Hidden Gems of Winter 2024 Anime Worth Exploring

The Winter 2024 anime season is wrapping up, and it has been an enjoyable journey overall. Some series have stood out and captured the spotlight, such as Solo Leveling, The Dangers in My Heart, and Mashle. These shows have garnered a lot of attention and are likely to be remembered even after their seasons end. While they may not cater to everyone's tastes, they have a broad enough appeal to reach a wide audience.

Of course, not every anime can achieve the same level of popularity as Classroom of the Elite or Delicious in Dungeon. Some series tend to go unnoticed, either overshadowed by others or struggling to grab viewers' attention from the start. That being said, there are underrated Winter 2024 anime that deserve a second chance and are worth revisiting.

"Underrated" is a term that can be vague, so we will be looking at shows with low member counts or scores on MyAnimeList.

We will not be including any series that are ranked among the Best Winter 2024 anime, as they are already highlighted in that article. However, Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, Urusei Yatsura, and Kingdom are all considered underwatched.

Ishura

A Slow Build To An Explosion Of Action

ishura anime sides - A Slow Build To An Explosion Of Action - Ishura

Ishura's setup may not appeal to everyone. The anime focuses on powerful warriors in a different world and sets the stage for a war between two kingdoms in the first five episodes. While the world-building is clever, the story doesn't always flow smoothly and lacks momentum at times. The characters, like Soujirou, are intriguing but may not be very likeable, especially in the initial episode.

Brave Bang Bravern!

These episodes can be messy and confusing, making it hard to access them, even though they have amazing fights. However, Ishura starts to tie things together in episode 6 when the war begins, delivering on all the anticipation. From then on, the anime has been filled with intense battles between powerful characters who are portrayed as equals, making the results of these fights unpredictable.

Unexpectedly Hilarious

Brave Bang Bravern - Unexpectedly Hilarious - Brave Bang Bravern!

Most new mecha anime tend to be overlooked, with the exception of Gundam. The genre has struggled to gain attention in recent years, and Brave Bang Bravern! is no different. Despite being one of Winter 2024's least-viewed anime on MyAnimeList, this quirky action-comedy has not found much of an audience outside of Japan. It's a shame because there is truly a lot to enjoy about this series.

Brave Bang Bravern! offers a unique and bizarre experience by blending different mecha subgenres. It features an over-the-top super robot in a more "grounded" real-robot military setting. Bravern, the main mecha in the story, is a delightful character and one of the season's underrated funniest characters. His dynamic with his human partner, the always bewildered Ao Isami, adds charm to the series. The other characters are also well-developed, and the action sequences are quite impressive.

The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash

Gorgeous Animation & Endearing Protagonist

The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash - Gorgeous Animation & Endearing Protagonist

Winter 2024 is packed with isekai anime, and surprisingly, many of them are actually pretty good. Shows like Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Villainess Level 99, and Sasaki and Peeps have all been well-received examples of this popular theme. While My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered may not completely live up to its source material, it still manages to deliver some hilarious moments that have caught the attention of many viewers. Fluffy Paradise and Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp are also decent shows, even though they may not stand out enough to receive specific recommendations.

Mr. Villain's Day Off

That leaves The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash, an underrated Winter 2024 anime that has seen its reputation steadily grow as the season has progressed. Boasting some of Winter 2024's prettiest animation, this series goes against the typical isekai blueprint by focusing on a genuinely vulnerable protagonist who is just trying to survive after being marked for death by her village. As Ivy travels from town to town, she meets both friendly and off-putting people, all the while gradually developing her tamer skills. This anime is oddly comforting despite the protagonist's depressing situation.

Cozy Slice Of Life Goodness

Mr. Villain's Day Off anime - Cozy Slice Of Life Goodness

Winter 2024 is lacking in slice of life anime. While there are a few romance and fantasy series that touch on the genre, they don't quite hit the mark. That's where Mr. Villain's Day Off comes in, offering a refreshing and light-hearted option for this season.

The show revolves around a sentai villain named Warumono-san, who gets one day off a week. Coming from another planet, he is still getting used to Earth's customs and spends his free time exploring and learning about the world he plans to conquer. His favorite activity is visiting the zoo to watch pandas, which, although it can feel repetitive, adds to the overall charm of the show.

Mr. Villain's Day Off is a delightful watch, with the protagonist striking the perfect balance between cool, suave, and clueless. The side characters also bring their own unique flair to the story, adding depth without overshadowing the main character. It's a wholesome and enjoyable way to spend half an hour.

Sengoku Youko

Gets Most Things Right

Sengoku Youko anime image - Gets Most Things Right

Sengoku Youko faces tough competition in a season filled with action and fantasy tales. With 37 episodes planned, this anime by White Fox will be airing for most of the year. However, it may struggle to attract new viewers once the Winter 2024 quarter is over. The series, based on a popular manga that spanned almost a decade, skillfully combines historical and mythological elements to deliver an exciting battle shonen experience reminiscent of the early 2000s.

Sengoku Youko would have been a great match for Inuyasha. The story is just beginning to come together, depicting a world where humans and katawara are always at odds. The series follows a diverse group of characters with conflicting emotions towards both races, including one who despises humans. With its intricate characters, captivating setting, and exciting action scenes, Sengoku Youko definitely deserves more recognition.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights several underrated anime from the Winter 2024 season that deserve a second chance. The author provides a brief overview of each show, highlighting their unique qualities and why they may have gone unnoticed. The article effectively conveys the appeal of these overlooked anime, piquing the reader's interest and encouraging them to give them a try.

The article's well-structured organization and clear writing style make it easy to follow and understand. The use of subheadings and specific examples helps to break down the information and provide a comprehensive overview of each anime. Additionally, the author's personal insights and recommendations add value to the article, making it a valuable resource for anime enthusiasts seeking hidden gems. Overall, the article successfully showcases the underrated anime of the Winter 2024 season and encourages readers to explore them, enriching their anime viewing experience.