The world of anime is constantly evolving, and 2025 promises to be a landmark year with a plethora of highly anticipated series and movies. From returning favorites to exciting new projects, anime fans have much to look forward to. Hereās a breakdown of the most talked-about titles that are set to make waves in the coming year.
Returning Fan Favorites
Several established anime series are slated to return with new seasons, generating significant buzz among long-time viewers.
Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise From the Shadow
Following the massive success of its first season, Solo Leveling is set to return, continuing the story of Sung Jinwoo’s rise to power. The second season, titled Arise From The Shadow, will delve deeper into the mysteries of the system and the challenges Jinwoo faces as he grows stronger. Fans are eager to see the animation studio, A-1 Pictures, bring more of the epic battles and character development to life.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
The Apothecary Diaries captured audiences with its intriguing blend of mystery and historical drama. The second season will follow Maomao’s continued adventures in the imperial court, as she navigates political intrigue and solves medical mysteries. The detailed animation and compelling narrative have made this sequel highly anticipated.
Fire Force Season 3
The action-packed supernatural series, Fire Force, is also making its return with a third season. Continuing the story of Shinra and the Special Fire Force Company 8, the new season promises more intense battles and further exploration of the mysteries surrounding the Great Cataclysm. The animation by David Production is expected to be as dynamic and visually stunning as ever.
My Hero Academia Final Season
The final season of the beloved shonen anime, My Hero Academia, is highly anticipated. As the epic battle between the heroes and villains reaches its climax, fans are eager to see how the story of Deku and his classmates will conclude. This season will likely be filled with emotional moments, intense fights, and the culmination of years of character development. It will be split into two parts with the first part being My Hero Academia season 8 in Fall 2025.
Spy x Family Season 3
The third season of Spy x Family is highly anticipated, promising more comedic spy antics and heartwarming family moments. The series, known for its blend of action and humor, will continue to follow the Forger family as they navigate their unique challenges. The new season is set to adapt the Friendship Schemes Arc and Red Circus Arc, potentially even touching on the Mole Hunt Arc.
Exciting New Series
2025 isnāt just about sequels; several brand new anime series are also generating substantial excitement.
Dandadan
Dandadan has emerged as one of the most anticipated new anime of 2025. Directed by FÅ«ga Yamashiro, this series blends supernatural elements with a unique storyline, following Momo and Ken as they explore the strange occurrences in their world. Its premiere on Netflix has already generated a significant following, with fans eagerly awaiting its television debut. The animation is highly anticipated by many.
Witch Hat Atelier
Based on the beloved manga by Kamome Shirahama, Witch Hat Atelier is set to be a standout fantasy anime in 2025. The story follows Coco, a young girl who discovers the world of magic and begins her journey to become a witch, all while trying to save her mother. With studio BUG FILMS at the helm, known for Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, the series promises detailed world-building, stunning animation and an engaging storyline.
Lazarus
Directed by the legendary ShinichirÅ Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, Lazarus is an original anime series set in a dystopian future. This anime focuses on Dr. Skinner, the creator of a miracle drug, and the task force assembled to find him when the drug is revealed to be fatal. With animation by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, Lazarus has created a lot of buzz due to its stylish visuals and thought-provoking themes.
Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days is another new series garnering considerable attention. This action-comedy follows a legendary hitman who has retired to run a small grocery store, only to be pulled back into the dangerous world he left behind. The anime, produced by TMS Entertainment, promises a unique mix of humor and intense action, making it one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. The series is scheduled to have a split cour release with the first part in Winter 2025 and the second part in Summer 2025.
The Beginning After The End
Based on a popular manga, The Beginning After The End, is a non-sequel anime that has quickly gained traction among fans. It tells the story of a king who is reincarnated into a magical world as a young boy and seeks to rectify the mistakes of his previous life. This series is highly anticipated for its strong character development and the potential to be one of the standout non-sequel anime of the year.
Other Notable Mentions
In addition to the series mentioned above, several other anime projects are generating significant anticipation.
- Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga: This continuation of the popular Blue Exorcist series is set to air in Winter 2025, diving deeper into the lore and history of the story.
- Zenshu: A new anime series produced by MAPPA, Zenshu is set to premiere in Winter 2025 and has already generated interest for its unique premise and animation.
- One Punch Man Season 3: The highly anticipated third season of One Punch Man is set to be released in 2025, with the exact release date still to be announced.
- City The Animation: This new series is set to be released in 2025 and is also gaining some traction.
- Gachiakuta: Another new series that is set to be released in 2025, with more information coming soon.
- Yu-Gi-Oh GX 20th Anniversary Remaster: A remastered version of the classic Yu-Gi-Oh GX series is scheduled for release in Spring 2025, appealing to both new and old fans.
- Beastars Season 3 part 2: The second part of season 3 is coming early 2025.
- Attack on Titan The Movie: The Last Attack: The final movie in the series is also slated for release in February of 2025.
Anime Movies to Look Out For
The year 2025 is also packed with new anime film releases. Some of the most anticipated include:
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death movie: A movie adaptation of the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc from Jujutsu Kaisen is scheduled for release in Japan in May 2025.
- Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing: A new movie set for release in January 2025.
- Cute High Earth Defense Club Eternal Love!: Another movie scheduled for release in January 2025.
- Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales: A new Doraemon movie is slated to be released in March of 2025.
Conclusion
2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for anime, with a wide variety of series and films to cater to all tastes. From the return of beloved classics like Solo Leveling and My Hero Academia, to the debut of exciting new series such as Dandadan and Witch Hat Atelier, anime fans can expect a year filled with captivating stories, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters. As the year progresses, more details about these and other anime will emerge, further solidifying 2025 as a banner year for the industry.
