Top 15 Anime Everyone Talked About in 2025

Top 15 Anime Everyone Talked About in 2025

Anime fans experienced an unforgettable year in 2025, with studios releasing incredible shows that captured hearts worldwide. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming slice-of-life stories, this year delivered something special for everyone.

Whether you’re a longtime otaku or just getting started with anime, these fifteen series sparked countless conversations, dominated social media, and created memories that will last forever.

1. Ranma 1/2

Remember the classic martial arts comedy that defined a generation?

The beloved series returned with fresh animation that brought Ranma’s gender-swapping adventures to modern audiences.

Fans old and new fell in love with the chaotic Tendo household and Ranma’s curse all over again.

The updated visuals breathed new life into Rumiko Takahashi’s masterpiece while staying true to the original’s charm.

Social media exploded with nostalgia as viewers shared their favorite moments and debated which fiancée deserved Ranma’s heart. T

he remake proved that timeless stories never lose their magic, connecting generations through laughter and unforgettable characters that feel just as fresh today.

2. My Hero Academia

Deku’s journey reached its emotional peak as the series entered its final chapters, delivering battles that left fans breathless every week.

The stakes climbed higher than ever before, with heroes and villains clashing in confrontations that determined the fate of hero society itself.

Each episode packed incredible animation and heart-pounding moments that dominated every anime discussion online.

Watching beloved characters face their greatest challenges brought tears and cheers from millions worldwide.

The conclusion of this superhero saga reminded everyone why this series became a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place among the greatest shonen anime ever created.

3. The Summer Hikaru Died

What happens when your best friend returns, but something feels terribly wrong?

This psychological horror captivated viewers with its unsettling premise and beautiful yet haunting visuals.

The story follows Yoshiki as he realizes his childhood friend Hikaru isn’t quite himself anymore.

Something else now inhabits his body, creating tension that builds with every quiet conversation and lingering glance.

Fans praised the anime’s ability to balance creeping dread with genuine emotional depth about friendship and identity.

The atmospheric storytelling kept everyone guessing while exploring themes that resonated deeply, making it the surprise horror hit nobody expected but everyone needed.

4. My Dress-Up Darling

Cosplay culture took center stage as Marin and Gojo returned for another season of heartwarming romance and creative passion projects.

Their wholesome relationship continued melting hearts while showcasing the dedication and artistry behind cosplay creation.

Watching Gojo craft intricate costumes while Marin brought characters to life delivered pure joy in every episode.

The series celebrated nerd culture without mockery, showing how hobbies connect people and build confidence.

Fans adored seeing their favorite couple grow closer through shared interests, proving that genuine support and enthusiasm make the best foundation for any relationship worth rooting for.

5. Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider

Ever dreamed of becoming your childhood hero?

Tojima’s passionate quest to fulfill his tokusatsu dreams resonated with anyone who ever refused to give up on what they love.

This slice-of-life comedy celebrated Japanese superhero shows while telling a touching story about pursuing seemingly impossible goals.

The protagonist’s infectious enthusiasm reminded viewers that passion matters more than what others think.

Fans appreciated how the anime balanced humor with genuine emotion, never mocking Tojima’s dreams despite their unusual nature.

His journey inspired countless viewers to embrace their own quirky interests, making this underdog story one of the year’s most uplifting surprises.

6. Dan Da Dan

Aliens versus ghosts sounds ridiculous, right?

Yet this wild supernatural comedy became the most talked-about new series of the year with its absolutely bonkers premise.

Momo and Okarun’s relationship developed through increasingly absurd encounters with paranormal phenomena that shouldn’t coexist but somehow do.

Science SARU’s incredible animation brought every chaotic moment to life with style that left jaws on the floor.

The perfect blend of action, romance, and outrageous humor created something completely unique that defied genre expectations.

Fans couldn’t stop talking about each episode’s surprises, making it the breakout hit that proved originality still thrives in anime.

7. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

Height differences never looked so adorable as in this gentle romance between two girls navigating first love and high school life together.

Rintaro and Kaoruko’s relationship blossomed slowly, capturing all the nervous excitement and tender moments that make young love so special.

The anime’s soft color palette and delicate animation perfectly matched its sweet, understated storytelling approach.

Viewers praised how naturally the romance developed without unnecessary drama or forced conflict getting in the way.

This quiet gem reminded everyone that sometimes the most beautiful stories are the simplest ones, told with care and genuine affection for characters discovering themselves.

8. The Apothecary Diaries

Poison tasting never seemed so fascinating until Maomao returned to solve more mysteries within the imperial palace’s dangerous walls.

Her sharp intellect and medical knowledge continued uncovering conspiracies while navigating complex court politics and her complicated relationship with Jinshi.

Each mystery kept viewers guessing as Maomao applied scientific reasoning to seemingly supernatural problems.

The historical setting combined with engaging detective work created something truly special that appealed to multiple audiences simultaneously.

Fans celebrated seeing a brilliant female protagonist who solves problems through knowledge rather than combat, making this series a refreshing standout in a crowded field.

9. Spy x Family

Operation Strix expanded to the big screen as everyone’s favorite fake family took on their most dangerous mission yet in spectacular fashion.

Loid, Yor, and Anya’s dynamic remained as charming as ever, with theatrical animation elevating the action and comedy to new heights.

Watching them maintain their cover while genuinely caring for each other never gets old.

The movie delivered everything fans wanted: Anya’s adorable telepathy mishaps, Yor’s incredible combat skills, and Loid’s smooth spy work all working together.

This wholesome espionage comedy continued proving that found families create the strongest bonds, touching hearts worldwide with laughter and genuine emotion.

10. Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus

Sakuta and Mai’s relationship faced new supernatural challenges in this holiday-themed continuation that had fans reaching for tissues throughout.

The Adolescence Syndrome returned with mysteries that tested the couple’s bond while exploring themes about growing up and facing uncertain futures together.

CloverWorks delivered stunning animation that captured both magical moments and raw emotional vulnerability perfectly.

Long-time fans appreciated how the movie honored the series’ tradition of blending sci-fi concepts with genuine relationship drama.

The Christmas setting added warmth to an already touching story about teenagers confronting their fears while supporting each other through impossible situations.

11. Lord of Mysteries

Victorian mysticism meets Eastern storytelling in this ambitious adaptation that finally brought the beloved Chinese web novel to animated life.

Klein’s journey through a world of secret organizations, ancient gods, and supernatural pathways captivated audiences with complex worldbuilding rarely seen in animation.

The steampunk aesthetic combined with occult horror created an atmosphere unlike anything else this year.

Fans of the original novels celebrated seeing their favorite moments animated while newcomers discovered an intricate story worth investing time into.

The donghua proved Chinese animation continues pushing boundaries, delivering mature storytelling that respects audience intelligence and rewards careful attention to detail.

12. Zenshu

Imagine reliving your entire life to create the perfect film.

This mind-bending original anime explored artistic obsession through a protagonist who experiences multiple lifetimes pursuing cinematic perfection.

The meta-narrative about animation itself resonated deeply within the anime community, sparking discussions about creativity, sacrifice, and what art truly means.

Each timeline revealed new perspectives on the same events, challenging viewers to question reality and artistic purpose.

Critics praised its ambitious storytelling and willingness to experiment with narrative structure in ways few anime dare attempt.

This philosophical journey reminded everyone that anime can be more than entertainment—it can be profound art that examines itself.

13. Kowloon Generic Romance

Office worker Kudou’s mundane existence shifted when reality itself started feeling wrong, blurring lines between memory and present in unsettling ways.

This mature romance explored adult relationships with psychological depth rarely found in anime, questioning what makes life meaningful when everything feels like going through motions.

The surreal atmosphere kept viewers questioning what was real alongside the protagonist.

Josei fans celebrated seeing stories made for adult women receiving quality adaptations that respected their intelligence and emotional complexity.

The anime proved romance doesn’t need teenagers or fantasy settings to captivate audiences when grounded in authentic human experiences and existential questions.

14. Solo Leveling

Sung Jinwoo’s ascension continued as he faced increasingly powerful threats while building his shadow army into an unstoppable force of darkness.

The second season ramped up everything fans loved about the first: incredible fight choreography, satisfying power progression, and a protagonist who earns every victory through determination.

A-1 Pictures maintained stunning animation quality that made each battle feel monumental.

Watching the weakest hunter become humanity’s greatest hope never stopped being thrilling, even as the stakes expanded beyond anyone’s imagination.

This manhwa adaptation proved Korean stories translate beautifully to anime format, dominating streaming charts and conversations throughout its entire run.

15. One Piece

After twenty-five years, Luffy’s adventure continues breaking records and hearts as the Straw Hats finally reached the legendary giant kingdom of Elbaf.

The long-awaited arc delivered spectacular moments that reminded everyone why One Piece remains the king of shonen anime despite its incredible longevity.

New mysteries unfolded while answering questions fans waited decades to see resolved.

Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece showed no signs of slowing down, with each episode trending worldwide and generating endless theories and discussions online.

The series proved that great storytelling transcends time, continuing to inspire new generations while rewarding loyal fans with payoffs worth every patient year.