The Winter 2025 anime season is upon us, bringing a mix of highly anticipated sequels and exciting new series. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, there’s something for every anime fan this season. Here’s a breakdown of the must-watch shows, where to find them, and what makes them so compelling.
Highly Anticipated Sequels
This winter season is packed with sequels to some of the most popular anime series, continuing the stories that fans have grown to love.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Maomao returns as the inquisitive apothecary in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2. Her adventures in the imperial court continue, promising more intricate mysteries, political intrigue, and the development of her relationship with the enigmatic Jinshi. This series is a blend of historical drama and suspense, with a touch of romance. It’s a top contender for the most anticipated anime of the season, even surpassing some major Shonen Jump titles in popularity polls.
Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
Jinwoo’s journey as a hunter continues in Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow. After mastering his new abilities in secret, he faces even tougher challenges. The series is known for its thrilling action sequences and the protagonist’s impressive growth, and this season promises to be even more intense. A-1 Pictures is behind the animation, which is sure to please fans with its high quality.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
Natsuki Subaru’s struggle against fate continues in Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3. This season will likely adapt the “Counterattack Arc,” which is one of the most anticipated arcs in the series. Expect more of the series’ signature blend of fantasy, suspense, and psychological drama as Subaru faces new trials and tribulations.
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2
The supernatural mysteries at Kamome Academy continue with Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2. Hanako, Nene, and Kou race against time, delving deeper into the school’s secrets. The anime is known for its unique art style, intriguing characters, and a blend of supernatural elements and humor.
Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE
Senku and the Kingdom of Science are back for another season in Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE. This season continues the journey to rebuild civilization with science, promising more exciting inventions and challenges. The series is beloved for its unique blend of adventure, education, and comedy.
My Happy Marriage Season 2
Miyo and Kudo’s relationship continues to blossom in My Happy Marriage Season 2. This season will further explore their romance in a historical setting with supernatural elements, making it a must-watch for romance fans. It’s one of the most popular romance anime, consistently ranking high in viewer polls.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Season 2
The hilarious harem series The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You returns for a second season. Expect more over-the-top comedy, unique character designs, and a parody of the harem genre. Despite potential behind-the-scenes issues, this sequel is highly anticipated by many fans.
Shangri-La Frontier Season 2
The VRMMORPG adventures continue in Shangri-La Frontier Season 2. Fans can look forward to more exciting gameplay and challenging quests in this popular series.
Exciting New Anime
The Winter 2025 season isn’t just about sequels, as there are many new and exciting series to look out for.
Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days is one of the most talked-about new series, following a former hitman who has retired to live a peaceful life, until he’s pulled back in. This action-comedy series features dynamic fight sequences and intriguing characters, making it a must-watch for fans of both genres. The anime is being produced by TMS Entertainment.
Honey Lemon Soda
This new shoujo anime, Honey Lemon Soda, is an adaptation of a beloved manga. The story follows a shy girl who falls for a popular boy, with the promise of being one of the best romance anime of 2025. Its development has been anticipated for years, making this a must-watch for fans of the genre.
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! offers a humorous twist on the isekai genre. A salaryman reincarnates as the villainess in his daughter’s favorite otome game. His experience as an adult and parent causes hilarious deviations from the original story. The series is animated by Ajia-do Animation Works.
Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms
This comedy anime, Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms, follows Mona Kawai who is used to winning hearts, but she meets her match in Medaka Kuroiwa. Expect plenty of laughs in this series about a girl who tries to make a stoic boy fall for her.
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You is a reverse-harem anime that starts with an unexpected love confession. This series promises a unique start compared to most other shoujo anime, with an intriguing plot and a strong female lead.
Sorairo Utility
Sorairo Utility is a sports anime with a “cute girls doing cute things” element to it, which is sure to appeal to fans of both subgenres. The series is shaping up to be a fun addition to the winter lineup.
I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class
This rom-com anime, I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class, follows two high school students in an arranged marriage who must hide their relationship while slowly developing feelings for each other.
Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time
Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time tells the story of a boy accidentally summoned to another world who chooses alchemy. Despite seeming weak, alchemy proves to be the most powerful skill in the world.
Where to Watch
The Winter 2025 anime season is spread across various streaming platforms.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll remains the primary destination for anime fans, offering a vast library of new and continuing series. This season includes Solo Leveling Season 2, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, Shangri-La Frontier Season 2, Re:ZERO Season 3, and many more. The platform offers both subbed and dubbed versions of many of its series. Crunchyroll’s winter lineup features over 40 new anime series, simulcast with their Japanese release dates. In addition, they added Link Click: Bridon Arc to their lineup.
HIDIVE
HIDIVE is focusing on ecchi and isekai anime this season, with titles like Beheneko, I’m Living with an Otaku NEET Kunoichi!?, Flower and Asura, and From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! Sorairo Utility is also a noteworthy addition to their catalog.
Netflix
Netflix is also offering a strong lineup, including Sakamoto Days. In 2025, Netflix is adding a remake of One Piece by Wit Studio, and The Summer Hikaru Died, a horror mystery anime by Cygames Pictures.
Other Platforms
Other services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube will have their selections of anime this season. However, Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and Netflix are the primary platforms to watch the majority of the popular shows.
Genre Diversity
The Winter 2025 anime season has a lot of different genres covered.
Action
Action fans have a lot to look forward to with series like Solo Leveling Season 2, Sakamoto Days, Ishura, and Ubel Blatt.
Romance
The romance genre is also well-represented, with shows such as My Happy Marriage Season 2, Honey Lemon Soda, Can You Keep a Secret?, and Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You.
Comedy
Comedy fans have plenty of options, including The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2 and I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class.
Isekai and Fantasy
The isekai and fantasy genres are well-represented with series like From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!, Re:ZERO, and others.
Streaming Wars and Layoffs
Despite the exciting lineup, the anime streaming landscape is facing some challenges. Crunchyroll is facing increased competition, and there are reports of another round of layoffs in 2025. The streaming wars are impacting the industry, so it remains to be seen how the anime streaming services evolve in the coming year.
Conclusion
The Winter 2025 anime season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with many highly anticipated sequels and interesting new series. Whether you’re a fan of action, romance, comedy, or fantasy, there is something to watch in this upcoming season. Make sure you check out the various streaming platforms to see what they have to offer.
