The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Solo Leveling Season 2 has the strongest case for the best anime of 2025: it won Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and GamesRadar reported it was Crunchyroll’s most-liked, most-reviewed, and most-watched series. DAN DA DAN Season 2, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 also stand out, with awards recognition and audience reach informing this editorial ranking.
This is not an official industry table. The ranking weighs awards recognition, craft, premise, character and emotional payoff, audience reach, and legal availability, based on the research desk’s 2025 findings.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1 (Volume 1) | $11.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 2 (Volume 2) | $11.25 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 3 (Volume 3) | $11.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 7 (Volume 7) | $13.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 4 (Volume 4) | $11.25 | Buy on Amazon |
The 15 Best Anime of 2025
- Solo Leveling Season 2
Solo Leveling Season 2 pairs escalating action-fantasy stakes with the series’ strongest recognition of the year: it won Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. TheWrap highlights Sung Jin-woo’s rise to S-rank and confrontation with the Ant King; GamesRadar also reports exceptional engagement on Crunchyroll. It is the clearest pick for viewers looking for a high-energy action series.
- DAN DA DAN Season 2
This supernatural comedy-action series mixes strange encounters, comedy, and character-driven moments. DAN DA DAN was an Anime of the Year nominee and received recognition across action, animation, character, opening, ending, and voice categories, making it one of the year’s broadest consensus picks.
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- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren earned the widest awards recognition among the 2025 Anime Awards contenders, with 29 nominations, according to GamesRadar. Its nominations spanned drama, animation, direction, character, music, and voice categories. That breadth reflects its appeal to viewers who want patient fantasy storytelling as well as carefully crafted production.
- The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Maomao’s work as an apothecary in the imperial court gives this season a mystery-driven focus distinct from action-heavy hits. TheWrap lists it among 2025 standouts, and it was an Anime of the Year nominee. It is a strong choice for viewers who prefer court intrigue and problem-solving.
- Delicious in Dungeon
This genre hybrid brings together comedy, drama, and fantasy, with awards recognition for animation, background art, character design, direction, and voice performances. It was also an Anime of the Year nominee, making it a notable pick for viewers who want an imaginative mix of tones.
- Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No. 8 was an Anime of the Year nominee and earned broad technical and voice-category recognition. Its monster-fighting premise and action make it an accessible choice for viewers looking for a modern franchise hit.
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- My Hero Academia Season 8
TheWrap highlights this concluding season for its final battle, heightened stakes, and farewells. Its strongest draw is the payoff for viewers who have followed the long-running series and its characters.
- The Summer Hikaru Died
This psychological horror-mystery centers on friendship and a queer storyline. TheWrap lists it as a Netflix 2025 highlight, and its unsettling premise offers a change of pace from the year’s action and fantasy standouts.
- Gachiakuta
Gachiakuta is a dystopian revenge story about an outcast protagonist framed for murder. TheWrap highlights its graffiti-inspired animation and lists it among Crunchyroll’s 2025 standouts, making it a strong option for viewers seeking a visually distinctive action series.
- Sakamoto Days
This action-comedy follows a retired assassin protecting his family from former colleagues. The research desk found a year-end recommendation supporting its inclusion, though it did not have the same level of awards evidence as the higher-ranked titles.
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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #3
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer remained one of the familiar major franchises in the 2025 anime conversation, according to GamesRadar. Its place here recognizes its continuing reach and spectacle while making room above it for titles with stronger 2025 awards breadth or more distinctive critical consensus.
- Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
GamesRadar describes this film as a canon continuation that can also offer newcomers an accessible entry through its mature love story. It represents the year’s film side of anime alongside the many returning and new series.
- Gundam (2025 releases)
GamesRadar points to a Gundam series on Amazon as an example of anime’s reach across platforms. The research dossier does not verify the exact title, so readers should check the specific 2025 release before choosing a series to watch.
- Lazarus
GamesRadar names this sci-fi thriller as a notable first-half 2025 release on Adult Swim. It adds an original, auteur-leaning science-fiction option to a ranking otherwise led by established franchises and award contenders.
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- To Be Hero X
The research desk suggests To Be Hero X as a possible replacement for a duplicate slot in its initial list, subject to confirming release eligibility and scope. It is included here as a distinct candidate rather than repeating The Apothecary Diaries; consult the show’s release listing to confirm it fits your definition of 2025 anime.
How We Ranked the Best Anime of 2025
This editorial ranking considers awards recognition, craft, premise, character and emotional payoff, audience reach, and legal availability. The Anime of the Year nominees provide useful context, but nominations and popularity alone do not determine the order.
GamesRadar reported 29 nominations for Frieren, 22 for another contender, 16 each for Delicious in Dungeon and Kaiju No. 8, and 13 each for Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries. Those statistics indicate awards breadth, not a definitive quality score.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to Watch Selected 2025 Anime
TheWrap lists Crunchyroll as a viewing destination for Solo Leveling Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, and Gachiakuta, and Netflix for The Summer Hikaru Died. Streaming catalogs vary by country and can change, so check the service in your region before subscribing.
Best Value
FAQ
What is the best anime of 2025?
Solo Leveling Season 2 is the strongest overall pick in this ranking. It won Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and GamesRadar reported it led Crunchyroll in likes, reviews, and views.
Which new anime should I watch?
For action and supernatural comedy, try DAN DA DAN Season 2. For fantasy, consider Frieren; for mystery and palace intrigue, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is a strong option. The Summer Hikaru Died is a psychological horror-mystery pick.
What anime won Anime of the Year?
Solo Leveling won Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, according to TheWrap.
Where can I stream Solo Leveling Season 2?
TheWrap lists Crunchyroll as a viewing destination. Availability depends on your country and may change, so check the current catalog where you live.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIs The Summer Hikaru Died worth watching?
If you enjoy psychological horror-mystery focused on friendship and a queer storyline, it is worth considering. TheWrap lists it as a Netflix 2025 highlight; check Netflix availability in your region.
Quick Recap
Sources
- TheWrap: 2025 anime highlights and viewing destinations
- GamesRadar+: 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards nominations
- GamesRadar+: 2025 anime year in review
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
