As the final anime season of 2024 approaches, many viewers may have missed out on some hidden gems from earlier in the year. While it’s easy to catch up on popular titles like the new seasons of Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia, or exciting newcomers like A Sign of Affection and Solo Leveling, there are plenty of underrated series worth exploring.
If you’re a fan of action, check out Brave Bang Bravern! and The Fable—both fantastic shows that deserve more recognition. For those who enjoy romance, Tadaima, Okaeri is a unique omegaverse anime that stands out from the rest. If you’re in the mood for something high-quality and unconventional, give Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction a try.
Here’s a summary of the 12 most underrated anime of 2024, as ranked by Anna Lindwasser:
1. Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction
Set three years after an alien mothership appears in Japan, this story follows Kadode and Oran as they navigate growing up amidst chaos.
Why It Deserves More Love: Unique storytelling combines bizarre circumstances with human behavior. This is the first anime adaptation of Inio Asano’s work.
2. Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
In the Kingdom of Yamauchi, Yukiya becomes the attendant of the second prince, involving himself in political conflict and mythology.
Why It Deserves More Love: It effectively blends mythology with political intrigue, providing multiple perspectives on conflicts.
3. The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies
A magical girl and a lieutenant from opposing sides fall for each other despite their roles.
Why It Deserves More Love: Beautiful art and a mix of humor and romance make it a refreshing take on love stories.
4. The Fable
A skilled assassin is forced to lay low in Osaka for a year, complicating his life with local yakuza.
Why It Deserves More Love: A unique premise of an assassin living a normal life with strong character development and humor.
5. Mission: Yozakura Family
After losing his family, Taiyo Asano must join his childhood friend’s supernatural spy family to survive.
Why It Deserves More Love: Balances comedy and serious spy intrigue with engaging characters and action.
6. Brave Bang Bravern!
Military forces battle with giant armored weapons in Hawaii against a mysterious enemy.
Why It Deserves More Love: An action-packed series that’s fun and absurd, set in an uncommon anime location.
7. Senpai is an Otokonoko
Saki Aoi falls for her beautiful upperclassman, only to discover he’s a crossdressing boy.
Why It Deserves More Love: Tackles themes of queer identity respectfully while providing an entertaining slice-of-life narrative.
8. Tadaima, Okaeri
A married couple faces challenges in a world where omegas and alphas are expected to marry their own kind.
Why It Deserves More Love: A rare portrayal of a married gay couple navigating life and discrimination in a compelling way.
9. Mayonaka Punch
A YouTuber’s career revives with help from a vampire, leading to a quest for followers.
Why It Deserves More Love: An absurd yet engaging premise with quality animation and humor.
10. A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics
Princess Sara and her knight end up in modern Japan and navigate life in the real world.
Why It Deserves More Love: A humorous and emotionally resonant reverse isekai that flips the typical genre on its head.
11. Tonari no Yokai-san
In a town of yokai and humans, an elderly cat transforms and a young girl finds a parental figure in a tengu.
Why It Deserves More Love: Offers a relaxing slice-of-life feel with a strong sense of mystery.
12. Bartender: Glass of God
Ryu Sasakura, a bartender, crafts drinks that resonate with his customers’ emotional states.
Why It Deserves More Love: Focuses on adult themes and the art of mixology, making it a unique watch.
This list showcases a variety of genres and themes, making them worth checking out for anime enthusiasts seeking something different from mainstream offerings.
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