Get real: anime is not just a niche hobby anymore—it’s an outright U.S. cultural phenomenon. Regardless of whether you’re an ardent shonen, romance novel, or meme junkie, anime’s everywhere—from TikTok videos to packed convention halls. So what’s driving all the action? Here’s a list of the top 10 anime series and fandom trends redefining the U.S. landscape in 2025—ranging from quietly impactful to game-changer level.
10. Shojo Beat & the Romance/Slice-of-Life Revival
Shonen might snag the headlines, but don’t count out shojo. Sappy, slice-of-life shows such as Kimi ni Todoke, My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999, Orange, and Cardcaptor Sakura have brought on a tempest of emotional storytelling. Audiences are exchanging watchlists, going back to reminisce over those sappy moments, and sharing live Tweets. Sometimes, trends that tug at the heartstrings are more powerful than giant explosions.
9. Fan Community & Digital Art Explosion
Visibility is not enough—anime is inspiring creation. Professional artists are seizing series moments like Vigilante Deku scenes and repurposing them into breathtaking digital art. Platforms like Instagram, DeviantArt, and YouTube are filled with fan-made animations, drawing tutorials, and layered fan edits. This creative culture is thriving on shared enthusiasm, exploration, and affection for remix culture.
8. The Nostalgia Wave: ’80s and ’90s Classics Back
Timeless anime favorites like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Mobile Suit Gundam, Macross, and Cowboy Bebop are experiencing a resurgence. Nostalgia is pulling in veteran fans and introducing new ones to the original shows. From new streaming drops to rumors of reboots, these shows’ influence continues to raise the bar—often called the OG measures of quality storytelling.
7. Anime Conventions & the Merch Gold Rush
Anime conventions like Anime Expo, Otakon, and Comic-Con have become cultural centers. Cosplay, sneakers, live panels, and—let’s be real—the merch floors are popping. Limited-figure figures, exclusive apparel, and out-of-print prints are flying off shelves. These conventions bring in all types of fans and drive a thriving economic engine around fandom.
6. The Streaming Revolution & Binge Culture
Watching anime used to mean queuing up or rooting around for imports. With streaming websites like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation, new episodes (occasionally with English LUTs!) appear on the day they air in Japan. Binge-watching a whole series overnight is normal. With greater visibility, niche genres like horror, LGBTQ+ stories, and psychological thrillers become popular overnight—often among the traditional fan base.
5. Isekai & Fantasy Hegemony
If you’re not getting a call to a new plane of existence lately, please inform me that you’re not watching anime. Sword Art Online, Re: Zero, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and the rest are still top-of-the-charts. RPG systems, magic systems, and grand battles are plentiful, and the isekai premise now raises its ugly head in romance or slice-of-life anime too. The genre’s hold on U.S. streams won’t let go.
4. Shonen Domination & the Unrivaled Power of Jump
Shonen remains the epicenter of the anime world—One Piece, Naruto: Shippuden, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer—you get the idea. High-stakes battles, mentor-protégé dynamics, and power-up questing continue to dominate watchlists and fan conversation. Shonen Jump series remain the headlining attraction, and are typically the go-to starting point for new viewers.
3. Crunchyroll Anime Awards & the Hype Machine
What was once a cult ritual is now an anime prestige ritual. The annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards, which have been held since 2017, put the spotlight on Best Animation to Best Isekai Series. The 2025 awards declared Solo Leveling the Anime of the Year, setting off debates around art vs. popularity. Jury choices, fan balloting, surprise winners—nothing generates buzz and determines what’s being talked about.
2. Attack on Titan & the Age of Prestige Anime
Attack on Titan hooked viewers, but it also redefined what anime can be. Its gritty visuals, ethically ambiguous characters, and plot twists made it a pop culture phenomenon and opened the door for Demon Slayer, Vinland Saga, and more. Gritty, cinematic storytelling is no longer niche: it’s mainstream.
1. Solo Leveling: The New Face of Global Anime
Leading the pack is Solo Leveling—a manhwa adaptation that captivated the globe and took home Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Awards. It represents the future: shiny animation, heart-thumping action, and contagious pacing. With global creators and Korean webtoons shaping anime’s future, Solo Leveling is the breakout trailblazer of 2025.