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5 anime to binge watch during the holidays

Miguel Paolo Togonon

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The year 2024 has been an exciting one for anime enthusiasts, with new shows gracing cable television and streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll. Now that the holiday season is here, it’s the perfect time to sit back, relax, and treat yourself. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the top five anime shows that are perfect for binge-watching from the comfort of your home.

DanDaDan

We start this list with a bang as the hot newcomer DanDaDan made its anime series debut this year. Written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, the anime centers on the misadventures of two high schoolers, Momo Ayase and Ken Takakaru, who initially dabble in the weird and paranormal before being pulled into a universe of mystery.

Momo believes in ghosts but rejects the idea of extraterrestrials, while Ken is a UFO enthusiast but thinks ghosts are fake. Although the two have a rocky start due to their skepticism, they are drawn into the middle of a conflict after deciding to visit two separate locations associated with their respective interests.

Momo is abducted by aliens, gaining psychokinetic powers, while Ken is possessed by a yokai called Turbo Granny, transforming him into a demon. The show combines the appeal and excitement of Jujutsu Kaisen with the raunchy comedy style of Gintama. Each episode delivers a fresh take on shonen anime, leaving audiences with an unforgettable experience.

My Hero Academia Season 7

Kōhei Horikoshi’s superhero manga My Hero Academia continues to defy expectations as Deku and his friends fight the good fight against Tomura Shigaraki, All for One, and the Paranormal Liberation Front in season 7. The plot for the new season covers three arcs: Star and Stripe, UA Traitor, and the first half of the Final War.

It is also the most action-packed season yet, featuring some of the most devastating fight scenes that rival the likes of Dragon Ball and Demon Slayer. With classic superhero team-ups, intense one-on-one battles, and unexpected last-minute hero saves, this season promises to keep fans and audiences on the edge of their seats.

Dragon Ball Daima

Speaking of Dragon Ball, Toei Animation launched a new series, Dragon Ball Daima. It is the sixth televised installment of the Dragon Ball media franchise and the second — and last — to have been written by franchise creator, the late Akira Toriyama.

The plot takes place a year after the Buu saga, as Son Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of their friends are mysteriously transformed into miniature versions of themselves (reminiscent of DB GT). Goku must embark on a new journey into the Demon Realm to uncover the cause of the transformation, meeting new friends and foes along the way.

The anime cleverly balances nostalgia and stunning visuals while introducing fresh elements and plot twists that expand the franchise’s universe, making it a compelling watch for both old and new fans alike.

Solo Leveling

If you’re a fan of video game-based anime like Sword Art Online, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and more, then Solo Leveling should be on your list. Based on the South Korean web novel by Chugong, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-woo, a low-level hunter who gains the ability to level up after dying during a mission. He grows stronger each day by completing tasks and requirements reminiscent of RPG quests, each with its own rewards and consequences for failure.

The show’s biggest highlight is Sung’s character development, transforming from a weak and timid teenager into a confident and resolute hero. Combined with vibrant colors, fluid animation, and cinematic camera angles, the anime elevates its storytelling to a truly engaging level.

Demon Slayer Season 4

Koyoharu Gotouge's award-winning manga series Demon Slayer highlights the Hashira Training arc in its fourth season. The plot focuses on Tanjiro and his friends as they embark on a rigorous and dangerous training regimen led by the Hashiras, the strongest warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps.

While the episodes are shorter this season, the show's greatest appeal lies in its ability to give every character the spotlight they deserve — particularly the Hashiras. From their tragic backstories to the relationships they’ve built with other characters, the series presents narratives that audiences can easily relate to and deeply appreciate.