Top 5 Anime to Watch on New Years Eve (2024)

A new year means new resolutions, new beginnings, and feeling brand new. But it also comes with unwanted regrets from past year’s unfinished resolutions, and that’s fine because we got you. We have compiled a list of anime that’ll give you the much-needed strength and courage this New Year’s Eve to welcome 2025 with open arms and a bright smile. Here’s our list of top anime you should watch this New Year’s Eve.

Table of Contents

1. My Love Story (2015 Anime)

Number of episodes: 24
IMDB rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Crunchyroll

Takeo Gouda’s giant stature has always scared away girls, unlike his best friend Makoto Sunkawa, who attracts girls like nectar to the honeybees. But fate has its plan for the kind-hearted giant. One day, Takeo saves Rinko Yamato, a girl, from a train groper. It was a love at first sight for Takeo, but unbeknownst to him, it was also the same for Rinko. But assuming Rinko will eventually fall in love with Makoto, Takeo gives up on her.

The cute-fluffy romance, stomach-hurting comedy, adorable bromance, and occasionally realistic incidents make My Love Story the perfect watch for New Year’s Eve. After watching this endearing shoujo anime, you’ll be left with a sweet aftertaste.

2. A Place Further Than The Universe (2018 Anime)

A Place Further than the Universe | Credits: Madhouse

Number of episodes: 13
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Crunchyroll

Mari Tamaki has the soul of an adventurer. She wants to explore the entire universe and beyond. But the fear of the unknown has always stopped her until her fateful encounter with Shirase Kobuchizawa. She is a determined girl hellbent on traveling to Antarctica in search of her mother. Shirase’s infectious determination pushes Mari to take that one important step forward as she joins her. Soon, two other girls join their expedition to a place further than the universe.

We all have that one resolution we keep putting off year after year just because we don’t dare to take that step forward. This New Year’s Eve, let this excellent slice-of-life guide you through the anxieties stopping you from the adventure awaiting you on the other side.

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3. When Marnie Was There (2014 Movie)

When Marnie was There | Credits: Studio Ghibli

IMDB rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Max

Due to her withdrawn personality and frequent asthma attacks, the doctor recommended Anna Sasaki spend time somewhere quiet and peaceful. In summer, Anna was sent to her aunts in a small town near the sea. Soon, she discovers a mysterious mansion that seemed abandoned but wasn’t. There, she stumbles across Marnie, a jolly girl who is the exact opposite of Anna. Marnie’s personality begins to rub off on Anna, who begins to step outside her comfort zone. But Anna soon finds out something rather strange about Marnie, the truth that lies beyond the mansion walls.

This New Year’s Eve recommendation is for those who aren’t as sociable as others and feel overlooked. This Ghibli film will give you the company and warmth you deserve. This movie is about a girl’s self-discovery that’ll pull at your heartstrings by the time you end this touching tale of friendship.

4. Run With the Wind (2018 Anime: 23 Episodes)

Run with the Wind | Credits: Production I.G.

Number of episodes: 23
IMDB rating: 8.3/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Crunchyroll

Haiji Kiyose, a fourth-year Kansei University student, is desperate to participate in Hakone Ekiden, the most prestigious university marathon relay race in Japan. Soon, he encounters Kakeru Kurahara, a shoplifter he saved and sheltered in the students’ apartment.

During Kakeru’s welcome party, Haiji reveals that the apartment is actually the University Track Club’s dormitory. He then announced that everyone residing would participate in the upcoming race with only a few months left. The problem? Except for Haiji and Kakeru, all of them are running novices.

To confront one’s past and move forward isn’t an easy task; that’s where Run With the Wind steps in. This sports anime takes you on a healing journey like no other, and what better time to watch it than New Year’s Eve?

5. Wolf Children (2012 Movie)

Wolf Children | Credits: Studio Chizu, Toho

IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: NA

Hana falls in love with a man who attends one of her college classes. Turns out he isn’t a student there, and soon reveals to Hana that he isn’t a human either. He is the last werewolf alive. But that isn’t enough to falter Hana’s love. Soon they start a family, and have two adorable kids, both blessed with werewolf abilities. But when an unfortunate event leaves Hana as a single mother, she decides to move to the countryside to protect her kids from this densely populated city.

Follow Hana on this heartwarming journey where she struggles to lead a normal life while raising her kids in a human populace where a misstep might cost their happiness.