The Best Shonen Anime Of 2024, Ranked

Release Date: April 13

Premise: As children, Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro vowed to fight against monsters called kaiju. While Mina achieves their dream, Kafka ends up on clean-up duty. One day, a freak accident turns him into a human-kaiju hybrid. With his newfound abilities, he might be able to fulfill his dream after all.

Why It's Worth Watching: Based on a wildly popular manga, Kaiju No. 8 was hotly anticipated before it came out. While its plot is similar to many shonen series - how many times have anime fans seen a character turning into the monster he seeks to destroy? - it's well-executed here. There are also plenty of moments that make it feel original, especially when it comes to character development and relationships.

Release Date: May 12

Premise: After returning from the Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro and the other demon slayers must recover from their injuries and train for future missions. While training, Tanjiro tries to learn more about his fellow Hashira. At the end of the season, the groundwork for a major confrontation with Muzan is laid.

Why It's Worth Watching: This isn't the most exciting season of Demon Slayer, but that's okay. It's a short, transitional season that gives viewers a chance to get to know the characters in a calmer setting. It's the calm before the storm since the next installments will involve massive battles from the final arc. If you love the series and are invested in the characters, you'll probably love this season too, even if it isn't quite as action-packed as some of the others.

Release Date: July 7

Premise: Will Serfort promised his childhood friend that he would one day become a Magia Vander, one of the top wizards in their world. Unfortunately, he can't cast spells at all. In order to earn credit at Magical Academy Rigarden, he has to spend all of his time fighting dungeon monsters. Oh, and dealing with an unusually cruel teacher.

Why It's Worth Watching: Will might be bad at magic, but he does have something that makes up for it - unusual physical strength, reflexes, and other abilities that make him an excellent swordsman. While anime fans have certainly seen underdog characters with special skills that the rest of the world doesn't respect, this trope exists for a good reason. Not only is it awesome to watch the MC flourish, it's also nice for viewers whose own talents have yet to be recognized.

Release Date: January 6

Premise: After his battle with Magia Lupus, Mash's secret lack of powers is no longer a secret. He's summoned to a meeting with the Divine Visionaries, who decide that he should be punished with execution. A group called Innocent Zero interrupts the meeting to intercede on Mash's behalf. The Divine Visionaries eventually decide to let Mash live until Innocent Zero can be defeated - but by the end of the year, he has to earn the right to become a Divine Visionary himself.

Why It's Worth Watching: Whether it was the absurd jokes about Mash's strength or his never-ending supply of cream puffs, the first season of Mashle was hilarious. Thankfully, this new season is just as funny despite the stakes being higher. Overall, it delivers an excellent blend of comedy and action.

Release Date: May 4

Premise: The Paranormal Liberation War Arc continues in Season 7 of My Hero Academia. Shigaraki and All For One continue to pose a dangerous threat, while Shoto Todoroki must face off against his estranged older brother Dabi. The U.A. traitor, at long last, is revealed.

Why It's Worth Watching: If you're considering watching Season 7, chances are high that you've already seen Seasons 1-6. Season 7 may or may not be the final season, but it's certainly one of the most climactic ones. It features some of the most consequential battles of the series. Secrets that fans have wanted answers to for ages, like the U.A. traitor's identity, are revealed here. Basically, if you've been watching My Hero Academia so far, quitting now means missing out on a whole lot of good stuff.

Release Date: July 6

Premise: When Ashikaga Takauji attacks the Kamakura shogunate, eight-year-old Hojo Tokiyuki barely escapes with his life. With the group he was once heir to now taken over by someone else, he has to steer clear of the new shogunate until he gains enough allies and becomes strong enough to take them on directly.

Why It's Worth Watching: The original manga was created by Yusei Matsui, the creative mind behind Assassination Classroom. That story was exciting, surprising, and heartfelt. If you were one of its many fans, you might want to check out the adaptation of his other work. It's also worth watching because it focuses on actual historical events, so you can learn something while being entertained.