2024 was pretty good for everything, but anime, in particular, took another step in the right direction. However, 2025 is finally here, which means fans can get excited about all the new shows coming this year. January is a time for excitement, with many anime returning, likeDr. StoneandThe Apothecary Diaries. However, this year is more than just the first month, with plenty of new anime for fans to sink their teeth into.
This list will decide its rankingbased on the levels of anticipation/excitement for the specific anime and the likelihood of it being a good show. Also, only anime confirmed for 2025 can make the list, meaning shows likeFrieren: Beyond Journeys EndSeason 2 can’t make it. Anime movies coming out this year, likeChainsaw Man, also won’t be on this list. From returning shows likeSpy x FamilySeason 3 in October and new anime likeThe Summer Hikaru Diedin July, fans will have more than enough anime in 2025.
10’City The Animation' (2025)
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Many anime fans will recognize this art style, as it was created by the creator ofNichijou, one of thebest comedy anime ever.City The Animationis their subsequent work, but instead of dealing with high school girls, it focuses on Midori and her life of adventures in the big city. Unfortunately, with little money and no job, she tries to find any way to scrape by some cash while still being able to continue her fun journeys.
While the manga isn’t as good asNichijou, it is stilla wonderful treat of slapstick and surreal humor, with fans clamoring for another series from the author.Nichijouwas such a distinct comedy, which is why many fans are excited aboutCity The Animation, especially with its new location and focus. The best and most exciting part is that Kyoto Animation, one of themost renowned anime studios that always deliver, is behind it.
Nichijou - My Ordinary Life
9’Fire Force Season 3' (2025)
Studio: David Production
2019 introduced some of the best new anime, includingDemon SlayerandVinland Saga. However,Fire Forcealso hooked people’s excitement, with the first two seasons airing in back-to-back years. The anime follows a group of firefighters who can create or control fire as they investigate a mysterious cult and their ominous mission.Fire ForceSeason 3 releases this April, with a second part coming out in 2026.
This anime is fairly polarizing — some fans love the creativity and action, while others dislike the fan service and slow start. Despite the mixed opinions, the lack of a season 3 has built up the hype levels, with many viewers excited to get back into this world. With this beingFire Force’s final season, fans expect the best of the best, considering each season massively improved on the next, meaningthis should be the best one yet.
Fire Force
8’Witch Hat Atelier' (2025)
Studio: BUG FILMS
Fantasy anime have been all the rage recently, withFrierenandDungeon Meshidelivering some of the most incredible small-screen experiences.Witch Hat Atelierwill surely bethe next big thing in a mystical fantasy world. Coco is a normal human who discovers the truth of magic, which starts her journey to become a witch and help save her mother.Witch Hat Atelieris confirmed to be released sometime in 2025.
Manga fans know how good this series is, delivering one of themost creative fantasy series ever. It mixes the hooks of general shonen anime with a unique take on magic and an imaginative fantasy world. The first trailer showed fans that the animation would be spectacular, makingWitch Hat Ateliera candidate for thebest fantasy animeof 2025. Fans should be skeptical, though, as the studio’s previous work had ups and downs.
Witch Hat Atelierwill stream on Crunchyroll in 2025 in the U.S.
7'3-Z Ginpachi Sensei' (2025)
Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
3-Z Ginpachi Senseimarks the return of yet another incredibly popular comedy anime.Gintamaended with a movie in 2021, but fans will finally get more content as this anime adapts a spin-off novel. Instead of their usual antics around Kabukicho, the cast ofGintamagoes back to school to give fans countless laughs without any life-threatening action.3-Z Ginpachi Senseiiscoming out in October 2025.
While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of action in this new spin-off, comedy isGintama’s best aspect and is one of the funniest anime ever. While the school setting is a staple of anime,Gintamais sure to freshen it up with its wacky gag humorand surreal goofy comedy. A significant shōnen anime rarely receives a spin-off after its completion, which is why fans are excited aboutGintama’sreturn, considering itdefined anime in the 2000s.
6’Lazarus' (2025)
Studio: MAPPA
Shinichirō Watanabeis an influential anime director responsible for some of the most well-known anime, includingCowboy BebopandSamurai Champloo. While he had some minor roles, his last major work was in 2019, butLazarusmarks his inevitable return. Set in 2052, a miracle vaccine has created a peaceful world until the creator reveals that it will kill the recipients, prompting a special task force to create a cure.
With multiple trailers, synopsis, cast and crew, fans know almost everything about the anime except its specific release date. However, its 2025 release window is enough for fans to get excited, asevery Watanabe anime is fantastic. This series looks to bring back his sci-fi influence with more of an action role, including fluid animation andChad Stahelskias the action director.Lazarusis one of the most anticipated new anime, with many fans believing it will bethe next best sci-fi anime.
Lazaruswill premiere on Adult Swim in 2025.
5’Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise From the Shadow' (2025)
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Solo Levelingwas one of thebest anime of 2024, and fans are in luck because season two picks off where things left off. Jin-Woo Sung is the lowest tier of Hunters, but when a mysterious entity gives him the unique power to level up his ranking, he begins to learn his vast powers. He plans on revealing his power to the world in season two, which fans won’t have to wait long for, as itairs on August 08, 2025.
This anime was among last year’s most popular, delivering fans with fluid animation and an intriguing power fantasy. However, season twolooks to up the animation, story, and excitementwith significant plot developments, reveals, and character interactions.Solo Levelingseason two is also one of the most anticipated anime because fans won’t have to wait long, with this show surely to satisfy everyone andmake a run for anime of the year in 2025.
Solo Leveling
4’Sakamoto Days' (2025)
Studio: TMS Entertainment
New anime is always a treat going into every year, especially when it’s a series coming from Shōnen Jump, the biggest manga company that constantly delivers the most popular shows. Their next major anime adaptation isSakamoto Days, which follows the titular character as a convenience store worker with a shady past. Unfortunately, his rivals and partners don’t believe this, meaning he has to find creative ways to defeat them without killing them.
Fans always anticipate fresh new content, butSakamoto Dayshas a different level of excitement. The manga is extremely popular, with fans loving the action, characters, and creativity.Sakamoto Daysperfectly blends action with comedy, and the animation will only add to those elements. If fans weren’t excited enough for itsrelease on July 06, 2025, they can also look forward to thesecond half of the summer this year.
Sakamoto Days
WATCH ON NETFLIX
3’My Hero Academia Final Season' (2025)
Studio: Bones
Ever since its first season in 2016,My Hero Academiahas been one of the most popular anime. With the series reaching its climax last season, the anime is finally about to end with its final season. The war is almost over, but the heroes must defeat a few more villains before they get their happy ending.The final season is in October 2025, but if fans are impatient, theyrecently announcedMy Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a spin-off coming out this April.
My Hero Academiahas had a bumpy road, with many excellent and poor seasons. However, the last two seasons were some of the best content fans have seen from the series, and they hope the finale is just as good. Viewers can expect phenomenal action and stunning animation. The manga ending is fairly polarizing, buta finale will garner hype and excitement either way, especially when one of the most popular anime is ending.
My Hero Academia
2’One Punch Man Season 3' (2025)
Studio: JC Staff
Every anime fan knows Saitama, the caped baldy who is just a hero for fun and eliminates his opponents with a single hit. Fans are in luck because the uber-popular anime isreturning for its third season sometime this year.One Punch Manseason two ended with the monster’s association planning a war and Garou becoming stronger, setting up the ensuing madness when the heroes invade the monster’s stronghold in season three.
Season one ofOne Punch Manwas one of the greatest things to grace the anime community when it was released. Unfortunately, fans didn’t appreciate season two as much, even though it was still decent. While some still have their doubts, season three is still one of themost anticipated anime of 2025 because ofOne Punch Man’s sheer popularity. This season will also include some of the best content from the manga, proving whyOne Punch Manis one of thegreatest animated superhero shows.
One Punch Man
WATCH ON HULU
1’Dandadan Season 2' (2025)
Studio: Science Saru
If one were to ask what the best anime of 2024 is, many fans would respond withDandadan, a mix of the supernatural and extraterrestrial that dominated the end of the year with its popularity. Momo and Ken continue their perilous journey to retrieve the latter’s last golden ball, but before that, they must help Jiji conquer the ominous spirit in his house and town before it consumes him.Dandadanseason two releases this summer.
Dandadanis easily the most anticipated anime of 2025 for many reasons. The first season is still fresh in people’s minds, meaningfans desperately want a continuation, especially after the major cliffhanger. Season one was also a masterclass of storytelling and excitement, and season two is likely to increase the drama, horror, action, and intrigue.Dandadanis already one of thebest anime of the decade, and season two will only improve the show.
