Netflix has officially revealed its most-watched anime series for the second half of 2024, giving fans a clear picture of which shows dominated viewership. The rankings, compiled from July to December, showcase the biggest hits in the anime world, with Dandadan Season 1 leading the charge. The numbers highlight just how popular anime has become on the platform, with multiple fan-favorite series making the cut.
While Dandadan took the top spot, it faced tough competition from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hashira Training Arc and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1. The data provides insight into which series audiences the most and solidified their place as some of the most engaging anime experiences of the year.
Dandadan Tops Netflix’s 2024 Anime Rankings
Dandadan
Netflix’s latest What We Watched report shows that Dandadan Season 1 was the streaming platform’s biggest anime hit between July and December 2024. The series racked up a staggering 96.5 million hours watched, translating to 19.6 million views based on its total runtime. The anime’s unique blend of supernatural chaos and high-energy storytelling helped it secure the top position.
Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hashira Training Arc came in second, accumulating 51.1 million hours watched or 12.9 million views. Despite its shorter runtime, the fourth season of Demon Slayer continued the franchise’s dominance on Netflix, proving its immense popularity among anime fans.
The first season of Jujutsu Kaisen secured third place with 76.9 million hours watched, translating to 8.1 million views. This proves the series remains one of the most rewatched and widely appreciated anime on Netflix, even years after its debut.
Meanwhile, multiple seasons of Demon Slayer found their way onto the list. The Entertainment District Arc (33.7 million hours watched, 6.9 million views), Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc (65.5 million hours, 6.4 million views), and Mugen Train Arc (17.0 million hours, 6.0 million views) all ranked in the top 10.
Several other series left a mark in Netflix’s anime rankings. Ranma 1/2 Season 1 surprised many by claiming the fifth spot with 30.6 million hours watched. Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance Season 1 also made a strong impression with 14.7 million hours, proving that mecha anime still has a dedicated audience.
Dragon Ball DAIMA, Spy x Family Season 1, and The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 1 all landed in the top 15. The rankings further highlighted the ongoing popularity of Kengan Ashura, Delicious in Dungeon, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse.
Dandadan
With Dandadan leading Netflix’s anime charts, excitement is already building for its second season. Scheduled to premiere in July 2025, the new season will pick up immediately after the thrilling events of the first, with Momo facing new dangers and Okarun and Jiji deeper into the world of occult mysteries.
The success of Dandadan is particularly impressive given its simultaneous release on Crunchyroll and its status as one of the most pirated anime of 2024. Despite these challenges, its incredible performance on Netflix solidifies its place as one of the most talked-about series of the year.
Momo and Okarun challenge each other’s supernatural beliefs, ghosts vs. aliens. Their arguments lead them into paranormal encounters where they discover both entities are real. Given power and thrown into bizarre, chaotic confrontations, they must navigate surreal threats while forming an uneasy partnership.
The anime adaptation of “Solo Leveling” has enchanted audiences globally with its engaging storyline and dynamic characters. As the series neared its conclusion, whispers emerged suggesting the final episode would be an extended one-hour special. However, these rumors were unfounded, and the finale adhered to the standard episode duration.
Throughout its broadcast, “Solo Leveling” maintained a consistent episode length, typically ranging between 23 to 25 minutes, aligning with industry norms for anime series. This uniformity allowed for a structured narrative progression, ensuring each episode delivered a concise yet impactful segment of the overarching story. The finale was no exception, concluding the season within the established timeframe.
Rumors of an Extended Finale
Confirmation from ANX: Solo Leveling S2 13 episodes, and no 1h final episode https://t.co/MfrsEzHFiz pic.twitter.com/nYr68uvBpk — fuceo (@FUCEO0) March 2, 2025
The anticipation surrounding the series’ conclusion led to various rumors, one of which was the prospect of a one-hour finale. Such speculations often arise from fan expectations or misinterpretations of promotional materials. In this case, there was no official announcement from the production team or broadcasting networks indicating an extended episode. Despite the lack of confirmation, the rumor persisted, highlighting the fervent enthusiasm of the fanbase.
Production Considerations
Solo Leveling (Credits: A-1 Pictures)
Creating an extended episode requires additional resources, including increased animation workload, voice acting, and post-production efforts. Given the meticulous planning involved in anime production schedules, any deviation from the standard episode length would necessitate early coordination. The absence of such planning likely contributed to the decision to maintain the usual episode duration for the finale.
The storytelling in “Solo Leveling” has been praised for its pacing, with each episode meticulously crafted to balance action sequences and character development. An abrupt extension in the finale’s length could have disrupted this balance, potentially affecting the narrative’s cohesion. By adhering to the standard duration, the creators ensured a seamless conclusion that resonated with the established rhythm of the series.
Fan Reactions
I need Solo Leveling episodes to be 1 hour long. 30 minutes really feels criminal. — 🔱 (@NYCMuffinMan) March 2, 2025
While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of a one-hour finale, the majority appreciated the consistent quality and pacing of the concluding episode. Discussions on various forums reflected a general consensus that the finale delivered a satisfying closure to the season, staying true to the series’ essence without unnecessary prolongation.
In anime, rumors and speculations are commonplace, often fueled by passionate fan engagement. The case of “Solo Leveling’s” rumored one-hour finale serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on official communications for accurate information. Ultimately, the series concluded its season with the standard episode length, providing a fitting end that honored the narrative’s integrity and the audience’s expectations.
