Summary
The year 2024 has been a great year for anime fans far and wide, no matter the genre. From epic new releases such asDandadanandThe Elusive Samuraito long-standing franchises such asBleach: Thousand-Year Blood WarandMushoku 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 Jun 13, 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.
1Mononoke The Movie: Phantom In The Rain
Supernatural Intrigue With A Mix Of Stunning Visual Storytelling
A horror anime based on the TV seriesMononoke, 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 bestand 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.
2Trapezium
Overcoming Challenges In The Search For Purpose
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 sideTrapeziumportrays 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.
3Boku No Hero Academia The Movie 4: You’re Next
A Story Of Trust, Camaraderie, And Unbreakable Will
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 animationdisplaying Studio Bones’ effort to the soundtracksthat made those scenes electrifying. Although the plot might not be revolutionary, it does the trick and keeps fans satiated.
4Oomuro-ke: Dear Sisters
Love, Laughter, And The Celebration Of Sisterhood
While this movie is often perceived asa Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT) anime, the heartwarming interactions between the characters make it more than that. A spinoff of theOomure-keseries, 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.
5My Oni Girl
A Heartwarming Tale Of Friendship And Adventure
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 Girlhighlightsthe importance of friendshipsand 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.
6The Colors Within
Expressing The Colors Within
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 Withinfocuses on themes that quietly resonate with most fanswith 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.
7Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix
Dealing With The Trauma That Comes With Love
This movie focuses on the bond between Hiiragi and Shizusumi as they rely on each other and attempt 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 Mixis an emotional anime that grips viewers with the grief that comes with love, especially thesuckers of Boy Love Drama. A sequel to theGivenseries, this movie highlights the difficulty involved in dealing with emotional trauma and fully moving on, with a dash of good music in the mix.
8Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
A Nostalgic Return To The Gundam Era
A sequel to theMobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny,Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedomdetails 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 theGundamseries, and the return ofGundamdefinitely 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 Freedomis a great watch both for the otakus and casual anime fans.
9Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram
A Thrilling Mystery With High-Stakes Intrigue
One of the most long-standing franchises in anime history,Detective Conanhas been nothing short of adventure after adventure, and this movie is no different.Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagramstarts 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 Pentagramgoes more into the investigative sidethan the other movies, with a lot of mysteries, inspirations, and unexpected twists, diving into a complexity that hardcore fans love to see.
10Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom
A Dark Fantasy Of Conquest And Resistance
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 Kingdomdelivers 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.
