The Top 25 Anime Shows and Movies of 2025, Ranked

Whether you believe we are currently navigating a modern anime renaissance or simply a period of over-saturation, the sheer volume of content is undeniable. Each year brings a relentless tide of returning favorites and bold newcomers, making it an exhausting—yet exhilarating—challenge to remain current. Despite the overwhelming variety, a select few series managed to cut through the noise this year, proving that exceptional storytelling still resonates in a crowded marketplace.

Throughout 2025, the industry flourished with high-profile debuts and masterful continuations. We are witnessing a significant shift as Chinese animation begins to claim its stake in the global market; titles like To Be Hero X and The Lord of Mysteries have captivated audiences with their innovative flair. Meanwhile, the Japanese-Korean collaboration Solo Leveling returned for a second outing, cementing its status as a titan of the genre. While the traditional powerhouses of Japan face new competition, their creative mastery remains as sharp as ever.

Fresh narratives like The Summer Hikaru Died highlight the industry’s ongoing ability to surprise, while established hits such as The Apothecary Diaries and Spy x Family continue to set the bar for production quality and emotional depth. However, 2025 marks a major milestone with the conclusion of My Hero Academia, bringing one of the defining shonen sagas of the last decade to a breathtaking close.

The cinematic landscape was equally vibrant. Demon Slayer shattered box office expectations once again, and the Chainsaw Man film reminded everyone why the franchise became a cultural phenomenon upon its debut. Without further delay, here is our definitive ranking of the finest anime series and films released this year, as selected by the Polygon team.

25
Sakamoto Days Part 2

Streaming on: Netflix

Sakamoto Days centers on Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman of legendary status who traded his silencer for a convenience store apron. When his domestic bliss is threatened, he must jump back into the fray without breaking his “no-kill” vow. While the initial debut received a somewhat mixed reception, Part 2 finds its rhythm by escalating the stakes.

This second half leans into the absurdity of its world, delivering kinetic action sequences and exploring the shadow organization known as the Agency. The chemistry between the core cast truly shines once they are united, and the looming threat of the antagonist, Slur, adds a compelling layer of mystery to the chaotic dad-humor and high-octane brawls. —Isaac Rouse

24
Wind Breaker Season 2

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

Haruka Sakura is a social pariah who finds a strange sense of belonging at Furin High, a school where delinquents act as the town’s unsung guardians. It’s a spiritual successor to the “yankee” classics of the 90s, focusing on the intersection of raw power and community service.

Season 2 maintains the series’ reputation for visceral choreography while digging deeper into the emotional scars of its fighters. While it doesn’t quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle momentum of the first season, it provides ample development for our tsundere protagonist and his colorful group of allies as they face off against rival factions. —IR

23
Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

Tojima is a 40-year-old salaryman whose childhood dream of becoming a masked hero never quite faded. Just as he’s about to resign himself to a life of mundane reality, he discovers a subculture of tokusatsu enthusiasts and the shocking truth: the villainous organization Shocker is real, and they have the monsters to prove it.

The series excels in its earnestness, treating Tojima’s quest with a mixture of slapstick comedy and genuine heart. It’s a brilliant parody of the genre that manages to celebrate the “henshin” spirit through costume malfunctions and dramatic poses, making it one of the most uniquely charming entries of the year. —IR

22
Ranma 1/2 Season 2

Streaming on: Netflix

The reimagining of Rumiko Takahashi’s seminal martial arts comedy continues into its second season, blending slapstick humor with the complicated romance of the Saotome and Tendo families. MAPPA has done a commendable job preserving the retro aesthetic of the original while applying modern production standards, though the episodic structure occasionally slows the narrative flow.

Modernizing a classic that is nearly four decades old is no small feat, yet the studio successfully honors the source material’s exploration of identity and gender. Whether you are a nostalgic fan or a newcomer, Ranma 1/2 remains a delightful, low-stakes watch that still carries relevant thematic weight. —Francesco Cacciatore

21
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

Acting as the official second season of the franchise, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus picks up with Sakuta Azusagawa entering university. While his relationship with Mai Sakurajima matures, he continues to navigate the bizarre manifestations of “Puberty Syndrome,” where teenage anxieties bleed into the physical world as supernatural phenomena.

The series remains a masterclass in using metaphysical concepts as metaphors for psychological growth. This arc introduces a mysterious figure in a Santa outfit who claims to be the catalyst for these syndromes. While the melodrama can occasionally feel heavy-handed, the sincere character interactions keep the story grounded. It is a rewarding experience for those who have followed the story through the previous season and films. —Corey Plante

20
Zenshu

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

A standout original project of 2025, Zenshu serves as a poignant love letter to the creative process. After her passing, acclaimed animator Natsuko Hirose is transported into the world of A Tale of Perishing—the very film that inspired her career. In this fantasy realm, her imagination is her most potent weapon.

What could have been a cliché premise is elevated by thoughtful writing. As Natsuko conjures animations to defend herself, she is forced to confront the unhealthy workaholism of her past life. The sequence where she summons her drawing desk is one of the most visually arresting moments of the year, symbolizing a reconciliation between artist and art. —Paulo Kawanishi

19
Lazarus

Streaming on: Max, Prime Video

Set in a near-future dystopia, Lazarus follows a specialized task force of convicts hunting for Deniz Skinner, a scientist who once revolutionized medicine with a miracle drug. However, Skinner reveals that the drug is a ticking time bomb, set to kill every user within months. While the premise suggests a standard thriller, the series is actually a somber exploration of human escapism.

Directed by Shinichirou Watanabe, the show carries the immense weight of expectation. It doesn’t try to replicate the vibe of Cowboy Bebop; instead, it carves out its own identity with poetic visuals and a heavy atmosphere. It’s a sophisticated sci-fi narrative that prioritizes thematic resonance over simple action, though it provides plenty of the latter. —PK

18
Gachiakuta

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

Gachiakuta introduces us to Rudo, an exile fighting for survival in a sprawling underworld of refuse. The series features a gritty shonen aesthetic that feels like a cross between the oppressive atmosphere of Attack on Titan and the mechanical wasteland of Battle Angel Alita.

Beyond its unique visual identity, the show has been praised for its diverse representation, both in its character designs and voice casting. It’s a refreshing take on the “underdog hero” trope that manages to feel distinct despite its familiar foundations. —IR

17
Witch Watch

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

A delightful blend of magic and domesticity, Witch Watch follows a clumsy young witch named Nico and her ogre bodyguard, Morihito. The series thrives on its supporting cast, who bring endless variety to the supernatural slice-of-life formula.

From a manga-obsessed high school teacher to a shapeshifting cat-witch who loses her human perspective, the humor is consistently inventive. It’s a warm, comfortable series that rewards viewers with its quirky logic and genuine character growth. —IR

16
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

Kaiju No. 8 continues to justify its massive hype with a second season that raises the bar for spectacle. The story of Kafka Hibino—a man who transforms into the very monsters he once cleaned up after—remains anchored by its relatable protagonist and high-stakes warfare.

Now that his secret is out, Kafka must prove his worth to a specialized unit within the Defense Force. The second season features tighter animation and more ambitious set pieces, though its cliffhanger ending is sure to leave fans desperate for more. It’s a premier example of modern shonen that balances blockbuster action with a surprising amount of heart. —CP

Source: Polygon