Best Anime Movies Of 2024

Summary

• 2024 delivered a feast of anime, including new releases and long-standing franchises.
• Anime movies captured fans with breathtaking animation and storytelling.
• Notable works like Detective Conan & Haikyuu brought thrills and emotions.

The year 2024 has been a great year for anime fans far and wide, no matter the genre. From epic new releases such as Dandadan and The Elusive Samurai to long-standing franchises such as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Mushoku Tensei, this year has been a feast, and even anime movies are not left out.

Alongside the various series, several incredible anime movies have been released in 2024, enough to keep one entertained for a long while. With a lineup ranging from heartwarming stories to thrilling sports, anime movies also have their spotlight, drawing fans with breathtaking animation, unforgettable storytelling, and long-awaited sequels.

Updated March 29, 2025 by Oluwatokiloba Folami: Although now in 2025, many anime movies portrayed in the year 2024 are gems and masterpieces that can not be forgotten. Be it spinoffs, extended storylines, or fresh movies, they stood out from the herd, even while popular series were trending at the time. These movies were not just the regular spinoffs or movies used to pass the time, but portrayed sufficent depth.

From action-packed movies to emotional rollercoasters and everything in between, they commanded attention on the big screen, becoming topics of discussion among anime fans and earning their praise and recognition not just as anime but as treasures not easily forgotten.

1

Mononoke The Movie: Phantom In The Rain

Supernatural Intrigue With A Mix Of Stunning Visual Storytelling

• Japanese Title: Gekijouban Mononoke Karakasa
• Director: Kenji Nakamura
• Studio: EOTA
• Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
• Producers: Twin Engine

A horror anime based on the TV series Mononoke, this movie was so well curated that almost every aspect was perfect. The plot, centered on defeating the Mononoke that feeds on the resentment of women in the Ōoku of Edo Castle, spirals into an epic fight scene with the strongest Mononoke yet while exploring concepts such as friendship.

The visuals are arguably the best and most discussed part of the movie. With a unique color scheme and an amazing art style that is a feast for the eyes, the breathtaking visuals left a mark as one of the best in the history of anime.

2

Trapezium

Overcoming Challenges In The Search For Purpose

• Japanese Title: Torapejiumu
• Director: Masahiro Shinohara
• Studio: CloverWorks
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Producers: Aniplex, KAGAYA Studio

While the lives of idols are often portrayed as all sunshine and rainbows, there is a much more realistic side to them that involves personal struggles and conflicts within an idol group, a side Trapezium portrays almost too well.

Of course, the song was enjoyable. However, the realism drew many fans to the movie. While realism for this niche often deals with reaching stardom, this movie deals with issues post-stardom, conveying a beautiful message on friendships. The title also appears to be a play on words, portraying how four friends progress in different directions yet maintain their bond.

3

Boku No Hero Academia The Movie 4: You’re Next

A Story Of Trust, Camaraderie, And Unbreakable Will

• Japanese Title: Boku no Hīrō Akademia za Mūbī Yuā Nekusuto
• Director: Tensai Okamura
• Studio: Bones
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero
• Producers: Dentsu, Movic, TOHO, Shueisha

A shonen movie existing between seasons can only do so much without altering the main timeline, and this movie accomplished what it set out to do. It is a movie that most fans of the series would appreciate, as it focuses more on the characters and their bonds than the jaw-dropping fights in which Class 1A is usually involved.

Nevertheless, the fight scenes in this movie are spectacular. They appear well directed, from the animation displaying Studio Bones’ effort to the soundtracks that made those scenes electrifying. Although the plot might not be revolutionary, it does the trick and keeps fans satiated.

4

Oomuro-ke: Dear Sisters

Love, Laughter, And The Celebration Of Sisterhood

• Japanese Title: Oomuro-ke: Dear Sisters
• Director: Naoyuki Tatsuwa
• Studio: Passione, Studio Lings
• Genre: Comedy, Girls Love
• Producers: Lantis, Ichijinsha, Cloud22, Bandai Namco Filmworks

While this movie is often perceived as a Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT) anime, the heartwarming interactions between the characters make it more than that. A spinoff of the Oomure-ke series, this movie focuses on the sisters as they interact with each other and go about their everyday lives.

For some reason, this anime speaks to the hearts and souls of many fans. Attributed to their innocence and purity, the simplicity of the emotional message they pass across through their diverse emotional relationships is the movie’s beauty, making it a serene and comfortable experience.

5

My Oni Girl

A Heartwarming Tale Of Friendship And Adventure

• Japanese Title: Suki demo Kirai na Amanojaku
• Director: Tomotaka Shibayama
• Studio: Studio Colorido
• Genre: Adventure, Supernatural
• Producers: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Twin Engine, Giggly Box

Hiiragi Yatsuse is a very shy boy, often going out of his way to help others in a bid to make friends, but he is somehow still alone. Fortunately for him, his fate intertwines with Tsumugi, an Oni girl who is in his world looking for her mother. Typical of his character, Hiiragi runs away from home and joins her on her journey, guiding her in this unknown world.

My Oni Girl highlights the importance of friendships and how much they can change people, as Hiiragi grows from his timid self into a much more confident character. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, anime fans who find warmth in familiarity will enjoy this anime.

6

The Colors Within

Expressing The Colors Within

• Japanese Title: Kimi no Iro
• Director: Naoko Yamada
• Studio: Science SARU
• Genre: Music
• Producers: TOHO, STORY

Unlike normal people, Totsuko has the ability to see the auras of people. Drawn in by the color that Kimi, her classmate, emits, she finds herself in a band with him and Rui, another music enthusiast, despite being unable to play any instrument. Now, the trio comes together to make music and express their feelings while facing their problems.

Yet another masterpiece directed by Naoko Yamada, The Colors Within focuses on themes that quietly resonate with most fans with the most stunning visuals. The main characters face highly relatable issues, such as the difficulty of facing parents and how they deal with it via music, without leaving any sour taste of teenage loneliness.

7

Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix

Dealing With The Trauma That Comes With Love

• Japanese Title: N/A
• Director: Noriko Hashimoto
• Studio: Lerche
• Genre: Boys Love, Drama
• Producers: Blue Lynx

This movie focuses on the bond between Hiiragi and Shizusumi as they rely on each other and try to heal from the death of their dear friend and bandmate, Yuki. It also ropes in Mafuyu, Yuki’s ex-boyfriend, and how he deals with his memories of his past relationship, as his current one seems to be following the same path.

Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix is an emotional anime that grips viewers with the grief that comes with love, especially the suckers of Boy Love Drama. A sequel to the Given series, this movie highlights the difficulty involved in dealing with emotional trauma and fully moving on, with a dash of good music in the mix.

8

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom

A Nostalgic Return To The Gundam Era

• Japanese Title: Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED Freedom
• Director: Mitsuo Fukuda
• Studio: Sunrise
• Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Producers: Bandai Namco Filmworks

A sequel to the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom details the story of heroes trying to keep the fragile peace of their universe and how they deal with the revival of the Destiny plan, a plan that keeps the peace but by forceful subjugation.

Most long-time anime enthusiasts are fans of the Gundam series, and the return of Gundam definitely sparked a buzz. Without much change to the art style, extra fluidity in the animation, and character portrayal that tops the other Gundam movies, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom is a great watch both for the otakus and casual anime fans.

9

Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram

A Thrilling Mystery With High-Stakes Intrigue

• Japanese Title: Meitantei Conan Movie 27: 100-man Dollar no Michishirube
• Director: Chika Nagaoka
• Studio: TMS Entertainment
• Genre: Mystery
• Producers: Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, TOHO, Nippon Television Network, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV Enterprise

One of the most long-standing franchises in anime history, Detective Conan has been nothing short of adventure after adventure, and this movie is no different. Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram starts with Kid the Phantom Thief declaring his intentions to steal a Japanese sword. However, the sword is tied to a treasure sought after by others, turning a simple theft into a wild treasure hunt.

It is no surprise that this is the highest-grossing movie in the franchise. Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram goes more into the investigative side than the other movies, with a lot of mysteries, inspirations, and unexpected twists, diving into a complexity that hardcore fans love to see.

10

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom

A Dark Fantasy Of Conquest And Resistance

• Japanese Title: Overlord Movie 3: Sei Oukoku-hen
• Director: Naoyuki Itô
• Studio: Madhouse
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Producers: Kadokawa, Kadokawa Animation, Bit grooove promotion

The sacred kingdom has kept its peace for years with the aid of a colossal wall, preventing them from attacks. However, their defense did not matter in the face of demon lord Jaldabaoth, the new leader of various beast men tribes. After a devastating loss, the sacred kingdom has no choice but to seek the aid of Momonga, the dark warrior.

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom delivers everything fans of the series would expect. Made in the typical Overlord style that fans have come to love, the movie captured the essence of the series with dramatic confrontations and strategic nuances. Any fears that it would be rushed and lacking in depth were thoroughly quenched.

11

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – Beginning Of A New Era

A Journey Of Racing, Friendship, And Rivalry

• Japanese Title: Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – Shin Jidai no Tobira
• Director: Ken Yamamoto
• Studio: CygamesPictures
• Genre: Sports
• Producers: Cygames

Being an anime based on horse-girl racing, one would not expect much of it, but the anime series exceeded expectations, with the movie doing better than the series itself. This movie follows the story of a new generation of horse girls following the footsteps of their idols and becoming champions through friendship, rivalry, and most importantly, racing.

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – Beginning Of A New Era captures the thrill and emotions that arise in competitive sports, blending it with the horse-girl plot. With beautiful animation, wonderful pacing, and epic character writing, it is an hour and 45 minutes of absolute cinema.

12

Blue Lock: Episode Nagi

A Riveting Spotlight On A Soccer Prodigy

• Japanese Title: N/A
• Director: Shunsuke Ishikawa
• Studio: 8bit
• Genre: Sports
• Producers: Kodansha, Chiptune, Bit grooove promotion, Bandai Namco Filmworks

Blue Lock: Episode Nagi is a spinoff of Blue Lock from Nagi Seishiro’s point of view, the soccer prodigy with a laid-back attitude. This story is not the typical Blue Lock one would expect, with the exhilarating match-ups and action on the pitch. Rather, it focuses on Nagi’s backstory and how his passion for soccer was ignited through intense rivalry.

Blue Lock fans have been awaiting the adaptation of the spin-off for a long time, and it was delivered to the best of their capacity. While it is hard to create a spin-off, the movie manages to engage fans of the series, especially fans of Nagi Seishiro, as they watch him grow from his perspective.

13

Look Back

A Heartbreaking Yet Heartwarming Movie

• Japanese Title: N/A
• Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
• Studio: Studio DURIAN
• Genre: Drama
• Producers: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Avex Pictures, Shueisha, Amazon MGM Studios

This series follows the story of two young artists, Ayumu Fujino and Kyomoto, who went from being rivals (on Fujino’s part) to working together to create what they love the most. However, as they pursue their passion together, life takes unexpected turns.

The movie shows the growth of these two characters, along with ups and downs that warm the heart one moment and sadden it the next, playing with the viewer’s emotions. With its beautiful animation, the film is definitely worth the watch.

14

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

An Electrifying Sports Match

• Japanese Title: Haikyuu!! Movie: Gomisuteba no Kessen
• Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
• Studio: Production I.G
• Genre: Sports
• Producers: Dentsu, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Movic, Sony Music Entertainment, TOHO animation, Shueisha

The long-awaited Battle Of The Garbage Dumpsters has finally been released! This epic movie showcases one of the most beloved sports anime of all time and a final showdown between two rivals with everything on the line. The movie pits Hinata Shoyo’s Karasuno High School against Kenma Kozume’s Nekomata High School, but who will come out on top?

The show delivers not only the thrills of a high-stakes tournament match but also breathtaking animation and thrilling volleyball action with a sprinkle of emotions, leaving viewers of the movie immersed in the experience, with goosebumps and cheering like it is a match of their own.