2025 promises to be an explosive year for anime fans. From the highly anticipated seasons of beloved series like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Kaiju No. 8, and Dan Da Dan, to the final season of My Hero Academia, the upcoming releases are sure to satisfy the cravings of anime enthusiasts.
In addition, exciting new titles such as Lazarus, Witch Hat Atelier, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Gachiakuta, Leviathan, and even Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc are set to debut this year.
The first month of 2025 kicks off with promising titles like Sakamoto Days and the second season of The Apothecary Diaries, along with several other intriguing rom-com anime. Plus, we can expect the broadcast date announcement for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, a new installment in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (creator of FLCL) and co-written by Hideaki Anno (creator of Evangelion). Below are some of the most anticipated anime releases that you can’t afford to miss this winter.
Release Date: January 11
Available on: Netflix
Based on the popular action-comedy manga by Yuto Suzuki, Sakamoto Days tells the story of Taro Sakamoto, a legendary assassin who has retired and is now living a peaceful life with his wife and child at a convenience store. However, when his identity is discovered, Taro must team up with Shin, a former assassin with mind-reading abilities, and Lu Xiaotang, the daughter of a Chinese crime lord, to protect his family from impending danger.
Release Date: January 10
Available on: Crunchyroll
In the second season of The Apothecary Diaries, we follow Maomao, a young pharmacist who was kidnapped and forced to serve as a poison tester for one of the emperor's beloved concubines. Alongside Jinshi, a handsome eunuch at the palace, Maomao becomes entangled in palace power struggles, blending medicine, mystery, and subtle romance.
Release Date: January
Available on: Crunchyroll
For fans of Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Shirobako, Zenshu is a perfect pick. The anime follows Natsuko Hirose, a talented artist who unexpectedly finds herself transported into the fantasy anime world she adores after burning out during film production. This unique story delves into the struggles of the anime industry.
Release Date: January 5
Available on: Crunchyroll
Solo Leveling returns with its second season, continuing the journey of Jin-Woo, now a "Shadow Monarch," who faces threats from an army of S-rank monsters. The season will focus on the Red Gate Arc, delivering supernatural action and jaw-dropping visuals.
Release Date: January 9
Available on: Crunchyroll
The final season of Dr. Stone begins with the first of three parts that will span the entire year. Senku and the Kingdom of Science are preparing for a journey into space to uncover the cause of the global petrification. Will they find the answers they seek and create a brighter future?
Based on the popular South Korean web novel written by Sing Shong, Omniscient Reader (also known as Toàn Trí Độc Giả) tells the story of a young man who becomes the sole survivor of the apocalypse. Strangely, the entire event appears to have been foretold in a web novel that he was the only one to read. This meta-commentary is sure to excite fans of intricate storytelling. While there’s no official confirmation yet, the anime adaptation is currently in production, sparking excitement among fans.
Anime fans of Shinichiro Watanabe, get ready! The legend behind classics like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Carol & Tuesday, and Space Dandy is back with a stylish new project, Lazarus, which will air on Adult Swim Toonami and later on Hulu. Set in the future, Lazarus follows a quest to find a vaccine to save humanity after a drug promising extended life is found to have fatal side effects. The characters must track down the drug's creator and find a cure before millions die. With Watanabe’s signature style and a gripping storyline, this is one anime you won’t want to miss in 2025.
Release Date: January 10
Available on: Crunchyroll
This romantic anime tells the story of Mizuha, a teenage girl navigating life changes amidst a pandemic. When her childhood friend confesses his feelings to her, Mizuha must confront her own emotions and decide what comes next.
Release Date: January 9
Available on: Crunchyroll
Based on the manga of the same name, Honey Lemon Soda follows Uka Ishimori, a shy girl trying to transform herself after meeting Kai Miura, a boy with a love for lemon soda. This heartwarming story inspires viewers to be bolder and embrace life’s challenges.
Anime in 2025 offers a feast for fans, ranging from action and comedy to romance and fantasy. With popular returning titles and promising new series, this year is bound to be unforgettable for any anime lover. Prepare to dive into the vibrant world of anime in 2025!