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Crunchyroll’s Summer 2024 anime lineup was more than a list of new simulcasts. It combined major returning franchises—including My Hero Academia, One Piece, and Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest—with ambitious new shows such as Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, and Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction.
The platform first revealed the season on June 18, 2024, then expanded the announcement on June 26 and July 3 and updated it again on August 6. Because the lineup changed during the season, this guide treats it as a record of Crunchyroll’s 2024 summer programming—not as a current streaming schedule.
The six best places to start
If you do not want to work through the entire seasonal catalog, these are the strongest starting points. They cover the season’s most impressive action, romance, science fiction, drama, and character writing.
1. Wistoria: Wand and Sword — the best action-fantasy starting point
Wistoria: Wand and Sword follows Will Serfort, a student at a magic academy who cannot use magic. In a society where magical ability determines status, Will instead relies on swordsmanship while pursuing the highest level of the academy and hoping to fulfill a promise connected to his past.
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The setup is familiar: an underdog at a prestigious school, surrounded by gifted rivals and a rigid social hierarchy. What makes the series stand out is its execution. Its opening episodes use energetic direction, strong character animation, and elaborate action to make the premise feel immediate rather than merely formulaic. The series also benefits from being a conventional fantasy rather than another transported-to-another-world story.
Watch it if: you want sword fights, magical competition, a determined underdog, and high-energy fantasy.
Keep in mind: the basic premise is not especially original, and viewers looking for radically different world-building may find its foundations familiar.
2. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! — the season’s smartest romantic comedy
Most school harem comedies focus on the person who might win the protagonist’s affection. Makeine starts from the other side of the equation: it follows the girls who lose in familiar romantic-comedy scenarios.
That premise gives the show room to explore disappointment, friendship, embarrassment, and the emotional aftermath of being rejected. It still uses recognizable anime romance conventions, but its attention is directed toward the “losing” heroines as people rather than as obstacles to a conventional endgame. The character work, expressive animation, and comic timing make it more substantial than its title might suggest.
Watch it if: you want a funny, polished school romance with an unusually strong focus on friendship and emotional recovery.
Keep in mind: it is a clever variation on the romantic-comedy formula, not a complete escape from that formula.
3. MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season — for experienced Monogatari viewers
Studio Shaft’s MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season was one of Crunchyroll’s headline returning properties. The series continues the franchise’s interest in supernatural phenomena, psychological conflict, dense dialogue, visual abstraction, and characters whose personal problems become literal or symbolic monsters.
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- ONE Blind Bag Included – Each purchase contains one sealed blind bag with a 3D foam bag clip featuring a surprise character from the lineup.
- Official Licensed Merchandise – Authentic designs with detailed sculpting, bold colors, and durable foam material built to last.
- Display or Clip Anywhere – Easily attach to backpacks, keychains, totes, or lanyards, or display at home or work to show off your fandom.
- Perfect for Fans & Collectors – A fun mystery for blind bag collectors and a must-have for fans.
- Gift-Ready & Fun to Trade – Great for birthdays, holidays, party favors, or conventions—collect the full set or trade with friends to complete your lineup.
This installment places greater emphasis on several characters who previously occupied supporting roles. That makes it rewarding for viewers already invested in the franchise, but it also makes the show a poor introduction. The larger series has a complicated viewing order, a substantial episode count, and recurring fan-service concerns that may be deal-breakers for some audiences.
Watch it if: you already know the Monogatari cast and want more character-driven supernatural stories presented through Shaft’s highly stylized direction.
Keep in mind: newcomers should begin with an appropriate earlier entry and consult a current watch-order guide rather than starting here casually.
4. NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Part 2 — the strongest science-fiction continuation
The second part of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a continues the anime adaptation of the game’s tragic story about android soldiers, machine lifeforms, identity, memory, and the possibility of meaning in a collapsing world.
The adaptation’s strength is its willingness to expand character material and translate the game’s emotional themes into a different medium. It is not simply an animated replay of the game. At the same time, viewers who are willing to play NieR:Automata will generally find the game the fuller way to experience the story, particularly because the game’s structure and multiple routes are central to its impact.
Watch it if: you enjoy philosophical science fiction, tragic character arcs, android protagonists, and adaptations that take creative liberties.
Keep in mind: begin with Part 1. The second part assumes that investment in the earlier episodes.
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5. Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction — the most ambitious drama
Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction uses an alien-invasion scenario to examine adolescence, friendship, political violence, social anxiety, and the fear that ordinary life can be disrupted without warning. Its central relationships matter as much as the speculative premise.
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This is one of the season’s more demanding choices. It has the texture of literary science fiction rather than a conventional invasion adventure, and its themes can be uncomfortable. The combination of everyday teenage concerns with large-scale existential danger is often powerful, although the ending was criticized as abrupt by some contemporaneous reviewers.
Watch it if: you want coming-of-age drama with political and existential ideas rather than a straightforward action series.
Keep in mind: it asks for more patience and thematic engagement than a typical seasonal entertainment show.
6. Senpai is an Otokonoko — the most character-focused romance
Senpai is an Otokonoko centers on a complicated romantic triangle involving a student who presents femininely, a classmate who develops feelings for them, and another friend whose attachment complicates the relationship further. The show deals with gender identity, queerness, ostracism, family pressure, and the difficulty of being understood by people close to you.
Its central trio is messy, but that messiness is part of the point. Rather than reducing the characters to a simple romantic puzzle, the series gives their relationships emotional consequences. Its treatment is not free from melodramatic anime conventions, but it approaches its characters with unusual empathy for a school romance of this type.
Watch it if: you want an emotionally direct romance built around identity, vulnerability, and character relationships.
Keep in mind: the love-triangle structure can be frustrating, and the story intentionally lets its characters make emotionally complicated choices.
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Crunchyroll’s 2024 summer slate was also a strong season for established franchises. The most recognizable returning titles included:
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- My Hero Academia Season 7: the continuing superhero-school saga and one of the season’s broadest shonen recommendations.
- One Piece: the long-running adventure continued as a weekly cornerstone of the platform’s catalog.
- Tower of God Season 2: a return to the series’ mysterious tower, irregular alliances, and large-scale fantasy conflict.
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3: another major continuation for viewers already following Rimuru’s expanding nation and political conflicts.
- Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest: a new continuation of the Fairy Tail adventure for established fans.
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Part 2: both a returning title and one of the season’s most worthwhile science-fiction options.
- The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses Season 2: a continuation for viewers who wanted more ensemble romantic comedy.
- SHY Season 2: the superhero drama returned with more of its emotionally grounded take on heroism.
For a viewer who wants the safest mainstream choices, My Hero Academia, One Piece, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, and Tower of God Season 2 were the clearest options. They also come with the obvious prerequisite: new viewers should begin with the earlier seasons or arcs.
The full new-simulcast field
Beyond the six recommendations above, Crunchyroll’s new summer simulcasts covered a wide range of genres:
| Series | Why it might fit |
|---|---|
| The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord’s Army was a Human | Fantasy viewers interested in a powerful outsider navigating the Demon Lord’s forces. |
| TASUKETSU -Fate of the Majority- | A survival-oriented mystery built around dangerous group decisions. |
| Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian | School romantic comedy centered on a girl who conceals her feelings behind Russian remarks. |
| Twilight Out of Focus | A romance set amid school friendships and filmmaking. |
| Days With My Stepsister | A quieter, more relationship-focused school drama than its title may initially imply. |
| Pseudo Harem | A playful romance built around one performer creating multiple character personas. |
| Quality Assurance in Another World | Another-world fantasy with a distinctive focus on glitches, systems, and the mechanics behind its setting. |
| SHOSHIMIN: How to Become Ordinary | A subdued mystery for viewers who prefer observation and deduction to power escalation. |
| Wistoria: Wand and Sword | The season’s strongest conventional action-fantasy recommendation. |
| Narenare -Cheer for You!- | A character-centered story with cheerleading, friendship, and youthful ambition. |
| VTuber Legend: How I Went Viral After Forgetting to Turn Off My Stream | Comedy about online performance, accidental exposure, and internet celebrity. |
| MAYONAKA PUNCH | An eccentric comedy with an unconventional creator-and-performer setup. |
| No Longer Allowed in Another World | A darker, more literary spin on the transported-to-another-world formula. |
| Love Is Indivisible by Twins | A romantic triangle built around twin sisters and divided affections. |
| Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! | A polished romantic comedy told from the perspective of rejected heroines. |
| ATRI -My Dear Moments- | Emotional science fiction with a relationship at its center. |
| Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? | Fantasy mystery for viewers drawn to altered histories and forgotten worlds. |
| Delico’s Nursery | A stylized supernatural drama with an unusual aristocratic and family-centered premise. |
More continuing simulcasts worth sampling
Crunchyroll also listed several series that were already in progress during the summer:
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- YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
- The Elusive Samurai
- Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
- My Deer Friend Nokotan
- My Wife Has No Emotion
- Red Cat Ramen
- True Beauty
YATAGARASU and The Elusive Samurai were particularly good choices for viewers who wanted historical or literary atmosphere instead of straightforward power escalation. My Deer Friend Nokotan, MAYONAKA PUNCH, No Longer Allowed in Another World, and VTuber Legend formed the season’s more eccentric comedy group. For darker or more mature themes, Dead Dead Demons, MONOGATARI, and NieR:Automata were the more substantial options.
How to choose based on your taste
| If you want… | Start with… | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Action fantasy | Wistoria: Wand and Sword | Swordplay, magic, academy competition, and an underdog hero. |
| A fresh romantic comedy angle | Makeine | Rejected heroines, friendship, comic timing, and emotional fallout. |
| Existing franchise depth | MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season | Dense dialogue, supernatural metaphors, and stylized presentation. |
| Science fiction | NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Part 2 | Androids, machines, tragedy, philosophy, and game-derived storytelling. |
| Literary speculative drama | Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction | Teenage friendship set against alien-invasion anxiety and political violence. |
| Identity-focused romance | Senpai is an Otokonoko | A messy but empathetic story about gender, family, and relationships. |
| Unusual comedy | My Deer Friend Nokotan or VTuber Legend | Absurd premises and internet- or school-centered humor. |
| Historical atmosphere | The Elusive Samurai or YATAGARASU | Period settings, political tension, and more emphasis on mood. |
Availability was not identical everywhere
Crunchyroll’s announcement used territory-specific availability lists. The supported regions varied by title and included combinations of North America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, the CIS, India, and Southeast Asia. A series appearing in the announcement did not guarantee that it was available in every country.
Subtitles and dubs were also listed separately. Crunchyroll warned that broadcast schedules and dub languages could change, so it would be inaccurate to describe every title as having a simultaneous English dub or the same release time worldwide. Viewers should check the title page for their country rather than relying on a general seasonal list.
One title was removed after a hiatus
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Season 2 initially appeared in the seasonal plans but was later removed after a hiatus notice. It should not be presented as an uninterrupted part of the final weekly schedule.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat the announcement means now
The phrase “Summer 2024 lineup” refers to a past programming announcement. It does not describe Crunchyroll’s current schedule in 2026, and the availability of these shows may have changed since the original broadcasts. Some may now be complete seasons, while others may have moved, gained additional dubs, or become unavailable in particular territories.
Best Value
- ONE Blind Bag Included – Each purchase contains one sealed blind bag with a 5" collectible bag clip featuring a surprise character from the series.
- Official Licensed Merchandise – Authentic character designs made with high-quality sculpting, bold colors, and durable foam material built to last.
- Display or Clip Anywhere – Attach to backpacks, keychains, totes, lanyards, or display at home or work to showcase your fandom.
- Perfect for Fans & Collectors – A fun surprise for collectors of blind bags and mystery figures, and a must-have for fans of the featured series.
- Gift-Ready & Fun to Trade – Great for birthdays, holidays, party favors, or conventions—collect the full wave or trade with friends to complete the set.
The lasting value of the lineup is its range. Wistoria supplied accessible action fantasy; Makeine reworked romantic-comedy conventions; Senpai is an Otokonoko offered an emotionally direct relationship drama; and Dead Dead Demons, MONOGATARI, and NieR gave the season more demanding science-fiction and supernatural choices. For a short watchlist, start with Wistoria, Makeine, and one of the returning shows you already follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Crunchyroll reveal its Summer 2024 anime lineup?
Crunchyroll first published the lineup on June 18, 2024. It expanded the page on June 26 and July 3, then updated it on August 6, 2024.
What was the best new anime in Crunchyroll’s Summer 2024 lineup?
Wistoria: Wand and Sword was the strongest broad recommendation for action-fantasy viewers, while Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! was the standout romantic comedy. The best choice depends on genre preference.
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No. Crunchyroll used territory-specific availability lists, and both availability and dub languages could differ by country. Check the individual title page for the relevant market.
Can I start MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season without watching the earlier series?
It is not recommended. The season assumes familiarity with the wider Monogatari story, characters, terminology, and viewing order.
Was Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Season 2 part of the final schedule?
It was initially included but was removed after a hiatus notice. It should not be described as an uninterrupted part of Crunchyroll’s final Summer 2024 weekly schedule.
The Bottom Line
The best short watchlist is Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, and one established favorite such as My Hero Academia, One Piece, or Tower of God Season 2. Add MONOGATARI, NieR:Automata, or Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction if you want something more demanding, and verify regional availability because the 2024 announcement was never a universal catalog.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
