The 10 Greatest Anime of 2025Ranked

As 2025 draws to a closefans are already looking forward to 2026 and what the New Year might bringand anime is at the top of many mindswith new seasons of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Jujutsu Kaisen. Howeverbefore fans get ahead of themselvesnow is the perfect time to look back and reflect on 2025especially since this year was a phenomenal time for animefrom new seasons to original shows.

2025 was one of the best years for anime in a long timemaking it hard to decide which shows deserve to be on this list. But that only proves that the medium is growing in popularity and qualitywhich is a good thing for anime fans around the world. This list will rank the ten best anime of 2025 based on popularitycritical acclaimfan opinionwritingstoryanimationoriginalitycharactersand overall quality. If fans haven't seen any of these ten showsthey must check them out before exploring what 2026 has to offer. Only anime that came out in 2025 are eligiblenot series that continued from 2024 into 2025.

10 'DAN DA DAN Season 2' (2025)

Right off the bat is one of the most popular anime of the yearDandadanwhich may surprise fans that it is so lowbut that only proves how good this year has been for anime. With Okarun and Momo on a supernatural quest to find his golden ballsseason two picks off where season one left offfighting the Evil Eye to free Jiji. Howevermore mecha and Kaiju shenanigans are in store for fans.

Dandadan was the 2nd best anime of 2024 for Colliderand while it earned a much lower spot this yearit didn't take too big a dip in quality. Both seasons are on equal footing; 2025 was just a much stronger year for anime. The Evil Eye arc was thrilling from start to finishjam-packed with amazing animationstunning fight scenesdramaand emotion. Dandadan has quickly become one of the greatest new-gen shounen seriesand it shows no sign of slowing down.

9 'Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-' (2025)

The first season of Solo Leveling came out in 2024but the anime blew up in 2025 with its second seasonwith such influence that it even helped the first season win Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Awards. Sung Jin-woo continues his quest to find the elixir needed to save his mombattling demons in dungeons and finally taking on the Ant Kingwreaking havoc.

If fans decided what the best anime of 2025 wasit would probably be Solo Levelingand in some waysit is absolutely deserving. This anime features some of the most epic fights in the mediumdazzling viewers with cool moments and badass characters. Indeedin terms of pure visual spectacleSolo Leveling has no competition. It suffers from its lack of story and unfulfilling set-upsbut Solo Leveling is still a remarkable triumph of the medium and an undeniable cultural phenomenon.

8 'The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity' (2025)

Shounenseinenand action anime are undoubtedly the most popularbut that doesn't mean there aren't any good romances; in factone of the best anime of 2025 is a school drama romance. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity follows two charactersKaoruko and Rintarouwho attend a prestigious all-girls school and a no-good delinquent schoolrespectively. Howeverlove buds in the most unexpected of places.

Lovey-dovey anime isn't for everyonebut romance fanatics are in for a treat with this animewhich separates itself from others due to its lack of clichés. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity isn't the most originalbut it makes up for that with its refreshing realismhonest charactersand naturally flowing romance. This genuine love-filled show is the perfect anime for romance fans and a highlight of 2025.

7 'The Summer Hikaru Died' (2025)

Netflix has stepped up its anime gamewith The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity and The Summer Hikaru Died both being some of the greatest anime of 2025. The latter follows Yoshikiwho discovers his best friend is actually deadand a mountain spirit is controlling his reanimated body. Howevernot ready to give up his best friendYoshiki and "Hikaru" investigate the village curse and how to live going forward.

Horror anime is really sparseand the ones fans get aren't likely to be goodwhich is why The Summer Hikaru Died is such a delightbeing one of the scariest anime of all time. The themes of grieflossand friendship are masterfully presentedplus the dark mystery is intriguing and suspenseful from start to finish. The Summer Hikaru Died also has incredible animation that is atmospheric and immersive.

6 'Takopi's Original Sin' (2025)

Some fans knew what would be the best anime of 2025but other series came out of nowhere and instantly won over everyoneand Takopi's Original Sin is one of the latter. When the titular alien lands on Earth to spread joy and happinesshe realizes it is a much harder task than he imaginedonly making situations around him much worse.

Takopi's Original Sin isn't for the faint of heartbeing one of the most tragicdepressingheartbreakingand bleak anime series ever. Stillwith its stunning animation and nuanced treatment of themes such as bullying and suicideit is an important anime that delivers essential messages. Takopi's Original Sin may only be six episodesbut that is more than enough to establish itself as an all-time great of 2025.

5 'Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE' (2025)

After coming out in 2019Dr. Stone is coming to an end with its three-cour finalewith two of them releasing in 2025. Senku and the gang finally travel overseas to learn about the origin of the mysterious petrificationbut upon landing in Americathey are greeted with new enemies. They must now fend off a genius with an intellect on par with Senku'sbattling in the USA all the way to South America.

TechnicallyDr. Stone aired two separate seasons in 2025but this list will merge the two for conveniencewhich also bolsters its rank. As fans wait for the actual final season of Dr. Stonethey can be happy knowing the past two cours in 2025 were some of the best the series has ever seen. From fun moments to more fascinating inventions and roadmapsa riveting dueland a major plot twistthe incredible Dr. Stone is already a modern classic anime.

4 'My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON' (2025)

A lot of great anime are coming to an endbut none are bigger than My Hero Academiaone of the most important shows of the modern era. The final season of My Hero Academia continues the fateful battle between heroes and villainswith Deku taking on Shigaraki and All Might fighting All for One. This epic conclusion is a clash of good versus eviland a tearful goodbye to one of the best modern anime series.

My Hero Academia has made its name known throughout the entire anime fandomand while it's not for everyonethis final season is a testament to the series and a fitting farewell. This season also features some of the best My Hero Academia episodes. With some of the best animation in the franchisethis final season is an explosion of gorgeous visuals and unbelievable fight scenesall ending with a fitting finale that wraps up this storyand many fans' first anime.

3 'City The Animation' (2025)

Viewers have probably heard of most of the anime on this listbut if there is one underrated or unexpected entryit is definitely City The Animation. From the same creator as NichijouKeiichi Arawithis anime is set in a vibrant town where its residents are goofy and always up to something. From a citywide race to simple friendshipsthis anime highlights the beauty of lifefriendshipand community.

City The Animation is one of the most original anime series in a whilefeaturing spectacular animationa distinct art and some of the best directing ever seen in the medium. These elements all coalesce to create an artistically ambitious anime that is a feast for the eyesmaking fans feel like their eyes are having a sugar rush. There aren't enough praises about this chaotically surreal and hilarious anime that oozes charmwonderand nostalgia. If fans haven't seen City The Animationthey are missing out on one of the best anime of 2025.

2 'The Apothecary Diaries Season 2' (2025)

Some truly once-in-a-lifetime anime came out in 2025making the decision about what should be number one tougher than usual. But unfortunately for The Apothecary Diaries fansit comes up short on this list. Maomao continues investigating mysteries in the inner palace and helping out anyone in need with her medical skillsbut with a coup formingwhat will her role be?

The studio behind The Apothecary Diaries is doing the unthinkable: delivering multiple 25-episode seasons not far after one anotherwith another season and a movie on the wayall while not sacrificing quality. A lot of fans preferred this second season over the firstas it is heavier on romancedramaactionand storytelling. Either wayThe Apothecary Diaries is quickly becoming one of the greatest anime series of the 2020s.

1 'TO BE HERO X' (2025)

Anime is worldwide nowand multiple streaming platforms are getting in on the hypeas shown by this list. HoweverCrunchyroll is still the medium's best providerand the only place to watch the best anime of 2025To Be Hero X. Technicallyit is a donghuabut there is no room for nitpicking when discussing anime and favorite shows. In a world where anyone can be a hero as long as they have enough trustthe ever-shifting landscape of power breeds dangerous enemies.

Anime isn't reserved for just Japanese productionsas China continues to deliver some of the best stories in the medium. To Be Hero X proves it with a fresh and invigorating premise. Howeverthe concept is only the beginning. With a blend of 3D and 2D animationthis anime has the best of both worldseach delivering an equally magnificent experience. This ambitious anime has daring fightsbut also has an emotionally complex story with engaging characters and a rewarding plot. Everyone is entitled to their opinionand with a year such as thisthere are many anime that could be the best of 2025. HoweverTo Be Hero X is uniquedaringremarkably writtenand well-animatedmaking it Collider's best anime of 2025and who knowsmaybe one of the greatest anime series of all time.