Summer is always a special season for anime, marking the second half of the year with numerous new series running through fall. Summer 2025 is especially notable with over fifty anime airing, from the return of legends like Kaiju No. 8 and Sakamoto Days to the blockbuster film Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Yet the series that claimed the top spot is a surprising phenomenon, a short anime exploring dark themes!
Here are the top 10 best anime of Summer 2025, ranked by various criteria.
10) Ruri Rocks
Ruri Rocks is a new series debuting this summer, offering a unique adventure focused on mineral mining and jewelry! The story follows protagonist Ruri and mineral expert Nagi on a geological journey that reveals fresh perspectives on life. It stands out as one of the most original anime this summer, perfect for binge-watching right away.
9) Sakamoto Days Season 2
The quirky adaptation of the popular manga Sakamoto Days returned this summer. This season dives deeper into Japan’s assassin world as former top hitman Sakamoto strives for a peaceful life. Season 2 ramps up the action, especially with the introduction of a powerful classic “old-school shonen” archetype. This series became the most-watched anime on Netflix this year.
8) Gachiakuta
Gachiakuta is a newcomer from Shonen Jump, still airing and growing stronger with each episode. What makes Gachiakuta stand out is its clear departure from traditional Shonen Jump series. It focuses on dark themes with a protagonist driven by revenge, combined with the extremely cool powers of Rudo. Gachiakuta promises to climb even higher in the fall season.
7) My Dress-Up Darling Season 2
Crunchyroll’s controversial romance series My Dress-Up Darling is back. Despite its fan service reputation, it remains one of the standout romantic stories this summer, especially as it explores the nuanced world of otaku and cosplay. However, the season’s ending disappointed fans when an added anime-only scene skipped the emotional development between Gojo and Marin, leaving the series feeling imperfect.
6) Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone continues to prove itself as the best sci-fi anime. The second part of the final season, airing this summer, truly explodes as the battle between Dr. Xeno’s army and the Kingdom of Science reaches its climax. This season reveals that petrification is essentially an immortality device, alongside the touching journey of Suika that kept viewers hooked.
5) The Summer Hikaru Died
No summer lineup is complete without a classic-themed anime set in rural Japan. Netflix’s The Summer Hikaru Died delivers a thrilling story about strange events in the countryside. It explores a remote village tied to supernatural activities, beginning when the main character Hikaru returns from death possessed by a mysterious entity.
4) Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
The return of Kaiju No. 8 with its second season was one of the most anticipated events. Not only did it meet expectations, but it also built on the first season with breathtaking action scenes and elevated Kafka’s journey to a new level. The season is emotionally charged with the death of Isao Shinomiya, pushing Kafka and Kikoru to mature, and ends with a massive cliffhanger setting up humanity’s biggest battle.
3) Dandadan Season 2
Speaking of comebacks, Dandadan easily tops the summer anime charts. The new season continues to surprise with its absolute variety. Alongside romance and intense action, the pop culture references and original anime scenes have been taken to new heights. The highlight is the exclusive exorcism soundtrack, making Dandadan nearly claim the number one spot.
2) Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle needs little introduction as one of the best anime films of the summer. Entering the series’ climax, this 2 hour 30 minute movie delivers three major battles, setting up the final showdown with demon lord Muzan Kibutsuji. The film is not only a masterclass in animation by Ufotable but also delivers a powerful emotional story. Infinity Castle continues to break box office records, even surpassing major DC and Marvel blockbusters this year.
1) Takopi’s Original Sin
The number one spot goes to the short series Takopi’s Original Sin, based on the manga by Taizan 5. No one expected an anime with little prior popularity to have such a profound impact on fans. The series tells a powerful story addressing heavy real-life issues like depression, suicide, murder, and bullying.
What’s shocking is that the story is told through the eyes of an elementary school student, highlighting how children, just beginning to understand emotions, can still fall victim to darkness. Takopi’s Original Sin resonated deeply with audiences, receiving unprecedented acclaim, cementing its status not only as the best anime of Summer 2025 but also the best anime of the year so far.