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The year 2024 kicked off with some stand-out series, including a culinary monster adventure in a dungeon, Hunting monsters and leveling up through inter-dimensional gates, and Kaiju removal by defense force divisions. These anime set the tone for an exciting year. Have a look at the top 10 highest-rated debut anime series on MyAnimeList from Winter & Spring 2024.
This top 10 anime series list highlights the best debut releases from Winter and Spring 2024. Only new anime series are included, so ongoing and multi-season series are not featured.
10. Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
- MAL rating – 7.66
- Synopsis: In the Yamauchi Kingdom, people can transform into three three-legged crows called Yatagarasu. While men handle governance, women compete for the hand of Wakamiya, the crown prince and servant to the Mountain God. Asebi, a kind and innocent young woman was one of the four contenders. Despite being a second child and born to a concubine, Wakamiya was chosen over older brother Kino, angering his stepmother. Yukiya, the teenage son of a village chief and prince’s new attendant is also part of a larger scheme within the imperial courts.
- Official Site
9. I’m Home, Welcome Back (Tadaima, Okaeri)
- MAL rating – 7.78
- Synopsis: Hiromu and Masaki Fujiyoshi, a same-sex married couple, have a son named Hikari. After facing severe discrimination in the past, they find a new neighborhood that is more suitable for raising children. As Hikari turns two, they expect a daughter named Hinata. Despite prejudice, the family has friends and neighbors offering them love and support.
- Official Site
8. Wind Breaker
- MAL rating – 7.78
- Synopsis: Haruka Sakura, a skilled fighter who cares only about strength, enrolls in Furin High School which is popularly known for valuing its strength over academics. When Haruka enters a street brawl, his classmates join the fight, reflecting the school’s motto of protecting the town. Experiencing their support and acceptance, Sakura fights for the sake of others for the first time.
- Official Site
7. Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night (Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai)
- MAL rating – 7.82
- Synopsis: Mahiru Kouzuki, a talented artist who stopped drawing after being made fun of, once again decides to draw after meeting a former idol Kano Yamanouchi. Kano asks Mahiru to design the mascot for her new music project, JELEE. Mahiru asks her childhood friend and streamer Kiui Watase to make the JELEE’S music video along with pianist Kim Anouk Mei Takanashi. Together, they aim to make JELEE a global success while overcoming their past.
- Official Site
6. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf (Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf)
- MAL rating – 8.03
- Synopsis: After finishing his business in the village of Pasloe, traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence discovers a girl with animal ears sleeping in his carriage, among his fur pelts, claiming to be wolf deity ‘Holo’. She wishes to return to her hometown and convinces Lawrence to take her along, promising to use her wisdom to help him with his business. Together, they face various economic opportunities and challenges while their days together are numbered.
- Official Site
5. A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren)
- MAL rating – 8.23
- Synopsis: The story is about Yuki Itose, a deaf university student who communicates through sign language, text, and lip reading. Her life changes when she meets Itsuomi Nagi, a multilingual student who wants to learn sign language.
- Official Site
4. Solo Leveling (Ore dake Level Up na Ken)
- MAL rating – 8.29
- Synopsis: Sung Jin-woo, a weak hunter gains the unique ability to level up in strength after experiencing a near-death experience at a dungeon. He battles various enemies, explores many dungeons, and learns he is destined to become a ‘Shadow Monarch’, an immortal necromancer controlling the dead. The story revolves around Jin-woo’s journey from the weakest to the strongest hunter.
- Official Site
3. Kaiju No. 8 (Kaijuu 8-gou)
- MAL rating – 8.33
- Synopsis: The story features Kafka Hibino, a worker at a cleaning agency who dreams of fighting giant monsters called kaiju. In a turn of situations, he gains the power to transform into a powerful kaiju himself. Kafka and his new colleague aim to join Anti-Kaiju forces to fight alongside his childhood friend and protect people from the destruction caused by the monsters.
- Official Site
2. Girls Band Cry
- MAL rating – 8.43
- Synopsis: Nina Iseri, a 17-year-old girl drops out of high school and moves to Tokyo alone. It was a big city where she didn’t know her way around. She came here because she was encouraged by a song she heard online. Then, Nina met a street musician, Momoka, who was playing the same song and joined her in the performance. Later they decide to form a band as new members join and live their shared passion for music.
- Official Site
1. Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi)
- MAL rating – 8.61
- Synopsis: When a dragon eats Laios’ sister, the group decides to rescue her before she is digested. Lacking the supplies, they decide to eat monsters they defeat in the dungeon. They are joined by Senshi, a dwarf who teaches them how to cook these monsters, turning their journey into a culinary adventure.
- Official Site
Honorable mentions:
– Oblivion Battery
– The Fable
– Tonari No Yokai-san
Source: MAL
Nikhil is an avid anime enthusiast with a keen interest in storytelling and creative marketing. He enjoys exploring the intricate narratives and themes of anime while blending strategic insights into his work. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Nikhil thrives on crafting engaging content. He is always eager to connect and share his perspectives on anime and beyond.
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