The Best Anime of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for anime fans. Whether you love over-the-top action, mecha warfare, romantic comedies, post-apocalypse thrillers, or relaxing slice-of-life series, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. From sequels of beloved franchises to original series that break new ground, the world of anime has never been more ambitious.
In this guide, you will discover must watch anime of 2025 that you cannot miss. Some series have already finished, others are ongoing, and a few upcoming anime of 2025 are creating buzz before their premiere. These top anime series in 2025 are selected for their storytelling, visual quality, and unique appeal. If you are looking for anime recommendations in 2025, you will find them filled with excitement, emotion, and creativity.
This list is the perfect starting point.
1. Solo Leveling Season 2
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Power
Episodes: 13
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Air dates: January 5 – March 30, 2025
Status: Finished
The second season of Solo Leveling continues Sung Jin-woo’s journey as the Shadow Monarch. This season expands the world with larger dungeons, stronger monsters, and complex politics affecting both humans and shadow worlds. Jin-woo’s dual life comes at an emotional cost, and his relationships with friends and foes deepen. Fans of power fantasies and thrilling battles will find this one of the best anime of 2025.
Character-wise, Jin-woo still lives the two lives, although this season, the emotional price begins to take its toll. It has obvious implications for the increasing power, and his interactions with both friends and foes are enriched. In animation, things will be more graphic and more spectacular, particularly when fighting.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Genre: Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 12
Studio: Sunrise & Studio Khara
Air dates: April 9 – June 25, 2025
Status: Finished
For mecha enthusiasts, Gundam GQuuuuuuX delivers intense combat and political drama. The protagonist faces internal and external conflicts in a war-torn world. With detailed mechanical designs, sweeping battles, and emotionally charged storytelling, this series stands out among the top anime series in 2025.
The main character, the woman, is torn between a broken world and her internally divided loyalty, and the series is not afraid of the ethical burden of doing the right thing when the frontiers of war are unclear. It looks good visually, with the mechanical design being detailed and full of sweeping battles and emotional scenes based on the trauma of war. This one feels heavier than some of the lighter mecha fare. The combination of political complexity and fine Gundam combat earns it the right to be ranked among the Best anime of 2025.
3. Fire Force Season 3 (Final Season)
Genre: action, supernatural, science fiction
Episodes: 12 in the first cour (second cour in 2026)
Studio: David Production
Aired: April- June 2025 (second season should air in January 2026)
Status: Finished
This is a series that deserved its cool down: Fire Force has constructed a bizarre, hot, supernatural universe episode after episode, and in its final season, the series puts those pieces together with fireworks. Anticipate more melodramatic pyro kinesis challenges, supernatural infernal dangers, and profoundly personal stakes at stake among the major characters.
The character lines receive closure with significance, particularly as the threats of the Evangelist increase and old mysteries regarding the origins of the Fire Force become clearer. You have your paranormal story, your epic battle, and your soul-searching. It is closing off well, and that makes it one of the top anime series in 2025.
4. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi
Episodes: 11 episodes, along with a special.
Studio: Production I.G
Air dates: began July 2025
Status: Ongoing
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 explores Kafka’s struggle between human and kaiju identities. With high-stakes battles, loyalty dilemmas, and moral gray areas, this season is emotionally charged. The lighter “Hoshina’s Day Off” special balances the intensity. Fans of must watch anime of 2025 will find this series thrilling and heartfelt.
Spectacle monster battles will be the order of the day, but so will the sequences of Kafka and his allies struggling with loyalty, responsibility, and the way to employ (but not employ) power extracted by Kaaji. It raises moral grayness, though, to the degree to which humans have literally beasts of doom. And should you be in need of some breathing room, the “Hoshina’s Day Off” special is a lighter affair with the action resuming there after. To sum up, Kaiju No. 8 is filled with a lot of action, yet it is also an emotionally acute that makes it one of the Best anime of 2025.
5. Dr. Stone Season 4
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure (educational + invention driven)
Episodes: 23, split into three courses (Jan–Mar 2025, Jul–Sep 2025, and a final in 2026).
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Air dates: First cour premiered Jan 9, 2025, Second cour began July 10, 2025.
Status: Ongoing (final season)
Senku and his friends continue restoring civilization with ingenuity, chemistry, and engineering. Each course balances groundbreaking inventions, survival challenges, and interpersonal drama. With scientific wonder and high stakes, Dr. Stone Season 4 earns its place among the best anime of 2025 and is a top pick for anime recommendations in 2025.
Senku remains the brilliant yet eccentric mind at the center, but more of the supporting cast step into leadership roles as the story unfolds. The conflicts are driven not only by the aftermath of petrification but also by scarce resources, opposing factions, and different visions of progress. It is this blend of scientific wonder, human ambition, and high stakes that makes Dr. Stone Season 4 one of the standout anime of 2025.
6.Bullet/Bullet
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Heist Thriller, Action.
Episodes: 12
Work studios: E&H Production and Gaga Corporation.
Air dates: July 16 – August 13, 2025
Status: Finished
Bullet/Bullet is a genre-blending original series. It combines post-apocalypse tension, heist action, and sci-fi thrills, featuring a kid, a gambler bear, and a multiple-personality robot. Its slick pacing, tight action, and surprising humor make it one of the most exciting anime recommendations in 2025.
The pacing is slick, the action is tight, and the setting is lived in under the guidance of Sunghoo Park. It is full of grit and grime, but there are some moments of tension and surprising humor. Themes of trust, survival, and moral ambiguity also emerge as the junk-shop crew accepts the jobs that are far above their pay. Bullet/Bullet is one of those originals that is capable of creeping up on you; it not only deserves a place in the Best anime of 2025, but it can be placed right at the top of the list.
7. Sakamoto Days Season 1, Part 2
Genre: Action, Comedy
Episodes: 22 total (11 in Part 1, 11 in Part 2)
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Air dates: Part 1 aired January 11 – March 22, 2025, Part 2 began July 14, 2025
Status: Finished
The story of Taro Sakamoto, the legendary hitman turned family man, continues in Part 2 of the first season. While he still craves a peaceful life running his convenience store, his past refuses to let him go. Old rivals, new assassins, and dangerous organizations threaten the calm he has built, forcing him back into action. This series is one of the most entertaining anime recommendations in 2025.
This course turns up both the intensity and the comedy. The balance between Sakamoto’s quiet, domestic life and the chaos of his former profession becomes even sharper, with battles that are as inventive as they are hilarious. Supporting characters also get more spotlight, creating fresh dynamics and emotional stakes. With sharp humor, stylish fights, and heartfelt moments, Sakamoto Days proves why it deserves a spot among the best anime of 2025.
8. My Dress-Up Darling Season 2
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy.
Episodes: 12
Studio: Clover Works
Air dates: July 2025
Status: Ongoing
In case you are interested in a softer contrast to the monsters and the mechs, My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 is what you need. Marin and Gojo are reuniting, and this season is much closer to what they take as their compatibility: the creativity, the empathy, and the fumbling yet all-sweet dance of maturing together.
This season is not just about cuter costumes due to new cosplay events, new personal challenges, and more emotional stakes. Marin receives a chance to be challenged in her confidence, Gojo struggles to strike a balance between ambition and relationship, and the developing relationship between them encounters a speed bump in the reality of life. It is a visual feast: the cosplay design has been sharpened, and character scenes are richer in expression. In need of some romance, slice of life, or simply feel-good-but-real anime, My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 is literally in contention for the Best anime of 2025.
9. One Piece: The Egghead Arc
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Episodes: starting from Episode 1089
Studio: Toei Animation
Air dates: January 2024 – present (hiatus Oct 2024 – Apr 2025)
Status: Ongoing
The Egghead Arc begins the final saga of One Piece, throwing the Straw Hat Pirates into the futuristic island of Egghead, home to the genius scientist Dr. Vegapunk. Here, secrets of the world long kept hidden finally begin to surface, and the stakes grow larger than ever before.
After a production pause in late 2024, the anime returned in April 2025 with renewed energy, continuing to deliver thrilling battles, shocking revelations, and emotional beats that connect back to decades of story. With its mix of classic adventure, science-fiction flair, and world-shaking mysteries, the Egghead Arc proves that One Piece is still at its peak even after more than 1000 episodes and has earned its place among the top anime series in 2025.
10. Wind Breaker Season 2
Genre: Sports, High School Drama
Episodes: 12
Studio: CloverWorks
Air dates: April 3, 2025 – June 19, 2025
Status: Completed
This season picks up the story from the first season’s cliffhanger and ramps up the stakes with rival gangs (like KEEL) and escalating fights. The core cast faces not only external crews but internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, so it’s not just racing or random street fights; it’s youth drama, friendship, loyalty, and growth under pressure.
It delivers a good rhythm of action and character development without relying on supernatural spectacle. Sometimes, a 2025 anime doesn’t need mechs or monsters to make a strong point about human grit and camaraderie.
11. Re: zero Starting Life in Another World Season 3
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy, Drama
Episodes: 16 across two courses
Studio: White Fox
Air dates: October 2, 2024 – March 26, 2025
Status: Finished
The narrative of the Subaru is gaining momentum in Season 3, and this is among the more emotional rides of the year. Subaru faces moral dilemmas, death, and redemption arcs. Season 3 deepens character development and challenges ethical decisions, making it a must-see for anime recommendations in 2025. Subaru is not simply resetting anymore, and he is actually paying a price with every action he does, even when he is unsuccessful.
The development of the character is severe, gradual, and this season also triples the uncertainty of what is right in a fantasy world where time more or less resets itself. Provided you do not mind investing emotionally and suffering to be paid off, Re: zero Season 3 makes her place in the list of the Best anime of 2025 through sheer emotional appeal and story ambition.
12. Witch Watch
Genre: Supernatural, Comedy, Romance
Episodes: Ongoing (Season 1, 2 consecutive courses, around 26 episodes)
Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
Air dates: April 6, 2025, to present (first cour began in April, second cour is now underway)
Status: Ongoing
Witch Watch is one of the best anime of 2025 for those who enjoy lighthearted supernatural fun.It is a magical slice of life comedy with just enough supernatural chaos. Nico Wakatsuki is a witch in training who moves in with her childhood friend Morihito Otogi, a human-looking ogre who becomes her familiar. Their school life, family time, and daily routines are constantly interrupted by Nico’s unpredictable spells, odd magical disasters, and eccentric characters who bring both comedy and heart.
What makes Witch Watch stand out is how it treats magic as quirky and inconvenient rather than gloomy. The series balances comedy, romance, and magical mishaps with sincerity, showing that one of the best anime of 2025 can be fun, lighthearted, and still emotionally engaging.
13. Lord of the Mysteries
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Steampunk, Mystery, Supernatural
Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
Studio: B.C. May Pictures
Air Dates: June 28 – September 13, 2025
Status: Finished
Lord of the Mysteries is a standout must watch anime of 2025, blending gothic horror, occult intrigue, and Victorian-era aesthetics. Adapted from the popular web novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, the series follows Zhou Mingrui, who awakens in the body of Klein Moretti in a world filled with secret societies and supernatural forces. As a newly initiated Beyonder, Klein navigates a complex web of mysteries, divine powers, and existential questions.
The anime’s rich storytelling, atmospheric world-building, and philosophical themes have garnered critical acclaim, making it a top pick among anime recommendations in 2025. Its unique blend of genres and deep narrative complexity set it apart from other top anime series in 2025.
14. Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy, Drama
Episodes: 10-12 (confirmed 10 so far)
Studio: Kinema Citrus (continuing production)
Air dates: July 9, 2025
Status: Ongoing
Naofumi’s journey continues with darker twists and ethical dilemmas. Season 4 addresses leadership, accountability, and consequences, earning its spot as a top anime series in 2025. What began as a story of betrayal and redemption has become one of leadership on the run, moral grayness, and an increase in fan demands.
Season 4 is cynical with the upper-end results of the preceding arcs, such as how war and betrayal impact the psyche, accountability, and heritage of a hero. In case you like fantasy anime that does not beat around the bush when it comes to difficult questions and the consequences of actions on the characters.
15. The Summer Hikaru Died
Genre: Mystery, Drama
Episodes: Not officially announced, but likely a standard cour (10-12 episodes)
Studio: CygamesPictures
Air dates: July 5, 2025
Status: Ongoing
Not all anime that shine have to be loud. Summer Hikaru Died is more subdued, more atmospheric, and is more grounded in emotion. It combines mystery and coming-of-age drama, sorrow, and the possibility that there are undertones of the supernatural.
The tempo is slow, the emotional rhythms are soft and forceful, and the suspense is created in a slow manner. It provides a good contrast to more spectacle-based (and heavier) shows on this list and serves as a reminder that tone and mood can be quite a heavy load. It is a quiet but strong competitor to the must watch anime of 2025, especially when you seek heartfelt rather than fireworks.
Future Anime in the rest of 2025 (October to December)
It is not yet the end of the year, and the Best anime of 2025 has a lot of big ones to release during the last time frame. The following are those that have been verified or are strongly anticipated to happen between October and December:
- Digimon Beatbreak is released on October 5. Another new series of Digimon TV, which features new partners and a new cleaner team named Golden Dawn, was created by Toei Animation. The main character is a 15-year-old boy called Tomoro Tenma, who teams up with Gekko mon and plays on elite teams. Look forward to adventure, cyber monster fights, and a fresh perspective on what Digimon is in the new world.
- Spy Family Season 3 releases on October 4. Yes, the Forger family is back. Loid, Yor, and Anya keep walking the fine line between spy affairs, family affairs, and comical misguiding. Anya continues to be an emotional anchor to be proud of, and the new season promises to take the action, humor, and heart levels of the pair of doubles-lives in their stride.
- One-Punch Man Season 3 begins October 5. It is now long-awaited, with a fresh director, J.C. Staff, producing the bald hero. The Monster Association arc is likely to be front and center, and it implies the fights of the epic heroes, the gray areas of morality, and the abundance of the deadpan humor of Saitama. The autumn season will be loaded.
Provided other trailers fall between this time and December, I would anticipate possible surprise announcements, both seasonal originals and movies aimed at winter release. Nevertheless, with only the three of these, the upcoming titles continue the strong slate of anime recommendations in 2025. For those new to anime or looking for a curated starting point, you can also check out 10 Incredible Must-Watch Anime for Beginners for some great picks.
FAQs
Q1: Which is the anime in this list that has the largest spectacle or the greatest wow factor?
When you need big battles, polished animation, and large stakes, then Solo Leveling Season 2, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, and One-Punch Man Season 3 are your best bets. They combine monster battles or hero confrontations with the development of character power and the high level of production.
Q2: What anime should I choose if I would like something more relaxing or slice of life?
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Witch Watch, or The Summer Hikaru Died are less action-focused or spectacle-driven and are built on character and are more emotionally cozy (or mysterious).
Q3: Do I have to see other seasons or other adaptations of every entry?
Not all of them, but most of them are improved by the knowledge of the backstory. Dr. The Season 4 of Stone incorporates previous scientific world-building. Fire Force Season 3 is a continuation of plot lines. Even One Piece and Kaiju No. 8 anticipate some prior acquaintance with past arcs. That being said, more amenable points of entry can be originals, such as Bullet/Bullet or absurd comedy such as Reborn as a Vending Machine.
Q4: What future fall 2025 anime am I most excited about
Digimon Beat break, Spy x Family, Season 3, and One Punch Man, Season 3. They are all a variation on flavor, which are adventure digital monsters, spy-comedy-family drama, and heroic fight spectacle, so you can choose your mood or watch them all together.
Q5: What is so good about 2025 as a seasonal anime year?
Since it is not betting on sequels only or safe bets. We have sequels and franchise entries, but robust originals (Bullet/Bullet, The Summer Hikaru Died) and fresh takes (Digimon Beat break) are making the year have some length. The ability to stream, as well as reach audiences across the globe, has seen shows being bold and expanding tastes, making 2025 one of the more exciting years to follow anime.
