The Ultimate 2025 Anime List: Must-Watch Shows of the Year!

Anime fans, get ready—2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in anime history! With long-awaited sequels, brand-new original series, and jaw-dropping adaptations, this year is packed with thrilling action, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking animation.

Whether you're a fan of epic shonen battles, heartwarming slice-of-life moments, mind-bending sci-fi, or deep psychological thrillers, this list has something for everyone. We'll dive into each must-watch anime of 2025, covering plot details, release dates, and why they deserve a spot on your watchlist.

One Punch Man Season 3

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After a long six-year wait, One Punch Man Season 3 is officially set to premiere in October 2025. This was announced during the anime’s 10th-anniversary celebrations, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The animation studio handling the project is J.C. Staff, the same studio that worked on Season 2. While some fans were disappointed with Season 2’s animation, the studio has promised major improvements this time around. Though the exact number of episodes hasn't been officially confirmed, it is expected to follow the standard One Punch Man format of 12 episodes, just like the previous two seasons​

Season 3 will adapt the Monster Association Arc, one of the longest and most action-packed storylines in the manga. The anime will cover Chapters 85 to 118, which correspond to Volumes 17 to 24 of the manga. This arc focuses on the escalating war between the Hero Association and the Monster Association, leading to intense battles between the top heroes and monsters. The central focus will be on Garou's transformation, as he grows from a mere martial artist into a terrifying force that challenges even S-Class heroes​

Fans can expect high-stakes battles, major character development, and some of the best fights in the series so far. With Saitama’s overwhelming power remaining a mystery to many, Season 3 will likely highlight other characters such as Tatsumaki, Genos, Flashy Flash, and Bang, who will take on powerful enemies. Additionally, Garou’s evolution into a "Hero Hunter" will reach a climactic stage, setting up an epic confrontation

Dan Da Dan: Season 2

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The highly anticipated Dan Da Dan Season 2 has been officially confirmed and is set to premiere in July 2025. The anime continues under Science SARU, with Fuga Yamashiro directing and Hiroshi Seko handling the series composition. The character designs remain in the hands of Naoyuki Onda, ensuring a consistent art style from the first season. Both Crunchyroll and Netflix will stream Season 2. However, the exact number of episodes has not been announced yet

Season 2 will adapt the Cursed House Arc, focusing on Jiji and the Evil Eye. This arc delves into the haunted house belonging to Jiji's family, where a powerful spirit is causing chaos. Expect plenty of high-intensity supernatural battles, character development, and a deeper dive into the unique blend of yokai and sci-fi elements that define Dan Da Dan

This season promises to expand the lore with more ghosts, aliens, and chaotic battles while continuing the unique mix of horror, comedy, and romance that made Dan Da Dan a standout series. Fans of the manga can also read ahead via VIZ Media and Shonen Jump+, where the series is serialized 

Dr. Stone: Science Future (Season 4)

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Dr. Stone: Science Future (Season 4) is set to premiere in 2025 and will be the final season of the anime. This season is expected to run for three cours, meaning it could have around 30–36 episodes in total, making it the longest season yet

This season will adapt the final arcs of the manga, covering the intense battle between Senku and Dr. Xeno, as well as the ultimate mystery behind the Why-Man and the truth of the petrification phenomenon. With the stakes higher than ever, Senku and his team will embark on a world-spanning adventure, utilizing science to push humanity toward a new era

The teaser for Season 4 promises stunning animation, new scientific battles, and rivalries that will challenge Senku’s intellect and leadership. Fans can expect thrilling confrontations, especially with Stanley Snyder and Dr. Xeno, who pose major threats to the Kingdom of Science. This final season will wrap up the story in an epic fashion, revealing the secrets behind the petrification while delivering action-packed sequences

The Apothecary Diaries: Season 2

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The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is officially set to premiere on January 10, 2025, airing at 11:40 PM JST on Nippon TV’s Friday Anime Night programming block. The season will run for two consecutive cours (24 episodes), meaning it will air throughout most of 2025. International viewers can watch it on Crunchyroll, which will provide both the subtitled and dubbed versions​

Season 2 will continue adapting the light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino, following Maomao, a brilliant apothecary solving medical mysteries in the imperial palace. This season is expected to cover the war arc, where Maomao gets entangled in new intrigues, including mysterious illnesses and political conflicts that could shake the empire. The latest trailers hint at Maomao’s growing involvement in military affairs, a deeper look into Jinshi’s true identity, and more palace conspiracies

In My Happy Marriage: Season 2

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Romance fans have something to look forward to as In My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) returns for its highly anticipated second season. The anime will officially premiere in January 2025 on Netflix

Season 1 left off with Miyo Saimori and Kiyoka Kudou deepening their relationship while uncovering the supernatural mysteries surrounding Miyo’s latent powers. Season 2 is expected to adapt further volumes of the light novel, likely delving into Miyo’s growth, her challenges in the noble society, and the intensifying conflicts surrounding her abilities. The upcoming season will continue to explore the beautiful blend of romance, drama, and supernatural elements that captivated audiences in the first season.

As more details emerge regarding the number of episodes and specific story arcs, fans can look forward to a more detailed narrative as Miyo and Kiyoka’s love story unfolds amidst the challenges ahead​

Fire Force: Season 3

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Fire Force is finally returning with its highly anticipated third and final season. Fans have been waiting since 2020 for new episodes, and the wait is almost over!

Fire Force Season 3 is confirmed to premiere in April 2025, with a second cour scheduled for January 2026. The season will be divided into two parts, similar to previous seasons, and is expected to have around 24-26 episodes in total, though the exact count is yet to be announced.

The third season will cover the final arc of the manga, which concluded with 34 volumes and 304 chapters. Expect the continuation of Shinra Kusakabe’s battle against the White-Clad and the Evangelist, leading to the climactic events that tie into the creator Atsushi Ohkubo’s other hit series, Soul Eater. This season will be the most action-packed yet, as the story reaches its explosive conclusion​. Fire Force Season 3 will be streamed on Crunchyroll, including a simulcast and dub release​.

Blue Exorcist: Season 4

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After a long wait, Blue Exorcist is making a grand return with Season 4, continuing the story of Rin Okumura and his battle against demonic forces. Following the success of Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (Season 2) and Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga (Season 3), the upcoming season will be split into two cours. The first part, titled Beyond the Snow Saga, is set to premiere on October 6, 2024, while the second cour, The Blue Night Saga, will follow in January 2025

The Beyond the Snow Saga will consist of 12 episodes, airing weekly from October to December 2024. The second cour will then pick up in early 2025, concluding the adaptation of the Blue Night Arc. Given the pacing of previous seasons, fans can expect high-quality animation, intense action, and deeper character exploration as the series moves closer to its climax.

Season 4 will continue adapting the Blue Exorcist manga by Kazue Kato, picking up from where the Shimane Illuminati Arc left off. The first cour, Beyond the Snow Saga, will explore the fallout of recent battles and dive into the mystery surrounding Rin and Yukio’s origins. The second cour, The Blue Night Saga, is expected to unveil major revelations about Satan’s past, the origin of the Okumura twins, and the tragic events of the legendary Blue Night, when powerful exorcists were slaughtered

The animation studio Studio VOLN is taking over production, ensuring a visually stunning and action-packed season. Blue Exorcist: Season 4 will be available on Crunchyroll, with an expected simulcast and English dub release​

Dragon Ball Daima​

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Dragon Ball Daima premiered on October 11, 2024, and will have 20 episodes in total. The series follows a weekly release schedule, with its final episode expected to air on February 21, 2025. The story introduces a new twist in the Dragon Ball saga. Goku, Vegeta, and other familiar characters are mysteriously transformed into children due to a conspiracy. To regain their original forms, they embark on a journey into the Demon Realm, where they encounter a new character, Glorio, and a formidable enemy, Gomah​

Dragon Ball Daima is particularly special because it was the last project overseen by Akira Toriyama before his passing. Toriyama directly contributed to the story and character designs, making this series a tribute to his legendary work. The anime is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix, though Netflix releases episodes one week after Crunchyroll. New episodes premiere on Crunchyroll every Friday at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM GMT​

BRZRKR (Anime)​

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Netflix is set to bring Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR comic to life with an anime adaptation. This two-season series is being produced by Production I.G., the renowned studio behind Ghost in the Shell. The anime will tell a more contained story compared to the upcoming live-action movie adaptation also in development. As of now, Netflix has not confirmed an official release date for the BRZRKR anime. However, it has been in development for some time, and given the production schedule, it is expected to debut sometime in 2025 or early 2026

The BRZRKR anime is based on the comic book series written by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt, with artwork by Marvel artist Ron Garney. The story follows B, an immortal demigod who has spent 80,000 years cursed and compelled to violence. His existence is marked by endless war, destruction, and a relentless search for meaning. In the modern era, he works for the U.S. government, fighting in battles too brutal for ordinary soldiers, while secretly searching for a way to end his own immortality. Keanu Reeves will voice his character in the anime, adding an extra level of authenticity to the adaptation​.

This anime is expected to maintain the brutal, action-packed, and philosophical themes of the comic while possibly expanding on certain aspects of B’s long and violent history. Fans of dark action anime and military sci-fi can anticipate a blood-soaked, thought-provoking experience.

Gachiakuta 

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The anime adaptation of Gachiakuta is officially set to premiere in July 2025 and will be streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll. The series is being produced by Bones Film, the same studio behind My Hero Academia, with Fumihiko Suganuma as the director. 

The story is based on the manga by Kei Urana and graffiti artist Hideyoshi Andou, Gachiakuta tells the dark and intense story of Rudo, a boy from the slums who is falsely accused of murder and cast into the abyss below his floating city. There, he discovers a world filled with monstrous creatures born from discarded waste. To survive and seek revenge on those who exiled him, he must master a new power and join the "Cleaners," a group battling the monstrous "trash beasts" of the Pit. The manga began serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine in 2022, and as of December 2024, it has 13 volumes. The anime is expected to follow the early arcs of the manga, covering Rudo’s exile and his first encounters in the Pit.

With its dystopian setting, unique graffiti-inspired animation style, and revenge-driven storyline, Gachiakuta is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new shonen anime of 2025. Fans of dark action series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan may find this a must-watch

With so many highly anticipated anime releases in 2025, this year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting for anime fans worldwide. Whether it's the long-awaited returns of beloved series like One Punch Man and Fire Force, the next chapters of ongoing favorites like Dr. Stone and The Apothecary Diaries, or the fresh, action-packed newcomers like Gachiakuta and BRZRKR, there’s something for everyone.

The anime industry continues to evolve and expand, delivering not only visually stunning animation but also deep storytelling that captures audiences worldwide. With studios pushing boundaries in both traditional animation and new adaptations, fans can look forward to a year of unforgettable moments, epic battles, and emotional storytelling.

No matter what genre you love—shonen, fantasy, sci-fi, or romance—2025 promises to be an incredible year for anime. Which of these anime are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more updates!