The Best Shonen Anime of 2025

In 2025, shonen anime is thriving with both brand-new series and the return of beloved classics. Viewers are enjoying intense action shows as well as a rise in romantic comedies and historical dramas that mix things up. This year also stands out for its stunning animation quality, as studios are really pushing creative boundaries. Here’s a look at the most important shonen anime that premiered or released new seasons in this exciting year.

‘The Healer Who Was Banished from His Party, Is, in Fact, the Strongest’ (2024–2025)

Norgust is a skilled healer unexpectedly abandoned by his adventuring party, who don’t realize how valuable he is. Determined to prove his worth, he sets out to find new companions and demonstrate that a healer can be a team’s greatest asset. The story explores themes of self-worth and finding recognition in a challenging fantasy world. Audiences appreciate watching Norgust rebuild his life and thrive, making it a favorite for those who enjoy classic fantasy stories of overcoming adversity.

‘Blue Miburo’ (2024–2025)

This action-packed historical series is set in Japan’s Bakumatsu period and centers on a young man who becomes a member of the famous Shinsengumi. As Japan undergoes dramatic changes, he struggles to define his own sense of justice amidst political unrest and violence. The story highlights the strong connections between comrades and the difficult choices faced by those who wield swords. The animation beautifully recreates the era, with careful attention paid to clothing and settings. It’s become popular for offering a realistic take on historical events within the action-adventure genre.

‘Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms’ (2024–2025)

Hikaru is an ordinary student until he encounters a living, mechanical arm from a different world. This event pulls him into a hidden conflict between factions vying for control of these incredible machines. The show stands out with its distinct visuals and the inventive ways characters wield their mechanical arms in combat. At its heart, the series is about the strong connection between Hikaru and his mechanical partner. It’s been recognized for its fast-paced action and original character designs.

‘Murai in Love’ (2024–2025)

This funny animated movie centers around a unique high school student who develops a crush on his teacher – a woman completely obsessed with video game characters. In a desperate attempt to win her over, he transforms himself to look just like her favorite game hero. The story playfully examines the difference between being a dedicated fan and falling in love, all with a quick, over-the-top sense of humor. The bright and lively animation perfectly matches the movie’s wild and unpredictable plot, offering a fun and breezy break from the many action-packed films released this year.

‘Sengoku Youko’ (2024–2025)

This series, based on a beloved manga, finishes its epic tale set in a Japan ravaged by war. It centers on two supernatural siblings who battle evil spirits and strive for a peaceful existence for both humans and spirits. The concluding episodes are packed with emotional moments and huge battles that have been carefully developed throughout the show. Viewers praise the well-developed characters and the thought-provoking themes about what it means to be human. It’s a distinctive mix of Japanese folklore and classic action-packed storytelling.

‘2.5 Dimensional Seduction’ (2024–2025)

Okumura, the president of the manga club, claims he only likes fictional characters. But that changes when a new student asks for his help with cosplay, sparking a journey into the world of costume-making. The series is a fun look at the creativity and effort behind costumes, and the friendships that grow from shared interests. It’s funny, but also touches on real issues like being shy and the importance of expressing yourself through art. It’s become popular with fans who love seeing a positive portrayal of ‘otaku’ culture.

‘Demon Lord 2099’ (2024–2025)

I’m completely captivated by this series! It takes place in a stunning, futuristic Shinjuku where the infamous Demon Lord Veltol returns after being defeated 500 years ago. But the world he comes back to is so different – it’s a blend of magic and incredible technology, a real cyberpunk landscape. It’s fascinating to watch him try to regain his power in a world of hackers and towering neon skyscrapers. What I love most is how it flips the fantasy trope – a classic villain thrown into a sci-fi setting. And the visuals? The clash between old magic and futuristic tech is just breathtaking!

‘Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister’ (2024–2025)

Uryu Kamihiki, a young orphan determined to become a doctor, finds himself living with the three sisters who care for a neighborhood Shinto shrine. The story follows Uryu as he juggles his demanding studies with the everyday lives of the shrine maidens, focusing on the bonds they form and the importance of local customs. It’s a touching tale about family, following your dreams, and the quiet beauty of life at the shrine.

‘Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions’ (2023–2025)

I’m completely hooked on this series! It follows a truly amazing detective, Ron Kamonohashi – he’s a genius at solving crimes, but unfortunately, he’s not allowed to work officially. Thankfully, he teams up with a really good-hearted police officer, and together they tackle the most baffling cases you can imagine. What I love is how unique Ron is as a character, and the mysteries themselves are so cleverly constructed. It’s quickly become a favorite for anyone who enjoys shonen mysteries, and it was definitely a highlight of the 2025 season for me.

‘A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School!’ (2024–2025)

Okay, so I just finished watching this series, and it’s a total delight! It centers around Haruaki Abe, a really shy teacher who somehow ends up at a school for monsters – seriously, all his students are supernatural beings! The fun comes from watching him try to get over his fear of ghosts and demons while trying to manage this incredibly chaotic class. It’s hilarious seeing this timid guy dealing with students who have all sorts of dangerous powers. What really grabbed me were the amazing monster designs – they’re so creative! It’s a really lighthearted take on the whole school life genre, and honestly, it’s just charming. If you’re looking for something funny with a bit of spooky fun, I highly recommend it – the characters are just so endearing.

‘Mission: Yozakura Family’ (2024–2025)

Taiyo Asano is a quiet student who learns his childhood friend comes from a family of incredibly skilled spies. To keep her safe from her overbearing brother, he ends up joining the family business and begins training to become a spy himself. The show, continuing into 2025, mixes everyday family life with thrilling, action-packed missions. Each family member has unique skills, making every fight scene fresh and exciting. The series is well-loved for its combination of touching family moments and thrilling spy work.

‘Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc’ (2024–2025)

Kinnikuman is back! The famous wrestler returns to battle a powerful new enemy from a long-forgotten age. This new series keeps the spirit of the original Kinnikuman alive with updated animation and exciting wrestling matches. It dives into the history of the wrestling universe while also celebrating the importance of friendship and doing what’s right. Longtime fans will love seeing familiar faces, and new viewers will be thrilled by the introduction of strong new opponents. This series successfully brings a classic anime back to life for today’s audience.

‘Rooster Fighter’ (2025)

This exciting series follows a brave rooster as he fights huge monsters to save the world. Though small, he’s a surprisingly skilled warrior with a strong sense of responsibility. It playfully mocks common action movie clichés, but still delivers amazing and well-animated fight scenes. Thanks to its unusual story and distinctive visuals, it’s quickly become a popular hit, especially for those who like seeing silly ideas taken completely seriously.

‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess’ (2024–2025)

This charming story centers around a princess held captive, but her ‘torture’ involves being offered incredibly delicious snacks and treats by the demons! The series follows her attempts to hide her true identity while constantly being tempted by amazing food. What makes it funny is how sweet and kind the demons actually are. Known for its beautiful food animation, the show playfully flips classic fantasy stories on their head, making it a comforting and humorous favorite among fans in 2025.

‘Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!’ (2024–2025)

Tsubasa Shiki’s move from Tokyo to the snowy Hokkaido sets the stage for a heartwarming story. He quickly connects with a girl named Minami Fuyuki, and together they experience the beauty and unique culture of the region. The series follows their blossoming romance and the everyday realities of life in a cold climate, all while showcasing stunning scenery and a delightful connection between the main characters. It’s a charming and localized take on the classic high school romantic comedy.

‘Beastars’ (2019–2025)

This psychological drama’s last season wraps up the intricate story of Legoshi, a wolf, as he deals with a world sharply divided between plant-eaters and meat-eaters. He’s forced to face his own animal instincts while trying to find justice in a society that’s falling apart. Using its unusual animal characters, the show tackles important social issues and what it means to be an individual. The animation remains visually striking, combining traditional and computer-generated techniques. The series concludes its impressive run by focusing on the development and ultimate fates of its characters.

‘To Your Eternity’ (2021–2025)

Fushi is a character who can’t die and takes on the appearances of people he’s lost along the way. The story now takes place in the present day, forcing him to adapt to a world filled with technology and social media. This new setting offers a fresh look at the series’ central ideas about living forever and the importance of human relationships. The story still packs an emotional punch as Fushi struggles with the weight of his endless life and faces the reappearance of past foes. It’s a compelling addition to the series that pushes the limits of what a traditional action story can be.

‘Go! Go! Loser Ranger!’ (2024–2025)

This series is set in a world where heroes battle monsters weekly for the public’s amusement. A disillusioned soldier, tired of the system’s corruption, decides to fight back. He goes undercover within the hero organization, aiming to tear it down from the inside and expose the gray areas between good and evil. The second season delves deeper into political schemes and the characters’ personal conflicts, offering a unique and critical take on the typical superhero story. The show has become popular thanks to its clever writing and compelling, flawed main character.

‘I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class’ (2025)

This series follows two high school rivals whose families unexpectedly arrange their marriage. They have to pretend everything is normal, living together and facing school life while keeping their secret hidden. The show’s humor comes from their constant arguing, but as they spend time together, they start to develop real feelings for each other. It’s a fresh take on the classic ‘enemies to lovers’ story, set in a modern high school, and has quickly become a hit with romantic comedy fans.

‘Wistoria: Wand and Sword’ (2024–2025)

Will Serfort lives in a society where magical ability dictates your place in the world, but he was born without any magic. Instead, he’s a skilled fighter who uses his swordsmanship to ascend a perilous tower and keep a promise he made to a friend. The second season follows his ongoing adventure as he battles increasingly powerful magic users and learns hidden truths about the world. The fight scenes are well-animated and highlight the difference between raw physical power and magical abilities. The series continues to shine thanks to its inspiring story of an unlikely hero and its impressive quality.

‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’ (2025)

Rintaro, a student at a tough high school, falls for Kaoruko, who goes to a fancy girls’ school nearby. The story explores how they overcome the biases and assumptions that divide their schools. It’s known for its honest and heartfelt depiction of friendship and first love. The beautiful, detailed art style perfectly matches the story’s tender mood. Many people are excited about this adaptation, expected in 2025, because of its realistic and touching story.

‘Witch Watch’ (2025)

Nico, a young witch, goes to live with her childhood friend, Morihito, who is responsible for both assisting and protecting her. The story follows Nico as she navigates school life and magic, leading to plenty of funny and unexpected situations, as well as a growing connection between her and Morihito. The series is known for its clever humor and visually creative gags, making each episode a surprise. A colorful cast of supernatural characters further adds to the lively and chaotic household. It’s become popular quickly thanks to its heartwarming moments and funny storylines.

‘Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms’ (2025)

Mona, a well-liked girl, is surprised when a new student, Medaka, doesn’t respond to her flirting. She soon learns he’s training to become a monk and is practicing self-discipline by avoiding all distractions. The story revolves around Mona’s funny and increasingly complex efforts to get him to lose focus. Their interactions are full of both humor and a budding romantic connection, making the series a standout romantic comedy among new anime in 2025.

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ (2023–2025)

In 2025, the latest version of the classic swordsman’s journey for forgiveness will reach its peak with the Kyoto story arc. Kenshin Himura heads to the former capital city to prevent a dangerous rebel from throwing the nation into turmoil. The refreshed animation makes the famous fights and the political intrigue of the Meiji period even more thrilling. This adaptation closely follows the original manga, offering a definitive experience for a new audience. It continues to be a strong example of exciting historical action and heartfelt storytelling.

‘Blue Exorcist’ (2011–2025)

Rin Okumura is still training to be an exorcist while secretly being the son of Satan. The latest season, focusing on the ‘Beyond the Snow’ story arc, introduces new enemies and unravels more secrets about the True Cross Academy. The series shows how Rin’s relationships with his classmates grow as they battle increasingly powerful demons. Viewers appreciate the blend of supernatural action and everyday school life that’s been a hallmark of the show. Recent improvements in animation and production have also brought renewed excitement to the series.

‘FAIRY TAIL 100 YEARS QUEST’ (2024–2025)

Natsu and his Fairy Tail guildmates are still on their quest to defeat five incredibly strong dragons in the north. Their adventure leads them through exciting new lands, where they battle foes wielding powerful, ancient magic. The series keeps the fast-paced action and heartwarming friendships that fans have enjoyed for years. With new characters and a deeper story, it stays true to its roots while offering a fresh experience. It’s still a must-read for anyone who loves grand fantasy adventures.

‘Black Butler’ (2008–2025)

In 2025, the series follows Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler, Sebastian, as they investigate strange disappearances at an exclusive boarding school. This season adapts the ‘Emerald Witch’ storyline, emphasizing gothic mystery and supernatural thrills. Known for its beautiful character designs and the complex, often dark, bond between Ciel and Sebastian, the show offers a uniquely mature take on the shonen genre. The richly detailed and captivating setting of Victorian London continues to be a highlight.

‘Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun’ (2019–2025)

Iruma, a sweet and considerate boy, is still adjusting to life in the demon world while pretending to be a demon himself. This season, things get more challenging as he and his classmates face tougher magical tests and navigate complex social situations. The show is famous for its cheerful spirit and how Iruma inspires the often self-centered demons around him. With bright animation and imaginative magic, it’s a fun watch for everyone, and continues to be one of the best comedy-fantasy series available in 2025.

‘Shangri-La Frontier’ (2023–2025)

Rakuro Hizutome keeps exploring the expansive world of a popular virtual reality game, using the experience he gained from playing many less-known titles. This season focuses on challenging boss fights against original monsters and uncovering the game’s secrets. The animation, done by Studio C2C, is known for its smooth action and realistic combat. The series perfectly captures the thrill of discovery and the social interactions of online gaming, making it a great watch for anyone interested in gaming or competitive entertainment.

‘Tower of God’ (2020–2025)

The journey to uncover the secrets of the tower goes on, with Bam confronting fresh challenges and powerful enemies. Season two broadens the world and introduces a diverse group of characters, each with their own reasons for climbing to the top. The series is well-known for its complex magic system and the ever-present mystery surrounding the tower’s past. The latest episodes are particularly impactful, exploring strained friendships and raising the tension as the competition heats up. It’s still a standout example of a successful comic book adaptation.

‘Mashle: Magic and Muscles’ (2023–2025)

Mash Burnedead keeps relying on his incredible strength to conquer magical obstacles in a world obsessed with magic. In the third season, he faces off against the academy’s strongest magic users as he aims to become a Divine Visionary. The show is still a funny take on typical magic school stories, but it also features exciting and beautifully animated fights. Mash’s straightforward solutions to difficult problems are consistently humorous, and the series has become a favorite for those who enjoy action and wacky comedy.

‘Spy x Family’ (2022–2025)

The Forger family balances keeping up appearances at social events with their secret work as spies, all in an effort to protect world peace. Season three brings new challenges for Loid’s mission and plenty of funny moments at Anya’s school. At its core, the show is about the growing, authentic connection between a family that started as a fake one. The animation and directing remain top-notch, skillfully blending heartwarming family scenes with exciting action. It’s a hugely popular show that continues to be a hit around the world in 2025.

‘Wind Breaker’ (2024–2025)

I recently dove into the second season of this series, and it’s really grabbed me. It centers around Haruka Sakura, who ends up leading a group of former delinquents. They’ve actually turned their high school into something positive – a force protecting their town. This season digs into the backstories of each club member, revealing why they are who they are, while also showing them fight to defend their turf from a rival gang. What I really appreciate is how realistic the fight scenes are – they’re brutal and you feel every punch. But it’s not just about the action; it’s a surprisingly heartwarming show with strong characters and a really positive message about community and people trying to become better versions of themselves. It’s become a favorite of mine because it just feels so genuine.

‘Kaiju No. 8’ (2024–2025)

Kafka Hibino is still secretly using his ability to turn into a monster to defend Japan, even after joining the Defense Force. The new season brings even bigger monsters and focuses more on the stories of the soldiers fighting alongside him. The show expertly combines huge-scale destruction with personal character moments and realistic military strategy. The animation quality is fantastic, especially during the epic monster battles, making this series a standout in the action genre.

‘Gachiakuta’ (2025)

Ludo, a young boy wrongly accused of a crime, is imprisoned in a huge garbage dump beneath a city in the sky. There, he develops the ability to transform trash into powerful weapons and teams up with a group of sanitation workers who battle monsters. The series boasts a bold, unique art style inspired by urban graffiti. It tells a story about how society overlooks and discards people and things, and finding worth in what’s been thrown away. Many consider this show to be one of the most visually creative new series of 2025.

‘Sakamoto Days’ (2025)

Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman known for his skills, now runs a quiet store and wants to keep his peaceful life. But a wave of highly trained assassins starts targeting him, forcing him to use his combat expertise and whatever’s handy in the store to defend himself – all without resorting to killing. The series is famous for its unique and funny action sequences, contrasting Sakamoto’s normal suburban life with his dangerous history. The fast-paced fights are incredibly inventive, and the show quickly became a hit with audiences.

‘Blue Lock’ (2022–2025)

Season two of this high-pressure soccer training program kicks into high gear as the players face their toughest challenge yet: a match against Japan’s U-20 national team. This competition will determine if the innovative “Blue Lock” project is truly effective. The show delves into the characters’ mental development and their drive to become top players, fueled by individual ambition. With its dynamic animation and fast-paced action, every game feels incredibly intense, and the series continues to stand out as a leader in the sports anime genre thanks to its bold and unconventional approach.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–2025)

This action-packed, supernatural series reaches a thrilling climax in its third and final season, bringing the fight against the Evangelist to a spectacular end. Shinra and his team from Company 8 finally discover the truth behind the strange fires and the world’s origins. Known for its stunning animation – especially the incredible fire effects – and immersive sound, this series delivers massive, satisfying battles that resolve the long-running mystery. It’s a truly memorable conclusion to a significant story in the shonen genre.

‘Dr. Stone’ (2019–2025)

In the fourth season, Senku and the Kingdom of Science are taking on their biggest challenge yet: a trip to the moon to discover what caused everyone to turn to stone. The story follows their worldwide hunt for materials and the building of the technology needed for space travel. The series continues to showcase the brilliance of human innovation and the strength of scientific thinking, standing out from other action shows by focusing on smart solutions rather than fighting. This final adventure promises to be a major event in 2025.

‘BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI-‘ (2024–2025)

This series retells the original story from the perspective of Seishiro Nagi, a remarkably talented soccer player. It delves into his past and shows how his connection to the sport grows as he trains in a demanding environment. Viewers can revisit beloved moments with a new understanding, and learn more about this popular character. The animation is just as good as the original series, with a special focus on Nagi’s distinctive way of playing. It’s a compelling addition to the main storyline that offers a fresh take on familiar events.

‘Ranma1/2’ (2024–2025)

This hilarious martial arts comedy is back and better than ever in 2025! Ranma Saotome still deals with the crazy challenge of switching between male and female, all while facing off against quirky opponents and potential love interests. With updated animation and a faster pace, the series is reaching a new audience, but still keeps the same slapstick comedy and inventive fighting that fans loved in the original manga. It’s a fantastic reboot that perfectly captures the fun and energy of the classic series.

‘Blue Box’ (2024–2025)

This series beautifully tells the story of Taiki, a badminton player, and Chinatsu, a basketball star, and their developing relationship. It’s known for its realistic depiction of teenage feelings and the hard work athletes put into their sport. The gentle and lovely artwork perfectly complements the tender moments between the two characters. It’s become very popular because it successfully combines the excitement of competitive sports with a sweet and touching romance, and is considered one of the best character-focused shonen series in recent years.

‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ (2024–2025)

After a magical curse turns Goku and his friends into children, they embark on a new adventure in an unfamiliar world. This series focuses more on classic martial arts and exploring the environment, moving away from just relying on sheer power. The animation is beautifully fluid with a modern style, giving a fresh take on beloved character designs. It’s a series that feels both familiar and new, making it enjoyable for both longtime Dragon Ball fans and newcomers. With exciting fights and a fun, upbeat atmosphere, it’s shaping up to be one of the best shows of 2025.

‘Dandadan’ (2024–2025)

Momo and Okarun’s strange adventures get even wilder as they encounter increasingly odd creatures and city myths. The show is known for its fast pace and how easily it jumps between scary, funny, and romantic moments. The latest episodes, released in 2025, have even more creative animation, making the unique characters really pop. Despite all the chaos, the heartwarming connection between Momo and Okarun remains the show’s central focus. It’s currently a very popular and highly praised action series.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–2025)

As a long-time fan, I can tell you the final showdown is absolutely incredible! Everything builds to this massive battle where the heroes really face their ultimate test against Shigaraki and All For One. It’s a truly emotional and high-energy conclusion to a series that’s basically defined superhero anime for the last ten years. The animation in these final episodes is just stunning – it really makes you feel the impact of every single sacrifice. Honestly, it’s cementing its place as one of the most important and influential action series ever made.

‘Black Clover’ (2017–2025)

The anime continues the story with the climactic battles from the manga, as Asta and the Black Bulls fight to save the Clover Kingdom from a devastating new enemy. This season wraps up the war against the Spade Kingdom and reveals the secrets behind magic and devils. We’ll see Asta, who started with no magical ability, reach the peak of his power in a truly moving and challenging journey. The animation has been significantly improved, making the magical fights some of the most exciting seen all year. It’s a must-watch for fans who love stories about never giving up and the power of friendship.

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022–2025)

The latest movie based on the ‘Public Safety’ storyline dives into the enigma of Reze. We follow Denji as he navigates new romantic feelings while also becoming a target for deadly assassins from overseas. The film keeps the excellent animation and artistic style that made the first season so popular. It delves into the more heartbreaking aspects of the characters’ lives, but still keeps the show’s trademark dark comedy. This series continues to be a leader in the industry with its bold storytelling and impressive visuals.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–2025)

Season three centers around a dangerous, all-out battle called the Culling Game, where sorcerers from different times are pitted against each other in a fight to the death. Yuji Itadori and his friends must overcome a series of deadly challenges to thwart the schemes of the powerful, centuries-old sorcerer Kenjaku. This arc features exceptionally clever and strategic battles with inventive uses of cursed energy. The animation remains top-notch, delivering incredibly fast-paced and fluid fight scenes. Many consider this season to be the most thrilling and unpredictable shonen anime of the year.

‘One Piece’ (1999–)

The Straw Hat Pirates’ epic adventure goes on, revealing hidden truths in the Egghead Island and Elbaf storylines. The episodes coming in 2025 will showcase a dramatic change in the world’s power structure as Luffy and his crew battle those in charge. The animation remains incredibly high quality, with various directors adding their own flair to each big fight. The series continues to be a massive success, breaking records and solidifying its place as a defining work in the shonen genre – it’s a must-watch for any fan.

‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022–2025)

The long-awaited final battle between the Soul Reapers and the Quincy has arrived, with Ichigo Kurosaki facing off against the immensely powerful Yhwach. This 2025 version of the story features longer, more detailed fight scenes and completely new content not found in the original manga. The animation is spectacular, using cutting-edge digital effects to deliver some of the most visually impressive battles ever seen in anime. After more than twenty years, the series offers a satisfying and well-made conclusion that’s being celebrated for its incredible artistry and how it wraps up the story.

So, I’m curious – out of all the big shonen anime that have come out this year, which one has been your absolute favorite? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for recommendations!

2025-12-23 04:52