The Best Anime Series of 2025

2025 was a standout year for animation worldwide, thanks to both the satisfying conclusions of major franchises and the arrival of exciting new shows. Audiences enjoyed both returning favorites and fresh adaptations that pushed the boundaries of their genres. The quality of animation and storytelling improved significantly, with a wide range of styles and themes. This list highlights the very best series that grabbed viewers’ attention and sparked conversations all year long.

‘Tasokare Hotel’ (2025) – Season 1

Neko Tsukishima works at a strange hotel that connects the living world with the afterlife. Her job involves assisting lost spirits in remembering their pasts and finding peace. The story blends supernatural mysteries with heartfelt explorations of the guests’ lives, all presented with beautiful imagery and a somber mood. It’s based on a well-loved mobile escape game.

‘The Most Notorious “Talker” Runs the World’s Greatest Clan’ (2024–) – Season 1

Noel is determined to become incredibly powerful, even though he has a support class – generally considered the weakest. He relies on his smarts and ability to influence others to assemble a team of exceptional warriors. The story follows his relentless and often brutal rise to power, both socially and in combat, offering a dark and strategic twist on typical fantasy adventures, with a strong emphasis on leadership and clever tactics.

‘Übel Blatt’ (2025) – Season 1

I recently discovered this amazing dark fantasy story about Koinzell, a warrior who comes back after years to get revenge on the people who betrayed him. It’s seriously intense! He’s got these incredible black swords and goes after everyone who stole the credit for his past achievements. It’s a really gritty tale that makes you think about what happens when heroes are betrayed and what they have to sacrifice. If you’re into action and mature storytelling, you absolutely need to check this one out – the combat is phenomenal.

‘Negative Positive Angler’ (2024–) – Series

Tsunehiro, a young man facing a terminal illness, chooses to spend his last days doing what he loves: fishing. He connects with a quirky group of anglers who share their wisdom and help him discover the true heart of the sport. The story is bittersweet, but ultimately hopeful, exploring life’s meaning and the value of living in the moment. It’s made even more impactful by its realistic depiction of fishing and beautiful natural settings.

‘Flower and Asura’ (2025) – Season 1

This show follows a high school recitation club and the exciting world of competitive public speaking. The main character realizes she’s a natural storyteller and joins the club, where she and her teammates hone their skills. It’s a compelling series that explores both the technical side of speech and the emotional impact of a great performance, with relatable characters and a unique focus on the art of spoken word.

‘I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class’ (2025) – Season 1

When two competitive classmates are unexpectedly forced to marry as part of a deal between their powerful families, they must navigate a relationship that begins with dislike and slowly evolves into a complicated, if reluctant, understanding. Hiding their marriage from their school friends leads to plenty of funny moments. The series offers a fresh take on romance and the pressures young adults face as they grow up.

‘I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic’ (2025) – Season 1

A young man is reborn into a noble family on the verge of ruin. Rather than striving for power, he focuses on learning magic so he can live a quiet, self-sufficient life. The story details his clever use of magic to tackle daily challenges and safeguard his way of life. This fantasy series is a laid-back read, prioritizing personal independence and a peaceful existence.

‘Classic★Stars’ (2025) – Season 1

The series follows a talented group of young musicians working to restore a renowned music school to its former glory. As they prepare for an international competition, the show combines captivating musical performances with the personal challenges and relationships of the students. Colorful animation enhances the emotional impact of the music, and the story offers a realistic glimpse into the demanding world of entertainment.

‘Farmagia’ (2025) – Season 1

This series is set in a world where people raise monsters like crops. It follows a young farmer named Ten and his friends as they use their farming expertise to grow powerful creatures for combat, challenging a controlling government. Based on a popular video game, the story features exciting battles, imaginative monster designs, and explores themes of fighting for freedom and the connection between people and the natural world.

‘Magic Maker: How to Make Magic in Another World’ (2025) – Season 1

Shion finds himself reborn in a world filled with strange powers, but without any established magic system. He decides to create his own magic from the ground up, approaching it like a scientific study. The story follows his research into understanding these powers – mana – and the challenges he encounters from those who prefer traditional ways. It’s a fascinating look at discovery and the process of inventing an entirely new field of study.

‘Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers’ (2025) – Season 1

This series, inspired by the popular fighting game, tells the connected stories of Sol Badguy and Sin Kiske. It builds upon the established history of the Backyard and the continuing war between humans and artificial lifeforms. The exciting action sequences capture the speed and energy of the original game, while also delving into what drives each character. Fans will enjoy this visually stunning and dramatic take on the Gear universe and its intense conflicts.

‘Momentary Lily’ (2025) – Series

This science fiction series follows a team of girls who pilot powerful robots to protect their city from strange attackers. The show explores the strong connections between the pilots and the mental challenges they face during ongoing combat. Detailed robot designs and smooth animation bring the fast-paced city battles to life. The story also touches on themes of growing up and how easily peace can be broken.

‘Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc’ (2024–) – Season 2

The latest installment of the beloved wrestling series pits the Justice Chojun against the formidable Perfect Origin warriors. This season’s matches aren’t just for glory – they’ll decide the future of superpowered beings and the entire world! Expect exciting fights that combine classic wrestling action with incredible supernatural powers. Fans are loving this reboot for its modern look and how it stays true to the spirit of the original series.

‘Ave Mujica – The Die Is Cast -‘ (2025) – Season 1

The newest addition to this music series features a band with a dramatic, gothic style. The story centers on the five members as they try to succeed in the music industry while keeping their faces hidden. Their music is darker and more operatic than what fans have heard from previous bands in the series, and this installment offers a more personal look at the performers’ lives and creative processes.

‘Go! Go! Loser Ranger!’ (2024–) – Season 2

Okay, so I’m completely hooked on this series. Fighter D is still deep undercover, trying to take down the Dragon Keepers from the inside and reveal what they’re really about. This season is messing with my head – it’s really making you question who the ‘good guys’ are, and D is teaming up with some seriously surprising people. The show keeps hitting on this idea of how we blindly worship heroes, and it’s all building towards a huge showdown. Honestly, it’s a really intense psychological ride with twists I did not see coming. It’s a fantastic anti-hero story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

‘Rooster Fighter’ (2025) – Season 1

In a post-apocalyptic Japan, a surprisingly serious rooster travels the land, fighting enormous monsters and trying to protect what’s left of humanity. This hilarious parody of action shows features over-the-top battles and a main character who takes it all very seriously. Each episode follows the rooster as he uses his amazing strength and martial arts skills to rescue different towns and cities. The show’s ridiculous concept is made even funnier by its high-quality animation and surprisingly straight-faced approach.

‘Honey Lemon Soda’ (2025) – Season 1

Uka Ishimori is a quiet, introverted high school student who has trouble connecting with others. That changes when she meets a boy with distinctive lemon-colored hair, who encourages her to come out of her shell and believe in herself. The story beautifully portrays the development of a friendship and Uka’s journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the little steps she takes towards becoming more confident and open. Its gentle visuals and dreamy atmosphere will appeal to fans of romantic stories.

‘Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms’ (2025) – Season 1

Mona is the queen bee of her school, but her world is turned upside down when Medaka, a new student who won’t even look at her, arrives. The story follows Mona’s funny and increasingly frantic efforts to get Medaka to notice her, but he’s focused on his training to become a monk. As they interact, both Mona and Medaka start to rethink what they really want and how they feel. The show’s cheerful animation and upbeat style are a great fit for this charming romantic comedy.

‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’ (2025) – Season 1

Rintaro, a student at a school for troubled teens, falls in love with Kaoruko, who attends a nearby elite girls’ school. The story beautifully depicts their blossoming relationship and how they overcome the differences in their backgrounds. It’s known for showing healthy communication and breaking down common stereotypes. The delicate and detailed artwork adds to the emotional power of their romantic journey.

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

This historical drama, set in 15th-century Europe, tells the story of people who bravely challenged established beliefs to prove that the Earth orbits the sun. The series highlights the clash between new scientific ideas and the deeply held religious beliefs of the time. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking show that follows how knowledge was passed down through generations of scholars. The production realistically portrays the difficulties of the era, while also celebrating the power of human curiosity.

‘The Beginning After The End’ (2025) – Season 1

Arthur Leywin is actually King Grey, reborn into a world of magic with all his memories. He has to learn to live as a child again while secretly possessing the knowledge and power of a former king. The story follows his everyday life alongside intense magical training and adventures in a huge fantasy world, and it’s become one of the most popular adaptations of the year.

‘Zenshu’ (2025) – Series

Natsuko is a talented animator facing the challenges of working in the demanding animation world. The story offers a glimpse behind the scenes, showing the creativity and dedication it takes to make animation. It examines how animators balance making a living with staying true to their artistic vision, told through the experiences of people working in the industry. The animation is also a celebration of the art form itself, featuring a variety of styles and innovative techniques.

‘Devil May Cry’ (2025) – Season 1

Dante is back in a visually stunning and action-packed series, continuing his adventures as a demon hunter. The story takes viewers into a dark and dangerous underworld where demons are planning to attack the human world. Created by Studio Mir, the show features smooth, exciting fight scenes and a dark, realistic art style that stays true to the video games. It expands on the popular franchise by delving into Dante’s past and his motivations.

‘Trigun Stampede’ (2023–) – Stargaze

Vash the Stampede’s travels continue on the desert planet No Man’s Land, where he’s facing off against his brother, Knives. This new version of the story delves into the history of the mysterious Plants and what the future holds for humanity in this unforgiving world. The series features a striking 3D animation style that makes the action-packed gunfights and unique mechanical designs even more impressive. The core ideas of peace and the sacrifices people make to survive are still at the heart of the story.

‘Ranma1/2’ (2024–) – Series Remake

This new version of the classic martial arts comedy still centers on Ranma Saotome and his unusual curse. It keeps the funny, over-the-top humor and complicated relationships from the original manga, but with updated animation. The show adapts popular storylines, showcasing the characters’ amazing fighting skills and quirky personalities. It’s a great way to introduce the series to new viewers and also please existing fans.

‘Witch Watch’ (2025) – Season 1

Nico, a young witch, goes to live with her childhood friend Morihito, who also happens to be an ogre and acts as her protector, to continue her magical education. The story follows their everyday adventures as they navigate chaotic spells and welcome new, supernatural roommates. It’s a funny and heartwarming series that mixes silly humor with real character growth, all set in today’s world. Clever writing and unique character designs have made it a popular comedy.

‘Gachiakuta’ (2025) – Season 1

Rudo is a young man falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned in the Abyss, a harsh place inhabited by outcasts. There, he learns to fight using junk and joins the Cleaners, a group of skilled warriors. This series stands out with its distinctive city setting and intense action, offering a fresh take on the shonen genre. It explores important themes of social injustice and finding worth in what others have discarded.

‘Omniscient Reader’ (2025) – Season 1

Kim Dokja is just a regular office worker when he suddenly finds himself inside the world of the web novel he loves. As reality changes, he uses his knowledge of the story to survive dangerous challenges and reach the end. The series has a large number of characters and cleverly plays with common fantasy and survival story elements. It’s beautifully made, bringing the novel’s apocalyptic world to life with impressive visuals and scale.

‘Lazarus’ (2025) – Series

This fast-paced action series takes place in the not-too-distant future and centers around a team chasing a scientist who unleashed a dangerous drug. Director Shinichiro Watanabe, known for his unique approach, infuses the show with jazz-inspired music and smooth animation. The story delves into the plight of humanity facing extinction, with only three years remaining. It’s a visually impressive and thought-provoking series that explores questions of right and wrong, and what it means to survive.

‘Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?’ (2015–) – Season 5

Okay, so as a big fan, let me tell you about the latest season! It’s all about Bell Cranel going through some serious challenges set by the Goddess of Love, and things get really messy for Hestia and her Familia. This season centers around the Goddess Festival, but underneath all the fun, there’s a lot of tension brewing between different groups in Orario. Bell really has to level up his skills, not just as an adventurer, but also emotionally and politically – it’s a lot for him to handle! And honestly, the animation and the way they build out the world of Orario are still top-notch, as expected.

‘Fate/strange Fake’ (2024–)

This new Fate story takes place in the United States with a fake Holy Grail War, bringing forth unexpectedly powerful and strange Heroic Spirits. The story follows several main characters and unfolds across the city of Snowfield. It’s a thrilling addition to the Fate series, pushing the limits of magic and legend with intricate plans and action-packed battles, making it perfect for fans of the supernatural.

‘Shangri-La Frontier’ (2023–) – Season 2

I’m really hooked on following Sunraku and his friends as they try to figure out everything about this crazy, ultimate trash game inside a huge online world! This season is awesome because they’ve added so many new monsters and these really challenging raids that make you work as a team. What I love is how much the show gets into the details of the game itself – the strategies, the way things work, and that feeling of discovering something new. And honestly, the boss battles look incredible – the special effects are top-notch!

‘Blue Lock’ (2022–) – Season 2

As a huge Blue Lock fan, I’m on the edge of my seat! Things are really heating up as our remaining players go up against Japan’s Under 20 team. It’s amazing to watch Isagi Yoichi push himself to become even better – he has to evolve to beat all these incredibly talented, and frankly, ego-driven players. This match isn’t just about winning, it’s about the whole Blue Lock project! The games are visually stunning, and the mental battles are just as intense – it’s seriously gripping stuff.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–) – Season 3

The final battle against the Evangelist is underway for Shinra Kusakabe and Company 8. This season uncovers the secrets of the Adolla Burst and the tragic events of the Great Cataclysm. David Production’s animation continues to be excellent, with stunning fire effects and exciting action. As the world faces possible destruction, the series builds towards a powerful and thought-provoking climax.

‘Kaiju No. 8’ (2024–) – Season 2

Kafka Hibino leads a double life, secretly being a powerful monster while also working for the organization meant to defend against them. As the Defense Force creates new weapons and tactics, they face increasingly intelligent monsters, leading to massive battles within the city. This season delves into the history of these creatures and puts Kafka’s bonds with his teammates to the test, as keeping his secret becomes more difficult.

‘Dr. Stone’ (2019–) – Science Future

This season, Senku and the Kingdom of Science are on a last, crucial mission to figure out what turned everyone to stone. They’re building a rocket and traveling to space to deal with the cause of the disaster. The show still emphasizes science and learning, but the danger is higher than ever as humanity fights for its future. Ultimately, the series wraps up the story by celebrating what people can achieve when they work together and use their intelligence.

‘Oshi no Ko’ (2023–) – Season 3

Aqua and Ruby are both pursuing careers in entertainment, but are also determined to uncover the truth about what happened to their mother. This season focuses on a live stage play and the surprising discoveries that follow, exposing the harsh realities behind the glamorous world of idols. Throughout the story, the series explores how the siblings grow as individuals, all while keeping viewers hooked with a captivating mystery and impressive production quality.

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023–) – Season 2

Maomao keeps using her skills with poisons and medicine to unravel secrets in the imperial court. This season focuses on the growing political conflicts within the palace and the complicated connection between Maomao and Jinshi. The show’s detailed characters and historical backdrop create a captivating experience. Maomao’s down-to-earth problem-solving and distinctive personality continue to be at the heart of the story.

‘Sakamoto Days’ (2025) – Season 1

Taro Sakamoto was once a famous hitman, but he left that life behind to marry and open a small store. Now, when people from his past come looking for trouble, he has to defend his family and new life without resorting to violence – he promised himself he’d never kill again. The show is known for its creative and exciting action scenes, mixing intense fights with everyday family life. Every episode includes visually stunning animation that raises the bar for television.

‘Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-‘ (2016–) – Season 3

Subaru and his friends journey to Priestella, a city known for its water gate, and meet people from other groups competing in the Royal Selection. Their meeting is suddenly attacked by the Witch Cult, forcing Subaru to rely on his unique ability – Return by Death – over and over again. This season is packed with terrifying psychological moments and huge battles that affect the entire world. We also see significant growth in the characters and a deeper exploration of the series’ overall story.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–) – Season 2: Arise from the Shadow

As the world struggles with increasingly dangerous dungeons and strange new threats, Sung Jinwoo is back and growing stronger. This season, he’ll continue to unlock the mysteries behind the System. The animation, done by A1 Pictures, is visually stunning, especially during the action-packed fight scenes. Viewers familiar with the original story will appreciate how the series expands on the world’s complex politics.

‘Mashle: Magic and Muscles’ (2023–) – Season 3

Mash Burnedead is facing his most difficult tests yet, both in school and in battle, as he navigates a magical world without any magical abilities of his own. This season focuses on the challenging Divine Visionary Selection Exam, where the pressure is on for Mash and his friends. The show still relies heavily on funny physical gags, with Mash using his incredible strength to defeat enemies who use magic. It continues to skillfully blend over-the-top comedy with exciting action sequences.

‘Tower of God’ (2020–) – Season 2

Okay, so the story keeps going with this incredible tower, and now we’re following a new guy, Ja Wangnan, who’s determined to reach the top. He meets Viole, who’s a seriously strong contender to become a Slayer, but Viole’s got a really sad backstory they’re keeping hidden. Things get way more dangerous with each test, and you start to see all the powerful families playing their own games behind the scenes. Honestly, the animation really captures how much bigger the world is getting and how much is on the line for everyone involved – it’s visually stunning and adds so much to the tension!

‘FAIRY TAIL 100 YEARS QUEST’ (2024–)

Natsu and his guild’s most powerful members take on a century-old quest: to seal away five dangerous Dragon Gods on the distant continent of Guiltina. Along the way, they’ll meet both helpful new friends and powerful foes while journeying through a world filled with challenging magic. This new story captures the same sense of adventure and strong teamwork that fans loved in the original series.

‘Blue Exorcist’ (2011–) – Beyond the Snow Saga

Rin Okumura and his classmates keep training, facing increasingly dangerous demons. This season explores challenges within the True Cross Order and reveals more about the secretive Illuminati. We also see the supporting characters develop their skills and learn new ways to fight demons. The show keeps its dark and gothic look while introducing some fresh and interesting environments.

‘Bleach’ (2004–) – Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3

The epic showdown between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies culminates in a final battle as Ichigo Kurosaki confronts Yhwach. This arc reveals hidden truths about the Soul Society’s past alongside large-scale combat. The animation is stunning, with dynamic effects and fight sequences. Ultimately, it provides a satisfying conclusion to the popular series for dedicated fans, delivering on a grand scale.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–) – Season 8

The epic conflict between the heroes and the League of Villains comes to a head as Deku confronts Shigaraki. This final chapter showcases large-scale battles that will decide the fate of a world where everyone has unique powers. The story delves into ideas about what it means to inherit a legacy and truly be a hero, with characters reaching their full potential. The emotional and impactful ending has deeply connected with fans around the globe, marking the end of a beloved series.

‘One Piece’ (1999–) – Egghead/Elbaf Arc

As a longtime fan, I’ve been completely hooked by the latest developments in the series! The Straw Hats are really facing some intense challenges as they get closer to that ultimate treasure. This year, we wrapped up the incredible Egghead arc and now they’re setting sail for Elbaf, which promises to be legendary. Honestly, the series is breaking records for a reason – the world is so richly detailed and the stories are incredibly moving. Seeing familiar faces return and these huge events unfolding keeps everything exciting and totally unpredictable, even after all these years. It’s a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Share your favorite picks from this list in the comments.

2025-12-22 03:51