8 Must-See Anime of the Spring 2025 Season: Get Ready for New Favorites!

The Spring 2025 anime season has arrived with a lineup that’s capturing the hearts of fans and receiving widespread acclaim from critics. Each title features unique qualities, diverse themes, and is already generating positive buzz from the press, audiences, and leading anime review platforms. If you want to dive into the most talked-about releases so far, check out the highlights below, featuring detailed journalistic insights.

The following list introduces eight anime from the Spring 2025 season, selected based on global popularity, critical response, awards received, and impact on major anime portals and aggregators. These featured titles are among the most discussed by fans and experts and are praised for their originality, production quality, and variety of themes.

Let’s go!

Kowloon Generic Romance

Synopsis:

In the walled city of Kowloon, where past, present, and future converge in surreal ways, Reiko Kujirai finds herself drawn into a romance tinged with nostalgia and déjà vu. The lives of the residents brim with melancholy in a love story and mystery that enthralls viewers with every episode.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- According to the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (2021) ranking, it placed 3rd among manga for male readers, confirming its prestige among Japanese critics.

- In 2020, it was among the 50 nominees for the Next Manga Award.

- The original manga has surpassed 1.2 million copies in circulation (as of December 2024).

- Reviewers on MyAnimeList gave the anime a debut average score of 7.9/10, praising its “sophisticated setting” and the depth of the protagonist.

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Kijin Gentoushou

Synopsis:

Follow Jinta, a young shrine guardian in the Edo period, as he embarks on a journey marked by demonic prophecies, confronting monsters and gods from Japanese folklore. It’s a quest for justice, redemption, and self-discovery that spans centuries.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- On Anime-Planet, more than 700 users have added the anime to their lists, reflecting growing international interest.

- Reviews on sites like Anime News Network cite the series’ balance between action and philosophical exploration as a standout feature.

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Witch Watch

Synopsis:

Morihito, whose strength mimics that of an ogre, becomes roommates with Nico, his childhood friend and a novice witch. Their lives are quickly upended by magical mishaps, comical monsters, and plenty of unpredictable situations.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- MyAnimeList shows a score of 7.7/10 in the first week, with over 17,000 users tracking the series.

- Crunchyroll News calls Witch Watch one of the best-shonen comedy adaptations of the season, praising the cast and their “comic chemistry.”

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix

To Be Hero X

Synopsis:

When superpowers are based on public trust, the world of heroes becomes unpredictable. The legendary “X” reigns at the top, but the struggle for recognition is relentless and full of surprises—all set against sharp social satire and energetic action.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- Anime Trending spotlights To Be Hero X as one of the most voted series at the start of the season, especially praised for its incisive social commentary and self-deprecating humor.

- Crunchyroll users scored the first episodes an average 4.7/5.

- Anime News Network compared the series’ irreverence with that of "The Boys".

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Lazarus

Synopsis:

A miracle drug saves the world—only to be revealed as the catalyst of mass extermination. With just 30 days to prevent catastrophe, an international team embarks on a desperate mission.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- IGN Brasil highlights Lazarus’ “cinematic thriller pace” and cutting-edge animation, awarding its premiere an 8/10.

- The title featured in “most anticipated” lists from Polygon and Anime News Network.

- Where to watch: Max

Anne Shirley

Synopsis:

Based on the best-selling “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne Shirley is an imaginative, optimistic orphan who transforms the lives of the Cuthberts and all of Prince Edward Island with her courage and sensitivity.

The story has inspired countless adaptations—the best known being Netflix’s “Anne with an E,” which is celebrated for its contemporary treatment of themes like orphanhood, empowerment, and diversity.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- The original book has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.

- On Rotten Tomatoes, “Anne with an E” achieved an 82% critics’ approval rating.

- The anime is praised by cultural critics for balancing fidelity to the book with accessibility for new audiences.

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Moonrise

Synopsis:

In a future ruled by AI, rebellions and human exiles are sent to the Moon, paving the way for space conflicts and profound moral dilemmas.

Jacob “Jack” Shadow seeks revenge and, together with the lunar resistance, uncovers disturbing truths about the relationship between Earth and Moon.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- Polygon and IGN praise Moonrise for its “rich worldbuilding” and sophisticated space opera flair.

- On Anime News Network, it stands out for technical quality and deep ethical questions.

- MyAnimeList records an 8/10 average in its early weeks.

- Where to watch: Netflix

The Super Cube (超能立方)

Synopsis:

Wang Xiaoxiu, an ordinary young man, discovers a mysterious artifact called the “Super Cube”, gaining unique powers. He becomes entangled with secret organizations, supernatural challenges, and moral quandaries, starring in a vibrant cyberpunk adventure.

Reception and Journalistic Data:

- On Bilibili (China), it surpassed 21 million views at launch.

- Influencers and outlets like Anime D!CE call The Super Cube “the best Chinese anime of the year,” also highlighting the high-quality work of Light Chaser Animation.

- International audiences praise the show’s cultural representation and bold visuals.

- Where to watch: Platforms specializing in Chinese anime

Spring 2025 hasn’t just refreshed fans’ watchlists—it’s raised the bar for adaptations, blending genres, themes, and cultures in imaginative ways.

Which of these anime most caught your eye? Has any already secured a spot on your list?

Share your favorite in the comments!