Let’s face it: being an anime fan in 2025 is wild. Streaming platforms duke it out, new seasons drop quicker than you can say “isekai,” and Crunchyroll has become anime HQ at this point. Be it binging since the VHS days or just getting started, this year is pure fire. Grab your snacks, mute the notifications, and let’s countdown our 10 must-watch anime of 2025-starting with #10 because suspense just makes everything better.
10. The Apothecary Diaries
Looking for something with brains, heart, and a bit of bite? The Apothecary Diaries delivers. Set within a lush, Ancient China-inspired world, it follows sharp-tongued Maomao as she unravels royal mysteries after being sold into servitude. The second season serves up intrigue, wit, and a surprisingly sweet romance that’s kept fans coming back week after week.
9. Kaiju No. 8
Finally, an action anime that doesn’t rely on teens saving the world. Kaiju No. 8 stars Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old cleaner who quite literally becomes the monsters he’s been sweeping up after. The result? Explosive battles, a dose of sci-fi absurdity, and a story with real heart. After blowing up in 2024, the hype for season two is off the charts-and for good reason.
8. Chainsaw Man
Unhinged, gory, and weirdly profound, Chainsaw Man is anime caffeine. Denji’s transformation into a chainsaw demon hunter is only the beginning of this manic, cinematic thrill ride. Think Tarantino with a touch of chaos and a lot of blood. With a movie now on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to catch up on the madness.
7. Dandadan
If aliens, ghosts, and chaotic romance sound like your kind of weekend, Dandadan is it. The story follows Momo and Okarun as they stumble through supernatural insanity with a mix of heart, humor, and wild visuals. It took over anime Twitter (and TikTok) when it dropped last fall, and with the Evil Eye arc on deck, expect it to dominate again.
6. Solo Leveling
Few series really capture pure power fantasy like Solo Leveling. Sung Jinwoo starts as a weakling among hunters and ends up rewriting the rules of his world—and the streaming charts. Arise from the Shadows, its sequel season, doubled down on the stunning animation and god-tier fights that made this Crunchyroll’s most-watched series. This one is for those wanting adrenaline and awe.
5. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren isn’t about slaying monsters; it’s about time, loss, and memory. Following the story of an elf mage reflecting on her centuries-long life after her companions are gone, this quiet fantasy somehow hits harder than most battle shonen. Beautifully animated and deeply emotional, it’s currently the highest-rated anime in existence-and it deserves every bit of that praise.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Some things never go out of style, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is definitely one of them. The Elric brothers’ journey to reclaim what they lost intertwines action, philosophy, and emotion like no other. Every arc hits home, every twist lands, and every rewatch feels fresh. This series is the blueprint for what great anime storytelling looks like.
3. Haikyuu!!
Even if you’ve never touched a volleyball, Haikyuu!! Will have you cheering like you’re in the stands. The electric matchups and Hinata’s relentless drive make for one of the most exhilarating viewing experiences out there. With the final films wrapping up this legendary run, there’s never been a better time to binge.
2. Attack on Titan
What began as humans versus titans developed into one of the deepest anime explorations of war, freedom, and morality. The series continuously pushed storytelling limits with each plot twist in Attack on Titan. While its finale might have divided opinions, whether one loves it or hates it, undeniably, it is an anime that has defined the era.
1. One Piece
Let’s be real, One Piece is more than just an anime; it’s a lifestyle, a journey, and perhaps even a full-time occupation. With over a thousand episodes fact, more are still coming-Luffy and the Straw Hat crew keep giving the world adventure, heart, and imagination like no other. The Egghead arc is setting the fandom ablaze right now, proof that two decades in, One Piece remains the king of the seas.
Sure, there are more gems to watch: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for some fabulous chaos, Death Note for never-aging mind games, and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War for rom-com perfection. But if you want the cream of the crop, start here. 2025 isn’t just another year for anime; it’s the year the medium went full supernova. Blink, and you’ll miss something legendary.