As the anime industry continues to surge in global popularity, 2025 has already delivered unforgettable stories, breathtaking animation, and record-breaking viewer numbers. From long-awaited sequels to bold original projects, this year’s lineup is redefining what it means to be a “hit.” Here’s a breakdown of the most popular anime of 2025, based on streaming metrics, fan polls, and MyAnimeList (MAL) rankings.
The Titans of 2025: Continuing Sagas
Established franchises dominate the conversation this year, proving their staying power with new seasons and climactic arcs:
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc – The final battle against Muzan has shattered streaming records on Crunchyroll, with Ufotable’s visuals earning universal praise.
- My Hero Academia Season 7 – The “Dark Hero” arc has fueled intense debates, with Episode 109 becoming the most-tweeted-about anime episode in history.
- Attack on Titan: Legacy – This surprise film sequel exploring Eren’s legacy trended for 14 days straight post-release.
Breakout Hits: New Titles Making Waves
Fresh stories have also claimed their spot in the 2025 hall of fame:
- Stellar Requiem – A sci-fi epic from MAPPA, praised for its morally complex characters and 4K HDR animation.
- Chrono Wanderers – This time-travel romance from CloverWorks topped MAL’s “Best Spring 2025 Anime” list within three weeks of its premiere.
- Shadow Guild – A dark fantasy series blending magic and political intrigue, now Netflix’s most-watched anime original this year.
Most Anticipated Releases for Late 2025
While these titles haven’t premiered yet, they’re already shaping up to be cultural phenomena:
- One Piece: The Final Voyage – Eiichiro Oda confirmed the anime’s endgame arc will debut in November.
- Sword Art Online: Rebirth – A soft reboot promising a grittier take on the iconic VRMMO world.
- Studio Ghibli’s The Star Eater – Hayao Miyazaki’s rumored final film, set to premiere at the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival.
Why These Anime Are Dominating 2025
Innovation Meets Tradition
Series like Stellar Requiem combine cutting-edge CGI with hand-drawn aesthetics, while legacy shows leverage decades of storytelling to deliver payoff moments. Fans are also gravitating toward nuanced themes, such as Chrono Wanderers’ exploration of climate anxiety.
The Streaming Effect
Global accessibility continues to drive popularity. Shadow Guild owes part of its success to Netflix’s aggressive dubbing strategy, offering the series in 32 languages on launch day.
Honorable Mentions
- Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga – A comeback for the 2010s classic.
- Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror – Finally released after six years of production delays.
- Onmyōji – A historical fantasy that’s Japan’s top-rated daytime anime since March.
Where to Watch the Most Popular Anime of 2025
Crunchyroll and Netflix remain the primary hubs for new releases, while Disney+ has gained ground with exclusive licenses for Studio Ghibli’s The Star Eater. Free ad-supported platforms like Pluto TV are also hosting curated “2025 Anime Spotlight” blocks.
As we approach mid-2025, one thing is clear: anime’s golden age is far from over. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or a casual viewer, this year’s lineup offers something groundbreaking at every turn.