The 12 Best Anime of 2025 by Season

The year 2025 delivered one of the most varied and exciting anime lineups in recent memory. From long awaited sequels to ambitious debuts and surprising adaptations, every season offered works that impressed through both technical quality and strong storytelling.

Whether you enjoy action, romance, fantasy, drama, or comedy, the list below highlights the series that shaped the year and fueled discussions among fans in 2025. Here you will find clear and up-to-date information based on data, reviews, and audience reception.

All that is left is to choose your favorite season and dive into the best anime of the year.

Medalist

MAL Score: 8.37

Medalist arrived in the winter season as an emotional and heartfelt series. The story follows Tsukasa, a former athlete whose competitive dreams fell apart, and Inori, a shy girl who secretly practices figure skating due to her lack of confidence and support. Their meeting sparks a bond of growth and inspiration that quickly won over viewers.

The anime authentically portrays the behind the scenes world of figure skating, showing everything from daily training to the insecurities faced by young athletes. Its warm and effective storytelling highlights the challenges of pursuing a dream in a demanding environment.

Detailed animation and emotional nuance help create an engaging atmosphere. It is a series that resonates with sports fans and anyone who enjoys inspiring and character driven stories.

Solo Leveling Season 2

MAL Score: 8.61

Season 2 of Solo Leveling enhances the formula that had already captivated millions. Jinwoo continues his rapid ascent as new abilities awaken, drawing the attention of major guilds. The world expands with stronger threats and important revelations.

One of the highlights of this season is its growing tension supported by well choreographed action scenes and deeper emotional development for the protagonist. The story explores not only his power but also the psychological weight of the responsibilities he must carry.

After winning at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the series cemented itself as a modern standout in dark fantasy. It is essential viewing for fans of explosive action and immersive storytelling.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

MAL Score: 8.91

The new season of The Apothecary Diaries reaffirmed the anime’s immense popularity. Maomao continues to solve mysteries within the imperial court while dealing with the arrival of foreign caravans and events that spark her curiosity. The refined and carefully crafted investigative tone remains a defining feature.

The series captivates with its historical accuracy and its clever balance of humor, suspense, and social commentary. Maomao remains one of the most charismatic and complex protagonists today, guiding viewers through intricate and highly detailed storylines.

Praised for its balance between narrative and world building, this season stands as one of 2025’s strongest releases and is perfect for fans of palace intrigue and mystery.

Lord of Mysteries

MAL Score: 8.64

Lord of Mysteries introduces a Victorian inspired world filled with conspiracies, secret societies, and hidden forces. Zhou Mingrui awakens in the body of Klein Moretti and soon realizes he is caught in conflicts that extend far beyond ordinary understanding. The rich atmosphere and mature storytelling stand out from the first episode.

The plot handles themes such as fanaticism, morality, and power with depth. Its detailed world building and layered mysteries encourage viewers to reflect, with each episode adding new pieces to the overarching puzzle.

For those looking for a more serious and intellectually engaging experience, this is one of the year’s most sophisticated titles. Its blend of dark fantasy and intrigue makes it essential watching.

To Be Hero X

MAL Score: 8.72

In To Be Hero X, anyone can become a hero as long as they earn enough trust from the public. This idea creates an unusual dynamic where reputation and credibility determine strength and status. The concept is explored through charismatic characters and scenarios that balance humor, drama, and action.

The series raises meaningful questions about self-esteem, social pressure, and the desire for validation. Even with intense battles and memorable visuals, the emotional development of the characters and the impact of the expectations placed on them remain central.

Visually striking and narratively engaging, the anime became one of the season’s biggest hits. It is ideal for viewers who want action with purpose and personality.

Takopi’s Original Sin

MAL Score: 8.79

The adaptation of Takopi’s Original Sin surprised viewers with its emotional depth. The small alien Happian arrives on Earth hoping to spread happiness, but instead meets Shizuka, a girl surrounded by pain and abandonment. The visitor’s innocence contrasts sharply with the harsh reality faced by the protagonist.

The story addresses sensitive themes such as bullying, emotional abuse, and loneliness. Instead of softening these issues, the anime presents their consequences in a direct and impactful way. This helped make the series one of the most talked about dramas of the year.

Even with short episodes, the narrative is intense and memorable. For anyone looking for something powerful and emotionally resonant, this is one of the strongest choices of 2025. We were so moved that we published an analysis of Takopi on our site.

Dandadan Season 2

MAL Score: 8.46

Season 2 of Dandadan continues the energetic mix of horror, sci fi, and comedy that captivated so many viewers. The main trio keeps facing supernatural forces and bizarre situations, resulting in chaotic and highly creative episodes.

The series maintains its unpredictable rhythm, shifting from intense scenes to absurd humor. This keeps the pacing dynamic and gives each episode a distinct identity.

The atmosphere remains unique and highly stylized. For those who enjoy unconventional anime, Dandadan stays among the most entertaining options of the year.

Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2

MAL Score: 8.50

For anyone looking for something lighthearted, Grand Blue Dreaming is an ideal pick. The second season continues to follow Iori and the diving club through exaggerated and comedic scenarios. Humor remains the series’ strongest element.

The anime works as a relaxing break, offering standalone episodes full of laughs. Although simple, it captures the energy of college life with authenticity and spontaneity.

With expressive visuals and strong comedic timing, the season preserves the carefree spirit of the original. It is a reliable option for viewers who want something fun and easygoing.

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

MAL Score: 8.63

This romance unfolds between two schools with very different social profiles. Chidori is known for its troubled students, while Kikyo is a prestigious institution attended by elite youth. The meeting between Rintarou and Kaoruko sets the stage for a gentle and nuanced relationship.

The story explores themes like prejudice, social class, and personal identity. The couple’s development is marked by small gestures and shared insecurities that make their relationship feel genuine. The romance takes its time, allowing the audience to feel each step of their growing connection.

With elegant visuals and a sensitive narrative, it stands as one of the most praised romances of the year. We even published an analysis of the anime on our site. You should check it out.

Spy x Family Season 3

MAL Score: 8.23

Season 3 of Spy x Family maintains its irresistible blend of comedy, action, and heartfelt family moments. The Forgers continue stumbling into unpredictable situations while balancing schoolwork, secret missions, and domestic adventures.

The anime keeps exploring the emotions and insecurities of its characters, especially the bond between Anya and her adoptive parents. This adds depth to the humor and strengthens the family dynamic, which remains one of the show’s biggest appeals.

With light and well constructed episodes, the season delivers exactly what fans enjoy: fun with an emotional touch.

My Hero Academia Final Season

MAL Score: 8.88

The final season of My Hero Academia concludes the journey of Izuku Midoriya and his classmates during a war that pushes heroes and villains to their limits. The tone is darker and more intense, reflecting the escalation of conflict seen in recent seasons.

The series dedicates time to exploring the emotional toll of battle, the losses faced, and the difficult choices each character must make. Every major character receives meaningful attention, bringing long running arcs to a respectful and impactful conclusion.

For long time viewers, this finale is moving and satisfying. For newcomers, it offers a compelling reason to start the series.

Kingdom Season 6

MAL Score: 9.06

Season 6 of Kingdom reinforces its status as one of the best war and strategy anime today. The battle for the territory of Gyou places Qin and Zhao in direct conflict, resulting in complex and tense confrontations.

The anime blends large scale action scenes with political decisions that shape the characters’ fates. Each episode deepens the relationships, ambitions, and sacrifices that define the war. Its commitment to historical detail is another major highlight.

It is an epic, intense, and technically impressive season. A must watch for fans of grand and strategic storytelling.

The year 2025 ends as one of the most remarkable for anime, with each season delivering titles that won over both audiences and critics. From highly anticipated continuations like The Apothecary Diaries and Spy x Family to widely discussed debuts like Takopi’s Original Sin, the industry showed once again that it can still surprise.

The enthusiastic reception reinforces something the Solo Leveling team mentioned in interviews: “a great anime is born when creators and fans move forward together,” a statement that reflects the spirit of the year’s most memorable productions.

At the same time, 2025 demonstrated meaningful creative growth, especially in adaptations like Lord of Mysteries, whose editor in chief commented that “the biggest challenge is keeping the soul of the work intact while expanding its reach.”

This pursuit of fidelity, innovation, and emotional impact shaped much of the series included in this list. With so many strong stories, rich worlds, and compelling protagonists, 2025 closes as a year that raised the bar and renewed viewers’ excitement for what lies ahead.

And for you, which anime was the best of the year? Tell us in the comments below.