10 Greatest Anime of 2025, Ranked

The 10 Greatest Anime of 2025, Ranked The Apothecary Diaries animeImage via OLM By  Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck Published 26 minutes ago Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.  Sign in to your Collider account follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

As 2025 draws to a close, fans are already looking forward to 2026 and what the New Year might bring, and anime is at the top of many minds, with new seasons of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Jujutsu Kaisen. However, before fans get ahead of themselves, now is the perfect time to look back and reflect on 2025, especially since this year was a phenomenal time for anime, from new seasons to original shows.

2025 was one of the best years for anime in a long time, making it hard to decide which shows deserve to be on this list. But that only proves that the medium is growing in popularity and quality, which is a good thing for anime fans around the world. This list will rank the ten best anime of 2025 based on popularity, critical acclaim, fan opinion, writing, story, animation, originality, characters, and overall quality. If fans haven't seen any of these ten shows, they must check them out before exploring what 2026 has to offer. Only anime that came out in 2025 are eligible, not series that continued from 2024 into 2025.

10 'DAN DA DAN Season 2' (2025)

Jiji in Dandadan season 2 posterImage via Toonami

Right off the bat is one of the most popular anime of the year, Dandadan, which may surprise fans that it is so low, but that only proves how good this year has been for anime. With Okarun and Momo on a supernatural quest to find his golden balls, season two picks off where season one left off, fighting the Evil Eye to free Jiji. However, more mecha and Kaiju shenanigans are in store for fans.

Dandadan was the 2nd best anime of 2024 for Collider, and while it earned a much lower spot this year, it 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 finish, jam-packed with amazing animation, stunning fight scenes, drama, and emotion. Dandadan has quickly become one of the greatest new-gen shounen series, and 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 2024, but the anime blew up in 2025 with its second season, with 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 mom, battling demons in dungeons and finally taking on the Ant King, wreaking havoc.

If fans decided what the best anime of 2025 was, it would probably be Solo Leveling, and in some ways, it is absolutely deserving. This anime features some of the most epic fights in the medium, dazzling viewers with cool moments and badass characters. Indeed, in terms of pure visual spectacle, Solo Leveling has no competition. It suffers from its lack of story and unfulfilling set-ups, but Solo Leveling is still a remarkable triumph of the medium and an undeniable cultural phenomenon.

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

Rintaro and his friends after winning the baseball match at the sports festivalImage via Netflix

Shounen, seinen, and action anime are undoubtedly the most popular, but that doesn't mean there aren't any good romances; in fact, one of the best anime of 2025 is a school drama romance. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity follows two characters, Kaoruko and Rintarou, who attend a prestigious all-girls school and a no-good delinquent school, respectively. However, love buds in the most unexpected of places.

Lovey-dovey anime isn't for everyone, but romance fanatics are in for a treat with this anime, which separates itself from others due to its lack of clichés. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity isn't the most original, but it makes up for that with its refreshing realism, honest characters, and 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)

Image via Netflix

Netflix has stepped up its anime game, with The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity and The Summer Hikaru Died both being some of the greatest anime of 2025. The latter follows Yoshiki, who discovers his best friend is actually dead, and a mountain spirit is controlling his reanimated body. However, not ready to give up his best friend, Yoshiki and "Hikaru" investigate the village curse and how to live going forward.

Horror anime is really sparse, and the ones fans get aren't likely to be good, which is why The Summer Hikaru Died is such a delight, being one of the scariest anime of all time. The themes of grief, loss, and friendship are masterfully presented, plus 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)

A character looks despondent on a bridge with lots of trees in Takopi's Original Sin.Image via Enishiya

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

Takopi's Original Sin isn't for the faint of heart, being one of the most tragic, depressing, heartbreaking, and bleak anime series ever. Still, with its stunning animation and nuanced treatment of themes such as bullying and suicide, it is an important anime that delivers essential messages. Takopi's Original Sin may only be six episodes, but that is more than enough to establish itself as an all-time great of 2025.

5 'Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE' (2025)

Senku and the gang listening to a device in Dr. StoneImage via © Kome Studio, Boichi/SHUEISHA, Dr.STONE Project

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

Technically, Dr. Stone aired two separate seasons in 2025, but this list will merge the two for convenience, which also bolsters its rank. As fans wait for the actual final season of Dr. Stone, they 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 roadmaps, a riveting duel, and a major plot twist, the incredible Dr. Stone is already a modern classic anime.

4 'My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON' (2025)

Deku preparing an attack in My Hero Academia final seasonImage via © K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project

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

My Hero Academia has made its name known throughout the entire anime fandom, and while it's not for everyone, this 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 franchise, this final season is an explosion of gorgeous visuals and unbelievable fight scenes, all ending with a fitting finale that wraps up this story, and many fans' first anime.

3 'City The Animation' (2025)

Residents stunned at the rainbow in town from City the Animation.Image via Kyoto Animation

Viewers have probably heard of most of the anime on this list, but if there is one underrated or unexpected entry, it is definitely City The Animation. From the same creator as Nichijou, Keiichi Arawi, this anime is set in a vibrant town where its residents are goofy and always up to something. From a citywide race to simple friendships, this anime highlights the beauty of life, friendship, and community.

City The Animation is one of the most original anime series in a while, featuring spectacular animation, a distinct art style, 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 eyes, making fans feel like their eyes are having a sugar rush. There aren't enough praises about this chaotically surreal and hilarious anime that oozes charm, wonder, and nostalgia. If fans haven't seen City The Animation, they are missing out on one of the best anime of 2025.

2 'The Apothecary Diaries Season 2' (2025)

Maomao reaching towards the screen in The Apothecary DiariesImage via ©Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/“The Apothecary Diaries”Project

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

The studio behind The Apothecary Diaries is doing the unthinkable: delivering multiple 25-episode seasons not far after one another, with another season and a movie on the way, all while not sacrificing quality. A lot of fans preferred this second season over the first, as it is heavier on romance, drama, action, and storytelling. Either way, The Apothecary Diaries is quickly becoming one of the greatest anime series of the 2020s.

1 'TO BE HERO X' (2025)

A new keyframe for 'To Be Hero X', featuring the characters in their snazziest ensembles.Image via Aniplex

Anime is worldwide now, and multiple streaming platforms are getting in on the hype, as shown by this list. However, Crunchyroll is still the medium's best provider, and the only place to watch the best anime of 2025, To Be Hero X. Technically, it is a donghua, but 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 trust, the ever-shifting landscape of power breeds dangerous enemies.

Anime isn't reserved for just Japanese productions, as China continues to deliver some of the best stories in the medium. To Be Hero X proves it with a fresh and invigorating premise. However, the concept is only the beginning. With a blend of 3D and 2D animation, this anime has the best of both worlds, each delivering an equally magnificent experience. This ambitious anime has daring fights, but also has an emotionally complex story with engaging characters and a rewarding plot. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and with a year such as this, there are many anime that could be the best of 2025. However, To Be Hero X is unique, daring, remarkably written, and well-animated, making it Collider's best anime of 2025, and who knows, maybe one of the greatest anime series of all time.

To Be Hero X TV-14 Animation Action Fantasy Science Fiction Release Date April 6, 2025

Cast Nie Xiying, Liu Xiaoyu, Shuang Zhao, Chang Rongshan, Titus Jin, Qiao Shiyu, Zhuang Miao, Zhao Mingzhou, Gu Jiangshan, Nianru Shen, Shuai Guan, Guo Haoran, Sun Lulu, Liu Beichen, Ajie, Jin Xian, Shuiyu Tang, Xu Jiaqi, Ling Zhenhe, Jinwen Chen, Haiting Cai, Xing Chao, Cong Liu, Wenxiao He, Qian Chen, Yang Tianxiang Seasons 1 Genres Animation, Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction Powered by Expand Collapse

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