Which was 2024's Anime of the Year? A complete guide to Crunchyroll Anime Awards' nominees for the category

The 2024's Anime of the Year has encouraged fans to take over the internet and defend their favorite series. Interestingly, it has ignited intense debate among both fans and critics. Especially the Anime of the Year category was more competitive than the others.

From series that have emotionally moved their viewers to actions that gave goosebumps, these six titles have made a profound impact on anime culture throughout 2023. This article will be a complete guide to these nominees, and of course, we’ll reveal who ultimately walked away as a winner.

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List of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominees for the 2024's Anime of the Year

1) BOCCHI THE ROCK!

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Music

Episodes: 12

Result: Did not win

This story is about Hitori Gotoh, a painfully shy high school girl who dreams of being a rock star. Under the alias “Guitar Hero,” she practices in isolation until fate introduces her to a band in desperate need of a guitarist. The reason why Bocchi the Rock! It was a deserving series, as 2024's Anime of the Year is its relatability and inventive style. Bocchi quickly became a cult favorite.

Finally, Studio CloverWorks has done an incredible job in animating the series, as the direction and the storytelling are of top quality. It’s a stunning blend of humor, mental health awareness, and creative passion that resonated with audiences globally.

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2)Chainsaw Man

Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural

Episodes: 12

Result: Did not win

Chainsaw Man is about Denji, a teenage boy who is drowning in debt due to his parents, who fuses with his chainsaw demon-dog Pochita in an attempt to save his life. He is reborn as the Chainsaw Man. He is recruited by the mysterious Public Safety Bureau to hunt devils, but life has other plans in store for him.

The reason why Chainsaw Man was nominated under 2024's Anime of the Year is due to Studio MAPPA’s adaptation delivering gritty action, sharp satire, and visceral animation. Moreover, this series has become a sensation around the world and is praised for its unorthodox storytelling.

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3) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc

Genre: Action, Supernatural, Historical Fantasy

Episodes: 11

Result: Did not win

This new season of Demon Slayer starts with Tanjiro Kamado traveling to the hidden Swordsmith Village for a new weapon after his previous blade breaks. However, it is full of action, and he has to face new demons who pose a threat to humanity while training to fight their final antagonist, Muzan.

This arc also gained popularity because Nezuko overcame her weakness to sunlight, and for the first time, the heroes have a golden opportunity to win. Ufotable’s Swordsmith Village Arc features some of the most visually spectacular fights in anime history, and this is the reason why it deserved to be nominated for the 2024 Anime of the Year Award.

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4) Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2

Genre: Action, Supernatural, Dark Fantasy

Episodes: 23

Result: Winner

Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen started with Gojo’s past. It also covers the tragic Shibuya arc, where Gojo is sealed in the Prison Realm by the team of antagonists who planned to ambush him. This season is particularly emotional as it explores the bond between Gojo and Geto, and it paints a tragic backstory of ideology and betrayal.

The reason this deserved to win under the category of 2024's Anime of the Year award was because of the animation, how MAPPA Studios handled every episode’s direction, voice acting (especially for Gojo, Geto, and Mahito), and raw emotional storytelling. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has dominated streaming charts and social media, particularly for Gojo’s fate and Sukuna’s reign of terror.

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5) Oshi No Ko

Genre: Drama, Psychological, Idol Industry, Supernatural

Episodes: 11

Result: Did not win

Since the first episode aired, Oshi No Ko has captivated fans worldwide with its unique premise. The story is about a rural doctor and an idol fan who is reincarnated as Ai Hoshino’s child, named Aqua, who is a twin brother of Ruby. But with a twist of fate, she is murdered by a mysterious man, and now Aqua needs to hunt this guilty person and bring justice to his mother.

Alongside his twin sister Ruby, Aqua enters the world of idols, acting, and manipulation. After gaining popularity for its quality animation and interesting storytelling, it was nominated for 2024's Anime of the Year. Oshi No Ko expertly deconstructs the idol industry, child stardom, and the façade of fame.

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6) Vinland Saga Season 2

Genre: Historical, Action, Drama

Episodes: 24

Result: Did not win

After the end of extremely violent and tragic end of Season 1. The story picks up as Thorfinn is now a slave. He is broken, and his view on life has changed. Moreover, who was one bloodthirsty and only lived for revenge is now actively working towards peace and understanding the meaning of freedom.

Vinland Saga truly deserved to be 2024's Anime of the Year because of how it seamlessly shifts to being a character-driven story. MAPPA Studios has also done an incredible job in reflecting themes of redemption and has slowed down the pace elegantly. Thorfinn’s growth from a vengeful child to a peace-seeking man made it one of anime’s most mature arcs.

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In conclusion, out of these series, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 won the title of 2024's Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. All of the nominated series truly deserved their spot to win in this category. From the raw emotional truths of Vinland Saga to the surreal comedy of Bocchi the Rock!, these anime had something truly unique and entertaining about them that fans loved. While Jujutsu Kaisen may have taken home the trophy, in the hearts of fans, each nominee under the 2024 Anime of the Year is a winner in its own right.