The Best Seinen Anime of 2025

2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for mature anime, often called ‘Seinen.’ These shows offer complex stories and stunning visuals, ranging from suspenseful thrillers to emotional dramas. Both returning favorites and exciting new series are captivating audiences worldwide, and the genre is becoming increasingly popular thanks to high-quality animation and intricate plots.

‘Loner Life in Another World’ (2024–)

Okay, so I just finished reading about this guy Haruka, and it’s a really fun story. He’s this super sarcastic high school student who, like a lot of these stories, gets transported to another world with his classmates. But here’s the twist – everyone else gets these amazing, powerful abilities, and Haruka? He gets… weird stuff. Totally unconventional powers. The whole story is about how he tries to survive in this fantasy world, but honestly, he’d rather avoid everyone else if he can. He uses his strange abilities to get through tough situations and basically just live life his way, which I found really relatable. It’s not about being a hero; it’s about surviving and doing your own thing.

‘Gushing over Magical Girls’ (2024–)

Utena Hiiragi is a girl who’s always loved magical girls, but she’s surprisingly chosen to play the role of a villain. She unexpectedly finds she enjoys challenging the heroines and seeing them struggle. The series playfully explores this twist on magical girl traditions and the funny, messy relationship she has with them. The second season continues to show Utena navigating her conflicting feelings – she still admires the heroines, even as she’s supposed to fight against them.

‘Murai in Love’ (2024–)

Murai is a bit of an oddball student head-over-heels for his teacher, Tanaka. When she tells him she only dates guys who seem like characters from a dating sim game, Murai decides to completely transform himself to look like her favorite idol. This funny series follows his determined, and often ridiculous, efforts to get Tanaka to notice him. It’s a lighthearted story that mixes school romance with silly visuals and a cast of quirky characters.

‘Mecha-ude: Mechanical Arms’ (2024–)

Hikaru’s ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Alma, a thinking mechanical arm. The two quickly become friends and must team up to stay safe from groups who want to control the power of these ‘Mecha-ude’ – advanced mechanical limbs. The story is set in a cool, futuristic world where technology and living things are blended, and features exciting, smooth animation. Together, Hikaru and Alma try to uncover the secrets behind these mechanical beings and how they’re changing everything.

‘Negative Positive Angler’ (2024–)

Tsunehiro, a young man facing a serious illness and financial difficulties, discovers a renewed sense of purpose after meeting a group of fishermen. This touching story explores the connections between people and how the calm of fishing can be a source of healing. It’s a beautifully observed series that celebrates life’s simple moments and the power of finding happiness even when things are tough.

‘Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time’ (2025)

A typical office worker is reborn in a fantasy world with an extraordinary talent for alchemy. He initially hopes to live a simple, peaceful life, but soon discovers his alchemical abilities are incredibly powerful. The story follows his adventures as he crafts amazing items, gains recognition, and draws the interest of influential people. He’s forced to find a way to reconcile his wish for tranquility with the demands of being a master craftsman.

‘Sorairo Utility’ (2025)

Minami is a high school student who takes up golf after watching her friends play. The anime series shows her learning the game, from the basic rules to finding her own way to play. It’s a story about the friendships and competitive spirit within a local golf community, offering a calming and in-depth look at the sport from a beginner’s perspective.

‘Classic★Stars’ (2025)

As a total cinema lover, I was completely drawn into this film about students at a prestigious music academy. It really captures the fierce competition they face as they try to become world-class performers. But it’s not just about the technical skill; it delves into the personal battles each musician fights while striving for perfection. What I especially loved were the stunning musical performances – they beautifully showcased both classic pieces and the deep, emotional bond each artist has with their instrument. It’s a story about finding your own voice as a musician while still respecting the legacy of those who came before you.

‘Farmagia’ (2025)

Ten is a young man living in a world shared by humans and monsters, where peace is fragile. He becomes a monster farmer, raising powerful creatures to defend his home from a growing, threatening empire. The story combines the relaxing aspects of farm life with exciting action and the challenge of training monsters. Ten and his friends must work together to build a thriving community and prepare their creatures for a final, epic showdown.

‘Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers’ (2025)

This animated series brings the exciting world of the fighting game to life, focusing on the conflicts between different groups. Beloved characters like Sol Badguy and Ky Kiske must confront new dangers that threaten their world. The animation captures the game’s unique look with quick, dynamic action and detailed character designs. The series delves into the rich backstory of the franchise and explores what drives its famous fighters.

‘Ave Mujica – The Die Is Cast -‘ (2025)

A fresh new band is making waves in the high school music scene, and they have a uniquely dark and intriguing style. The story centers on the five band members as they deal with personal struggles and prepare for their first big show. This latest installment is more dramatic and emotionally charged than previous ones, and the characters need to confront their pasts to come together and create their signature sound.

‘Mono’ (2025)

This heartwarming series follows three high school friends as they journey across Japan, capturing its stunning landscapes through their photography. They share their experiences and adventures, highlighting the beauty of the Japanese countryside and the special connection they have with each other. It’s a relaxing and visually appealing story that celebrates the power of capturing a perfect moment.

‘Rock Is a Lady’s Modesty’ (2025)

Ririsa used to be a rock star, but now she’s trying to live a quiet, sophisticated life at an exclusive boarding school for girls. Her past is put at risk when she meets other students who also love music and playing electric guitar. The story explores the conflict between the polished image she presents to the world and her longing to perform again. Ultimately, Ririsa learns to accept who she really is and starts a new band with her friends at school.

‘Übel Blatt’ (2025)

Koinzell was a celebrated warrior who was shockingly betrayed and left to die during a sacred war. Years later, he resurfaces under a new name, determined to avenge those who stole his honor and killed his comrades. The story unfolds in a grim and dangerous world filled with political schemes and violent clashes, where Koinzell’s enemies are seen as celebrated figures. He’ll need to rely on his exceptional skill with a sword to expose the truth about the betrayal that changed his life.

‘Blue Period’ (2021–)

Yatora Yaguchi is navigating the challenges of art school and the competitive art world. Recent story developments focus on his artistic development as he tries new methods and defines his unique style. He’s learning to meet the high expectations of his teachers while also staying true to his own feelings and expressing them through his art. The series offers a realistic portrayal of the difficulties and successes artists face.

‘365 Days to the Wedding’ (2024–)

Takuya and Rika are quiet coworkers at a travel agency who pretend to be engaged to avoid being transferred to Siberia. They’re both a little socially awkward and have no romantic feelings for each other, but they have to convince everyone they’re a couple. The story follows their clumsy efforts to get to know each other and create a believable relationship. As they fake it, real feelings start to develop, and they learn to navigate the challenges of adulthood together.

‘Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii’ (2024–)

Yoshino, the granddaughter of a major yakuza leader, is sent to Tokyo to live with a different criminal family. She’s promised in marriage to Kiriyama, a man who seems pleasant but is actually dangerous and unstable. The story delves into the complex and often cruel power struggles and mind games between these two heirs to criminal empires. Yoshino must find her inner strength and learn to survive in a world filled with violence and deceit.

‘Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction’ (2024–)

This series follows two teenage girls navigating everyday life in Tokyo, which has been under the shadow of a massive alien ship for years. It’s a story about finding normalcy amidst an extraordinary situation, exploring how people adapt and find purpose in the ordinary, all while hinting at government secrets and offering a look at society. As the girls grow up, the story delves into themes of resilience and the search for meaning.

‘MF Ghost’ (2023–)

In a future where gas-powered cars are rare, Kanata Rivington is a street racer who takes on tough opponents. He’s incredibly skilled and drives a Toyota 86, challenging much faster, high-tech supercars on risky mountain roads. The second season shows Kanata climbing the ranks in the racing world while also learning secrets about his father. This show is a modern take on a beloved classic racing series, known for its realistic attention to detail.

‘The Fable’ (2024–)

Fable, a famous hitman, is given an unusual assignment: spend a year living a normal life in Osaka without killing anyone. He takes on a new identity, Akira Sato, and tries to adjust to everyday routines while avoiding trouble with local gangs. The story is a mix of funny moments and suspense, as people from his past try to pull him back into his dangerous profession. Akira has to rely on his skills and quick thinking to maintain his peaceful new life and keep his promise.

‘Trillion Game’ (2024–)

Haru and Gaku, a surprisingly effective pair, have a huge goal: to make a trillion dollars and own everything. Haru is a naturally gifted and persuasive salesperson, while Gaku is a quiet, incredibly talented computer programmer. Together, they build a company from the ground up, challenging established businesses and taking on major corporations with innovative and unexpected strategies. The story dives into the competitive world of business and shows how strong ambition can shape success today.

‘Kengan Ashura’ (2019–)

Secret underground arenas are now the place where major corporations settle their deals – through gladiator-style matches. Ohma Tokita is fighting his way through the world’s best fighters, determined to prove he’s the ultimate martial artist. The current episodes wrap up a high-stakes tournament where each fight is a fight for survival. The fights are brought to life with incredibly detailed 3D animation, showcasing the raw power and impact of every blow.

‘Momentary Lily’ (2025)

This series follows a group of girls as they experience the ups and downs of friendship and growing up in a city. It’s a story about the little moments and feelings that make up their daily lives. The show uses lovely visuals and gentle colors to create a special mood, focusing on the quiet parts of being human and finding beauty in things that don’t last forever.

‘ZENSHU’ (2025)

Natsuko is an animator facing the challenges of a demanding industry and her own high standards. The story offers a glimpse into the world of anime production, showing the personal costs faced by those who create it. She needs to rediscover her love for art while navigating strict deadlines and competition with colleagues. Ultimately, this series celebrates the dedication and effort of all the artists who make animated stories possible.

‘Lazarus’ (2025)

A team of elite agents is formed to hunt down a scientist who has unleashed a deadly, slow-acting poison worldwide. Set in the near future, the series follows a desperate race against time to find a cure. It’s a stylish, action-packed show with a cool jazz soundtrack, where the characters also grapple with their personal histories as they try to save humanity.

‘Skip and Loafer’ (2023–)

Mitsumi, a determined student from a small town, moves to Tokyo to chase her dreams. She unexpectedly becomes friends with Shima, a laid-back and well-liked classmate, who helps her adjust to the challenges of high school. The current season focuses on how their friendship changes and how everyone in their group grows as individuals. The show is known for its believable characters and its sensitive portrayal of typical teenage worries.

‘Tengoku Daimakyo’ (2023–)

I’m totally hooked on this story! It follows Kiruko and Maru as they journey across a ruined Japan, desperately searching for this legendary place called Heaven. Their travels are filled with terrifying monsters and they start to piece together the really messed up history of their world. At the same time, we see this group of kids living in a strange, hidden facility, completely cut off from everything. It’s clear these two stories are connected, and I can’t wait to see how the characters discover the truth about what’s really going on and how their worlds collide!

‘Grand Blue Dreaming’ (2018–)

Iori Kitahara starts college in a coastal town and quickly joins the diving club, a group known for its wild and fun upperclassmen. The second season follows the group’s ongoing, funny experiences as they try to juggle schoolwork with their passion for diving and partying. The show is full of over-the-top comedy, but also features stunning underwater scenes. Throughout the series, Iori adjusts to his new life and builds strong friendships with his fellow club members.

‘Uzumaki’ (2024–)

A quiet town is plagued by a strange, supernatural curse centered around spirals, which warp both reality and people’s bodies. Kirie and Shuichi watch in horror as their neighbors are twisted by this growing obsession. The series has a distinctive black and white animation style, mirroring the look of the original manga. It’s a chilling psychological horror story that delves into the dangers of obsession and the slow slide into insanity.

‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ (2024–)

During a period when believing the earth revolved around the sun was considered a dangerous and forbidden idea, a brave group of thinkers risked their lives to prove it was true. The story follows their challenging journey to uncover scientific truth, even when it clashed with religious beliefs, and the personal costs they faced. Their research continued in secret, passed down through families and hidden networks over many years. This series is a compelling look at the strength of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, even when facing opposition.

‘The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You’ (2023–)

Rentaro Aijo is a high schooler with a bizarre destiny: he’s fated to have one hundred soulmates! Because of a divine error, he has to date all of them at the same time – if he doesn’t, they’ll face terrible consequences. The second season adds even more interesting and eccentric girls to his already crowded life. This funny and chaotic romantic comedy mixes silly humor with genuinely touching moments as Rentaro connects with each of his potential soulmates.

‘Medalist’ (2025)

Inori is a dedicated young figure skater who struggles to get noticed. When she meets Tsukasa, a former skater, he sees her potential and begins to coach her. Together, they work towards achieving success in the competitive world of figure skating, despite Inori’s limited formal training. The story is a dramatic look at the challenges of the sport, both physically and emotionally, and the strong relationship between an athlete and her coach.

‘Bungo Stray Dogs’ (2016–)

The Armed Detective Agency is dedicated to keeping the city safe from both supernatural dangers and criminal groups. Its members each have special powers inspired by famous literary characters, which they use to crack difficult cases and fight challenging battles. Recent stories focus on the changing relationships between the Agency and the Port Mafia, especially as a new, worldwide threat appears. This series combines the intrigue of detective stories with intense action and thought-provoking discussions about what’s right and wrong.

‘My Happy Marriage’ (2023–)

Miyo, a young woman who suffered abuse and was forced into marriage with a stern commander, begins to uncover a different side to her husband and discovers she has secret, magical powers. The second season explores their life together as they navigate dangerous political rivals and learn more about Miyo’s past. This historical series blends a heartwarming love story with fantasy and the complexities of court life.

‘Blue Giant’ (2023–)

Dai Miyamoto, a promising young saxophonist, moves to the city hoping to become a world-class jazz musician. He puts together a band – a skilled pianist and a drummer who’s just starting out – and they begin playing at local clubs. The series captures the energy of live music and the hard work it takes to become a true musician. It’s a motivating story about artistic passion and the challenges of making a name for yourself in the music world.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–)

Riko and Reg continue their perilous journey into the Abyss, searching for Riko’s mother and the truth about Reg’s origins. They battle frightening creatures and struggle with the debilitating effects of the Abyss’s curse. Recent events focus on their meeting with other adventurers who have been drastically changed by the harsh environment. This series blends charming character designs with a dark, unforgiving world.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–)

Saichi Sugimoto and Asirpa are still searching for the legendary Ainu gold in the harsh, snowy landscapes of Hokkaido. Their quest is complicated by competing groups – soldiers and criminals – who are also after the gold, using a map tattooed on the bodies of escaped prisoners. The story mixes real history with thrilling action and provides a rich look into Ainu traditions. This last part of their adventure brings all the key characters together for a final showdown.

‘Kingdom’ (2012–)

The thrilling saga of ancient China’s Warring States period continues, following Xin as he commands armies in large-scale battles. He’s determined to become the most renowned general in the land, all while helping the young King Zheng achieve his dream of uniting China. This season delves into the complex mental strategies and massive military operations of their latest campaign, showcasing both the meticulous planning and harsh realities of warfare in ancient times.

‘Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-‘ (2016–)

Subaru Natsuki is still using his unique ability to return from death as he faces challenges in a fantastical world filled with political intrigue and supernatural threats. This season centers on fierce conflicts within the city of Pristella, where he battles powerful enemies known as the Sin Archbishops. To succeed, Subaru has to work with different groups and learn from his past mistakes. The story is a gripping psychological drama that shows the lasting impact of repeated trauma on his well-being.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–)

Sung Jinwoo starts as a very weak hunter, but after barely escaping a dangerous dungeon, he discovers he can grow stronger like a character in a video game. As he battles increasingly powerful monsters, he gains new skills and abilities. The second season focuses on his journey to become a major player in protecting the world from supernatural threats. This exciting series is known for its impressive animation and the inspiring transformation of its main character, who goes from being the weakest to one of the strongest.

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023–)

Maomao is a clever young woman working within the imperial palace. She uses her understanding of both poisons and medicine to unravel puzzling mysteries. Her intelligence and down-to-earth personality catch the eye of Jinshi, a powerful official. In the second season, Maomao continues to investigate the secrets and threats surrounding the imperial family, all while trying to stay true to herself and her inquisitive nature within the palace’s strict social rules.

‘One-Punch Man’ (2015–)

Saitama is still the world’s strongest hero, able to defeat anyone with just one punch. The current season centers around a huge battle between the Hero Association and the Monster Association. While Saitama searches for a real challenge, other heroes like Garou are growing stronger and evolving. The series playfully pokes fun at superhero tropes, all while featuring incredible action scenes that are among the best in anime today.

‘Oshi no Ko’ (2023–)

Aqua and Ruby Hoshino are trying to make it in the competitive world of Japanese entertainment. While Ruby focuses on her career, Aqua secretly investigates his mother’s death by taking on demanding acting roles. This season delves into the emotional toll of performing, the complicated connections between young stars, and the difficult truths hidden beneath the surface of fame, revealing the sacrifices people make to achieve stardom.

‘Kaguya-sama: Love is War’ (2019–)

Kaguya and Miyuki are still locked in their hilarious and complicated game of trying to get the other to confess their feelings first. The newest episodes show how their relationship evolves after some big changes in high school. Meanwhile, their friends, like Ishigami and Iino, are dealing with their own romantic problems and learning more about themselves. This funny and clever show uses a unique, strategic approach to portray the challenges of falling in love as a teenager.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–)

Thorfinn sets sail for North America with a bold plan: to create a peaceful society, escaping the endless violence and slavery he once knew. He leads a group of varied settlers into unknown lands, determined to live by his new principles of non-violence. The story shifts from a dark tale of revenge to an inspiring saga of overcoming hardship and finding redemption, brought to life by stunning landscapes and richly developed characters. This journey across the ocean marks a powerful transformation for Thorfinn and those who follow him.

‘Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain’ (2024–)

The enigmatic Medicine Seller is back, investigating strange supernatural occurrences called Mononoke in a beautifully rendered historical Japan. To defeat these spirits, he must first uncover their true form and the source of their sorrow. The film is visually striking, with an art style inspired by classic Japanese art, and explores the dark side of human desires and how they impact the spirit world.

Share your thoughts on these titles in the comments.

2025-12-26 18:27