Top 12 Must-Watch Anime Releases in 2025

Published 11/21/2024, 5:45 AM AST

Anime fans know the excitement of the new year's line-up, where each release brings promise - be it for a new adventure, deeper emotional content, or breathtaking animation. This is not just another year of animated adventures—it is a testament to how anime continues to evolve, blending cutting-edge visuals with stories that captivate audiences worldwide. As fans await those announcements and trailers, the year ahead is shaping up to deliver surprises that could rival anime's biggest hits of all time. 

What is next on the horizon could transform casual viewers into die-hard enthusiasts in mere episodes. From highly anticipated sequels to groundbreaking new series, the lineup this year is nothing short of spectacular!

Blood of Zeus: Season 3

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Season 3 of Blood of Zeus has fans on edge as the animated series reaches its epic conclusion. After a cliffhanger ending in season 2, where Heron is left in the hands of Hades, viewers eagerly anticipate what comes next. The third season will ramp up the stakes, with gods, mortals, and demons all at war as they face the titanic threat of Typhon and the Titans. 

Reactions by fans are full of excitement, with people gossiping about Heron's fate and the future of gods. The upcoming final season of Blood of Zeus, the Netflix series, whose prime action and rich mythology have captured the audience, is likely to create explosive fireworks in 2025. 

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Leviathan

Leviathan is set to be one of the most exciting anime releases in 2025. Based on Scott Westerfeld's steampunk novel of the same name, the series brings an alternate history twist to World War I. Instead of traditional warfare, the Central Powers use mechanized war machines, while the Allies rely on bio-engineered beasts. The story follows an unlikely pair: Aleksander, a fleeing prince, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the Royal Air Force. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey that could change the course of history. 

Studio Orange, known for its work on Beastars and Trigun Stampede, will bring this fantastical world to life with its stunning 3D animation style. With a talented team including director Christophe Ferreira and composer Joe Hisaishi, Leviathan is looking to be a visually captivating experience with deep emotional layers.

Sakamoto Days

This long-awaited Sakamoto Days anime is set to premiere in January 2025, and fans are all excited about the unique blending of action, comedy, and heart. The series is based on popular Shonen Jump manga, introducing ex-assassin Taro Sakamoto, who becomes a family man but then has to return to the dark side when dragged back into a life of danger. Various teasers for the show so far have shown a mixture of intense action blended with some comedic scenes, drawing a great deal of interest from their exaggerated battles and quirky characters.

Fans so far, are already positively responding to the animation style and character design, with some expressing eager anticipation to be hopeful about the mix between intense action and heartfelt moments. Set to stream on Netflix and broadcast in Japan, Sakamoto Days promises to be a standout hit for 2025.

Undead Unluck

Followers of Undead Unluck are eagerly awaiting the release of a one-hour special slated for Winter 2025. This will be a continuation of Fuuko and Andy's action-packed journey into the world of special abilities and battles of fierce psychological power. Teasers have already begun circulating, including an exciting trailer that hints at an epic showdown in a dramatic snowstorm setting and a powerful weapon in play. 

This special adapts the Winter Arc, which has fans buzzing with anticipation, considering the unresolved battles between the Union and the Negator Hunters. While this release is not officially labeled as Season 2, many fans hope it will lead to a full second season.

BRZRKR

Based on his own graphic novel Keanu Reeves’, BRZRKR is one of the most looked forward to anime releases in 2025. It tells the story of an immortal warrior, B, who has been alive for 80,000 years, put to and driven by violence, as well as a feeling of a life craving peace. There have been debates about the anime production, as excitement is building over what production is going to come to life. Teasers already created a buzz, and fans are particularly excited over Keanu Reeves' lead voice role, which cements a connection between the source material and the anime production. 

The anime will first premiere as a feature film, afterward with an ambitious two-season series that will explore B's action-packed and violent saga in greater depth. There is no telling just how this combination of action and lore together with psychological depth will prove an equal fascination for both anime fans and comic enthusiasts.

Solo Leveling: Season 2

Fans are eagerly awaiting Season 2 of Solo Leveling, scheduled for its premiere in January 2025. In this season, Sung Jinwoo will continue to level up through progressively more perilous dungeons. Fans are expecting much to change from the dramatic action sequences and intense animation, especially after a teaser trailer was released at the Aniplex Online Fest. The trailer gives a glimpse of new scenes and important development of the movie as it shows Jinwoo's further rise. 

Fans are looking forward to all these dark developments ahead as the man confronts new, more powerful enemies while getting more into the mysteries associated with the dungeons. The opening song by Hiroyuki Sawano titled "4eVR" is already creating quite the buzz in the fans about what can be awaited from this set of an action-packed continuation of the saga.

The Apothecary Diaries: Season 2

Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries comes to television on January 10, 2025-a teaser being released by the series in late October. Fans can't wait for Maomao's return to the imperial palace as she continues solving mysteries with her mystical counterpart, Jinshi. The intricacies of this duo are expected to deepen further as new twists in characters and plot lines continue to challenge Maomao's wit and resourcefulness. 

Viewers who enjoyed the mix of smart puzzles and some lighter moments that appeared in season one eagerly await the increasing stakes. This, along with the fact that the release is almost out, has fans excitingly talking.

Wind Breaker: Season 2

Wind Breaker: Season 2 promises more adrenaline-fueled drama while continuing the adventures of Haruka Sakura on his path of fending off rivalries of Furin High School. Expect new challenges, fresh rivalries, and rip-roaring combats as these stakes are turned up to the max. Earlier this year, the release of teaser and new key visual has created much hype online. 

Many are praising the excellent hand-to-hand combat and strong visual storytelling of Season 1, and more promise from the journey to the top for character development with issues testing his strength in his strength. With a stacked voice cast and animation quality maintained by Studio CloverWorks, this season is shaping up to be an all-time favorite. Mark your calendars—Wind Breaker is set to return in April 2025!

Gachiakuta

Gachiakuta, a series set in a dystopian world where the impoverished are shoved into a harshly brutal hole to be devoured by monstrous waste, is generating buzz ahead of its 2025 anime debut. The series will focus on characters trapped in this hellish environment, fighting against both monstrous waste and their quest for vengeance. With its unique premise, it’s shaping up to be a gritty, action-packed narrative. 

Excitement is going around about the collaboration with Studio Bones, known for its exceptional animation quality. The blend of intense combat and striking visuals promises to captivate viewers. Early teasers have already drawn positive reactions, with many praising the intriguing world-building and character designs. 

In My Happy Marriage: Season 2

In My Happy Marriage: Season 2 will be out in January 2025, and followers are very much waiting for it to make its premiere. The teaser has already been an exciting one, especially with the hint of Kiyoka's parents that brings tension in their relationship with each other. Miyo is going to be given new challenges, one of which includes navigating the space with Kiyoka's Critical mother, Fuyu, who looks ready to complicate things in their lives together. 

The second season will focus more on the developing connection between Miyo and Kiyoka, as well as the addition of other characters like Kiyoka's father and the enigmatic leader of the Gifted Communion. Fans are all expecting greater tension in the next installment following the sensitive mix of romance and mystery during the first season.

Witch Hat Atelier

Witch Hat Atelier is an enchanting new anime adaptation of Kamome Shirahama’s beloved manga. The series follows Coco, a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch despite being born without magical talent. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally learns forbidden magic and embarks on a journey filled with challenges, new discoveries, and deep consequences. Fans have already shown excitement for the upcoming adaptation, with teasers from Anime Expo 2024 highlighting the series' captivating animation, which is being crafted by Bug Films (known for Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead). 

Further, the music, composed by Yuka Kitamura (famous for her work on Elden Ring), promises to add a rich layer to the magical atmosphere. There looms an eager anticipation for the anime’s 2025 debut on Crunchyroll, where it will explore the intricate magic systems and heartfelt character arcs that have made the manga a favorite.

Virgin Punk

Virgin Punk, an exciting new anime movie series, kicks off with Clockwork Girl. The story takes place in a futuristic world where a girl, enhanced with mechanical abilities, is on the run from assassins. There is already buzz about the gripping premise and the high-stakes action. Directed by Yasuomi Umetsu, known for his work on Kite and Mezzo, and produced by Studio Shaft, the series visualizes to give the audience a unique blend of intense combat and visual brilliance. 

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Early teasers showcase stunning animation, leaving fans excited about the upcoming release. The first installment, Clockwork Girl, is expected to premiere in early summer 2025, making it one to watch for anime enthusiasts.

2025 is looking up to being a year to remember for anime lovers everywhere, with something for every type of viewer. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to anime, these upcoming releases are set to deliver unforgettable experiences. With new genres, innovative animation, and captivating storylines, the anime lineup is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Keep an eye on these titles and prepare for a year of exciting plots and narratives.

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Which upcoming anime release in 2025 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!

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Akshaya Deeksha

6 articles

Akshaya Deeksha is an Entertainment Writer at NetflixJunkie. With her passion to explore the evolving world of entertainment and her journalistic sense, she specializes in cinematic storytelling and Hollywood developments. Her expertise in lifestyle writing allows her to connect with readers through relatable content.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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