Must-Watch Winter 2024 Anime Series

As the Fall 2023 anime season comes to a close, anticipation for the Winter 2024 anime season is building. With both returning and brand new series set to debut, fans may have a hard time deciding what to watch. To help, here is a list of must-watch series for the upcoming season. For returning series, it's recommended that fans catch up on previous seasons to fully enjoy the new installments.

Metallic Rouge and 9 other Winter 2024 anime that one can't miss

1) Solo Leveling (January 7)

Sung Jinwoo featured in the Solo Leveling anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Solo Leveling is undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited anime of the Winter 2024 season. With the immense popularity of the manhwa, the anime is expected to attract a massive audience. Furthermore, the early previews of the anime suggest that it will not disappoint in captivating fans.

2) Classroom of the Elite season 3 (January 3)

Solo Leveling anime chronicles the journey of Sung Jinwoo, initially known as the weakest Hunter. Yet, following his survival in a double dungeon, he gains access to the System, granting him the exclusive ability to level up his skills.

Ayanokouji depicted in Classroom of the Elite anime (Image via Lerche)

The Classroom of the Elite anime initially gained popularity upon its release. However, due to a delay, it lost some of its momentum. Thankfully, the second cour of the anime, which premiered in the Summer 2023 anime season, reignited interest and set the stage for an exciting third season.

3) Mashle: Magic and Muscles season 2 (January 6)

The upcoming season of Classroom of the Elite will mark the end of Ayanokouji's first year at Koudo Ikusei Senior High School. As a result, viewers can anticipate his anticipated confrontation with Arisu Sakayanagi from Class A. She is expected to play a significant role in the storyline involving the White Room.

The image shows Mash Burnedead as seen in the popular anime series Mashle: Magic and Muscles produced by A-1 Pictures.

The first season of Mashle: Magic and Muscles anime was released during the Spring 2023 season and quickly gained a substantial following. Despite its relatively straightforward plot, the series' comedic elements have captivated viewers and left them eagerly anticipating more.

4) Chained Soldier (January 4)

Season 2 of Mashle: Magic and Muscles will follow Mash Burnedead as he enters the Divine Visionary Selection Exam, facing numerous battles along the way. The upcoming arc will introduce two new antagonists, Margarette Macaron and Carpaccio Royan, both of whom are residents of the Orca Dorm.

Kyouka Uzen depicted in the Chained Soldier anime (Image courtesy of Seven Arcs)

Chained Soldier is an upcoming action fantasy series scheduled to premiere in the Winter 2024 anime season. The storyline revolves around Yuuki Wakure, a young boy who becomes trapped in a dimension known as Mato, inhabited by malevolent creatures called Shuuki. This world is governed by women, who possess special powers granted by the Mato fruit, allowing them to combat the Shuuki.

5) The Dangers in My Heart season 2 (January 7)

Upon entering Mato, Yuuki encounters Kyouka Uzen, a member of the Anti-Demon Corps. Recognizing Yuuki's potential, Kyouka resolves to harness his superpower by making him her slave.

Ichikawa as seen in The Dangers in My Heart (Image via Shin-Ei Animation)

The debut of The Dangers in My Heart anime took place during the Spring 2023 anime season. Initially centered around Kyoutarou Ichikawa's desire to harm his lovely classmate Anna Yamada, the series quickly evolved into a delightful romantic comedy.

6) Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga (January 7)

The upcoming season of The Dangers in My Heart, scheduled for the Winter 2024 anime season, may witness the blossoming relationship between Yamada and Ichikawa, potentially leading to them starting to date. Additionally, the new season will introduce two fresh characters, Kana Andō and Yurine Hanzawa.

The image above shows Yukio Okumura and Rin Okumura as seen in the Blue Exorcist anime (Image via Studio VOLN).

The second cour of Blue Exorcist was released during the Winter 2017 anime season, marking a long-awaited return for the series. While existing fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, newcomers to the series may want to consider watching the first two seasons before diving into the new content.

Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, scheduled to debut in the Winter 2024 anime season, will focus on Izumo's haunting history and a secretive Illuminati faction headed by Lucifer. This group aims to resurrect Satan and unite Assiah and Gehenna, promising significant advancements in the forthcoming anime.

7) Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! (January 9)

Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! is a delightful new anime available for viewing in the Winter 2024 anime season. For fans seeking a change of pace from romance anime, this fresh series may be just the ticket.

8) Metallic Rouge (January 11)

The anime depicts the journey of Tsubasa Shiki, a high school student who relocates to Kitami City in Hokkaido. During his time there, he encounters a "gal" at a bus stop. Instantly captivated by her, he is moved by the sight of her standing alone against the snowy backdrop.

The character Rouge Redstar is featured in the anime series Metallic Rouge, produced by Studio BONES to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Although the anniversary has already passed, fans can look forward to watching the anime in the Winter 2024 anime season. (Image via BONES)

9) Kingdom Season 5 (January 7)

The anime Metallic Rouge will center around Rouge Redstar, an android girl who embarks on a mission to Mars with her partner Naomi Ortmann. Their objective is to eliminate the Immortal Nine, a faction of artificial humans that opposes the government.

Shin, as depicted in the Kingdom anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Kingdom season 4 made its debut during the Spring 2022 anime season. It's been confirmed that the fifth season is slated for release in the Winter 2024 anime season. Despite the two-year wait for the anime's return, fans can look forward to the series diving right into the action with the Koku You Campaign Arc.

10) Bucchigiri?! (January 13)

The trailers clearly show that the location of Koku You Hills is being targeted by both the Qin and Zhao armies. Consequently, Ei Sei has decided to dispatch Shin and the Hi Shin unit to reinforce the campaign led by General Kan Ki and his army. Their combined efforts are aimed at defeating the Zhao armies.

Arajin as featured in the Bucchigiri?! anime (Image courtesy of MAPPA)

Bucchigiri?! is an original anime series from MAPPA that focuses on delinquent characters. The animation studio is making strides to appeal to a wider audience and establish itself as a prominent force in the world of anime. Despite having numerous projects in the pipeline, MAPPA has dedicated resources to create an original anime slated to debut in the Winter 2024 anime season.

Follow Arajin Tomoshibi as he navigates through his desire for a sweet high school life in the challenging environment of Ichizu High School, known for its delinquent students. His life takes an unexpected turn when he reunites with his old best friend Matakara Asamine and befriends a new girl, Mahoro. However, the most significant encounter of all is with Majin Senya, a powerful being who is willing to grant Arajin's wishes. Stay tuned for more anime news and manga updates as we progress through 2023.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming Winter 2024 anime season. The lineup looks incredibly promising, with a mix of highly anticipated sequels and exciting new series. Solo Leveling and Classroom of the Elite Season 3 are at the top of my list. I've been a fan of the manhwa and light novel, respectively, and can't wait to see them brought to life in animated form. The previews for Solo Leveling look particularly impressive, and I have high hopes for the adaptation.

I'm also looking forward to the return of The Dangers in My Heart and Blue Exorcist. The first season of The Dangers in My Heart was a pleasant surprise, and I'm curious to see where the story goes next. Blue Exorcist is a classic shonen series, and I'm excited to see what the new season has in store. Overall, I think the Winter 2024 anime season has something for everyone, and I can't wait to dive in and start watching!