2024 was an amazing year for anime fans, as we got projects such as Solo Leveling, Dandadan, and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 on our screens. However, there were many anime series that didn’t get the attention they deserved from the fandom. These underrated anime TV shows were released in 2024 but were overshadowed by other massive projects. So, if you are also looking for such hidden gems, this list includes the most underrated anime of 2024.
1. The Witch and The Beast
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Thriller
- Release Date: January 12, 2024
- Studio: Yokohama Animation Laboratory
- Episodes: 12
The Witch and the Beast is an anime series that was released in January 2024 and ran until April 2024 on Crunchyroll. Despite boasting amazing characters and an impeccable storyline, the anime unfortunately couldn’t grab the attention of a broader audience due to the lack of marketing.
Well, if you’re a fan who is always on the lookout for dark fantasy stories, The Witch and The Beast is worth giving a shot. The anime perfectly balances the dark fantasy and mythological elements while also taking care of the visuals, which eventually makes it a treat for the eyes.
The series revolves around a young woman named Guideau and her partner Ashaf, who are destined to come together to solve mysteries involving magic. Together, the duo must stop the witch Angela and her coven in their ill motives against humanity.
2. Oblivion Battery
- Genre: Sports
- Release Date: April 10, 2024
- Studio: MAPPA
- Episodes: 12
For someone who loves sports anime like Blue Lock or Haikyu, you shouldn’t miss Oblivion Battery, which arrived on the streaming platforms in Spring 2024. MAPPA has worked on the project, so it’s surprising that it didn’t create as much hype as its other projects like Jujutsu Kaisen and AOT Final part.
Oblivion Battery is the complete package as it includes everything that a sports anime should have. Be it the character development, a promising plotline, or breathtaking animation, the anime series has it all.
Haruka Kiyomine and Kei Kaname were the star pitchers and catchers, respectively, and were feared by every other baseball player in their school until the latter developed amnesia. However, the duo must not give up on their dreams and continue playing despite Kei’s memory loss.
3. Go! Go! Laser Ranger!
- Genre: Superhero
- Release Date: April 7, 2024
- Studio: Yostar Pictures
- Episodes: 12
Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is a hidden gem that couldn’t get enough popularity like other mainstream anime projects due to a lack of marketing. Also, many fans would have seen it as a parody of Power Rangers. However, it’s just a misconception – Go! Go! Loser Ranger! has much more to offer.
The character growth in Go! Go! Loser Ranger! will hit you emotionally multiple times. Also, the action scenes, while funny at times, will have you on the edge of your seat. Finally, let’s not forget the unique premise. We’ve all rooted for heroes, but this anime series will have you cheer for the villains.
Go! Go! Loser Ranger! forces you to feel for the defeated villains who stand up against the good guys after accumulating all their courage several years later. Defeated by the heroes, the villains who once tried to invade the Earth face humiliation in front of a massive crowd every Sunday.
So, they join forces with the Keepers squadron to fight the ‘good guys’ who are slowly becoming oppressors themselves.
4. Ishura Season 1
- Genre: Action
- Release Date: January 3, 2024
- Studio: Passione and Sanzigen
- Episodes: 12
Ishura sometimes makes us feel that we are playing some sort of action video game. Fans who have a deep love for action projects will surely find Ishura to be one of the best anime they have ever laid their eyes on. However, you have to wait patiently for the anime to pick up the pace, as it doesn’t rush. Instead, it takes things slow. So, if you handle your curiosity until the fourth episode, there’s no looking back.
Following the defeat of the demon king, the demigods start fighting each other to prove themselves worthy of the title True Hero. To be precise, it’s the story of good guys competing against each other to showcase their might.
5. The Fable
- Genre: Comedy, Thriller
- Release Date: April 7, 2024
- Studio: Tezuka Productions
- Episodes: 25
The Fable is one such anime that blends humor and intense elements brilliantly. Moreover, the series features some of the most well-written anime characters, making it worth a while. Despite being an adult anime series, its tone is pretty lighthearted, and that’s what makes it more entertaining.
Following numerous assassinations, a skilled hitman is tasked to spend his days as an ordinary civilian for a year to avoid getting on the radar of the ones searching for him. It’s an emotional yet humorous tale where you will see a character stopping himself from showing off his incredible fighting skills to everyone around him.
6. Bucchigiri?!
- Genre: Comedy, Supernatural
- Release Date: January 13, 2024
- Studio: MAPPA
- Episodes: 12
Bucchigiri!! follows Arajin Tomoshibi, a young man who returns to his hometown after five years. He enrolls in one of the prestigious schools in the town, and he meets Matakara Asamine, his childhood friend. He also develops a crush on one of the prettiest girls in the school, Mahoro.
Seeing him taking an interest in her, other boys of the school start antagonizing him. Things have not been pleasant for Tomoshibi since the beginning, but everything gets even more complex when a genie named Senya enters the picture.
Bucchigiri!? is an original anime animated by MAPPA, so there is no doubt the animation quality is top-notch. Besides that, the anime is brilliantly crafted with action, comedy, character growth, and an intriguing setting. Bucchigiri?! is an all-in-one package that deserves every bit of appreciation.
7. Sengoku Youko: Yonaoshi Kyoudai-hen
- Genre: Fantasy
- Release Date: January 11, 2024
- Studio: White Fox
- Episodes: 21
Sengoku Youko: Yonaoshi Kyoudai-hen is set in a world where humans and monsters, called Katawara, co-exist. Tama Youko, a Katawara, travels the world along with a human named Jinka Yamato so that they can fight evil, even if they have to go against their own kind.
Due to the lack of marketing, the anime couldn’t receive the love it deserved. It’s one of the most worthy anime of Winter 2024 that every enthusiast must consider watching; be it the chemistry between the characters or the script, everything has been beautifully crafted.
8. Bartender: Glass of God
- Genre: Slice-of-life
- Release Date: April 4, 2024
- Studio: Liber
- Episodes: 12
Bartender: Glass of God follows Ryuu Sasakura, a barman who knows how to curate a drink for every customer that can provide solace to every customer, no matter what trouble they are going through. Once the Chairman of Hotel Cardinal comes across him, he tries to convince Ryuu to quit his existing job and take responsibility for the bar at his hotel. However, unlike other candidates, Ryuu isn’t an easy catch.
Someone who is aware of Palm Studio’s Bartender anime series, which was released in 2006, may know that Glass of God is its remake. The anime is a lighthearted Seinen anime show that will make you feel relaxed with its pleasant setting. In addition to that, the relatable characters will let you connect to them with ease.
9. Mission: Yozakura Family
- Genre: Spy, Romantic Comedy
- Release Date: April 7, 2024
- Studio: Silver Link
- Episodes: 22
- Where to Watch: Hulu
Mission: Yozakura Family revolves around Taiyo Asano, who finds comfort in his childhood friend Mutsumi Yozakura, who comes from an influential family of spies. Following chaos with her family, Taiyo eventually becomes Mutsumi’s husband. Well, to protect his wife, Taiyo must train harder to become a potent spy himself.
This anime can be considered a perfect mix of action, comedy, and, of course, romance. Despite primarily being a spy action anime series, it consists of a lighthearted aspect that surely helps it make a place in every viewer’s heart.
10. Brave Bang Bravern!
- Genre: Mecha, Science Fiction
- Release Date: January 11, 2024
- Studio: CygamesPictures
- Episodes: 12
The story of Brave Bang Bravern is set in the far future and sees a war between humans and deadly humanoid weapons. Japan Ground Self-Defence Force’s Isami Ao and the United States Marine Corpse’s Lewis Smith cross paths on Oahu’s battlefield. However, after the arrival of a mysterious enemy, they learn that they need to take control of some Super Robots to earn victory.
The anime series is said to be the successor of the famed Brave franchise. So, it’s obvious this mecha anime series from Cygames was bound to be a masterpiece. With a steady pace and a marvelous take on the mecha genre, this anime is a must-watch for every enthusiast.
So yeah, if you are looking to start any new anime series, why won’t you give these a try before some of the most anticipated anime of 2025 start airing next year? Did we miss out on any other hidden gems? Let us know in the comments below.
