Amazing news, anime fans. If you thought 2024 was one of the best years in anime history, many of last year’s best shows will return for a second season in 2025. I don’t know what kind of special ink these animators use—but the turnaround is unbelievably quick.
Do me a favor: name your current favorite anime. I bet new episodes of it will air this year. Dan Da Dan premieres its second season this summer, alongside Kaiju No. 8 and Solo Leveling. One Piece will return for a whopping twenty-second season, while One Punch Man is winding up for season 3. Plus, films galore from Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Demon Slayer. Anime auteur Shinichirō Watanabe is also finally ready to launch his new cyberpunk series, Lazarus. If it’s anything like Cowboy Bebop, there’s a chance we have a new all-time contender on our hands.
Just a few weeks ago, I claimed that I would write the words “2025 is even better than 2024” by the time we reached the end of the year. Seeing the slate now, I can’t imagine feeling any other way. Check out our most-anticipated list of 2025 anime below.
Lazarus
What we know: Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichirō Watanabe debuts his latest anime in 2025, titled Lazarus. John Wick director Chad Stahelski is also on board as action director. The cyberpunk series reportedly takes place in 2052, when plans for a miracle vaccine backfire.
Why we’re excited: Watanabe is as close to an auteur as anime allows. If the trailer is accurate for the entire series, the movement looks incredibly fluid.
Release Date: TBA (on Adult Swim)
Solo Leveling (Season 2)
What we know: Ever wonder what it would feel like to experience a video game-like “leveling up” in real life? Well, that’s what happens to Sung Ji-woo in this South Korean fantasy anime. When monsters invade his world, a mystery ability grants him the power to increase his skills with every new villain he defeats.
Why we’re excited: Solo Leveling surprised audiences last year, especially since the webcomic’s story didn’t originate from one of the trusted powerhouses in Japanese publishing.
Release Date: January 5
Dan Da Dan (Season 2)
What we know: Thanks to a catchy opening song and provocative ghosts, Dan Da Dan stormed onto the scene last year to critical acclaim. The story follows two friends who bond over their love of the supernatural, even when ghosts and aliens are constantly threatening to end their world.
Why we’re excited: Dan Da Dan‘s season finale ended with what felt like the first episode of the next story. I’ve never seen any television series try that out yet, but it’s an interesting tactic to make sure that audiences come back to see how the story unfolds.
Release Date: July 2025
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One Piece (Season 22)
What we know: One Piece and its seafaring pirates continue the expertly animated Egghead arc for season 22 (!) later this year. The series remains one of the most popular anime of all time, and the Straw Hat Crew don’t seem like they’re slowing course at all in 2025.
Why we’re excited: One Piece‘s animation team has been on an absolute warpath. Season 22 will feature even more important battles, as well as a remastered adaptation of season 15. Yes, that’s right. While fans wait for new episodes, the One Piece anime will entertain viewers year-round with a revamped version of the Fishman Island saga. As always, One Piece fans are eating good.
Release Date: April 2025
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Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
What we know: Chainsaw Man is headed to theaters. Instead of a second season, the next arc of the dark fantasy series will take place over one single film.
Why we’re excited: The story follows a love triangle between “Chainsaw Man” Denji and the two women who vie for his heart (literally) on opposing sides of humanity’s war with the devils.
Release Date: TBA
Kaiju No. 8 (Season 2)
What we know: Kafka Hibino is back this July. After obtaining abilities to transform into a kaiju, our hero will spend season 2 fighting Kaiju No. 8’s Godzilla-esque foes.
Why we’re excited: Giant monster battles. Need we say more?
Release Date: July 2025
My Hero Academia (Season 8)
What we know: If you thought season 7 was the final season of My Hero Academia, think again! Last year’s offering was merely the beginning of the final story for the super-powered high school.
Why we’re excited: The story will wrap up with season 8, which is officially the final batch of episodes. I can hear the grinding teeth of readers who know what comes ahead. The manga series is known for its controversial ending, but it may fare better when fans of the anime judge the finale for themselves.
Release Date: TBA
Catch Up on Netflix Catch Up on Crunchyroll Catch Up on Hulu
Witch Hat Atelier
What we know: One of the most detailed and celebrated manga of the past decade, Witch Hat Atelier and its colorful witches are finally set for an anime adaptation this year.
Why we’re excited: Elden Ring composer Yuka Kitamura is reportedly signed on to compose the music.
Release Date: TBA
One Punch Man (Season 3)
What we know: The last episode of One Punch Man aired in January 2020. Hopefully, the action series will make season 3’s grand return seem as flawless as a K.O. after just one punch.
Why we’re excited: If any anime series knows how to adapt its source material, it’s One Punch Man. The comedic and immaculately drawn series takes it time and produces amazing visuals.
Release Date: TBA
Demon Slayer — The Movie: Infinity Castle
What we know: The last time Demon Slayer eschewed a traditional season of television for a theatrical film, Demon Slayer — The Movie: Mugen Train grossed roughly $500 million at the worldwide box office. So, the franchise is now boldly separating its final chapter into a trilogy of films. Crunchyroll announced that the first entry, titled Demon Slayer—The Movie: Infinity Castle, will release sometime in 2025.
Why we’re excited: I could deal without three separate trips to the theaters to finish Demon Slayer‘s story. Still, there are few studios today who blend animation styles as well as Ufotable.
Release Date: TBA
