Underrated Gems: Anime You May Have Missed in 2024

Anime You May Have Missed in 2024

The world of anime is booming like never before, which means it can feel even more like an exhaustive search to find that next “fix” of animated treasure than it has been for Luffy to find the elusive “One Piece.” And, speaking of One Piece, 2024 is a year that many anime classics are finally coming to journey’s end, and it’s completely understandable that you are staring down the dark abyss of a show hole with a level of existential dread in your anime viewing that is fitting for Evangelion.

Even if you find yourself bidding farewell to a favorite that may never return, even reincarnated as slime, there are many new up-and-coming classics that are ready to delight.

Take a peek at some of the best anime to watch in 2024, namely the underrated gems in anime that have made it into our "book"; we checked it for traces of Shinigami before writing them down.

My Deer Friend Nokotan

Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan

This anime’s first episode reputation precedes itself, as you have likely already seen memes and spin-offs of a high school girl with deer antlers crashing her way onto a screen near you. It’s also possible you’ve already heard the incredibly catchy opening song that features the equally catchy Japanese title of the anime, Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a girl enrolled at your high school, but it turns out she was actually a deer or deer hybrid, instantly sussed out that your “perfect student” status is hiding a more sinister truth, and used that to blackmail you and charm your classmates into feeding you unlimited senbei, or deer cookies? ….No? Well, have you ever been one of those people who has always wanted to feed the wildlife, even if you know it’s a bad idea? After this anime, you’ll be glad to get some answers to this vital question and even happier to know that the answers are even more bizarre than the question itself.

Be a deer and enjoy this quirky take on a classic Japanese high school drama trope, complete with a completely endearing homage to the love of deer that is quintessential to traditional Japanese culture.

Learn more about My Deer Friend Nokotan on MyAnimeList.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles

There’s another anime that has become a hit even before pressing the “play” button, and that is Mashle, whose Season 2 opener got the whole world dancing. However, the real magic of this show is the snarky charm, as you embark on the journey of an orphaned boy with a mysterious past who enrolls in a magical wizarding school, makes friends out of misfits, battles rivaling houses in his school, gains mentorship and protection in the form of a long-bearded wizard, and fights evil wizards trying to take over the world, including vengeful authors with claims to Intellectual Property.

Get ready to enroll in this series and get a masterclass in all of life’s lessons, including that friendship is magical, and that most of the world’s problems can be solved with one hand punching and the other holding a cream puff.

Learn more about Mashle: Magic and Muscles on MyAnimeList.

Sasaki and Peeps

Sasaki to Pii-chan

Staying briefly on the topic of more light-hearted anime that puts fun spins on classic genres, a little birdie told us that this is an especially enjoyable anime for those who love the Isekai. Stay tuned to learn how a salaryman gets a new lease on life and goes on to live a life of fighting crime, saving the world, and gaining magical powers (just don’t tell Mashle).

Learn more about Sasaki and Peeps on MyAnimeList.

Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror

Uzumaki

Unlike the previous new favorites, Uzumaki has yet to be released as of the time of this article’s writing and is far darker and edgier both in terms of storyline and art itself. Anyone who loves the horror genre, as well as the wild world of 1990s manga, is prepared for a real treat: the intricate geometric designs are - spoiler - the plots themselves, as these art forms are actually manifestations of evil, supernatural beings.

Uzumaki is one that we can’t wait to share with you and get on your radar as a must-watch for 2024.

Learn more about Uzumaki on MyAnimeList.

Conclusion: Press Start to Begin

This is only a small sample of the incredible array of quality anime on your horizon, to say nothing of the new instant classics that might already be in your “to watch” queue bigger than a Gundam backlog, such as Delicious in Dungeon, Re: Zero, and the new must-watch Girls Band Cry.