Summary
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Anime in 2024 offered unique love stories with well-written characters and good animation.
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Days With My Stepsister exceeds expectations with a mature step-sibling dynamic and a realistic love story.
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“Dandadan” combines action, supernatural elements and real romance into an entertaining film.
It's not an exaggeration to say that 2024 was one of the best years for anime, although this is true for most of the last few years. Every time, studios and authors surprise viewers with more and more anime released, new and old, adaptations and originals, that continue to delight audiences.
The romance genre is no different, with new enchanting and spicy titles appearing every year. It can be difficult to keep up with each step, but it's worth investing the time to check out the best ones. The more anime released each year, the greater the chances of some true gems coming out.

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8
Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian
An unlikely union
- Episodes: 12
- Release date: July 3, 2024
- Studio: Doga Kobo
The plot of Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian may sound unique, but the phrase quickly loses its relevance. The female lead's tendency to mumble things in Russian – a language that the male lead also happens to speak – quickly disappears, only popping up now and then for plot purposes. However, that's not to say that the anime isn't fun, just to temper the expectations of viewers who might start watching the anime thinking that it stays true to its original premise throughout its runtime.
The combination of a perfect female lead and a lazy or antisocial male lead makes for a dynamic duo that's hard to root for. The show moves along slowly, with great comedy, good animation, and incredible supporting characters that steal the spotlight at times. It is a good watch for viewers who are fans of the romance genre.
7
Grandpa and grandma are becoming young again
A look at old and young love
- Episodes: 11
- Release date: April 7, 2024
- Studio: Gekkou
The melancholy of passing time is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of their current age. After all, time passes equally for everyone. In Grandpa and grandma are becoming young againan aging couple eats a mysterious golden apple that suddenly makes them young again. This rekindles the couple's passion and banter and romance ensue.

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The biggest draw of this series is the heartwarming episodic stories, which may seem a bit convoluted to an outsider, but serve a great purpose to those who watch them. The couple's relationship is a central part of the story, but it's not the only thing the anime focuses on. The reaction of the people around her and her relationships with her neighbors and grandchildren are also a source of entertainment.
6
Days with my stepsister
Absolutely not a dumpster fire
- Episodes: 12
- Release date: July 4, 2024
- Studio: Studio Deen
Although the title of Studio Deen's latest work might raise red flags for veterans of the genre, Days with my stepsister is not a disaster at all. The dynamic between the two step-siblings is surprisingly well written and quite mature for a subject that is usually subject to broad interpretation in modern media.
This anime is a realistic, well-paced romance between two strangers who are brought together due to their unique circumstances. It handles her emotions very well and creates a calming atmosphere throughout the show, supported by the wonderful music.
5
Dandadan
Aliens and ghosts haunt the empire
- Episodes: 12
- Release date: October 4, 2024
- Studio: Studio SARU
Dandadan is primarily an action series that focuses on the occult and supernatural, but the romance within the show is well developed and interesting. The supernatural aspects are the main driving force of the story, while the romance takes a back seat and slowly blossoms, although that doesn't make it any less captivating.

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The female lead, Momo, believes in ghosts, while the male lead, Okarun, believes in aliens. It turns out they're both right and both factions are out to get her. It's a great anime that makes you laugh and doesn't take itself too seriously, although it's not afraid to include emotional moments. The romance doesn't seem forced and the great animations are a feast for the eyes.
4
Makeine: Too many lost heroines!
Nice friendships of the supporting character
- Episodes: 12
- Release date: July 14, 2024
- Studio: A-1 images
A modern interpretation of the male harem trope, Makeine: Too many lost heroines! follows a self-proclaimed background character who meddles in the love lives of several girls and helps them through their trials and tribulations. The show can seem a bit too realistic at times, but that's exactly what makes the anime so charming.
It offers viewers an interesting premise not usually found in other titles in the genre. It flips the male harem style and focuses more on the platonic friendships between characters rather than romance, giving it a unique feel. Its unique art style helps it stand out from other anime, and the way it handles relationships ensures that viewers will stick around even after the initial hook.
3
Dangers in My Heart (Season 2)
Character development to the maximum
- Episodes: 13
- Release date: January 7, 2024
- Studio: Shin egg animations
Season 2 of Dangers in my heart builds on the original premise and slowly but surely improves on the tried and tested formula. The gradual change in the main character's personality is incredible and a pleasure to watch. As he comes to terms with his feelings for the female lead, he changes fundamentally and improves his initially unsympathetic character significantly.

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This progression is rewarding for the viewer, especially because it doesn't seem forced. Each step feels as natural as the last, and the story takes full advantage of this.
2
Kimi no Todoke: From Me to You (Season 3)
A satisfactory conclusion
- Episodes: 5
- Release date: August 1, 2024
- Studio: Production IG
Kimi No Todoke is a classic romance anime that no one expected but was welcomed with open arms by everyone. Season 2 ended with the two main characters finally coming together, and season 3 begins shortly after, with the original cast returning to complete their old project.
Instead of a will-she-won't-she romance, season three offers viewers a healthy relationship that has blossomed and reached its peak. It has a wonderful ending and the writing hasn't deteriorated in the decade between seasons two and three. The comedy is as good as ever and a good ending for one of the greats. It's one of the best high school romance anime and fans of the genre should give it a chance if they haven't already.
1
Blue box
Love inspiring hard work
- Episodes: 25
- Release date: October 3, 2024
- Studio: Telecommunications animated film
A combination of two genres, Blue box combines sport and romance into a mixture that appeals to a wide audience. The male lead is a badminton player who trains daily to see his basketball-playing crush. Slowly but surely, their interactions develop feelings for each other.
The show balances the two genres well, although fans of one genre may not enjoy the presence of the other as much. Still, it has great animation, fantastic voice acting, and a good score, all culminating in a ten out of ten viewing experience. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say so Blue box is a classic in the making, but time will tell if it lasts long enough to make it happen.

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