The Spring 2024 anime season has arrived, bringing with it a diverse array of shows vying for attention in the industry. Among the lineup are eagerly anticipated sequels alongside promising new properties, each hoping to make a lasting impression on audiences.
Sequels dominate much of the spotlight, drawing the gaze of fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of their favorite series. However, amidst the familiar faces, there are several newcomers that stand poised to carve out their own place in the anime, potentially setting the stage for future sequels.
Covering a wide range of genres and demographics, the Spring 2024 lineup caters to diverse tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether one is drawn to action-packed adventures, heartwarming slice-of-life tales, or thrilling mysteries, this season offers a plethora of options to watch.
For those unsure of where to begin, here are some recommendations that exemplify the best of what the Spring 2024 anime season has to offer:
11. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Revisiting a beloved classic is always a risky endeavor. Isuna Hasekura’s “Spice and Wolf” light novel stands as a timeless fantasy masterpiece, and the 2008 anime adaptation is held in high regard by fans.
Therefore, “Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” faces the daunting task of not only living up to the brilliance of the source material but also potentially surpassing a beloved adaptation. Passione, the studio behind the project, must bring their A-game to the table.
While it’s still early days, there are promising signs that the studio may just succeed in this challenging endeavor. “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” appears to have captured the essence of Holo and Kraft Lawrence’s characters flawlessly.
Both characters are depicted as fully realized individuals with rich histories that shape their present and future trajectories. Moreover, their dynamic is portrayed authentically, with Lawrence’s pragmatism serving as the perfect foil to Holo’s otherworldly charm and capriciousness.
10. Jellyfish Can’t Swim In The Night
With a title as enigmatic as “Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai,” the expectations were high for this original anime, especially given Doga Kobo’s track record of recent successes. The story revolves around a group of girls who come together to form an artists’ collective, symbolized by a jellyfish logo.
Among them is Kano, a musician and former idol striving to shed her past persona and reinvent herself as a V-Tuber with genuine authenticity.
Mahiru, once an aspiring artist who abandoned her passion due to unexpected criticism, finds herself encouraged to resume drawing by Kano, who admires a jellyfish mural she created in her childhood. The trio is completed by Kimura, a devoted fan of Kano’s idol days who also happens to be a talented composer.
“Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night” has thus far dedicated itself to fleshing out the backgrounds, insecurities, ambitions, and obstacles of its main characters. While the cast is likely to expand further, Kano, Mahiru, and Kimura form a solid core, their interactions brimming with chemistry.
Despite their diverse pasts, the girls are united in their quest to move beyond their histories, finding strength in each other’s company. Alongside its compelling narrative and stellar animation, the series consistently delivers humor in abundance, further cementing its appeal.
9. Wind Breaker
Sometimes, simplicity proves to be the most effective approach. In “Wind Breaker,” we follow Haruka Sakura, a troubled teenager who has always found himself on the outskirts of society through no fault of his own.
Seeking refuge in violence, Haruka enrolls at Furin High School under the notorious Makochi’s wing, hoping to test his mettle against formidable fighters.
However, he soon discovers that both the town and the school have undergone significant changes in recent years, thanks to Furin’s Bofurin gang striving to maintain peace on the streets. While clashes are still commonplace, Haruka realizes that he cannot exist in isolation.
“Wind Breaker” may not revolutionize the shonen action genre with its standard protagonist and delinquent-infused setting, but it effectively employs familiar tropes.
Haruka’s character is easily relatable, and he is surrounded by a cast of characters who help temper his fiery temperament. Moreover, CloverWorks’ animation is top-notch, bringing both quiet moments and adrenaline-pumping fight sequences to life with finesse.
8. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3
Isekai often faces criticism for its tendency to rely heavily on simplistic power fantasies. “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” fits snugly into this category, yet it stands out as a shining example of the genre’s allure when executed with finesse.
Rimuru’s quest to bring harmony to monster-kind is primarily characterized by a light-hearted tone, occasionally punctuated by moments of tension. While season 2 saw its fair share of surprises, the Jura Tempest Federation largely emerged victorious.
Season 3 is poised to continue this trajectory, maintaining a delicate balance between gentle political intrigue, beautifully animated action sequences, slice-of-life escapades, and the growing adulation surrounding Rimuru.
As in previous installments, the protagonist acts as a unifying force, drawing together a diverse array of fascinating and charismatic characters, from Diablo to the Demon Lords.
7. Laid-Back Camp Season
It’s interesting how slice-of-life stories seem to be somewhat rare these days. While most anime seasons may include one or two SOL series, they’re not as prevalent as they once were.
Luckily, Spring 2024 brings us a standout in the genre with the third season of “Yuru Camp.” This series is like a breath of fresh air, offering relaxation and a sense of freedom while showcasing some of Japan’s most stunning scenery.
As always, the members of the Outdoors Activities Club are eagerly anticipating their next camping trip, brainstorming ideas while enjoying each other’s company.
Meanwhile, Rin continues her solo expeditions, reflecting on fond memories of her grandfather, whose passion for camping ignited her own love for the outdoors. “Laid-Back Camp” is a delightful blend of sweetness, humor, and tranquility, making it the perfect antidote to even the most stressful of days.
6. Train to the End of the World
“Shuumatsu Train Doko e Iku?” presents a unique and intriguing premise for its debut in Spring 2024. Set in a Japan transformed by the introduction of 7G, which inexplicably turned adults over 18 into animals, the series finds a world where humanity is gradually fading away.
Amidst this bizarre reality, a group of girls from a small town, curious about the outside world, gets on a journey after spotting a friend’s image in a newspaper from another city. Thus, they board a train and venture into the post-apocalyptic unknown.
“Train to the End of the World” has made a charming and imaginative start, raising compelling questions that promise exciting answers.
With a lighthearted tone that doesn’t undermine the seriousness of its premise, EMT Squared’s anime sets the stage for a fresh adventure filled with thrills, laughter, and suspense. Here’s hoping the series lives up to its potential, as the second episode demonstrated a promising blend of humor and tension.
5. Whisper Me A Love Song
Based on Eku Takeshima’s beloved yuri manga, “Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau” delves into the realm of young, passionate love. The story revolves around Himari Kino, an energetic and bubbly high school first-year who experiences “love at first sight” when she hears Yori Asanagi perform a song during the opening ceremony.
However, Himari’s love for Yori initially stems from admiration as a fan. Despite this, when Himari confesses her feelings to Yori, the latter mistakes it for a declaration of romantic love and promptly falls head over heels for Himari. As Yori realizes her misunderstanding, she hopes to kindle genuine affection in Himari’s heart.
While HIDIVE may not boast many seasonal exclusives this time around, “Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night” and “Whisper Me a Love Song” are both emerging as standouts of Spring 2024’s anime lineup.
Himari and Yori, instantly endearing characters, exude charisma and warmth, sharing an undeniable chemistry. Himari’s vibrant personality commands attention in every scene, while Yori’s relatable shyness adds a grounding element to the show, setting the stage for a potentially heartwarming and poignant romance.
4. Sound! Euphonium Season 3
Among the plethora of sequels gracing Spring 2024, “Hibike! Euphonium 3” has the potential to shine as one of the best, despite the likelihood of being overlooked by many. Kyoto Animation’s music-centric series has garnered a dedicated following over the years, though it remains more of a cult favorite than a mainstream hit.
Nevertheless, existing fans can eagerly anticipate weekly episodes that continue to chronicle Kitauji High School’s band club’s journey toward winning a national competition. For Kumiko, who is in her final year of high school, this season marks her last chance to pursue her dream.
“Sound! Euphonium 3” has excelled in introducing a host of new club members, including the exceptionally talented Mayu Kuroe, who shares Kumiko’s instrument.
With its trademark stellar animation, compelling storytelling, endearing characters, and a palpable sense of drama, “Sound! Euphonium 3” is poised to be a standout in Spring 2024’s anime lineup.
3. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Kazuma, Megumin, Aqua, and Darkness are back and as hilarious as ever in “Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!”—the definitive isekai parody. This series expertly pokes fun at the genre while still delivering enough thrills to keep fans entertained.
Filled with irreverent humor and featuring characters that are both “awful” yet irresistible, the show consistently pushes boundaries while maintaining its effortless banter between the four leads.
Season 3, thus far, has remained true to the spirit of KonoSuba. The humor hasn’t evolved significantly, the characters are largely unchanged, and the storylines are often inconsequential. However, if something isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it—and KonoSuba is far from broken.
2. Kaiju No. 8
Spring 2024 may not boast the same level of hype as series like “Solo Leveling” or “Frieren,” but it still offers its fair share of highly-anticipated new anime. Among them, “Kaiju No. 8” stands out as the top pick, and Production I.G’s adaptation has made a stellar debut.
In this world, Japan combats the constant threat of kaiju with a special military force armed with weapons crafted from the monsters they hunt. Kafka, unable to pass the Defense Force’s exam, settles for the mundane task of cleaning up post-battle wreckage—until his life takes a drastic turn when he accidentally ingests a small kaiju and transforms into one himself.
The series kicks off with an action-packed opening episode that deftly establishes the world’s current state, the significance of the Defense Force, Kafka’s dissatisfaction with his lot in life, and a budding friendship between Kafka and Reno.
Alongside this, “Kaiju No. 8” treats viewers to two impressive and distinct action sequences, showcasing imaginative kaiju designs that hint at the diverse array of monsters yet to be encountered. Despite his extraordinary circumstances, Kafka is portrayed as a surprisingly relatable character—an everyday person thrust into an extraordinary situation, adding depth and realism to the story.
1. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2
Isekai has its fair share of divisive titles, but “Mushoku Tensei 2: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu” undoubtedly takes the cake as one of the most controversial representatives of the genre.
While some hail it as the pinnacle of isekai storytelling and among the finest fantasy series ever produced, others find it lacking due to its protagonist, Rudeus, who starts off as unlikeable and has shown only marginal growth since then.
By now, most viewers likely know whether they want to join Rudeus on his journey or not, and attempting to change anyone’s opinion may prove futile.
Focusing solely on the current arc, “Mushoku Tensei” appears to be laying the groundwork for an engaging storyline that will hopefully look deeper into the world’s politics and mythology—two aspects that have always been strong points of the anime.
With Rudeus and Sylphy contemplating marriage and settling down, the stage is set for new adventures. However, Rudeus also seems poised to launch on a quest to find his mother—a quest that was sidelined in the previous arc.
