The year 2025 has officially closed with an avalanche of masterpieces, forcing fans to admit this is the most explosive year for the anime industry in the decade. From historic finales to unexpected dark horses, here are the 10 best titles.
10. Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2
If entertainment value alone counted, Grand Blue would top the list. In a year filled with heavy dramas, this “shallow diving” gem kept its streak alive with the boundless silliness of Iori and Kouhei. Even facing off against hilarious rivals like the Gintama spin-off or the spiritual successor to Nichijou, Grand Blue remains the true laugh-out-loud series episode after episode.
9. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
Perhaps the most charming romance anime ever made. Without unnecessary drama or frustrating misunderstandings, the pure love story between Rintarou and Kaoruko is almost enviable. Their absolute respect for each other is a powerful balm in an era full of romance series packed with tricks.
8. To Be Hero X
2025 was a golden year for donghua (Chinese animation). While Lord of Mysteries impressed, To Be Hero X earned a top spot thanks to its consistency and unique superhero style. The story of Lin, an unknown man who must carry the identity of the hero Nice, is told through breathtaking visuals and deeply human storytelling.
7. Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray
Don’t be fooled by the “horse girls” label. This is actually a fiercely intense racing sports anime. Cinderella Gray is a perfect standalone spin-off following Oguri Cap on a harsh journey. The series deeply explores commitment, effort, and the harsh reality that not everyone is special enough to reach their dreams.
6. Kingdom Season 6
Whenever Kingdom releases a new season, it’s guaranteed a spot on this list. Setting aside the controversial early graphics from years ago, Season 6 solidified Kingdom’s place as one of the greatest seinen anime. The massive battle between Qin and Zhao armies, involving 500,000 soldiers, is portrayed with epic scale where strategy is the ultimate key to victory.
5. Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
The “storm” named Sung Jin Woo swept all charts in early 2025. Season 2 not only maintained top-tier animation quality but also elevated the battles to new heights. Especially the emotional scenes showing the fading humanity in Jin Woo sparked lively discussions across forums. The Jeju Island arc is the peak, where viewers truly feel the divine power of the hunter Sung.
4. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Premiering in late 2024 and exploding in 2025, Orb is a masterpiece about science and faith. The story follows the bloodied and tearful journey of those who dare to defend the heliocentric theory against the harshness of the Church. A dark, dramatic, and inspiring tale about humanity’s thirst for truth.
3. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
If Solo Leveling dominated action, Maomao ruled with intelligence. Season 2 delves deeper into political intrigues within the ancient Chinese imperial harem. Maomao continues to prove she’s the best female character of 2025 with her sharp analytical mind, pragmatic personality, and the playful yet tense interactions with Jinshi.
2. My Hero Academia Final Season
After a long journey, Deku’s story has officially come to an end. Studio Bones poured all their effort into ensuring this superhero series that defined a generation has a magnificent finale. From All Might and Bakugo’s shining moments to Deku’s final battle, everything was executed on a grand scale with overwhelming emotion, smashing all doubts about the manga’s ending.
1. Takopi’s Original Sin
The top spot goes to a true dark horse: Takopi’s Original Sin. Adapted from Taizan 5’s manga and produced by the young studio Enishiya, this anime masterfully tackles heavy themes like child abuse, school bullying, and depression.
The story of the alien Takopi trying to bring smiles to the tragic girl Shizuka moved millions to tears. The show avoids clear-cut heroes or villains, instead exposing the raw, complex shadows of humanity. A haunting masterpiece truly deserving the crown of 2025.