10 Highest-Rated Animated Series of 2024

The animated landscape in 2024 has been exceptionally vibrant, offering a wide variety of series that blend visual brilliance with rich storytelling. This year, audiences have been treated to groundbreaking narratives, visually stunning artwork, and deeply emotional journeys that have set these shows apart. Here, we explore the 10 highest-rated animated series of 2024, showcasing why each has become a standout in a competitive field.

Arcane: Season 2 – 100%

Arcane returns with its second season, continuing the saga of characters from the League of Legends universe. The series delves deeper into the complex relationships and political tensions between the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun. With its unique animation style and compelling character arcs, Arcane has solidified its place as a standout in the animation landscape.

The second season has been met with universal acclaim, holding a perfect 100% rating. Critics have highlighted its intricate storytelling, emotional depth, and innovative animation techniques. The series continues to appeal to both fans of the game and newcomers, making it a must-watch in 2024.

The Legend of Vox Machina: Season 3 – 95%

The Legend of Vox Machina returns with its third season, wrapping up the Chroma Conclave storyline. The series follows a group of adventurers as they face formidable dragons and navigate complex relationships. Season 3 introduces new locations and tests the characters in unprecedented ways, delivering high-stakes battles and emotional depth.

With a 95% rating, the third season has been praised for its character development and engaging plotlines. The voice acting and animation quality continue to receive accolades, solidifying the series’ reputation as a top-tier animated show.

Blood of Zeus: Season 2 – 100%

Blood of Zeus returns with its second season, continuing the epic tale of Heron, a demigod son of Zeus. The series delves into Greek mythology, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and destiny. Season 2 expands the universe, introducing new gods and monsters, and delivering intense action sequences that have captivated audiences.

Achieving a perfect 100% rating, the second season has been praised for its storytelling and animation quality. Critics have highlighted the series’ ability to balance mythological elements with character-driven narratives, making it a must-watch for fans of epic tales.

X-Men ’97 – 99%

X-Men ’97 marked the revival of the beloved 1990s animated series, continuing the story of the iconic mutant team. Set a year after the original series’ conclusion, the show explored the X-Men’s challenges in a world without Professor Xavier, with Magneto stepping into a leadership role. The series retained the original’s animation style, evoking nostalgia while introducing contemporary themes and storylines.

The revival was met with enthusiasm from both longtime fans and new viewers. Critics praised its faithful continuation of the original series’ spirit, highlighting the character development and exploration of social issues relevant to today’s audience. The voice acting, featuring returning cast members, and the engaging plotlines contributed to its high ratings and positive reception.

Batman: Caped Crusader – 94%

Developed by Bruce Timm, Batman: Caped Crusader offered a noir-inspired reimagining of the Dark Knight’s early crime-fighting days in Gotham City. Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, the series focused on a young Bruce Wayne navigating a city rife with corruption and crime. The show’s stylized animation and serialized storytelling provided a fresh take on the Batman mythos, drawing inspiration from the character’s 1940s and 1960s portrayals.

Critics and audiences praised the series for its mature tone and complex character portrayals. The exploration of Gotham’s underbelly and Batman’s psychological depth set it apart from previous adaptations. The voice acting, led by Hamish Linklater as Batman, and the atmospheric score further enhanced the show’s immersive experience, earning it a place among the year’s top-rated animated series.

Solo Leveling – 100%

“Solo Leveling” is a South Korean web novel by Chugong that has garnered significant attention for its compelling narrative and dynamic characters. The story follows Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank hunter deemed the weakest, who gains the unique ability to level up in strength without limit after surviving a perilous double dungeon. This transformation propels him from the weakest hunter to one of the strongest, as he uncovers the mysteries behind the dungeons and his newfound powers.

The web novel’s popularity led to a webtoon adaptation, illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (Dubu), which further expanded its fanbase. In January 2024, an anime adaptation produced by A-1 Pictures premiered, bringing the story to a global audience. The anime was well-received for its high-quality animation and faithful representation of the source material. Following the success of the first season, a second season titled “Arise from the Shadow” is scheduled to premiere in January 2025.

Dandadan – 100%

“Dandadan” is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ app and website since April 2021, with its chapters collected in 17 tankōbon volumes as of November 2024. The series follows two teenagers with supernatural powers fighting spirits and aliens with help from multiple allies.

An anime television series adaptation produced by Science Saru premiered in October 2024. The series is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix and Crunchyroll.

The Great North: Season 4 – 90%

The Great North returns with its fourth season, following the Tobin family in Alaska. The series explores their quirky adventures and family dynamics, offering a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of life in the north. With its unique setting and endearing characters, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base.

With a 90% rating, the fourth season has been commended for its storytelling and character development. The show balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a delightful watch for audiences. Critics have appreciated the series’ fresh take on family dynamics, its quirky humor, and the beautiful depiction of Alaskan landscapes. With its consistent quality, The Great North stands as one of the year’s best-rated animated series.

Invincible: Season 2 – 97%

Invincible returns with its much-anticipated second season, continuing the journey of Mark Grayson, a teenager who inherits his father’s superhuman abilities. The show dives into the challenges of balancing a heroic legacy with personal identity, delivering intense action scenes and emotionally resonant moments. Season 2 raises the stakes, bringing Mark face-to-face with new threats and moral dilemmas that challenge his beliefs.

With a strong 97% rating, Invincible has been praised for its storytelling, depth, and mature themes that set it apart in the superhero genre. Critics have lauded the show’s commitment to complex character development and its graphic yet engaging action sequences. Fans of superhero narratives find Invincible a refreshing take, blending high-stakes action with profound questions about heroism and responsibility.

Twilight of the Gods – 80%

“Twilight of the Gods” is an adult animated series that premiered on Netflix on September 19, 2024. Co-created by Zack Snyder, Jay Oliva, and Eric Carrasco, the series offers a bold and bloody vision of Norse mythology, focusing on a warrior’s quest for vengeance against the gods.

The narrative centers on Sigrid, a half-human, half-Jötunn warrior, whose wedding is violently interrupted by Thor, leading to the massacre of her clan. Surviving the ordeal, Sigrid, alongside her lover Leif, embarks on a perilous journey across the nine realms, assembling a diverse group of allies—including a seer and a dwarf—to exact revenge on Thor and the other gods responsible for her suffering.

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