The Spring 2024 anime season has officially come to an end, but it's also a good time to look back at the shows that made this season special. As usual, the Anime Corner News team (and developers) are here to enthusiastically share their favorite shows from the Spring 2024 anime season.
Please note that this list is not a ranking (of the anime or the writer) and does not represent definitive truths – it is simply our own opinions written for fun. So without further ado, let’s see which shows the ACN team likes!
Wind Breaker – Eric
Going from not even being on my watchlist to being my anime pick of the season was something I never expected to happen. Wind Breaker surprised me in every way. I thought it would be another mediocre crime anime that wouldn't hold my interest. But I'm glad to see that I was completely wrong.
The animation is some of the best of any anime this season, giving CloverWorks another gem on their hands. Everything that comes together, including the soundtrack and stellar voice cast, to bring this well-written and thoughtful story to life has me in awe. Wind Breaker has become a “must-watch” at this point, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come! My runner-up this season goes to Urusei Yatsura Season 2, which I highly recommend after the almost perfect reboot has officially concluded.
© Satoru Nii, Kodansha/WIND BREAKER Project
Kaiju No. 8 – Brett
Honestly—the lackluster marketing for Kaiju No. 8 made me doubt whether Production I.G. could bring Naoya Mastumoto’s blend of action and comedy to life, but Kaiju No. 8 does nothing but deliver iconic music and in-your-face action. Bringing Western artists to the OP and ED themes was an unexpected choice, but YUNGBLUD’s “Abyss” and One Republic’s “Nobody” have become staples on my anime list. The animation, while a bit different from the more complex dialogue in Matsumoto’s manga, is fluid and makes for great fight scenes.
With 14 million sales pushing Kaiju No. 8’s manga forward, there’s a lot to like about this anime adaptation, but the production quality, sound design, and overall animation are all fantastic. The offbeat jokes land right on cue, and the “finding family” aspect of Kafka’s relationship with his teammates, while a bit of a gag, is still heartwarming. In an anime season that’s really struggling to find clear frontrunners, Kaiju No. 8 is always a fun anime that adapts its source material with ease.
© JAKDF Team 3 © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
Yuru Camp Part 3 – JP
Nothing holds a bigger place in my heart than Yuru Camp. It's something that keeps the thread going both figuratively and literally. Anime, like all media, is a form of escapism, something you seek out and entertain yourself with. I've always believed that the type of show you enjoy reflects what you most desire in life. And that's true for me, where with just a phone call, I can live the life of Naoya Mukai or Rokurou Okajima, no matter how I look to the future or what path I'm taking in life, what's portrayed in Yuru Camp is an unattainable dream. Despite all the love, I still feel bad that Station C isn't around at this time.
I actually think it's a little unfair to judge a season over an established show. So if I ignore the follow-up titles like Yuru Camp and KonoSuba, as well as the Spice & Wolf remake, I'd give the win to A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics or Train to the End of the World. Both of those shows are weird and strange, and to me, those are two things that make anime beautiful. There's no regard for established standards.
© Afro, Hobunsha/Outdoor Activities Committee
Delicious in the Dungeon – Tamara
I know I picked the same thing last season and even though this Delicious in Dungeon run is quite different I still enjoyed it a lot. The world building is simply amazing, the animation is great, the characters are perfectly imperfect and their interactions are fun to watch-it feels like Delicious in Dungeon has it all. My second pick is My Hero AcadeKaren 7.
©Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA/Dungeon Delicacy PARTNER
Demon Slayer Season 4 – Bea
I've been busy this spring of 2024 and have been into adult content, but I won't miss watching Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc. As someone who has read the manga, let me tell you—I'm really looking forward to seeing my favorite characters on screen again (and I feel like this is an understatement). The Demon Slayer hype has been so strong that even my Facebook friends who don't usually show their love for anime are sharing it. And like every season before, the anime is beautifully animated. The first episode showcases the breathing techniques of Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro and Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinuzagawa. It's refreshing to watch, especially since it's the first time the spotlight is on the two of them. Who would have thought they would make a good fighting couple? I've never intended to spoil anyone, but the scene where the two hashiras enter the Infinity Castle? Mind blowing.
The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc is my anime of the season because they keep showing Rengoku Kyojuro, the late Flame Hashira, who I had to exclaim about during the Mugen Train Arc (which made me keep a lot of Rengoku merchandise to remind me to burn my heart out every time I decide to lay down). Honestly, this Demon Slayer season has done a great job of taking me on a roller coaster of emotions. From being amazed at how well the breathing techniques work, to feeling emotional after Kanao's simple trip back home, to feeling overjoyed to see Tengen Uzui again-I can't help but feel amazed and excited about what's to come.
©Koyoharu Gotoge/SHUEISHA/Aniplex/ufotable
Kaiju No. 8 – Carla
As much as I love my bright green slime and his many encounters, I love Hibino Kafka's story even more! Kaiju No. 8 is great from the first episode to the last. It's bright, exciting, suspenseful, and just a fun and enjoyable anime to watch overall (although the Kaiju spider in the first episode still haunts me). Whenever I see my friends, I'm always excited to talk about it. I'll jump up and say, “Have you seen the new episode???” and then incoherently shout about the fun or silly moments, the cliffhangers, the vice captains, and everything else. The ending theme to OneRepublic is also one of my new favorites.
Honestly, this anime reminds me of the hype of the first season of My Hero AcadeKaren. It's been a while since I've felt that kind of sparkling joy. Kaiju No. 8 was my pick for the Spring 2024 anime season and I enjoyed it so much that I got hooked on the manga. And boy, does it not disappoint. I can't wait for the next season!
© JAKDF Team 3 © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
Go! Go! Loser Ranger! – Zee
Go! Go! The Loser Ranger! (Sentai Daishikkaku) is my spring 2024 anime due to its unique take on the sentai genre. Instead of following the typical hero story, it focuses on the villain's perspective, adding a unique and engaging twist to the story. The characters are well developed, with distinct motivations that add to the plot, and the animation is excellent, bringing the action scenes to life.
Furthermore, the show expertly balances both comedic and serious themes, making each more engaging. The episode is a gripping emotional rollercoaster that ends on a cliffhanger, leaving us eagerly awaiting the next episode. The world-building is excellent, and the soundtrack complements the action perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The show stands out for its storytelling and memorable characters, making it my favorite and a must-watch of the season.
© Negi Haruba, Kodansha/“Sentai Daishikkaku” Production Committee
Sound! Euphonium Part 3 – Ken
Musical and drama anime are hitting their stride this season. Girls Band Cry surprised me with some of the best storytelling, impressing with its seamless production. Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night is flawless when it comes to voice acting as well as a great introduction to each character’s story and struggles. While I can’t choose which of these two I like better, it’s impossible for any anime this season to surpass my top pick – Sound! Euphonium Season 3.
To say that Sound! Euphonium Season 3 made my heart swell would be an understatement. Kitauji High School’s penultimate journey to the national gold medal is a symphony of excellence. Its protagonist, Kumiko Oumae, has become my all-time favorite protagonist. Her story is the best coming-of-age story I’ve ever seen. Not to mention, the production of the anime is outstanding. The beautiful animation combined with the harmonious music and soulful voice acting, down to the most intricate details, touched my emotions perfectly, thus making this anime my favorite of the season.
© Ayano Takeda/Takarajimasha/“Sound! Euphonium Production Committee
KonoSuba Season 3 – Marko
While I enjoyed more serious stuff like Mushoku Tensei, Kaiju No. 8, Delicious in Dungeon, and of course ONE PIECE, my anime of the spring was KonoSuba. From the first episode to the last, it delivered ~20 minutes of fun and humor that I enjoyed every week. The production itself was strong enough and each character had their own moments despite it being clearly a Darkness-focused season. That's not to say I mind Darkness getting the spotlight. She used to be the least fleshed out member of the group, something that's clearly not the case now.
As a comedy show, I believe KonoSuba did the best job of consistently doing what it was trying to do well and so I have to give it the title of anime of the season despite not really believing it was the best anime overall.
© Matsume Akatsuki, Kurone Mishima/KADOKAWA/KonoSuba Production Committee
As a reincarnated noble, I will use my appraisal skills to rise in the world – Dali
With a title that sounds like the most trashy, bland isekai, it's fair to say that I didn't have much expectations when I started watching this on a whim. However, it quickly became my favorite show of the week and the one I was most looking forward to.
Don't expect any flashy action or suspense here; this anime is a slow burn and they certainly aren't afraid to lean into it. The story takes its time to establish all the world-building it wants to do, but instead of a lengthy exposition, you get to learn all about it through the MC's experiences as he grows up, which gives the characters the room they need to grow and shine. And they shine as the colorful cast continues to grow with new and interesting characters like Rietz, Charlotte, Licia, and Raven. The lovable characters and fantasy setting definitely convinced me to pick this show up as my anime of the season, and I look forward to seeing how the story develops in future seasons.
© Miraijin A, Kodansha/“As a reincarnated noble, I will use my judgment skills to rise in the world” Production Committee
And those are ACN's top picks for the Spring 2024 anime season! What's your favorite? You can vote for all your favorite shows, characters, and voice actors in Anime Corner's Spring 2024 Poll. The new Summer 2024 anime season has also begun, so be sure to check out our team's season reviews.
Featured Image:
Demon Slayer ©Koyoharu Gotoge/SHUEISHA/Aniplex/ufotable
Kaiju No. 8 © JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
KonoSuba © Natsme Akatsuki, Kurone Mishima/KADOKAWA/KonoSuba Production Committee