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Ready to explore the best anime movies of 2024? Look no further! This year has shaped up to be a fantastic one for anime fans, with a lineup of films that promise stunning animation, gripping narratives, and unforgettable characters. Whether you are a seasoned otaku or new to the genre, these movies are sure to impress.
1. Kuramerukagari
In a town where the layout shifts daily, navigation becomes a constant challenge for its residents. Among them are Kagari, a girl who runs a map-making business, and Yuya, a boy who dreams of escaping the coal excavators that dominate the town. Together, they become entangled in a mysterious conspiracy that could affect the entire town.
This film is not only thematically connected to Kurayukaba, but it also comes from the renowned writer Ryohgo Narita, known for his work on Baccano! and Durarara!. Narita is celebrated for his skill in weaving complex narratives and unsolvable mysteries. The film also includes cameos from characters inspired by Durarara!‘s Izaya and Shizuo, adding an extra layer of connection for fans of his previous works.
2. Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle
This film showcases the highly anticipated clash between Karasuno and Nekoma, famously dubbed the “Dumpster Battle.” Represented by crows and cats, respectively, the two teams have long been rivals, and the outcome of this epic face-off is anyone’s guess. With intense competition and high stakes, fans are in for a thrilling and unpredictable showdown.
Karasuno and Nekoma have been fierce rivals for generations, with their rivalry stretching back long before any of the current players picked up a volleyball. In this highly anticipated film, the two teams finally face off on the court. For Haikyuu!! fans, this showdown is a pivotal moment they’ve been waiting for. Given that Haikyuu!! is one of the most beloved sports anime globally, the excitement surrounding this battle is shared by a vast and dedicated fanbase. The long-standing rivalry between the crows and the cats promises an intense, action-packed match filled with emotion and high-stakes competition.
3. Spy x Family Code: White
To prevent being reassigned, Loid Forger must make significant progress with his daughter, Anya. With this goal in mind, he decides to help her earn a Stella Star by entering a prestigious school cooking competition. To give them an edge, Loid takes Anya to the Frigis Region, where they sample the judge’s favorite dessert and attempt to recreate it. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they uncover a dangerous plot that threatens to ignite the tensions between Westalis and Ostania, putting not just their mission at risk, but potentially escalating the ongoing conflict.
Spy x Family has become one of the most popular anime in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Anything related to it is definitely worth exploring. This movie captures all the humor and absurdity that made the original series so beloved. Like the show, it expertly blends thrilling spy action with heartwarming family moments and lighthearted humor. If you enjoyed the series, chances are you’ll have a great time with this film too.
4. Look Back
Ayumu Fujino is an aspiring manga artist who ends up in a fierce rivalry with her classmate Kyomoto, a talented but often absent student. After losing her passion for drawing, Fujino drifts apart from Kyomoto. However, their paths cross again when Fujino is tasked with handing Kyomoto her graduation certificate. This encounter sets off a chain of unexpected events that neither of them could have foreseen.
This film is adapted from a one-shot manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator behind the widely acclaimed Chainsaw Man. While Chainsaw Man is known for its intense action, it also excels at exploring human emotions and relationships, themes that Look Back centers on. What sets Look Back apart is its focus on the process of creating manga—a subject Fujimoto knows all too well. Although Studio DURIAN is still relatively new, there’s hope they’ll do as strong a job bringing this manga to life as MAPPA did with Chainsaw Man.
5. Blue Lock: Episode Nagi
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This spin-off film delves into how Nagi became involved in the Blue Lock project. He’s not one to put much effort into anything and finds almost everything irritating, but his classmate Reo essentially drags him into soccer. When Nagi is invited to join Blue Lock, he has little say in the matter and is more or less compelled to participate.
Blue Lock boasts a wide array of compelling characters, so the idea of a spin-off focusing on one of them is definitely exciting. For Nagi fans, it’s even more enticing. Nagi is lazy and unmotivated, yet incredibly talented—a popular character archetype seen in everything from classic shonen like Naruto to slice-of-life series like Hyouka. Could Nagi make a great protagonist? It’s certainly possible!
6. My Hero Academia The Movie: You’re Next
A massive fortress suddenly appears, leaving the heroes to unravel its origins and purpose. It appears to be linked to a mysterious figure who bears a striking resemblance to All Might.
If you’re a fan of My Hero Academia, this new film is a must-see. Like previous MHA movies, it’s set outside the main canon, existing somewhere between key events in the series. It looks like this one will follow a similar approach, and that’s a positive thing. This format allows the creators to craft self-contained stories with higher production values, offering a level of budget and effort that far exceeds most typical non-canon or “filler” anime.
7. My Oni Girl
Despite his best efforts to bring happiness to those around him, Hiiragi Yatsuse struggles to make friends at school. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a young oni girl who is on a quest in the human realm to find her missing mother.
If you enjoyed A Whisker Away, this film is definitely worth checking out. It’s directed by Tomotaka Shibayama, one of the co-directors of that film. While it’s still unclear how closely the two will resemble each other, it’s intriguing to find out, especially considering Shibayama’s impressive background, having previously worked with Studio Ghibli. Featuring a male and female character on separate emotional journeys that eventually converge, along with a fantastical setting, the film carries some Ghibli-like qualities.
8. Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix
This film is a sequel to the previous Given movie, shifting its focus to the relationship between Hiiragi and Shizusumi. Currently, the movie is only available in Japan, but hopefully, it will be released internationally in the future.
9. Kurayukaba
Detective Soutarou of the Ootsuji Detective Agency is assigned a new case involving a series of mysterious disappearances, all of which appear to be connected to a strange cloud of purple smoke.
This film is set in the same universe as Kuramerukagari, which was released on the same day. Both films are centered around the same town, and while they can be enjoyed separately, it’s particularly engaging to see where their stories intersect. In addition to its connection with the other film, this one stands out as a captivating detective story, complemented by stunning artwork.
10. Trapezium
Yuu Azuma is a high school girl with aspirations of becoming an idol. To pursue her dream, she sets strict rules for herself: no social media, no dating, and no drawing attention at school. However, it’s not all about restrictions—she’s also committed to making friends with girls from all over the country.
