10 Summer 2024 anime that exceeded all expectations (& 5 that need to buckle up)

10 Summer 2024 anime that exceeded all expectations (& 5 that need to buckle up)

As the Summer 2024 anime season reaches its peak, it is once again time to evaluate the successes and failures of the shows that aired. In other words, it is time to determine which series exceeded expectations and delivered in every aspect, and which ones may have fallen short but still have the opportunity to redeem themselves for the remainder of the season.

Without a doubt, Summer 2024 can be dubbed as the season of romcoms, with a plethora of high-quality romantic-comedy anime series currently airing. While these shows excel in both animation and storytelling, there are a few that could use some improvement. Additionally, some non-romcom anime series from this season also need to step up their game before the season concludes.

Please note that this article only covers the ongoing series from the Summer 2024 anime season and reflects the author’s personal opinions. Suicide Squad Isekai has been excluded from this list.

Top Summer 2024 Anime Series That Surpassed All Expectations

Oshi no Ko season 2

Arima Kana as seen in the anime (Image via Doga Koba)
Arima Kana as seen in the anime (Image via Doga Koba)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
1st 1st

Despite having a strong fanbase and receiving high ratings, the sequel may have surpassed its source material with its well-executed choreography and vibrant color combinations, which are prominently featured in nearly every episode.

Alya’s Hidden Feelings in Russian

Alya as seen in the anime (Image via Doga Koba)
Alya as seen in the anime (Image via Doga Koba)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
3st 2nd

Without a doubt, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, a romcom series from the Summer 2024 anime season, is a standout work by Doga Koba, the animation studio behind the beloved Oshi no Ko. The show follows the story of Alya, who expresses her emotions for Masachika in Russian, unaware that he understands the inclusive language she uses.

Although the focus of the series is on Sumire Uesaka, the voice actor for Alya, the series still showcases stunning visuals and exceptional animation. This serves as further proof that Doga Koba is establishing itself as a major player in the world of Japanese animation.

3) My Animal Friend Nokotan

Nokotan as seen in the anime (Image via Wit Studio)
Nokotan as seen in the anime (Image via Wit Studio)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
8th 4th

My Deer Friend Nokotan, an anime from Summer 2024, has already gained popularity as the meme face of the year. It is one of the highly anticipated series of this season, recognized for its incorporation of pop-culture and humorous physical comedy. Despite the lack of initial promotion, the show quickly rose to the top.

The storyline centers around Torako, a reformed delinquent, as she strives to turn over a new leaf. However, her efforts are constantly disrupted by the presence of Nokotan, a deer girl who consistently throws a wrench in her plans to maintain a perfect image as a model student in school.

Wistoria: Wand and Sword

Will as seen in the anime (Image via Actas & Bandai Namco Pictures)
Will as seen in the anime (Image via Actas & Bandai Namco Pictures)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
5th 17th

Wistoria: Wand and Sword is an anime series set to air in Summer 2024, focusing on a misfit named Will who lacks the ability to use magic. He must rely on his physical strength to climb to the top of his magic academy and support his childhood friend.

Despite initially seeming like a run-of-the-mill high-school anime, similar to The Irregular at Magic High School, the series quickly became a standout of the season. The animation remained consistently high-quality throughout all episodes, solidifying its spot as one of the top 3 best anime of the year.

5) Makeine: Examining the Prevalence of Losing Heroines in Literature

Yanami Anna as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Yanami Anna as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
9th 21 st

Despite being adapted by a renowned team known for their work on Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Makeine began the year with a large portion of the fanbase unaware of its existence. However, the series quickly gained recognition for its stunning visuals, captivating plot, and endearing characters, rising from obscurity to the top.

The plot of the upcoming anime in Summer 2024 revolves around Nukumizu, a high school student who becomes entangled with three beautiful girls after witnessing their rejections. As he spends more time with them, Nukumizu may start to develop feelings for these overlooked heroines, unbeknownst to himself.

New Anime Series to Watch in Summer of 2024

Tower of God: The Second Season

Viole as seen in the anime (Image via The Answer Studio)
Viole as seen in the anime (Image via The Answer Studio)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
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Despite a less-than-stellar start, Tower of God season 2 has become one of the most highly anticipated webtoon adaptations in recent years. Originally released with lackluster storytelling and average animation, the series has undergone a studio change and is now set to premiere as a Summer 2024 anime. With each new episode, the series is gradually improving and beginning to meet expectations.

Despite being betrayed by Rachel and falling to the bottom of the tower, Bam joins FUG using the pseudonym Viole in order to continue his quest to reach the top. However, with a team of misfits by his side, Viole struggles with trusting others again after the pain of Rachel’s betrayal.

Failure Frame: Becoming the Strongest and Annihilating Everything With Low-Level Spells

Touka as seen in the anime (Image via Seven Arcs)
Touka as seen in the anime (Image via Seven Arcs)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
20th 13th

Despite gaining popularity, the isekai anime series Failure Frame, which was expected to have high ratings, did not meet expectations. It is one of the few isekai series currently airing in the Summer 2024 season. The show’s plot closely resembles that of Arifureta and fails to address its flaws, potentially contributing to its low ratings. The use of mediocre CGI animation may also play a role in its lackluster reception.

Despite being reincarnated into a new world with his class, Touka Mimori is ostracized by his peers due to his low rank. Determined to seek revenge against the person who summoned them, he embarks on a solo journey to level up.

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World season 2

Alice as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Palette & Silver Link)
Alice as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Palette & Silver Link)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
7th 17th

Despite initially starting off at a slow pace and taking a break to ensure the quality of production, this Summer 2024 anime series saw a decline in its popularity and ratings. The series began decently, but ultimately suffered from mediocre animation quality, leading it down a downward spiral.

As the tale of Iska and Alice’s effort to alleviate suffering in the world and bring their sides together continues, the sequel shows how they work towards resolving their side’s conflicts in pursuit of a better future.

2.5 Dimensional Seduction

Ririsa as seen in the anime (Image via J.C. Staff)
Ririsa as seen in the anime (Image via J.C. Staff)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
13th 15th

The Summer 2024 anime adaptation of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction may be receiving criticism for its excessive censorship of the source material. The Ecchi series has omitted certain ‘too-much’ scenes in an attempt to create a more tasteful viewing experience, potentially contributing to its decline in popularity among disappointed fans of the genre.

The plot of the anime centers around Masamune, a member of a manga club, who is introduced to Ririsa, a talented girl with a love for cosplay. With a shared passion for manga, the two work together to showcase the stunning world of manga through Ririsa’s impressive cosplays.

5) My Experience with My Stepsister

Ayase as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Deen)
Ayase as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Deen)
Popularity Ranking at the Start of the Season Popularity Ranking in the Middle of the Season
6th 8th

Despite a strong start, the Summer 2024 anime Days with My Stepsister was unable to reach the top due to the norms within the fandom. While the plotline may not be unconventional in the world of anime, it is the unique progression that truly captivates viewers.

Asamura and Ayase, who recently became stepsiblings after their parents’ marriage, are the focus of the series as it explores their shifting emotions while they navigate their new relationship as both siblings and friends.

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