Best Anime 2025: The Most Anticipated Shows

A look ahead at the most anticipated anime series coming in 2025. From returning giants to promising newcomers.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the anime industry. With a staggering lineup of returning giants, highly anticipated adaptations, and promising original works, fans are bracing themselves for what could be one of the most competitive and exciting years in anime history. From the conclusion of decade-long sagas to the birth of new classics, the schedule is packed with titles that promise to redefine genres and set new standards for animation quality.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the best anime of 2025, analyzing the most hyped releases, the studios behind them, and why they deserve a spot on your watchlist.

1. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc (Kimetsu no Yaiba)

Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Historical
Release Date: Late 2025 (Expected)

The cultural phenomenon that is Demon Slayer is approaching its climax. Following the Hashira Training Arc, the Infinity Castle Arc is set to adapt the final and most explosive battles of the series. Tanjiro and the Hashira finally infiltrate Muzan Kibutsuji's stronghold, a gravity-defying fortress of endless rooms and shifting corridors.

Why It's a Must-Watch

Ufotable has consistently raised the bar for anime production, and the Infinity Castle provides the perfect canvas for their digital compositing wizardry. Expect dizzying camera movements, particle effects galore, and fight choreography that blurs the line between 2D and 3D animation. The battles against the Upper Moonsâ€”Akaza, Doma, and Kokushiboâ€”are some of the most emotional and intense in the manga. This isn't just an anime season; it's a cinematic event.

2. One Piece: The Final Saga Continues

Studio: Toei Animation
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Shonen
Status: Ongoing

Eiichiro Oda's magnum opus, One Piece, has entered its Final Saga, and the anime adaptation in 2025 is expected to cover some of the most lore-heavy and revelation-packed chapters in the series' 25-year history. With the Egghead Island Arc likely concluding or transitioning into the next major phase (Elbaf?), the stakes have never been higher.

The Animation Revolution

Since the Wano Arc, Toei Animation has undergone a renaissance, employing top-tier directors and animators who have transformed One Piece into a weekly spectacle of sakuga. In 2025, we can expect this trend to continue as Luffy and the Straw Hats inch closer to the titular treasure. The mysteries of the Void Century, the true nature of the World Government, and the identity of Imu are slowly being peeled back. For long-time fans, 2025 will be a year of payoffs.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game

Studio: MAPPA
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy
Release Date: Fall 2025 (Rumored)

After the traumatic events of the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Kaisen returns with the Culling Game Arc. This arc introduces a battle royale style tournament orchestrated by the ancient sorcerer Kenjaku. The tone shifts from dark to pitch black as Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Yuta Okkotsu navigate a deadly game where the only rule is kill or be killed.

A New Visual Identity?

Season 2 introduced a more fluid, experimental art style that divided some fans but was praised by sakuga enthusiasts. Season 3 is expected to refine this approach. The Culling Game features complex cursed techniques and strategic battles that will challenge MAPPA's creative team. Key matchups, such as Yuta's return to action and Hakari's debut, are highly anticipated. This season will expand the world of Jujutsu sorcery significantly, introducing players from past eras.

4. Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc

Studio: MAPPA
Genre: Action, Horror, Dark Fantasy
Format: Feature Film

Instead of a standard second season, Chainsaw Man continues with a theatrical release adapting the Bomb Girl Arc (Reze Arc). This arc is a fan favorite, blending explosive action with a surprisingly tender, albeit twisted, romance between Denji and Reze.

Why a Movie?

The Reze Arc is perfectly paced for a feature film. It's a tight, self-contained story with a clear beginning, middle, and emotional end. A movie budget allows for even higher fidelity animation, particularly for the bombastic fight scenes which involve massive explosions and destruction. Seeing Denji and Reze tear up the city on the big screen will be a visual feast.

5. Fire Force Season 3 (Enen no Shouboutai)

Studio: David Production
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Release Date: Early 2025

The final season of Fire Force is finally here. Atsushi Ohkubo's story about spontaneous human combustion and special fire brigades reaches its apocalyptic conclusion. The mystery of the Great Cataclysm and the Evangelist will be solved.

David Production's Mastery

Known for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, David Production brings a unique flair to Fire Force. The sound design, particularly the heavy bass of the explosions, is iconic. Season 3 promises to ramp up the scale to planetary levels, with Shinra Kusakabe evolving into a figure of godlike power.

6. Sakamoto Days

Studio: TMS Entertainment (Rumored)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Slice of Life
Release Date: 2025

One of the most requested adaptations, Sakamoto Days, follows Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who retired, got married, and gained weight. Now running a convenience store, he must protect his peaceful life from the ghosts of his past using non-lethal methods.

The John Wick of Anime

The manga is celebrated for its incredible action choreography, which uses the environment in creative ways (think Jackie Chan meets John Wick). If the anime can capture the kinetic energy and dynamic paneling of the source material, it will be an instant hit. It balances high-octane fights with heartwarming family moments and slapstick comedy.

7. Dandadan

Studio: Science SARU
Genre: Sci-Fi, Occult, Action, Rom-Com
Release Date: 2025

Dandadan is a wild ride involving aliens, ghosts, and high school romance. Momo Ayase believes in ghosts but not aliens, while her classmate Okarun believes in aliens but not ghosts. They are both wrongâ€”and both right.

A Visual Trip

With Science SARU (known for Devilman Crybaby and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) at the helm, Dandadan is guaranteed to be visually distinct. The studio's penchant for fluid, psychedelic animation fits the chaotic energy of the manga perfectly. Expect vibrant colors, bizarre creature designs, and a killer soundtrack.

8. Witch Hat Atelier (Tongari Boushi no Atelier)

Studio: TBA
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Seinen
Release Date: 2025

A high-fantasy series that brings the wonder back to magic. Coco, a village girl, dreams of becoming a witch but was born without magic. After witnessing a witch cast a spell, she accidentally discovers the secret: magic is drawn, not born.

A Masterpiece of World Building

The manga is renowned for its intricate art style, reminiscent of woodblock prints and classic fantasy illustrations. The magic system is based on drawing circles and runes, making it visually unique. The anime adaptation has big shoes to fill regarding background art and atmosphere. If done right, it could be the most beautiful show of the year.

9. Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Release Date: Early 2025

Jinwoo Sung's journey from the weakest hunter to the shadow monarch continues. Season 1 set the stage, but Season 2 is where the power scaling truly goes off the charts. Jinwoo begins to build his shadow army and uncover the truth behind the system.

The Shadow Monarch Rises

Fans can look forward to the "Arise" moment becoming a cultural meme. The battles become larger in scale, involving hundreds of shadow soldiers. A-1 Pictures delivered solid production in Season 1, particularly with the sound design and Hiroyuki Sawano's score. Season 2 needs to maintain that momentum as the story shifts from dungeon crawling to world-saving stakes.

10. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War â€“ Part 4

Studio: Pierrot Films
Genre: Action, Supernatural
Release Date: 2025

The final cour of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc will conclude Ichigo Kurosaki's long journey. The battle between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies reaches its devastating finale.

The End of an Era

This is it. The true ending of one of the Big Three. Studio Pierrot has poured immense resources into this adaptation, giving Bleach the send-off it deserves with movie-quality animation and extended scenes that weren't in the manga. Expect Bankai reveals, emotional goodbyes, and a visual spectacle that honors Tite Kubo's stylish art.

Conclusion: A Year for the History Books

2025 is not just another year of anime; it is a culmination of years of storytelling. We are seeing the endings of Demon Slayer, Fire Force, and Bleach, alongside the peak of One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. At the same time, new pillars like Sakamoto Days and Dandadan are rising to take their place.

Whether you are a fan of heart-pounding action, intricate fantasy worlds, or emotional dramas, 2025 has something for you. Clear your schedule, because you're going to be busy.

Sequels: Demon Slayer season 4, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3, Re:Zero season 3, Chainsaw Man season 2, Tokyo Revengers season 3, Spy x Family season 3, Mashle season 2, Classroom of the Elite season 3, Mushoku Tensei season 3, Oshi no Ko season 2, Blue Lock season 2.
Movies & Specials: Black Clover movie, Bleach TYBW, One Piece Gear 5, Solo Leveling anime, Boruto Two Blue Vortex, My Hero Academia season 7.