest episode, Don’t Chase A Shadow, which aired on November 30, 2024. Both critics and audiences have applauded this season for its incredible battle choreography and a compelling narrative. A breathtaking moment occurs when Shunsui unleashes the full power of his Bankai, resulting in mesmerizing visuals.

While Bleach has long been a fan-favorite, this iteration has reached impressive new heights, even amidst competition from other significant Shonen titles like My Hero Academia Season 7 and Arifureta Season 3. Its continued success proves its solid standing among anime enthusiasts.

3. My Hero Academia (Season 7)

Heartbreaking, Action-Packed, and Unforgettable

Season 7 of My Hero Academia has reinforced the series’ popularity, despite comparisons to previous seasons. The intense battles against villains like Tomura Shigaraki and All For One have proven brutal, with significant stakes for Deku and his allies. The series approaches emotional depth as friendships form amidst the chaos, leading to tragic moments, particularly in episodes 19-21, where Toga’s encounter with Ochako showcases poignant storytelling and high-quality animation.

Acknowledging the series’ evolution, it has effectively captivated audiences despite an impending conclusion, leaving fans hopeful and entertained.

4. Re: Zero (Season 3)

A Top Contender in Fantasy Anime

As Re: Zero continues its third season, anticipation builds as it pauses after episode 8, The One I’ll Love Someday, which will resume airing on February 4, 2025. This season has already captivated viewers with breathtaking visuals depicting the devastation wrought by the Witch Cult, while Subaru and the crew strive to keep morale high amid adversity.

The first part of the season has illustrated Subaru’s growth as a protagonist, ensuring that audiences remain invested in his journey. Enthusiasts can look forward to what lies ahead in the revival of this compelling Isekai saga.

5. Oshi No Ko (Season 2)

Dazzling Yet Gloomy: A Shift in Tone

Oshi No Ko Season 2 diverges from its glittery Idol theme, delving into the darker facets of the entertainment industry. For those who have followed the narrative through manga and light novels, the impact may be different, but for anime viewers, the intimate portrayal of characters has been compelling. The contrast between vivid colors and unsettling backdrops, complemented by a stellar soundtrack, has heightened the series’ overall quality.

Surpassing previous expectations, this season promises to evolve further, positioning Oshi No Ko as a landmark expression within its genre.

6. Monogatari Series – Off & Monster Season

Visually Stunning and Emotionally Charged

The Monogatari Series has always struck a chord with its visual flair, and this season is no exception. With vibrant scenery and masterful character designs, the narrative explores the complex relationships of the Araragi sisters against a mystical backdrop. The depth provided by Yotsugi Ononoki’s character adds layers to the story, inviting diverse audience reactions.

This installment may stand out as one of the finest seasons yet, leaving viewers wanting more from the ever-expanding universe created by Nishio Ishin.

7. DanMachi – Freya Saga (Season 5)

A Visually Impressive Yet Fanservice-driven Journey

There has been considerable debate surrounding the fifth season of DanMachi, particularly with respect to its concluding themes and overall execution. While the adaptation of Freya’s Saga has received mixed reactions, many fans recognize the artistic quality behind its production.

Although some detractors criticize the prominent fanservice elements, the emotional depth and dramatic tone have fostered a division among viewers, each group offering unique perspectives on this evolving narrative.

8. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (Season 3)

A Significant Improvement, but Watch Out for CGI

In its third season, Arifureta has pleasantly surprised fans by presenting a well-structured narrative flow that avoids excessive cuts from its source material. While it is not without its flaws—particularly regarding its reliance on CGI—the series has seen notable improvements in animation and visual effects compared to season two.

Despite initial skepticism about its production quality, the fierce competition among Shonen titles has not deterred Arifureta from maintaining its footing. With its late 2024 release window, the series still has ample opportunity to prove its mettle.

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