2024 has already faded to become a distant memory but anime fans have no time for nostalgia as 2025 is already overflowing with a feast of animated goodness.
From the explosive return of Solo Leveling and the final showdown in Demon Slayer, to the highly anticipated adaptations of Witch Hat Atelier and Sakamoto Days, the new year is packed with sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations that’ll leave you glued to the screen. And that’s not even mentioning the arrival of Lazarus, a thrilling new series from the legendary creator of Cowboy Bebop.
Whether you crave high-octane action, heartwarming adventures, or a dash of the bizarre, there’s an anime on this list ready to steal your heart (and maybe your eyeballs, thanks to the animation wizardry of studios like Bones and Ufotable). So ditch the New Year’s resolutions and grab your snacks, because we’re diving headfirst into the 25 most anticipated anime of 2025, in order of release date (alphabetically if it doesn’t have a firm date yet):
1) Solo Leveling (Season 2)
Release Date: 4 January 2025
Forget grinding for XP as season 2 of Solo Leveling is dropping loot directly into our laps. Sung Jinwoo’s back, and after the cliffhanger that closed the first season, viewers are not just expecting power-ups, but also demanding answers. What’s the deal with The System? What secrets lurk in those dungeons? This anime isn’t just about slaying monsters, it’s about unraveling a mystery that could rewrite the rules of this MMORPG-turned-reality.
With a webtoon, light novel, anime movie, and game already in its arsenal, Solo Leveling is building an empire, and this season is poised to conquer even more fans. Brace for a power fantasy that transcends the screen – Jinwoo’s journey is about to hit a whole new level.
2) Zenshu
Release Date: 5 January 2025
Ever wondered what magic truly fuels your favourite anime? MAPPA’s original creation Zenshu pulls back the curtain on the animation industry in its inaugural season. Follow Natsuko, an animation prodigy rocketing to directorial fame, only to face a crisis that echoes the real-world struggles of anime production. But hold on tight, because Zenshu throws a curveball – a tragic twist plunges Natsuko into the isekai world of her own creation, now a landscape of bleakness and blood. Can she rewrite her fate within the anime she brought to life, or is she doomed to repeat its tragic ending?
3) Dr. Stone: Final Season (Science Future)
Release Date: 9 January 2025
Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, but fear not, science is on the case. Dr. Stone: Final Season (Science Future) blasts off in January 2025, and with a three-part structure boasting nearly 40 episodes, this ain’t no quick lab experiment. Senku and the Kingdom of Science are setting their sights on the stars in its fourth and final season, aiming to revive all of petrified humanity.
But first, they’ll have to navigate the scientific Wild West of the USA, facing off against a civilisation potentially even more advanced than their own. Expect thrilling inventions, mind-blowing discoveries, and laugh-out-loud moments as Dr. Stone delivers a final season that’s as educational as it is exhilarating.
4) The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2)
Release Date: 10 January 2025
Palace walls can’t contain the intrigue brewing in the second season of The Apothecary Diaries. A sleeper hit that charmed viewers with its blend of mystery and courtly drama, the anime returns to unravel a conspiracy even grander than before. Maomao, the poison-savvy apothecary turned reluctant sleuth, navigates a world of scheming officials and hidden agendas within the Imperial Palace. New faces emerge, alliances shift, and the stakes rise as Maomao’s sharp wit and unconventional methods threaten to expose secrets that some would kill to protect. Prepare for a delicious cocktail of suspense, humour, and a touch of romance, as The Apothecary Diaries continues its saga of intrigue in the heart of the royal court.
5) Sakamoto Days
Release Date: 11 January 2025
Season 2 Release Date: July 2025
Forget retired life, Sakamoto’s trading in his apron for an arsenal when Sakamoto Days explodes onto screens with the first two seasons in 2025. This isn’t your average convenience store owner as beneath the dad bod lurks a legendary hitman forced back into action. Imagine John Wick with a family and a penchant for killer deals on snacks. Get ready to witness Sakamoto juggle diaper changes with dodging bullets, all while serving up justice with a side of heartwarming family moments and slice-of-life charm.
6) The Rose of Versailles
Release Date: 31 January 2025
History and high drama collide in a whirlwind of romance and revolution when The Rose of Versailles blooms anew in 2025. Based on the iconic shoujo manga, this anime movie revisits the opulent world of 18th century France, where Oscar François de Jarjayes, raised as a man to inherit her family’s military legacy, finds her life intertwined with the young Queen Marie Antoinette.
Amidst the splendour of Versailles, their destinies unfold against a backdrop of social unrest and political intrigue as Oscar navigates a world on the brink of upheaval. This reimagining of a classic promises to enthral with its lavish animation, timeless characters, and a timeless tale of courage, reimagined for a new generation.
7) Kaiju No. 8
Movie Release Date: 28 March 2025
Giant monsters and heartfelt heroism collide when Kaiju No. 8 returns to stomp onto the big screen in March 2025. This anime movie isn’t just a recap of the thrilling first season – a brand-new episode, Hoshina’s Day Off, joins the monstrous mayhem. But don’t let the title fool you, Hoshina’s Day Off might offer a glimpse into the lighter side of monster defense, but with Kaiju No. 8‘s penchant for unexpected twists, there could be more lurking beneath the surface than a relaxing day off.
Season 2 Release Date: July 2025
Hold onto your hats, because Kaiju No. 8 season 2 is bringing the monstrous mayhem back to your screens! While the compilation movie recaps the epic battles and heartfelt friendships of the first season, season 2 will delve deeper into the unique world where everyday anxieties clash with colossal threats. Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old monster sweeper turned kaiju, defies the typical anime hero mould. He’s a relatable underdog who proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams, even if those dreams involve transforming into a giant, city-crushing creature.
8) One Piece: Egghead Island Arc, Part 2
Release Date: 6 April 2025
Set sail for adventure as One Piece: Egghead Island Arc, Part 2 drops anchor in April 2025. After a brief hiatus to restock the treasure chest of animation quality, the Straw Hats are back, and the seas have never been stormier. And to raise the stakes, the Egghead Island arc holds the key to unlocking mysteries of the past and forging the future of the Grand Line.
With the manga hinting at heartbreaking twists and game-changing revelations, this arc is poised to be a turning point in Luffy’s quest for the One Piece. And with a continuation of the live-action series and anime remake on the horizon, the One Piece universe is expanding faster than ever. So hoist the sails and embark on this thrilling new chapter – the journey to becoming King of the Pirates is about to get even wilder.
9) My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
Release Date: April 2025
Before Deku donned his mask, there were the Vigilantes. This My Hero Academia spin-off bursts onto screens in April 2025, diving deep into the hero society and crime fighting. Meet Koichi Haimawari, a young man with a hero’s heart but no license, taking justice into his own hands five years before the rise of Class 1-A. Studio Bones, the animation powerhouse behind the main series, returns with a fresh style, amping up the visual flair and dynamic energy. For fans craving more My Hero Academia lore and a taste of vigilante justice, this anime is a must-watch.
My Hero Academia (Season 8)
Release Date: October 2025
The final battle for the fate of heroes begins in season 8 of My Hero Academia. After eight seasons of spectacular Quirks, emotional trials, and epic showdowns, Deku Midoriya’s journey to become the number one hero reaches its climax. My Hero Academia has evolved from high school hijinks to an all-out war for justice, and this final season promises to deliver a powerful conclusion that will leave a lasting impact on anime fans everywhere.
10) Wind Breaker Season 2
Release Date: April 2025
The streets ignite with a whirlwind of action as Wind Breaker roars back into action with a second season. Furin High, the stomping ground of the legendary Bofurin crew, becomes a battleground once more as the conflict with the enigmatic KEEL explodes. Haruka Sakura, the lone wolf turned unlikely leader, finds his bonds of friendship tested as they face a threat unlike any they’ve encountered before.
With Studio CloverWorks at the helm, this anime delivers high-octane battles, stylish visuals, and a soundtrack that’ll pump you up for every clash. Hold on tight, because season 2 is about to deliver a thrilling new chapter in the saga of Furin High’s finest.
11) Black Butler: The Emerald Witch Arc
Release Date: April 2025
Journey with Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis to the eerie village of Wolfsschlucht, nestled deep within the Werewolves’ Forest, where a haunting mystery awaits in the Black Butler: The Emerald Witch Arc. The enigmatic Emerald Witch, Sieglinde Sullivan, holds the key to unravelling the village’s dark secrets, but her connection to the Phantomhive’s past may prove more dangerous than any supernatural threat. With stunning animation from CloverWorks, Black Butler ventures into a realm of chilling suspense and supernatural intrigue, where the line between good and evil blurs and the consequences of every choice could be deadly.
12) Jujutsu Kaisen
Movie Release Date: 30 May 2025
Relive the curse-shattering action and heart-wrenching drama as Jujutsu Kaisen takes over the big screen with a new compilation movie that’s a deep dive into the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc, exploring the formative years of Satoru Gojō and Suguru Getō, the powerhouse sorcerers who shaped the Jujutsu world. Journey back to their time as students at Jujutsu High, where bonds were forged and destinies were irrevocably altered. Experience the intense battles, unravel the tragic events that shaped their paths, and discover the roots of the conflict that continues to haunt the present.
Season 3 Release Date: TBC
The stakes have never been higher as the third season of Jujutsu Kaisen plunges into the deadly Culling Game arc. Itadori Yuji and Megumi Fushiguro face their most harrowing challenge yet, navigating a tournament of cursed chaos where survival is the only objective. With Satoru Gojō still trapped and the fate of Jujutsu society hanging in the balance, every alliance, every battle, and every sacrifice could tip the scales.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 is set to deliver an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster of emotions and cursed energy sometime in 2025.
13) Dan Da Dan (Season 2)
Release Date: July 2025
Hold onto your sanity, because the second season of Dan Da Dan drops to unleash a tidal wave of bizarre and hilarious chaos in 2025. Buckle up for a wild ride through a world where aliens jam to ABBA, demons crave human anatomy (specifically, a certain pair…), and fight scenes erupt with the manic energy of a fever dream. Studio Science Saru once again bends the boundaries of animation, delivering a visual feast of kinetic energy that will leave viewers both awestruck and slightly bewildered.
14) Gintama 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei
Release Date: October 2025
School’s back in session, but this ain’t your average classroom. Gintama 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei flips the script, transforming the eccentric world of Gintama into a hilarious high school hijinks fest. Gintoki Sakata, the silver-haired samurai with a penchant for slacking, trades his sword for a chalkboard as the homeroom teacher of Class 3-Z. Imagine Kagura as the class troublemaker, Shinpachi as the perpetually exasperated student, and Hijikata as the stern disciplinarian patrolling the halls. If you’re looking for a side-splitting comedy with a touch of heartwarming camaraderie, Gintama 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei is the perfect remedy for a boring school day.
15) Spy X Family (Season 3)
Release Date: October 2025
The third season of Spy x Family is expected to infiltrate screens with a fresh dose of heartwarming spy shenanigans and chaotic family dynamics. Loid’s mission, Operation Strix, hangs in the balance as Anya navigates the treacherous waters of friendship, schoolyard rivalries, and the occasional telepathic mishap. Will she achieve the Imperial Scholar status needed to further Loid’s mission? Can Yor keep her assassin instincts in check while perfecting her “motherly” persona? And will Bond, the newest addition to the family, finally master his precognitive powers? Only time, and season 3, will tell.
16) Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (Season 4)
Release Date: TBC
The Soul Society braces for its final showdown in season 4 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, as Ichigo and the Soul Reapers stand on the precipice of a cataclysmic battle against Yhwach, the Quincy king whose power threatens to consume the world. This isn’t just the end of an arc, it’s the culmination of a legendary saga, and with creator Tite Kubo himself overseeing the adaptation, fans can anticipate a finale that surpasses even the manga’s epic conclusion.
Unseen battles, expanded storylines, and a revised ending are just some of the surprises in store. Prepare for a symphony of sword clashes, explosive Bankai releases, and the ultimate test of Ichigo’s resolve as he confronts his destiny. Bleach has redefined shōnen action with its iconic characters, stylish battles, and a story that blends heart and swordsmanship, and this final season is set to deliver an unforgettable climax that will leave fans breathless sometime in 2025.
17) Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Release Date: TBC
Rev your engines, because Denji’s chaotic world is about to get a cinematic upgrade with Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, a film that adapts the explosive Bomb Girl arc from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga. Get ready to meet Reze, a mysterious new character with explosive powers and charm, who will turn Denji’s life upside down. With Tatsuya Yoshihara, the acclaimed director of Black Clover, at the helm, this movie is set to deliver a visual feast of high-octane action and stylish animation that stays true to Fujimoto’s unique vision.
18) Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle
Release Date: TBC
A cinematic clash of epic proportions awaits as Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle ignites the big screen as the first chapter in an explosive trilogy that dives headfirst into the final arc of the Demon Slayer saga. Tanjiro and the Hashira face their ultimate challenge, confronting the formidable Upper Moon demons and their menacing leader, Muzan Kibutsuji, within the depths of the Infinity Castle.
With breathtaking animation from Ufotable, the studio that revolutionised anime films with Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, this movie is set to deliver breathtaking visuals and heart-pounding action unlike any other. Demon Slayer has become a global phenomenon, and this movie is poised to solidify its place as one of the most iconic anime franchises of all time.
19) Dungeon Meshi (Season 2)
Release Date: TBC
Grab your forks and whet your appetites, because season two of Dungeon Meshi is serving up a second course of delectable dungeon crawling in 2025. Laios and his band of hungry adventurers continue their quest to rescue his sister, Falin, from the depths of a monster-infested dungeon, but their journey is paved with bizarre encounters, culinary challenges, and the ever-present threat of becoming the next meal. Studio Trigger, renowned for its vibrant animation and offbeat storytelling in works like Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, and Promare, returns to bring Ryoko Kui’s manga to life with a unique blend of humour, action, and mouthwatering visuals.
20) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Season 2)
Release Date: TBC
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End isn’t your typical fantasy adventure – it’s an exploration of life, loss, and the enduring bonds of friendship through the eyes of an immortal elf. Frieren, once a powerful mage who vanquished the Demon King, sets out on a new quest to reconnect with the human companions whose lives flickered by too quickly for her elven perception. Season 2, hopefully releasing in 2025, will delve deeper into Frieren’s journey of self-discovery, exploring new lands, encountering fascinating characters, and confronting the complexities of a life that spans centuries.
21) Gachiakuta
Release Date: TBC
Gachiakuta throws you headfirst into a society divided, where the privileged live in a floating paradise while the outcasts are condemned to a wasteland of trash and monstrous creatures. When Rudo, a young orphan, is falsely accused of murder and cast into the abyss known as The Pit, he discovers a hidden power that could fuel his revenge. Brought to life by Studio Bones, the animation powerhouse behind My Hero Academia and Fullmetal Alchemist, Gachiakuta boasts a story that blends high-octane battles with a quest for justice, a must-watch for fans seeking a dark and gritty adventure that challenges the very foundations of society.
22) Lazarus
Release Date: TBC
Shinichirō Watanabe, the visionary storyteller behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, returns with Lazarus, a high-octane thriller that blends stylish action with a gripping sci-fi conspiracy. When a miracle drug turns into a death sentence, a task force known as Lazarus must hunt down its enigmatic creator before humanity faces extinction. Watanabe teams up with John Wick director Chad Stahelski, who brings his signature action expertise to the anime world, resulting in fight sequences that redefine the boundaries of animation. Lazarus is a cocktail of thrilling chases, mind-bending plot twists, and a visual feast that’ll leave you breathless. Don’t miss out on this explosive collaboration – it’s a prescription for pure anime awesomeness, and Watanabe’s biggest project in years.
23) One Punch Man (Season 3)
Release Date: TBC
The satirical superhero saga One Punch Man will return with a third season in 2025, ready to reclaim its place as a champion of action and comedy after a long hiatus of 6 years. Saitama, the hero who can defeat any foe with a single blow, faces a new wave of monstrous threats and existential boredom. This season dives deep into the action-packed Monster Association arc, where heroes and villains clash in battles that will shake the foundations of the One Punch Man world.
24) Oshi no Ko (Season 3)
Release Date: TBC
After the shocking revelations and cliffhanger ending of Season 2, fans are clamouring for more of this gripping showbiz-revenge saga in the latest season of Oshi no Ko. Ruby Hoshino steps into the spotlight, navigating the treacherous world of entertainment alongside her brother, Aqua, who continues his calculated pursuit of vengeance for their mother’s tragic fate. Family secrets unravel, new characters emerge, and the dark underbelly of the industry is exposed as Aqua closes in on the truth behind his father’s identity. Oshi no Ko masterfully blends industry commentary with personal drama, and season 3 is set to deliver even more shocking twists, emotional turmoil, and the exploration of moral dilemmas that define the pursuit of fame and revenge.
25) Witch Hat Atelier
Release Date: TBC
Step into a world where magic is both wondrous and dangerous as Witch Hat Atelier invites you to follow Coco, a young girl with a burning desire to become a witch. But in a world where magic is forbidden to ordinary people, Coco’s dream seems out of reach until a fateful encounter opens the door to a hidden world of sorcery. With breathtaking animation that brings Kamome Shirahama’s exquisite art style to life, Witch Hat Atelier is a visual feast for the eyes and an enchanting journey for the soul.
Bonus: Twisted-Wonderland The Animation & Cat’s Eye
Release Date for Twisted-Wonderland The Animation: October 2025
Magic and mayhem await in Twisted-Wonderland The Animation, a Disney-infused anime adventure coming to Disney+. Inspired by the beloved mobile game, this series throws viewers down the rabbit hole and into Night Raven College, a magical academy where the student body is comprised of dashing delinquents inspired by classic Disney villains. Follow the misadventures of a new student who finds themselves caught in a world of twisted fairytales, dorm rivalries, and magical mishaps.
Release Date for Cat’s Eye: TBC
The purr-fect blend of heist and heart returns as Cat’s Eye slinks onto Disney+ in 2025. This classic anime, based on Tsukasa Hojo’s beloved manga, revives the adventures of three sisters who lead a double life as art thieves extraordinaire. By day, they run a charming cafe, but by night, they transform into the elusive Cat’s Eye, leaving their signature calling card at the scene of every daring heist. This new adaptation breathes fresh life into the iconic trio, Hitomi, Rui, and Ai, as they navigate the criminal underworld, outsmarting authorities and leaving a trail of bewildered detectives in their wake.
This list of 25 anticipated titles reflects the diversity in themes, genres, and storytelling styles that anime fans can look forward to. With these anime series and films on the horizon, the only challenge will be deciding what to watch first.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
Joey Leong
Si Jia
