The Best Anime of 2025 (So Far)

1. Chainsaw Man: Requiem

The highly anticipated return of “Chainsaw Man” with its latest arc, “Reze Arc,” delves into darker themes and introduces new characters, further captivating the international anime fandom. (animenews.network) The film is set to premiere in Japan on September 19, 2025, with international releases following shortly thereafter. Produced by MAPPA and directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, the movie continues the story of Denji, now a member of Special Division 4’s Devil Hunters, as he encounters Reze, a mysterious café worker. The animation style and storytelling are expected to set new industry benchmarks, maintaining the series’ reputation for high-quality production. (gamesradar.com)

2. Solo Leveling

The second season of “Solo Leveling,” titled “Arise from the Shadow,” has significantly elevated the manhwa’s global popularity. Produced by A-1 Pictures, the season showcases improved animation and gripping battle sequences that have set new industry standards. The series continues to stand out among similar action-fantasy titles, offering a unique blend of intense action and character development that resonates with audiences worldwide. (collider.com)

3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

The new cour of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” continues to captivate audiences with its mature storytelling and emotional depth. The series delves into themes of loss and immortality, setting it apart from typical fantasy narratives. The upcoming second season, set to premiere in January 2026, promises to further explore these poignant themes. (animehunch.com)

4. Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon)

“Dungeon Meshi” offers a unique blend of dungeon exploration and culinary adventures, captivating audiences with its inventive monster recipes and character development. The series has been praised for its fresh take on fantasy anime, combining elements of cooking and fantasy in a way that resonates with viewers. (gamesradar.com) The upcoming second season is highly anticipated, promising to further explore the quirky mix of dungeon crawling and culinary escapades.

5. My Hero Academia Season 7

The seventh season of “My Hero Academia” delves into intense storylines and evolving character arcs, presenting a darker tone and higher stakes compared to previous seasons. The season introduces Star and Stripe, America’s number one Pro Hero, who confronts Tomura Shigaraki, setting the stage for the final battle between heroes and villains. (comicbook.com) The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the blurred lines between good and evil, reinforcing its legacy among shounen hits.

6. Kaiju No. 8

“Kaiju No. 8” delivers impressive visuals and engaging monster battles, offering a unique perspective on kaiju lore. The series’ pacing effectively balances action and character development, setting it apart from other monster-themed anime. Produced by Production I.G, the adaptation has been praised for its high production quality and captivating storyline. The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. (polygon.com)

7. Blue Lock Season 2

The second season of “Blue Lock” has garnered attention for its intense psychological rivalries and innovative animation during matches. The series’ unique approach to soccer, focusing on individual egos and competition, has set it apart from traditional sports anime. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) However, some viewers have noted a decline in animation quality compared to the first season, with instances of still frames and CGI effects that detract from the viewing experience. Despite these critiques, “Blue Lock” continues to captivate audiences with its fresh take on the sports genre. (madrastribune.com)

8. Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

“Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle” delivers a cinematic conclusion to the beloved volleyball series, featuring enhanced animation and emotional payoffs for long-time fans. The film showcases dynamic and fluid movements, with meticulous attention to detail in character expressions and body language, bringing the intense volleyball matches to life. (animecorner.me) The soundtrack, composed by Yuki Hayashi and Asami Tachibana, elevates the viewing experience, adding depth to the on-court action. The movie has been praised for its immersive storytelling and high-quality production, solidifying its place as a standout in the sports anime genre. (thehindu.com)

9. Oshi no Ko: Season 2

The second season of “Oshi no Ko” delves deeper into the complexities of celebrity culture, trauma, and hidden truths within the entertainment industry. The narrative introduces new layers, particularly focusing on the intense rivalry between actresses Kana and Akane, highlighting the pressures and sacrifices inherent in their careers. This exploration of the darker facets of fame has resonated with audiences, solidifying the series’ position in contemporary anime. (thereviewgeek.com)

10. Spy x Family Season 3

The third season of “Spy x Family” continues to blend comedy, action, and family dynamics seamlessly. The latest season introduces new characters and delves deeper into existing story arcs, maintaining the series’ signature balance of humor and suspense. The upcoming season is set to premiere in October 2025, with streaming available on Crunchyroll. (gamesradar.com)

11. Zetsubo Kimi wa Bokura no Kibou

Note: As of August 13, 2025, “Zetsubo Kimi wa Bokura no Kibou” has not been released, and detailed reviews are not yet available. The following information is based on available previews and announcements.

“Zetsubo Kimi wa Bokura no Kibou” is an original anime series set to premiere in late 2025, blending psychological thriller elements with heartfelt drama. The series has garnered attention for its exploration of complex human emotions and societal issues, drawing parallels to acclaimed classics like “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and “Serial Experiments Lain.” Early promotional materials suggest a deep narrative that challenges viewers’ perceptions. For more updates and insights, visit Otaku USA Magazine.

12. Wind Breaker

Note: As of August 13, 2025, “Wind Breaker” has not been released, and detailed reviews are not yet available. The following information is based on available previews and announcements.

“Wind Breaker” is an upcoming anime adaptation of Satoru Nii’s delinquent manga series, set to premiere in April 2024. The series follows Haruka Sakura, a transfer student at Furin High School, who joins the vigilante group “Bofurin” to protect the town. The adaptation is produced by CloverWorks, known for their dynamic choreography and realistic art style. Early promotional materials suggest a series that will resonate with fans of delinquent anime. For more updates and insights, visit Anime News Network.

13. Unnamed Memory

Note: As of August 13, 2025, “Unnamed Memory” has concluded its second season, and detailed reviews are available. The following information is based on available reviews and analyses.

“Unnamed Memory” is a fantasy romance anime that has garnered attention for its lush world-building and mature themes, distinguishing it among recent light novel adaptations. The series follows Prince Oscar, cursed to never have an heir, and his journey with the powerful witch Tinasha. Critics have praised the anime for its intricate storytelling and character development, drawing comparisons to other fantasy epics like “The Witcher” and “Game of Thrones.” For more insights, visit CNET’s anime section.

14. The Elusive Samurai

“The Elusive Samurai” offers a fresh take on the samurai genre, blending historical action with comedy. The series follows Hōjō Tokiyuki, a young lord renowned for his exceptional evasion skills, as he navigates the tumultuous Kamakura period. Produced by CloverWorks, the anime features vibrant animation and dynamic choreography that bring the historical setting to life. Its unique approach and engaging characters have drawn comparisons to other recent historical series, setting it apart in the genre. (gamerant.com)

15. Gushing Over Magical Girls

Note: As of August 13, 2025, “Gushing Over Magical Girls” has concluded its first season, and detailed reviews are available. The following information is based on available reviews and analyses.

“Gushing Over Magical Girls” is a subversive take on the magical girl genre, blending comedy and fantasy with a unique twist. The series follows Utena Hiiragi, a shy middle school girl who, after being granted magical powers, becomes an evil general in the Enormita organization, forced to fight against the magical girls she admires. (en.wikipedia.org) The anime has been praised for its irreverent humor and genre twists, standing out in the crowded magical girl genre. The complete collection is available for purchase on Blu-ray.

Conclusion

The anime landscape in 2025 has been marked by a diverse array of series, from the action-packed “Solo Leveling” to the emotionally resonant “Takopi’s Original Sin,” each contributing to the industry’s growth and creativity. The surge in anime viewership, with platforms like Netflix reporting a significant increase, (cinemablend.com) reflects the global appeal and expanding reach of the medium. As the year progresses, fans can look forward to upcoming releases that promise to further enrich the anime experience.