Recommendations (What to Watch, What to Avoid, etc.)
Boy, this was a long way to make this post. A bit late, but we have more data to bring you the best winter anime 2024 recommendations. It’s a new year with new batch of anime season. Here, we’ll unfold all the anime worth watching or mentioning in this season. So, without further ado, let’s get right in.
What to Watch – Winter Anime 2024
Solo Leveling
- JP/ROM Title: Ore dake Level Up na Ken
- Total Episodes: 12 (currently airing)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Source: Web manga
- About: Action Adventure, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/1kQwjK4rGYg
Review: From what has transpired so far, I’d say the hype is worth it. The top-notch animation, impactful sound, story & its pacing, everything is going the right way. Although, the starting is a bit slow and it takes time to get to the fun part, I’d say the buildup is more than welcomed.
Delicious in Dungeon
- JP/ROM Title: Dungeon Meshi
- Total Episodes: 24 (currently airing)
- Studio: Studio Trigger
- Source: Manga
- About: Comedy, Fantasy, Gourmet
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/MUJFsL_rE6E
Review: A mix of food and comedy just the way I like it. In terms of quality such as the visuals, storyboarding, sound design, it’s crafted perfectly. And the comedy hits just right. It even has detailed recipes with the weird ingredients from this world. The characters have distinct quirks to them and their interaction with each other is likable. It’s a relaxing experience in a piece of hell where death is element, kind of like Made in Abyss. It’s a whole lot better than MAPPA’s Campfire Cooking anime.
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic
- JP/ROM Title: Chiyu Mahou no Machigatta Tsukaikata
- Total Episodes: 13 (currently airing)
- Studios: Shin-Ei Animation, Studio Add
- Source: Light novel
- About: Isekai, Fantasy, Action Adventure
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/bcnTiXfnDos
Review: This is definitely the one to watch this season. Yes, the isekai thing might have gotten dull for some by now but this one is pretty well made. The world building is well structured, characters properly written, and the fight scenes are great and meaningful. Also, I’ve been anticipating this for a while so it’s nice to see this delivers.
Bucchigiri?!
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Total Episodes: 12 (currently airing)
- Studio: MAPPA
- Source: Original
- About: Martial Art, Delinquency, Comedy, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/WbgUMZ-GXUg
Review: Here’s an anime that knows how to style. It’s set in an Arab area with Genies knows as Honki beings. With the mix of martial art and delinquents, it keeps things interesting. I’ve talked about this here if wanna see more about it.
‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess
- JP/ROM Title: Himesama “Goumon” no Jikan desu
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Pine Jam
- Source: Manga
- About: Comedy, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/0yQFJhl0zyk
Review: Ever heard of killing with kindness? Yep, this is that kind of anime where the princess is captured by the demon lord’s army and tortured by eating delicious food in front of her. And also many other kind things you no one even treat their guests. It’s fun, cozy, and enjoyable.
Sengoku Youko
- JP/ROM Title: Sengoku Youko: Yonaoshi Kyoudai-hen
- Total Episodes: 13 (currently airing)
- Studio: White Fox
- Source: Manga
- About: Action Adventure, Mythological, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/RblpbHLx6ZA
Review: Liked what I’ve seen so far. It’s got a nice aesthetic, rich lore, and likable characters. But the plot kind of fell off for me and I’ve yet to see where it goes. I’m down for the ride.
The Way of Pon
- JP/ROM Title: Pon no Michi
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: OLM, Team Inoue
- Source: Original
- About: Strategy Game, Mahjong, CGDCT
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/CF5d7u45Zr4
Review: Watch it, it’s good. The goofy character animation is cute to watch and the overall direction is great. So watch it.
Sasaki and Peeps
- JP/ROM Title: Sasaki to Pii-chan
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Silver Link
- Source: Light novel
- About: Isekai, Action Adventure, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/zMw-VTsoW1c
Review: Ever seen a Sparrow fighting a Demon Girl?! (click to watch this short clip.) This anime is fun to watch. Its laid-back aspect might be off putting but it’s unironically funny. It explores both worlds: this one and the fantasy one. Both has different rules and system. And out middle-aged protagonist basically becomes the sleeper agent and one of the most power being in both world.
The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash
- JP/ROM Title: Saijaku Tamer wa Gomi Hiroi no Tabi wo Hajimemashita.
- Total Episodes: 12 (currently airing)
- Studio: Studio Massket
- Source: Light novel
- About: Adventure, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/LtwLjXQ3p1A
Review: Here’s another amazing anime. Instead of showing a backstory or exposition, we’re hoped into the ride with the MC that helped us understand what she’s going through. And it’s paced subtly, giving us the view of what loneliness feels like with a beautiful artwork and OST as backdrops, then we see her getting back on her feet, making it anyway she can, and her persistence pays off. Because of her circumstance, she manages to discover things that are overlooked and it works in her favor. It’s an adorable anime that anyone can enjoy. Only if the title was better.
The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil
- JP/ROM Title: Oroka na Tenshi wa Akuma to Odoru
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Children’s Playground Entertainment, Gaina
- Source: Manga
- About: Rom-Com, School, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/GCR_GtimW9g
Review: This has an interesting premise; not the typical school rom-com anime. I have yet to watch where it went but I don’t mind sticking out till the end. Maybe they botched it, LOL. They should’ve named this foolish devil dancing with the angel, since the angel is the evil one.
Meiji Gekken: 1874
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Total Episodes: 10 (finished airing)
- Studio: Tsumugi Akita Animation Lab
- Source: Original
- About: Historical, Samurai
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/KFXFaqExw7o
Review: Another original anime with good production. This is the studio’s second-ish work and it’s looking great. The plot development has something to be intigued about. It takes post-war in the Meiji era where things are a bit shaky in Japan. And our overly optimistic protagonist fits right in.
Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
- JP/ROM Title: Dosanko Gal wa Namara Menkoi
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Silver Link, Blade
- Source: Manga
- About: School, CGDCT, Romance
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/Slv7WZ_4vS8
Review: Trendy girls still being trendy in bone shaking winter, and the MC finds that adorable. It’s an anime about gals being gals, then there are some character developments. Watch it if you need another laid-back anime with cute girls in it. (So many laid-back shows this season.)
Delusional Monthly Magazine
- JP/ROM Title: Gekkan Mousou Kagaku
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: OLM
- Source: Original
- About: Comedy, Workplace, Fantasy, Mystery
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/s1GZQrI5fzE
Review: Fun, mysterious, and colorful, this is definitely the one to look out this season. The supernatural aspect mixed with magazine publishing is a fine blend. The show is kind of episodic with bad guys plot something, then got beat up and falls back. But it builds up more lore every episode and the mystery gets intriguing. It’s got a cool Ending theme BTW.
Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord
- JP/ROM Title: Akuyaku Reijou Level 99: Watashi wa Ura-Boss desu ga Maou dewa Arimasen
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Jumondo
- Source: Light novel
- About: Isekai, Fantasy, School
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/ODtKada4LM0
Review: Just another isekai anime where the MC reincarnates into a Villainess’ body. What’s different is that the MC already accepted her fate and tries to stay quiet, just get by without making a fuss. But the plot demands that trouble follow her and ruin her peaceful existence. But she has a hax she’s born with, she’s OP ASF. And her cool, calm demeanor easily overcomes any insults thrown at her. She basically has to deal with all sorts of BS thrown at her at a daily basis and come out on top. Other than the occurrences inside the anime, I feel bad for the VA who has to narrate everything and that might get annoying since there’s hardly any quiet moment; meaning show, don’t tell.
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
- JP/ROM Title: Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimama na Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu suru
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Studio Kai, HORNETS
- Source: Light novel
- About: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/BeyQ4hPDPUI
Review: They really gotta go easy on the title, who needs such a long one?! Mattaku… Anyways, the anime is good. The MC gets killed then comes back to a certain point from where she gets to relive her life but then inevitably meets her demise. But after 7th time, she takes a different route and ends up with her killer as her fiancé. Then the drama continues. Oh, and she gets to keep the memories of her past lives and everything she learned. Her path is still filled with danger and uncertainty.
My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me!
- JP/ROM Title: Sokushi Cheat ga Saikyou sugite, Isekai no Yatsura ga Marude Aite ni Naranai n desu ga.
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Okuruto Noboru
- Source: Light novel
- About: Isekai, Parody, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/izwiek6ZT7Q
Review: Full of clichés, trashy villains, predictable plot, but the comedy makes it fun to sit through. It doesn’t act like those other anime where they take everything seriously for no reason when things are unironically a laughingstock. It knows it’s using all the clichés and it works due to the comedy at work (including that ridiculously long title). So yeah, it’s worth it.
Mr. Villain’s Day Off
- JP/ROM Title: Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation, SynergySP
- Source: Web manga
- About: Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/lXhOIAoTnXw
Review: Another laid-back funny anime that also peak. This is where a villain tries to enjoy his off day, but trouble finds him due to the reputation he carries, often running into heroes who are always looking for a fight (makes me wonder who really is the bad guy). The villain doesn’t have a name, neither does any other characters, what matters is the story they have to tell. Another good this about it is that its got funky OP and ED, which are enjoyable.
Ninja Kamui
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Total Episodes: 12 (currently airing)
- Studio: E&H Production, Sola Entertainment
- Source: Original
- About: Action, Gore
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/phzYW8uo6JM
Review: Great show, another must watch. Considering all the laid-back shows we’ve got this season, this one shakes up everything and delivers a killer experience (LOL). I’ve already talked about this here so check it for more info.
The Unwanted Undead Adventurer
- JP/ROM Title: Nozomanu Fushi no Boukensha
- Total Episodes: 12 (finished airing)
- Studio: Connect
- Source: Original
- About: Action Adventure, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/zzbm_d03KqM
Review: When you lose your life but not your mind… I don’t know where I was going with this, nor I can’t tell whether this show is funny or not. I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far due to the MC’s condition and how he deals with things. Something tells me he’s gonna get popular then shunned due to his unnatural quirks. Either way, I’m enjoying this.
Sequels
These are the sequels coming out this season i.e., season 2, season 3, etc. Won’t be explaining much about them since their prior reputation have put them in the radar for anticipation for sequels.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles – The Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc
- JP/ROM Title: Mashle: Shinkakusha Kouho Senbatsu Shiken-hen
- Season: 2nd
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
- JP/ROM Title: Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu
- Season: 2nd
The Dangers in My Heart
- JP/ROM Title: Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu
- Season: 2nd
Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga
- JP/ROM Title: Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu
- Season: 3rd
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage
- JP/ROM Title: Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun 2nd Stage
- Season: 2nd
Banished From The Hero’s Party, I Decided To Live A Quiet Life In The Countryside
- JP/ROM Title: Shin no Nakama ja Nai to Yuusha no Party wo Oidasareta node, Henkyou de Slow Life suru Koto ni Shimashita
- Season: 2nd
Urusei Yatsura (2022)
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Season: 2nd
Shaman King: Flowers
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Season: 2nd
Kingdom
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Season: 5th
The Fire Hunter
- JP/ROM Title: Hikari no Ou
- Season: 2nd
Synduality: Noir Part 2
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Season: 1st
High Card
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Season: 2nd
Movies/OVAs – Winter Anime 2024
Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation
- JP/ROM Title: Monsters: Ippyaku Sanjou Hiryuu Jigoku
- Type: ONA (1 episode)
- Studio: E&H Production
- Source: Manga
- About: Action, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/_NKRzi7kh6Y
Review: From Eiichiro Oda, the author of One Piece, comes the one-shot manga and this anime of the same title. And it’s awesome. It even connected back to One Piece itself, which isn’t in the manga and pays homage to this legendary character whose influence still lives on in Wano. It’s amazing.
Great Pretender: Razbliuto
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Type: OVA (4 episodes)
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Source: Original
- About: Adventure, Mystery, Organized Crime
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/qwRdgevao6I
Review: Haven’t watched it but gonna since the original was OK, even though they botched the ending.
Sand Land: The Series
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Type: ONA (13 episodes)
- Studio: Sunrise, Anima, Kamikaze Douga
- Source: Manga
- About: Action Adventure, Fantasy
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/qrdPMpDe46U
Review: The creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama‘s last work when he was still kicking that finally got realized. Aside from the sentiment, both the anime and the game are pretty good. It’s got flashed out characters, detailed world building and the many fun moments to go along.
My Happy Marriage: The Shape of My Happiness
- JP/ROM Title: Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon: Watashi no Shiawase na Katachi
- Type: OVA (1 episode)
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Source: Novel
- About: Fantasy, Romance, Historical
- Trailer: N/A
Review: TBA
Haikyu!! Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump
- JP/ROM Title: Haikyuu!! Movie: Gomisuteba no Kessen
- Type: Movie (2 episodes)
- Studio: Production I.G
- Source: Manga
- About: Sports, Volleyball, School
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/MqVA0dl36bc
Review: Can’t believe this is still going. Yes, this is a must watch. It’s supposed to be the final.
Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction
- JP/ROM Title: DeDeDeDe/DDDD
- Type: Movie (2 episodes)
- Studio: Production +h.
- Source: Manga
- About: Sci-Fi, Adventure
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/JqsPrYf5ZYM
Review: Heard some good things about the manga. Don’t know how the movie is though. One movie came out and the other will come out in May. Gonna watch it. The trailer looks great and loving the artstyle.
Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- Type: Movie
- Studio: Shaft
- Source: Light novel
- About: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/Uxv1QDXiZok
Review: Compilation of the three Kizumonogatari movies, nothing else to say about it.
Detective Conan vs. Kid the Phantom Thief
- JP/ROM Title: Meitantei Conan vs. Kaitou Kid
- Type: Movie
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Source: Manga
- About: Detective, Mystery
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/CVzIBHlH7Ec
Review: A compilation film of Kaitou’s story in movie format. What else can I say, HYPE!!!
What to Avoid/Watch if you got time/Drop – Winter Anime 2024
These are the ones that didn’t find quite intriguing. But that could be just me; someone else have found them worth watching. But I will try to explain why these are the ones that to avoid or drop if you are still watching.
A Sign of Affection
- JP/ROM Title: Yubisaki to Renren
- About: Romance
Review: A bit too dazzling. But that’s not the reason to drop. It’s the plot about a deaf girl having a crush on a really popular guy and the girls gushes over him. I don’t know the point of making the girl deaf (maybe make it like A Silent Voice and pity her, forget what I said), but she’s living a great life. A good family, good friend circle, a childhood friend who looks out for her, she has a great life. Yet IDK why I gotta be intrigued about her crush when she doesn’t see her childhood friend being in love with her. Or IDK, I’m being too harsh. Anyway, it’s dropped.
The Witch and the Beast
- JP/ROM Title: Majo to Yajuu
- About: Action, Fantasy
Review: There’re plenty of things to like about this. Then why dropped it? It’s more like taking a break from it. I like the chemistry between the main duo and how the world is explored. But most of the time it feels like things aren’t moving or unnecessary things are bloating the screentime. And there’s the anime BS where the witch has to kiss a vampire to unleash her beast, IDK maybe I’m getting tired of such systems in anime. Either way, it’s fun to watch.
Metallic Rouge
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- About: Action, Sci-Fi
Review: Here’s a cut-and-dry show for you. It pretends to be cool in a bleak, dark world. But I got confused what I’m supposed to follow in the story. It goes back and forth and that lost my interest. And this might be a yuri bait, IDK since I dropped it. The fun part is when there’s actual action happening on screen. And when Kenjiro Tsuda‘s character speaks. Other than that, it’s just plain cut-and-dry.
Ishura
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- About: Action, Gore, Fantasy
Review: Well, if you’ve watched episode 1 then came back a week later for episode 2, then you’ll be lost since the show itself doesn’t keep track of where it’s going. The characters and the promise of exploring the world get thrown out of the window and spattered with politics BS. Thus, the drop.
Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
- JP/ROM Title: Gekai Elise
- About: Isekai, Fantasy, Romance
Review: The only interesting part about this is before the MC got isekai’ed. Then it’s the typical plot where she gets super popular, faces some BS and superstitions in the bygone era, meddles with the politics, and cultivates her reverse harem. Dropped. Though, I don’t know if this gets any interesting afterwards, seeing the MAL rating there…
Fluffy Paradise
- JP/ROM Title: Isekai de Mofumofu Nadenade suru Tame ni Ganbattemasu.
- About: Isekai, Fantasy
Review: This anime is pretty decent. I’d put this in “Watch if you got time” category instead of dropping it completely. Though it’s not free from the typical isekai cliché. But it’s got the cuteness that’s genuinely cute. So I’d definitely come back.
The Strongest Tank’s Labyrinth Raids -A Tank with a Rare 9999 Resistance Skill Got Kicked from the Hero’s Party-
- JP/ROM Title: Saikyou Tank no Meikyuu Kouryaku: Tairyoku 9999 no Rare Skill-mochi Tank, Yuusha Party wo Tsuihou sareru
- About: Action Adventure, Fantasy
Review: A loli grabbing bait, dropped. The MC collects lolis like catching pokemons. IDK why Japan keeps coughing out these and never gets tired of these.
The Demon Prince of Momochi House
- JP/ROM Title: Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji
- About: Fantasy
Review: Another show that’s too dazzling for me. That aside, I like the concept and aesthetic. It’s another “Watch if you got time” show. But I don’t see the potential and where the plot might go. This might end up as uninteresting.
Brave Bang Bravern!
- JP/ROM Title: Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern
- About: Mecha, Military, Comedy
Review: It’s a hilarious show that doesn’t pull any punches. It casually shows the dark and dirty side of humanity then overshadows them by the sheer absurdity. The fact that it knows what’s it doing makes it more hilarious. Gonna watch this later.
Snack Basue
- JP/ROM Title: [same]
- About: Comedy, Slice of Life, Workplace
Review: What the hell is this anime?! But just like the occurrences of this anime, you don’t really need a mind-bending plot to enjoy life. Here, some weird characters show up in a bar talking nonsense, how their day was, their dilemmas, and so on. Sometimes, little things are more enjoyable than larger than life things. And that’s the lesson to take away from this.
Conclusion
Hope you found this useful somehow. Again, sorry for the late post, should’ve posted this when the season started. But had to get this out.
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