In recent years, the majority of anime we encounter tend to be adaptations of existing stories, primarily from manga, light novels, or, increasingly, Korean manhwa and webtoons. Yet, original anime productions have not faded into obscurity. While adaptations and sequels often dominate the landscape, a number of original anime have emerged in 2024, showcasing unique narratives and creativity. As we move towards the new year, let’s take a moment to explore some of the most notable original anime of 2024, ranked by their MyAnimeList scores.
10. Narenare – Cheer for You!
A Story of Overcoming Fears and Rekindling Dreams
- Japanese Title: Na Nare Hana Nare
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.39
- Release Date: July 7, 2024 – September 22, 2024
The protagonist, Kanata Misora, is a talented cheerleader aiming to triumph in a national competition. Unfortunately, after a tragic accident injures her friend, Kanata suffers from severe performance anxiety, paralyzing her ability to execute even basic moves. This heartfelt narrative follows her journey alongside friends as they confront their challenges and pursue their dreams.
While centered around cheerleading, Narenare – Cheer for You! delves into the personal struggles and aspirations of its diverse characters, bringing vibrancy to the story. Though the pacing may occasionally feel slow, the breathtaking visuals compensate for it and deeply engage the audience.
9. Bucchigiri?!
A Chaotic Story About Delinquents, Fistfights, and Legendary Fighters
- Japanese Title: Bucchigiri?!
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.53
- Release Date: January 13, 2024 – April 6, 2024
Bucchigiri?! follows Arajin Tomoshibi, a high school student grappling with life in a new school filled with delinquents and bizarre challenges. His childhood friend, now a martial arts expert, holds misconceptions about him, while his crush is entangled in a sibling rivalry. To top it off, Arajin is haunted by the spirit of an ancient martial artist, adding layers to his daily struggles.
The animation quality shines, especially during the fight sequences, brilliantly depicting the dynamic movements and actions expected from a production by MAPPA.
8. Astro Note
A Wholesome Story About Cooking, Courting, and Cosmic Mysteries
- Japanese Title: Astro Note
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.57
- Release Date: April 5, 2024 – June 21, 2024
In this whimsical tale, Takumi Miyasaki serves as head chef at Astro-sou, an inn recognized for offering complimentary breakfasts. Though the pay is modest, Takumi’s true motivation is to win the affection of Mira Gotokuji, the enchanting landlady. Unbeknownst to him, Mira is an alien in search of a unique “key,” adding a layer of intrigue to this charming narrative.
This series brilliantly balances absurdity and humor, crafting moments that range from delightful chuckles to head-scratching hilarity, exemplifying the engaging randomness characteristic of original anime.
7. Ninja Kamui
A Tale of Grief, Rage, and Vengeance
- Japanese Title: Ninja Kamui
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.70
- Release Date: February 11, 2024 – May 5, 2024
The narrative follows Higan, a retired ninja striving for a peaceful life with his family. However, his past catches up to him as ninjas attack his home, resulting in the tragic loss of his loved ones. Surviving against all odds, Higan embarks on a path of vengeance fueled by grief and fury.
Ninja Kamui masterfully combines themes of revenge with a contemporary setting, featuring exhilarating action sequences, all complemented by a powerful theme song from the band Coldrain. This series is bound to captivate action genre enthusiasts.
6. Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms
A Story of Sentient Mechanical Arms, Greedy Corporations, and a Reluctant Hero
- Japanese Title: Mecha-ude
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.98
- Release Date: October 4, 2024 – December 20, 2024
When Hikaru Amatsuga encounters a mysterious cube on his way to school, it transforms into a sentient mechanical arm named Alma. This encounter ensnares Hikaru in a conflict between the ARMS organization and a malicious conglomerate, The Kagami Group, both eager to claim control over Alma, the ultimate Mecha-Ude.
Sharing thematic elements with Kill la Kill, Mecha-Ude offers a more serious narrative while maintaining an intriguing premise of sentient weaponry collaborating with their hosts. Fans of the original will likely find enjoyment in this adaptation.
5. Negative Positive Angler
A Story of Self-Transformation Through Fishing
- Japanese Title: NegaPosi Angler
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.16
- Release Date: October 3, 2024 – December 19, 2024
Tsunehiro Sasaki’s world shatters when he learns he has a mere two years to live. As despair clouds his life, he meets Takaaki Tsutsujimori and a group of fishing enthusiasts. Reluctantly joining them, he discovers newfound joy in fishing, igniting a journey toward self-discovery and recovery.
Negative Positive Angler is a poignant slice-of-life tale grounded in reality, illustrating how simple actions can serve as catalysts for change. It resonates with those who have faced challenging life moments, unearthing valuable insights about hope and redemption within the backdrop of fishing.
4. Train to the End of the World
A Wholesome Train Journey Across a Dystopian Japan
- Japanese Title: Shuumatsu Train Where and Where Will It Go?
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.38
- Release Date: April 1, 2024 – June 24, 2024
Set in a world devastated by the 7G network, where reality bends and transforms humanity, a group of high school girls boards a commuter train in search of a missing friend. Their voyage, intended to be a straightforward trip, spirals into a whimsical adventure filled with surreal landscapes and peculiar encounters.
Despite the dystopian setting, this series excels as a wholesome slice-of-life story, infused with humor and uplifting moments. Train to the End of the World is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
3. Brave Bang Bravern!
A Story of a Sentient Mecha, A Reluctant Hero, and Alien Invasion
- Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.56
- Release Date: January 11, 2024 – March 28, 2024
During a multinational military exercise, Ao Isami proves his piloting prowess despite his mecha’s inferiority to the opposition. When hostile alien mechas descend upon the battlefield, Isami’s chance to fight alongside a sentient mecha named Bravern changes everything. Together, they turn the tide against the extraterrestrial threat, setting the stage for an intriguing narrative filled with military conflict and human drama.
Brave Bang Bravern! fuses elements of realism and action, providing an engaging watching experience reminiscent of classic mecha series, yet tinged with the eccentricity found in tokusatsu shows.
2. Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night
A Heartwarming Story About Art, Dreams, and Melodies
- Japanese Title: Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
- Release Date: April 7, 2024 – June 23, 2024
Artist Mahiru Kouzuki, who once dreamed of illustrating, faces a setback that challenges her ambitions. Meanwhile, Kano Yamanouchi, a former idol now aspiring to become a singer-songwriter, initiates a collaboration when their paths cross. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey to reignite their artistic passions.
Thematically rich, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night explores notions of rejection and acceptance. It speaks to the collective experience of artists everywhere, making it a deeply relatable narrative for anyone who has ever struggled with their creative identity.
1. Girls Band Cry
An Inspiring Story About a Chance Encounter and a New Beginning
- Japanese Title: Girls Band Cry
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.39
- Release Date: April 6, 2024 – June 29, 2024
Nina Seri arrives in Tokyo seeking an escape from her tumultuous hometown. Yet, in the chaos of navigating the city, she encounters her idol, Momoka Kawaragi, leading to an unexpected partnership that culminates in the formation of a rock band.
Remarkably, both Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night and Girls Band Cry tackle the themes of dreams and self-discovery through music, albeit through unique lenses. Each series resonates with audiences exploring their creative ambitions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and passion in the arts.
Overall, any of the featured anime in this list promises a captivating viewing experience, emphasizing originality and innovation in the medium through their compelling storytelling.
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