Last year has been an eventful one for me as an otaku. I've made a lot of discoveries—some anime-related and some not. Also, I think I watched a lot more anime compared to what I've watched in 2023, and this fact somehow got me melancholic because I never expected living this way after I was diagnosed with lupus. I really feared that after that day I wouldn't be allowed to do the stuff I usually do, and that of 'course includes watching anime, but thank God, I recovered and got stabilized for now.
Supposedly I'm going to publish this on the last day of 2024, but due to the New Year preparation and celebration in our place, I somehow left this one unfinished in drafts for almost two days. So to wrap up my 2024, allow me to share these anime series that really became memorable for me, so let's start with the farthest one that I've watched:
Gangsta
Synopsis
So the story unfolds as the two main leads are introduced. Nicholas Brown and Worrick Arcangelo, commonly known in the city of Ergastulum as the Handymen, are usually hired for jobs others can't handle or didn't want to handle. The neutral party of Ergastulum, the Handymen, handles a variety of jobs, from simple shop facade repairs to the messy assassination of a local pimp. They can do all of these—but, of 'course, with a fair price. Having been hired by the cops to do the dirty work of taking out Barry, one of the gang leaders in Ergastulum, Nicolas somehow sympathizes with one of Barry's abused prostitutes, Alex Benedetto.
After the killing of the leader, Alex has nowhere to go, and that's where the handymen decided to take her into their humble abode. Now working as the 'call attendant' of the Handymen, Alex discovers how these men truly work, and their jobs are more dangerous than she expected. An overwhelming change is coming, and it's definitely going to tip off the balance that was once established. The new threat is coming, and even the neutral party, Handymen, won't be spared.
I already made a review about this anime, so I won't be focusing on what makes it a good anime; rather, I'll share what makes it a memorable one for me. This anime is basically the first that really kept me hanging—like, is the ending really the ending? Well, of 'course, it wasn't, but its manga isn't finished, and it pretty much feels like that. Nevertheless, it was for me a memorable anime with interesting characters and really good and gripping action scenes. It's definitely a must-watch if you're into a much darker and more mature plot.
The Case Study of Vanitas
Synopsis
In the present, coincidentally with the rise of vampire sightings in the human world, Noe was sent out by his maitre to look for and study the nature of the book of Vampire of Sogetsu. While traveling towards his destination, he met a human who had unusual blue eyes. Upon seeing the book of the vampire of Sogetsu in the hands of that man, Noe confirmed his suspicion. That man was indeed the infamous Vanitas, but unlike the humor, this adherent of the blue moon doesn't punish vampires like him. Instead, he chose to deliver to those damned vampires the salvation that they've been wanting.
Curious, Noe continued to stand by his side—only to discover that Vanitas is far more mysterious than he's expecting him to be. A lot of questions came to his mind, but finding answers to those won't be an easy feat, especially when it is Vanitas who guards them. Will Noe find answers to those questions? Or will time come that, like his kin who were born under the blood moon, he too would also hate Vanitas, just as they did with the Vampire of Sogetsu?
This anime is probably one of my all-time favorites! I know I'm biased, but who can't be?—if its genres and themes were the mix of what I like the most. Aside from its plot, their character designs were one of the aspects that make this anime memorable for me. Also, I'm really a fanatic of anything that's referenced with history and literature because it made me reminisce of my younger self. So if you're up for a vampire action-fantasy anime with a lot of mysteries, eye-pleasing characters, and a tinge of romcom (hehehe hopefully my ship will sail in the coming season), then you definitely need to watch this anime!
Petshop of Horrors
Synopsis
Situated in a place called Chinatown, a mysterious place with many rare and valuable commodities, this pet shop was managed by Count D, an interesting yet mysterious man. His shop has everything from dogs to cats to birds to insects to reptiles—but what this shop offers doesn't limit itself to normal animals. This shop also caters human desires that can be fulfilled by the animal that one will buy, but unlike ordinary transactions, these transactions involve a sales contract. The contract contains three terms that, if not abided by the customer/s, the shop won't be held liable.
With a string of unusual deaths surfacing, Leon Orcot, a Washington homicide detective, decided to pay a visit to the pet shop. He had been investigating those deaths, and the only common thing that he had noticed in the victims' information is that all of them were once customers of Count D's pet shop. Intending to pin down the count on his alleged illegal transactions, Leon investigates further on the pet shop as well as the recent customers. Sensing another murder to come, he rushed into the action—only that he's quite late. But was he? Well, watch it if you want to know.
This anime is a rollercoaster experience of emotions for me because every episode features different stories from different POVs. Since its plot revolves around the mysteries of the string of unusual deaths connected to Count D's petshop, every episode felt like a surprise for me because each of them is a different case, and those kind of short mysteries with no complex plot were usually forgettable. But what really made it more unforgettable for me is how those mysteries ended. I'm really a sucker for tragedies, so yeah, most of them really ended up tragically, but in a somehow satisfying way. But how can a tragedy be satisfying? Well, watch it if you're interested, and believe me, it's definitely worth the time.
The Curse of Kazuo Umezo
Synopsis
Experiencing those unusual things, Masami blames it all on the new girl. Determined to pin Rima down, she asks her friend to help her get evidence. Together, they set up a video recorder that will eventually record the truth behind her nightmares, but what she's about to uncover is something that's bound to change the course of her once normal life—and it's something really terrifying.
The second part of the movie was about a timid girl and her vivacious friend Nanako. Despite her apparent dislike for horror movies, Miko still joins her friend in her horror movie marathons. But it seems that movies aren't enough for Nanako because, as soon as she saw the abandoned mansion, she decided to explore it with Miko. Terrified of the idea of exploring the rumored haunted mansion, Miko adamantly refuses to go with her friend, but after the persistent persuasion of Nanako, she finally gives in. Little did they know that their little tour inside the haunted mansion would be a grave mistake, and definitely there's no turning back.
I know I didn't rate this anime high because of its predictability, but nevertheless, it became a memorable one for me because it is really scary and creepy. Even though its art style and animation may not be the best ones, it definitely gave me the chills—I even dreamt of it the night after I watched it. Also, just this year, its creator, Kazuo Umezo, passed away, and it kinda saddens me because his works are definitely eye-catching, and reading his background made me discover that he had inspired younger generation of horror manga creators, and that includes one of today's renowned horror manga artist, Junji Ito. It's really saddening, for most of the horror anime are mostly underrated compared to the other genres, and I'm afraid they'll be forgotten because of the dwindling popularity of horror anime genre, so if you have to check out horror stuff, then don't forget to watch this anime, for it sure would give you the creeps.
Super Crooks
Synopsis
After serving his eight-month sentence in Supermax, Johnny was finally out of it to continue his normal life as a citizen with superpowers. With his girlfriend, Kasey, he now has a pretty decent life, but as the saying goes, a lion cannot go through life pretending to be a mouse. Being a superhero isn't an occupation but a lifestyle, and so is being a supervillain. Extraordinary people need extraordinary thrills to feel they're alive—and that's what Johnny and his other crook friends were up to. Just one last big heist, and all of them can retire to the lives they wanted.
However, the thing is that no one had ever done that before; well, many supervillains tried; that's why the Supermax is filled with them. But a supervillain, no matter how decent one's life is, can never feel alive doing the ordinary, and that's why they are out again to do another big heist. Only that—it's far more dangerous than they thought. Robbing from the legendary supervillain seems like a suicide, but the Super Crooks are definitely out for the loot and thrill! So if you wanna know what happened next, get ready to watch it now and chill.
This one is definitely one of the most memorable anime I've watched because of its catchy opening song. Anime opening songs are usually laid-back, dreamy, and mostly forgettable, but this anime really has a catchy opening that matches the coolness of its characters. Its unusual POV, which was from the villains of their world, was interesting, and that makes it distinguishable from the superhero theme anime I've watched before. Watching it was quite a new experience for me because it's not everyday that you got to stray from the usual POV of upright MCs. Johnny definitely has that crooked mindset, which I somehow strangely relate to (ahahaha). The action scenes were also unforgettable because they're well portrayed and as well as the well-executed plot twist! So if you're up for an action-packed anime with an intriguing plot and impressive animation, then you definitely need to watch this one~
Belladonna of Sadness
Synopsis
Forced to give up her virtue, Jeanne was extremely traumatized because of that horrible experience. Despite her sacrifice, her husband seemed to lack sympathy for her, but that didn't stop her from loving him. Jeanne really loved her husband, and upon seeing him slowly breaking down, a great yearning to save him surged inside her. Consumed with her great love for her husband, Jeanne asked for help from a weird spirit—who turns out to be the devil itself. She later finds herself making wrong decisions she can't undo. Can she find salvation amidst the suffering she's experiencing, or will fate, worse than death, consume her?
This is the anime that I won't really forget because it's beautifully tragic. It's really emotionally jarring, and even though I didn't experience that horrible stuff that Jeanne went through, I really felt the intensity of her pain and suffering. The art style and symbolism were unusual, yet it did a good job in portraying her story. Also, I still remember its soundtrack, which really gives off an oldies vibe! I don't know, but those songs with older vibes tend to get stuck in my mind longer than I expected. It's definitely not for all viewers because it contains sensitive issues that some may find disturbing, but nevertheless, it was an underrated masterpiece for me. So if you're up for an unconventional and unique old anime movie, then you could really give this a shot.
The Night Is Short Walk on Girl
Synopsis
Yearning to plunge into the alluring world of adulthood by herself, the raven-haired maiden embarks on a solitary walk—but her walk turned out to be far from being solitary. That night, her upperclassman secretly followed her. He'd been in love with her since the first time he saw her when she joined his club. Since then, he'd been following a strategy to make her fall for him as well. However, a year has passed, and their relationship was still like before. Not a progress has been made with those calculated encounters.
But that night, his usual calculated encounters were disrupted. That disruption began the progress of not only their relationship but as well for the people that the raven-haired maiden met that night. Despite being plagued with a lot of misfortunes, her upperclassman was still determined to do everything to make his true feelings known that night. Can he get the ultimate encounter that would finally connect their hearts? Or will he be lost among the misfortunes and internal battles he's bound to experience?
Enough with the dark stuff, so let's proceed to the lighter ones, and this anime totally qualifies with them. Looking back at the time I'm watching it, I don't quite understand what its goal really is all about. I thought that the characters there were goofing around doing comic movements that would keep the viewers entertained, but when I realized what those really meant, I felt happy because it was totally wholesome! The whole story was fun, and it's really peculiar in a good way. It's poppy visuals were entertaining to watch, and they definitely added to the charm of this anime. I really have a lot of realizations after watching it, so if you're looking for a brilliant movie that's both eccentric and entertaining, then this is definitely your sign to watch this one!
Romantic Killer
Synopsis
Depriving her of her desires just made her more desperate to resist any ikemen that will show up in her life. But the wizard was no easy opponent, for it had already planned out how to make her life like the ones she'd seen when she played otome game. A series of unlucky events and romantic cliches were plotted by Riri to make her meet her first love interest—an ikemen—and he's an extremely attractive one! Tsukasa Kazuki is sure one of the most handsome boys from her school, but her rage still runs high. She is really determined to resist any ikemen charms that will come on her way.
However, Tsukasa-kun is just the first one, and there are still more love interests that Riri plans to bring into her life. But an anti-heroine will always be an anti-heroine. Can she really resist the charms of those ikemen? Or will the wizard triumph in transforming her once romance-devoid life into a fully fledged romantic one?
Its FMC is definitely the reason why this anime is memorable for me. She's really unusual and relatable for many reasons. As an otaku, I really relate to how she usually swoons with fictional men! Yep, fictional! But even though it's relatable for me, it's somehow also unusual because it was supposed to be a romcom, but this one turned out to be mostly comedy! It's not a bad and repetitive comedy tho, but I wish it would have explored the romance part (which I doubt would happen because after all, she's a natural anti-heroine—a destroyer of real romance!) more. Its comedy and unusual FMC made it unforgettable, so if you're looking for a romcom that's predominantly comedy, then try this one for the ikemen will not surely disappoint you.
House of Five Leaves
Synopsis
So it started when Masanosuke Akitsu was dismissed again by his master due to his unreliability. Since he already didn't have a master, he wandered in Edo Japan as a ronin. He was a nice man, and he wasn't really a bad samurai. He was even a strong one, but his overly meek personality undermines his reputation as a respectable samurai. He often humbles himself to the point that you'll question if he's even a samurai. With his resolve and capacity questioned, that soon pushed him to the brink of dejection.
However, just as he's at the lowest point of his life, a man approaches him. That man was completely the opposite of Masa because you can really sense the air of self-assurance in him. His carefree nature was also intriguing, and apparently he's in need of a bodyguard. Drawn with the man's enthralling charisma, Masa gladly accepted the job. But little did he know, it isn't just an ordinary bodyguard job. He later finds himself tangled with the shady group called Five Leaves, which was led by the charismatic man himself, Yaichi. With him drawn to muddy waters, Masa struggles between his needs and principles, but his curiosity is sure strong because he intends to unveil the mystery that shadowed the Five Leaves—especially the one that lies behind their leader, Yaichi.
This one is definitely one of the anime that has a unique art style. Even though the plot was decent and well-written, it's definitely not for those who seek thrill and adrenaline rush. Rather than focusing on the unfolding sequence of events, its plot is more character-driven. Also, the MC is such a cutie for me, and even though it isn't really the complete character improvement, I'm glad his character somehow improved. It's a cozy watch for those who are comfortable with slowburn anime, so if you're into an anime that's not that fast-paced, then try this Edo period-themed anime series because its end won't really leave you hanging.
Yatagarasu
Synopsis
So the story happened in the land of Yamauchi, where there live the three-legged ravens that took human form and they're called yatagarasu. The yatagarasu lived among the mountains, and there they built a kingdom ruled by Kin'u. A true Kin'u is a golden raven whose not only a ruler among the yatagarasu—but also both a mother and father to all of them. Unlike the previous Kin'u, the current ruling Kin'u isn't the firstborn son; rather, he's the second son born to a concubine. This caused quite a stir in the imperial courts, with the Queen enraged that her son, the eldest, wasn't chosen to be one.
Despite the fact that he's already hailed as the next Kin'u, this doesn't stop those who question and oppose him. He must, with all his strengths and wits, maintain the balance and peace in Yamauchi, and while doing this he also need to choose himself a wife among the four young women. But choosing among them isn't as easy as choosing the best clothes, for a wrong decision could tip off the subtle balance among the four nations. Will it be from the warriors of the North, artisans of the West, musicians of the East, or merchants of the South? Each of these women has motives and secrets—both potentially good and bad.
The plot twist in this anime is one of the aspects that made this unforgettable for me. I did see some of it coming, but the major one was kinda unpredictable. The foreshadowing was so subtle to the point that you'll think it's just a trivial detail, but in reality it's really part of a bigger one. Also, the characters were certainly well-written, all of them with different secrets and motives. Its lore was also fascinating because, unlike most of the historical anime that were mostly set in older years, this one is possibly set in the modern era. It's like one of my childhood what-ifs whenever I venture woods... What if there's a kingdom beyond those tall trees? How will it possibly look like? Well, Yamauchi isn't like the one that I've imagined, but it's really fascinating if such creatures do exist. Lol, I kinda got carried away, so anyways, if you're interested in a historical anime that has fascinating fantasy, then try this underrated 2024 gem.
Dungeon Meshi
Synopsis
A small group of adventurers—a tall man, an elf, a half-foot, and a dwarf—venture down the dungeon, navigating among its mysterious and dangerous paths. They slay every monster that may come in their path, and afterwards they make them into their meals. With Senshi's superb cooking skills and the dungeon's abundance of monsters, they never have a shortage of food. But hunger is the least concern they have as they descend towards the deepest part, for this mysterious dungeon has its perks and threats. It offers your desires, but it can also give you your greatest fear. It is both fascinating and dangerous, not only because of the various monsters that thrive in there.
Bonds will be tested as they get to know each other more in the dungeon, where hierarchy doesn't exist and only the living get the privilege to eat.
How could I forget Laios Touden's eccentricity? His fascination with monsters was both astounding and creepy at the same time. Their group is full of oddballs, but Laios really stand out among them. He's basically the epitome of curiosity with no bounds, and although some may not like his optimistic nature (because they find it indifferent), that's one of the reasons why he's a memorable character. Aside from its unforgettable MCs, their world-building was also interesting. Further, I also can't forget that most (if not all) monsters can be turned into delicious cuisines! This anime was really good at balancing the comedy and dark themes, so if you're looking for a fun yet intriguing fantasy, then it's definitely your time to descend and watch this dungeon adventure!
The Magical Girl and The Evil Lieutenant Used to be Archenemies
Synopsis
Overcome with Byakuya's cuteness, the once devoted evil lieutenant wavered. His cruel and merciless persona crumbled upon the presence of the innocent Byakuya. His budding affection became stronger when he discovered her selflessness. But since she's selfless, she couldn't possibly give up her responsibility as a magical girl who protects the people from evil, right? The problem of their different backgrounds arises, and as the story progressed, it became more apparent that he's head over heels for her.
He wants her to be happy, but she's too selfless to really do what she wants. However, due to their frequent meetings, slowly she started to yearn for something. Can she realize that she can also be sometimes selfish and want something—or someone that's supposedly forbidden? Or will she stay being the ideal and selfless magical girl that the people expected her to be?
Now, I'm down with the last one, and its the most recent anime I've finished watching. This one is the most wholesome romance anime I've watched this year! The main characters were both cute, and I certainly can't forget how cute and sweet their interactions were. It's undeniably an adorable anime with an end that's bittersweet. Bitter because we know that their love story won't really have a proper ending for the creator already passed away, and sweet because the memory of their endless love story will be untainted with the cruelness of the realities of their differences. So if you're up for a cute and heartwarming romance between a hero and villain, then this one is totally a must-watch!
And that concludes my list for the anime that really had a lasting impression on me this year, so btw, what are yours? Feel free to share it/them in the comments, and if you have an anime recommendation for this 2025, please do also share! That's all for now, minna-san; hopefully you enjoyed reading this list.
Arigatou and ja ne~
The only one I saw is Pet Shop of Horror, very good story, seems quiet, but then surprises at the end of each chapter haha the others I did not see, some I know, but they look interesting 👀
Yes! Petshop of Horrors did really have an interesting plot. Each episode's end was indeed a shocker, for it started in a quite unsuspecting way (with just a little intrigue), then later on a murder case will appear, and finally a tragic ending happens, which is usually satisfying... I didn't expect that it would just end that way, but nevertheless it was worth watching, tho I somehow wish it would have lasted longer.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by and ja ne~
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I only saw dungeon meshi its so good! I always love the reaction of the elf girl every time they eat hahahha
Yep, it was definitely a very entertaining anime... Marcille is really picky with foods, but it's always the hungry stomach that triumphs ahahahhaaha
I've watched most of these but my favorite would be the The Case Study of Vanitas! I need the next season so bad! I also suggest that you should also try Apothecary Diaries, it will be worth it!
Ahahhahahaha sameee~ I'm really looking forward to how things will unfold, especially with the revelation in the last eps...As for Apothecary Diaries, uhmmm, I'm already following its manga since then, and up until now I still don't have that enough yearning to watch its anime. Anyways I've watched some of its clips, and I'm glad those hilarious scenes from the manga were adapted well.
todos están interesantes jeje, buen post!
all are interesting hehe, good post!
Thank you~ There were a lot of good and interesting anime this year, and making this list was quite taxing because I really need to reminisce those that really lasted longer in my memory.
Btw, thanks as well for stopping by!
Alright, amongst your list, I've seen the case study of Vanitas and it was beautiful!
Case Study of Vanitas is indeed lovely—the characters, the lore, the plot, up to its art style and animation—everything captivated me. I'm really looking forward to how things will unfold from the last events of its last season.
Great list @ridgette, I love how you shared why each anime stood out for you, it makes me want to check them out 😻
I hope you will because they're really nice and entertaining ones... Thanks for stopping by!
What a list of anime, you watched a lot more than me. I only watched Yatagarasu and only half of it because it had been discontinued. I have yet to finish watching it.
Oh...yes, I did watch more anime series last year than in 2023...and you definitely need to finish Yatagarasu, especially if you're still not on the part where the new lady raven was revealed—that part was definitely the most memorable part for me! It's the turning point of the plot, so yesss... It's really a must-watch.
Thank you for sharing this post with the community and for preferring us, it is a pleasure for us to have you here.
We hope to see you soon. Best regards!
Arigatou~ Best regards as well!
Wow and I thought I had seen anime this year hahaha I see I haven't. The only one from that list I watched was Gangsta and the truth is it was crazy, the plot especially. But well, good review, there I have several that I can add to the pending.
Cheers!!!
Gangsta>♡ The plot was really good, tho I wish it ended in a more reassuring manner—like it's ok to be a cliffhanger, but it ended with still a lot of problems going unresolved, and the end even presented a vague and bigger issue, which really bugged me for a while. Anyways, there are really a lot of enjoyable anime that I've watched last year, and it will be nice if you'll also try them.
Yang Gangsta parang napanood ko na but I can't remember much about it nam that The Case Study of Vanitas, diko pa tapos. And that Romantic Killer will be my one of my favorite talaga. The best! The rest diko oa napapanood. Dami mong napanood ahhhh
Luh those were just the memorable ones... I think naging forgettable yung Gangsta for you kasi medg meh yung ending nya, like ang exciting na nang nangyayari then binitin ka lang sa end. Sa case study of Vanitas naman hopefully you'll finish it kasi entertaining talaga yung season 2 hehehe, and as for Romantic Killer nakakatawa talaga siya at napaka-wholesome rin. Btw, thanks for stopping by and hopefully you'll also try watching those other anime na nasa list.
I've watched Romantic Killer and it was indeed a fun and entertaining watch! 🧡 Meanwhile, "The Case Study of Vanitas" and "The Night is Short, Walk on Girl" have been in my watchlist for a while now. I gotta watch these soon. ✨
Yep, you should really watch those two because they're both entertaining and satisfying to watch! Romantic Killer was totally a fun anime. It really had a lot of comedy gags that were hilarious. The FMC never failed to make me laugh, especially when she's doing those ridiculous faces hahahhha
Wow... What a list... Not even I can mention so many animes in a single post.
Excellent.
Thank you! It did take me a while to select among the anime series I've watched this year, especially with the new year rush I got caught up to. It's a wrap-up, so as much as possible, I tried to conclude it nicely.
Thanks once again and ja ne~
Your list has me curious about some titles—thanks for the recommendations!
I'm glad it did! Choosing the memorable ones among the anime series I've watched last year was somehow a hard feat. There are a lot of good stuff, and I'm glad that what I've included in the list somehow got you curious. Hopefully you can try watching some of them later.
Thanks for stopping by, and see you around!