Every anime season brings a new wave of shows that surprise audiences, and summer 2024 is no exception.

Each quarter offers a mix of new releases and sequels, many of which keep viewers coming back week after week.

While not all series are created equal, a select few manage to generate weekly discussions and leave a lasting impact, remaining memorable long after they're over.

As we explore the current season, it becomes clear that some anime have already started to differentiate themselves from the rest.

As the season progresses, viewers will naturally begin to narrow their watch lists, focusing on the most interesting series.

With so many options available, it's hard to keep track of everything, and not every show is worth the commitment.

Therefore, it is essential to highlight the standout series that captured the community's attention.

These exceptional animes not only provide weekly entertainment, but also promise to remain in the hearts and minds of fans for years to come.

To make it easier to choose what to watch, we're going to highlight the best animes of summer 2024.

By focusing on these top-rated series, viewers can ensure they are spending their time on the season’s most engaging and memorable shows.

Whether it's a brand new title or a highly anticipated sequel, these anime are the ones you should keep on your radar as the season progresses.

1) Oshi No Ko Season 2

The most anticipated anime of summer 2024, Oshi no Ko, is skillfully building on the foundation laid by its predecessor.

Aqua's relentless quest to uncover the truth behind Ai's murder continues to drive the story forward as he delves deeper into the entertainment industry.

This season, he joins a theatrical production alongside the charismatic Kana and Akane, whose presence adds a vibrant dynamic to the storyline.

While the investigation into Ai's death remains a constant, the series deftly shifts focus to explore Aqua's journey through various facets of the entertainment world.

The second season of Oshi no Ko emphasizes Aqua's forays into various professions, from idol culture to reality TV and now, the theater arts.

Each arc provides a new lens through which to view the entertainment industry, offering both a critique and a celebration of its complexities.

The theatrical arc in particular showcases Aqua's adaptability and determination, highlighting her interactions with Kana and Akane, who bring their unique talents to the stage.

Their combined talents and personal struggles enrich the story, making it an engaging watch. Oshi no Ko manages to balance its more sensational moments with a grounded portrayal of the darker, more passionate sides of the entertainment industry.

The series explores the harsh realities behind the glitz and glamour, revealing the challenges and sacrifices that come with fame.

At the same time, it highlights the dedication and fervor that drives individuals in the sector.

By showcasing these contrasting elements, Oshi no Ko delivers an incredible and nuanced exploration of showbiz, ensuring it remains a standout series this season.

2) Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian emerged as one of the most anticipated new anime of summer 2024 and it certainly delivered on its promise.

This high school romantic comedy, adapted by Doga Kobo, tells a familiar yet charming story of a popular girl hiding her obvious affection for a seemingly ordinary male protagonist.

The twist here lies in Alisa's cold exterior, which is often revealed when she expresses her crush on Masachika in Russian, under the false assumption that he doesn't understand the language.

So as not to embarrass her, Masachika pretends not to notice, adding a delicious layer of tension and humor to their interactions.

Despite its reliance on a well-trodden premise, Alya executes the genre’s staples with finesse. The playful banter between Alisa and Masachika is not only endearing, but also establishes them as equals, a refreshing dynamic in romantic comedy anime.

Alisa's character, with her mix of tsundere and genuine vulnerability, contrasts perfectly with Masachika's calm demeanor.

This balance prevents the series from falling into the trap of one-dimensional characters and keeps the story engaging.

What sets Alya apart is its strong male lead. Unlike the generic leads that often plague romantic comedies, Masachika stands his ground and doesn't merely serve as a stand-in for the audience.

His interactions with Alisa and their mutual respect for each other drive the series forward, making it more than just a typical high school romance.

While Alisa and her best friend Yuki are undeniably entertaining characters, it's Masachika who anchors the story, ensuring that Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian continues to be a standout series this season.

3) Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan 

Bursting onto the scene with an incredible trailer and an unabashed embrace of the absurd, Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan is delightfully ridiculous, which is high praise indeed.

Determined to leave her delinquent past behind, Torako is committed to becoming a typical high school girl.

However, his plans are quickly thwarted by the arrival of a new student, Noko, who enters his life with relentless energy.

Noko is not only unpredictable and aggressive, but also strangely skilled at discovering her classmates' secrets. Oh, and she has deer antlers.

Torako's down-to-earth presence serves as a perfect foil to Noko's wild antics, bringing just enough normalcy to keep the story from spiraling into complete chaos.

Despite being overshadowed by more eccentric characters, Torako's attempts to maintain her idealized image provide a relatable anchor for the audience.

Noko, with her bizarre mix of knowledge and sheer unpredictability, isn't the only character who contributes to the series' madness.

Anko, the sister-obsessed character, may tread familiar territory, but she stands out as one of the most memorable examples of this cliché.

My Deer Friend Nokotan revels in its beautiful weirdness and clever madness. The series is a whirlwind of eccentric personalities and bizarre scenarios, all brought to life with vibrant animation and sharp writing.

It's an anime that thrives on its own unbridled energy, creating a unique and entertaining experience that keeps viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode.

This mix of absurd humor and unexpected twists makes My Deer Friend Nokotan a standout on the summer 2024 schedule.

4) Suicide Squad Isekai

After revealing its opening and ending sequences this week, Suicide Squad Isekai quickly captured the internet's attention.

Inspired by DC Comics' Suicide Squad, this anime adaptation features a team of famous villains: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface and King Shark.

However, instead of their usual criminal exploits, they find themselves thrust into a fantasy world filled with orcs, dragons, and magic, an unexpected twist on the source material.

Upon arriving in this unfamiliar world, chaos ensues as the group inadvertently causes havoc, leading to their immediate arrest.

The situation becomes dire when they discover that explosive devices implanted in their necks will detonate in just 72 hours unless they complete a dangerous mission: helping the Queen of the World defeat her formidable enemies, the Imperial Army.

Now faced with an ultimatum and with nothing to lose, these unlikely allies put aside their differences and work together to survive, explore the world, and accomplish the seemingly impossible task before time runs out.

Suicide Squad Isekai promises an engaging story filled with intense action, strategic battles, and internal conflicts between team members.

As they face enemies both external and internal, the series explores themes of redemption, camaraderie, and the will to survive against insurmountable odds.

With its unique blend of iconic DC anti-heroes and a fantastical isekai setting, this anime is set to deliver an adrenaline-pumping ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats all summer long.

5) Days with My Stepsister

Days with My Stepsister centers on the lives of two high school students, Yuuta Asamura and Saki Ayase, who suddenly find themselves living together as stepsisters after their parents' remarriage.

Both had witnessed the end of their parents' previous relationships, which left them with a deep belief in the fragility of love between men and women.

This shared past made Yuuta and Saki wary of forming close connections, fearing the emotional pain they experienced in childhood.

Determined to avoid the pain they saw in their parents' lives, Yuuta and Saki agree to keep their distance from each other when they begin living under the same roof.

Despite their mutual decision to maintain a cold and formal relationship, the circumstances of the new family dynamics force them to interact and spend time together.

Gradually, the initial coldness gives way to a growing friendship, as they begin to understand and support each other in ways they never expected.

As Yuuta and Saki's friendship deepens, they begin to question whether their bond could evolve into something deeper.

Despite the fears and shadows of their parents' failed relationships, the time they spend together opens the door to the possibility of a stronger connection.

Days with My Stepsister beautifully explores the journey from wary strangers to close companions, highlighting the healing power of genuine human connection and the potential for love to blossom even in the most unexpected circumstances.

6) Pseudo Harem

In Pseudo Harem, Eiji Kitahama and Rin Nanakura share the stage in the school's drama club, where Eiji dreams of becoming more popular among the girls.

Seeing his struggle, Rin, a freshman in the club with exceptional acting skills, decides to help him achieve his goal. She ingeniously convinces a group of girls to play the roles of Eiji's affectionate harem.

While the sincerity of her feelings for Eiji is questionable, Rin's motivations go far beyond mere acting.

Behind his helpful facade, Rin harbors genuine romantic feelings for his senpai. Despite his efforts to increase Eiji's popularity, he remains oblivious to Rin's true affections, focusing instead on the attention of his new harem.

Rin's pain increases as she sees Eiji bask in the admiration of others, unaware of the deeper, more authentic love she feels for him.

Her inner conflict intensifies, caught between her desire to make Eiji happy and her longing for him to realize her true feelings.

The real test for Rin is whether she can muster the courage to reveal her own emotions to Eiji before his orchestrated harem complicates things further.

As she explores this complex scenario, Rin balances her roles as a supportive friend and hopeful lover, while also competing with the very girls she brought into Eiji's life.

Pseudo Harem beautifully captures the bittersweet nuances of unspoken love and the lengths one will go to make their beloved happy, even if it costs them their own heart.

7) No Longer Allowed in Another World

No Longer Allowed in Another World offers a new approach to the isekai genre by introducing a protagonist who boldly contrasts with the typical nerd or otaku characters who enjoy their new lives in fantasy worlds.

The main character, inspired by the real Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai, is anything but eager to embrace his new surroundings.

Dazai, who passed away in 1948, finds himself inexplicably transported to a magical world, a place where he would rather find a quiet corner to end his life than go on great adventures.

Coming from a time long before the advent of video games and anime, Dazai is not at all thrilled with his situation.

His sole focus remains the pursuit of the perfect death, and he repeatedly places himself in dangerous situations, expecting a fatal outcome.

However, despite his best efforts, he continually emerges unscathed, much to his frustration. This cycle of seeking out danger and surviving against the odds forces Dazai to confront the absurdity of his new life, while also maintaining his morbid quest.

As Dazai explores this strange and magical world, he faces the unexpected challenge of adapting to his prolonged existence.

Through his trials and the people he meets, the series explores whether he can transcend his despair and find a reason to live.

No Longer Allowed in Another World explores the poignant and often dark journey of a man out of his time, struggling with the possibility of finding meaning and happiness in a life he never wanted.

8) Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season

Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season is a prequel, a sequel, and everything in between, designed for devoted fans of Araragi, Shinobu, and their eclectic companions.

This latest installment from Shaft in 2024 will certainly surprise those already entrenched in Monogatari, but it's not an entry point for newcomers.

Recommending it seems almost redundant, as anyone interested in the saga is likely already watching it, while those unfamiliar with the series would find it disconcerting without prior context.

As expected, Off & Monster Season continues the tradition of brilliance that the Monogatari series is known for.

The franchise rarely takes a misstep, and any arcs that are considered bad are only in a relative sense. With the conclusion of Araragi's story in Zoku Owarimonogatari, this series shifts its focus to the women who define this intricate world.

The story explores seemingly smaller-scale stories that address the ongoing journeys of these pivotal characters, offering deeper insights into their lives and growth.

By spotlighting the girls of the Monogatari world, Off & Monster Season enriches the overall story with new perspectives and untold tales.

These character-driven stories may seem less grandiose, but they are no less engaging, adding new layers to the beloved franchise.

For longtime fans, this series is a treasure trove of familiar faces and new adventures, reinforcing why the Monogatari series remains a standout in anime.

9) 2.5 Dimensional Seduction

2.5 Dimensional Seduction is a comedy anime that delves into otaku culture and the world of cosplay.

The story centers on Masamune Okumura, a high school student and president of the school's manga club, who is completely in love with a manga character named Lilliel.

To Masamune, real girls are insignificant compared to his beloved 2D waifu, and he has never had romantic feelings for anyone in the 3D world.

This changes with the arrival of Ririsa Amano, a new member of the manga club who shares Masamune's passion for manga and is also an avid cosplayer.

Ririsa's favorite character to cosplay is none other than Lilliel, the character Masamune adores. In need of a photographer to capture her cosplay, Ririsa enlists Masamune's help.

As they work together, Masamune begins to see Ririsa as more than just a replacement for his manga obsession.

For the first time, he finds himself developing genuine feelings for a real person, blurring the line between his fictional fantasies and reality.

The summer 2024 anime season is rich in isekai, comedy, and romance, offering a variety of shows to surprise otaku audiences.

While successful sequels certainly hog the spotlight, new series like 2.5 Dimensional Seduction also have the potential to shine brightly.

These new animes offer a great entry point for viewers without the daunting task of watching previous seasons or episodes.

With just one episode, fans can dive right into the charming and humorous worlds these series present, making them a perfect addition to anyone's watch list this summer.

10) Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

The summer 2024 comedy anime lineup is turning heads with its exceptional offerings, surpassing the past few seasons.

Among these notable shows is Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, which initially presents itself as a serious teen drama.

However, the series takes a sharp turn and becomes more refined and hilarious with the introduction of Anna, who drags her friendless classmate Kazuhiko into the turmoil of her complicated love life.

As the quintessential childhood friend, Anna's selfless encouragement for her love to pursue her best friend leaves her in a perpetual state of ambivalence, unsure whether to love or despise him.

Kazuhiko's deadpan humor perfectly complements Anna's emotional outbursts, making them a dynamic and fun duo.

Their contrasting personalities create a delightful chemistry that drives the series forward, offering viewers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.

Anna's internal struggle and Kazuhiko's stoic presence provide a balanced mix of comedy and heartwarming moments, ensuring the story remains engaging and relatable.

With top-notch animation from A-1 Pictures, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! promises to be an insightful exploration of harem and romantic comedy clichés.

The series goes beyond mere parody, treating its characters as genuine individuals and not mere instruments of humor.

By delving into the complexities of her characters’ relationships, Makeine offers a sophisticated and entertaining critique of genre conventions, making her a must-watch this season. Be sure to tune in Animangeek for more lists like this