As 2024 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for anime enthusiasts. With a lineup that spans genres from intense action and thrilling adventures to heartfelt dramas and whimsical fantasies, there's something for everyone. Each month brings new stories and beloved characters to the big screen, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. Whether you're a long-time anime fan or new to the genre, these films are sure to captivate your imagination and leave you eagerly awaiting the next release. Let's dive into the incredible anime movies hitting theaters throughout 2024 and see what makes each one a must-watch.

List of Must-Watch Anime Movie Releases and Upcoming Anime Films

January: A Dynamic Start

January kicked off 2024 with a bang, bringing a diverse array of films that set the stage for an exciting year. Bloody Escape: Jigoku no Tōsō Geki from Polygon Pictures, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, thrilled audiences with its high-stakes escape plot and intense action scenes. This was followed by the much-anticipated Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp from Shaft, under the direction of Tatsuya Oishi. This film continued the Monogatari series’ tradition of deep emotional narratives combined with stunning animation. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, directed by Mitsuo Fukuda and produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks, delivered epic mecha battles and intricate storytelling that captivated Gundam fans. Wrapping up the month was Eiga Given: Hiiragi Mix from Lerche, a poignant film that delved into Hiiragi’s backstory, blending beautiful music with heartfelt drama.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
January	January 5	Bloody Escape: Jigoku no Tōsō Geki	Polygon Pictures	Gorō Taniguchi	97 min
	January 12	Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp	Shaft	Tatsuya Oishi	144 min
	January 26	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Mitsuo Fukuda	124 min
	January 27	Eiga Given: Hiiragi Mix	Lerche	Noriko Hashimoto	70 min

February: Emotions and Rivals

February brought us Ōmuro-ke: Dear Sisters, a heartwarming tale about sisterhood from Passione and Studio Lings, directed by Naoyuki Tatsuwa. This touching story resonated with many for its portrayal of familial bonds. Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, produced by Production I.G and directed by Susumu Mitsunaka, brought intense volleyball action to the screen, showcasing the fierce rivalries and emotional highs and lows of the sport.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
February	February 2	Ōmuro-ke: Dear Sisters	Passione, Studio Lings	Naoyuki Tatsuwa	43 min
	February 16	Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle	Production I.G	Susumu Mitsunaka	85 min

March: Epic Journeys

March featured a mix of whimsical and thought-provoking stories. Paripi Kōmei: Road to Summer Sonia from P.A. Works, directed by Shū Honma, was a delightful summer adventure filled with humor and heart. Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony, directed by Kazuaki Imai for Shin-Ei Animation, took viewers on an eco-friendly journey, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. The month concluded with Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction (part 1), a mind-bending narrative directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa for Production +h, which kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
March	March 1	Paripi Kōmei: Road to Summer Sonia	P.A. Works	Shū Honma	119 min
	March 1	Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony	Shin-Ei Animation	Kazuaki Imai	120 min
	March 22	Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction (part 1)	Production +h.	Tomoyuki Kurokawa	-

April: Mysteries and New Worlds

April offered a mix of mystery and fantasy. Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram from TMS Entertainment, directed by Chika Nagaoka, presented a high-stakes mystery that captivated fans of the long-running series. Kuramerukagari, directed by Shigeyoshi Tsukahara for Team OneOne, took viewers on a visually stunning journey through fantastical realms. Blue Lock: Episode Nagi, directed by Shunsuke Ishikawa and produced by Eight Bit, continued the intense and competitive world of Blue Lock, focusing on the talented Nagi.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
April	April 12	Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram	TMS Entertainment	Chika Nagaoka	111 min
	April 12	Kuramerukagari	Team OneOne	Shigeyoshi Tsukahara	62 min
	April 19	Blue Lock: Episode Nagi	Eight Bit	Shunsuke Ishikawa	91 min

May: Heroes and Dreams

May was a month of heroes and heartfelt stories. Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 1) from Bandai Namco Filmworks, directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi, continued the complex and thrilling saga of Code Geass. Trapezium, directed by Masahiro Shinohara for CloverWorks, offered an emotional drama exploring dreams and aspirations. Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top, directed by Chengzhi Liao for CygamesPictures, delighted fans with its tale of horse girls striving to achieve their dreams. Iris the Movie: Full Energy!!, directed by Hiroshi Ikehata for Studio Gokumi, provided an action-packed adventure. My Oni Girl, directed by Tomotaka Shibayama for Studio Colorido, blended supernatural elements with a coming-of-age story. Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era, directed by Ken Yamamoto for CygamesPictures, continued the beloved series with new exciting races. Finally, Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction (part 2) from Production +h and directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa, further unraveled its enigmatic plot.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
May	May 10	Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 1)	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Yoshimitsu Ohashi	-
	May 10	Trapezium	CloverWorks	Masahiro Shinohara	94 min
	May 10	Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top	CygamesPictures	Chengzhi Liao	98 min
	May 17	Iris the Movie: Full Energy!!	Studio Gokumi	Hiroshi Ikehata	60 min
	May 24	My Oni Girl	Studio Colorido	Tomotaka Shibayama	112 min
	May 24	Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era	CygamesPictures	Ken Yamamoto	108 min
	May 24	Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction (part 2)	Production +h.	Tomoyuki Kurokawa	-

June: Unconventional Tales

June brought unique and unconventional stories. Bocchi the Rock! Re: from CloverWorks, directed by Keiichirō Saitō, continued Bocchi’s musical journey, capturing the trials and triumphs of rock life. Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 2), also directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi for Bandai Namco Filmworks, delved deeper into the political intrigue and strategy of the series. A Few Moments of Cheers from 100Studio, Hurray!, and POPREQ explored moments of joy and camaraderie in a short but impactful film. Rabbits Kingdom the Movie, directed by Masayoshi Ozaki for Studio Sign, offered a whimsical adventure in a rabbit kingdom. Ōmuro-ke: Dear Friends from Passione and Studio Lings, directed by Naoyuki Tatsuwa, focused on friendship, continuing the touching narrative of Dear Sisters. Look Back, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama for Studio Durian, provided a reflective story that encouraged viewers to ponder their past.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
June	June 7	Bocchi the Rock! Re:	CloverWorks	Keiichirō Saitō	-
	June 7	Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 2)	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Yoshimitsu Ohashi	-
	June 14	A Few Moments of Cheers	100Studio, Hurray!, POPREQ	-	68 min
	June 14	Rabbits Kingdom the Movie	Studio Sign	Masayoshi Ozaki	94 min
	June 21	Ōmuro-ke: Dear Friends	Passione, Studio Lings	Naoyuki Tatsuwa	43 min
	June 28	Look Back	Studio Durian	Kiyotaka Oshiyama	62 min

July: Epic Adventures

July was a month of epic adventures and emotional tales. Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 3), directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi for Bandai Namco Filmworks, brought more plot twists and character developments. Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199, with Harutoshi Fukui and Naomichi Yamato at the helm for Studio Mother, promised a sci-fi epic filled with action and depth. Ghost Cat Anzu, a collaboration between Shin-Ei Animation and Miyu Productions, directed by Yōko Kuno and Nobuhiro Yamashita, was an enchanting tale about a ghost cat blending humor and heart. Gekijōban SutoPuri Hajimari no Monogatari: Strawberry School Festival!!!!, directed by Naoki Matsuura for Liden Films, set a lively festival backdrop for fun and excitement. Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa, directed by Kenji Nakamura for EOTA, delved deep into Japanese folklore with stunning visuals.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
July	July 5	Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 3)	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Yoshimitsu Ohashi	-
	July 19	Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199	Studio Mother	Harutoshi Fukui, Naomichi Yamato	-
	July 19	Ghost Cat Anzu	Shin-Ei Animation, Miyu Productions	Yōko Kuno, Nobuhiro Yamashita	90 min
	July 19	Gekijōban SutoPuri Hajimari no Monogatari: Strawberry School Festival!!!!	Liden Films	Naoki Matsuura	-
	July 26	Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa	EOTA	Kenji Nakamura	-

August: Heroes and Fantasies

August brought heroes and fantastical adventures to the forefront. Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 4), directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi for Bandai Namco Filmworks, reached new heights with its penultimate chapter. My Hero Academia: You're Next, directed by Tensai Okamura for Bones, presented new challenges for our favorite heroes. Bocchi the Rock! Re:Re: from CloverWorks, directed by Keiichirō Saitō, continued Bocchi’s inspiring musical journey. Crayon Shin-Chan: Ora-tachi no Kyōryū Nikki, directed by Shinobu Sasaki for Shin-Ei Animation, provided a fun-filled, family-friendly movie. Touken Ranbu Dо̄den: Chikashi Samuraira Umonora, directed by Kazuya Ichikawa for DOMERICA, brought legendary swordsmen to life in a historical fantasy. Zegapain STA, directed by Masami Shimoda for Bandai Namco Filmworks, promised a thrilling and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure. The Colors Within, directed by Naoko Yamada for Science Saru, explored inner emotions and creativity in an artistic narrative.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
August	August 2	Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (part 4)	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Yoshimitsu Ohashi	-
	August 2	My Hero Academia: You're Next	Bones	Tensai Okamura	-
	August 9	Bocchi the Rock! Re:Re:	CloverWorks	Keiichirō Saitō	-
	August 9	Crayon Shin-Chan: Ora-tachi no Kyōryū Nikki	Shin-Ei Animation	Shinobu Sasaki	-
	August 16	Touken Ranbu Dо̄den: Chikashi Samuraira Umonora	DOMERICA	Kazuya Ichikawa	-
	August 16	Zegapain STA	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Masami Shimoda	-
	August 30	The Colors Within	Science Saru	Naoko Yamada	-

September: School and Magic

September featured school idols and magical adventures. Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Final Chapter (part 1), directed by Tomoyuki Kawamura for Bandai Namco Filmworks, showcased the beloved idol group facing new challenges. Wonderful PreCure! The Movie, directed by Naoki Miyahara for Toei Animation, offered a magical adventure perfect for PreCure fans of all ages.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
September	September 6	Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Final Chapter (part 1)	Bandai Namco Filmworks	Tomoyuki Kawamura	-
	September 13	Wonderful PreCure! The Movie	Toei Animation	Naoki Miyahara	-

October: New Beginnings

October focused on new beginnings and heartfelt stories. Ganbatte Ikimasshoi, directed by Yūhei Sakuragi for Studio Moe and Reirs, provided a story about perseverance and friendship. BanG Dream! Spring Sunshine, Lost Cat from Sanzigen blended music and mystery in a charming film about the BanG Dream! universe.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
October	October 25	Ganbatte Ikimasshoi	Studio Moe, Reirs	Yūhei Sakuragi	-
	October	BanG Dream! Spring Sunshine, Lost Cat	Sanzigen	-	-

November: Detective Thrills

November brought detective thrills to the screen. Fuuto Tantei: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō, directed by Yousuke Kabashima for Studio Kai, offered a thrilling detective story that brought the Kamen Rider universe to life.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
November	November 8	Fuuto Tantei: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō	Studio Kai	Yousuke Kabashima	-

December: Ninja Legends

December concluded the year with ninja adventures. Gekijōban Nintama Rantaro Dokutake Ninjatai Saikyō no Gunshi, directed by Masaya Fujimori for Ajia-do Animation Works, promised a fun-filled ninja adventure perfect for the holiday season.

Month	Release Date	Title	Studio	Director	Length
December	December	Gekijōban Nintama Rantaro Dokutake Ninjatai Saikyō no Gunshi	Ajia-do Animation Works	Masaya Fujimori	-

No doubt! 2024 is undeniably a remarkable year for anime movies, with each month offering a diverse range of films that cater to all tastes. From heart-pounding action and emotional dramas to whimsical adventures and thought-provoking narratives, the anime movie lineup promises to keep fans entertained and eagerly anticipating what’s next. Be sure to catch these incredible films and immerse yourself in the fantastic world of anime. Happy watching!