The year 2024 is almost over and it has been an amazing year for anime. In addition to titles that are still airing like One Piece, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, there are also many exciting new titles like Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction. Anime fans also have plenty of options for the best shows that will air in 2025.
The coming year might be a great period for anime fans. With many new and returning anime with interesting content, the year 2025 promises a lot of high-quality shows that will start airing in January 2025. Some of the standout titles are likely to be big hits in the coming year.
Best Anime Recommendations that Air in 2025
Here are ten recommendations for the best anime that will air in 2025, and you should watch these anime for their interesting stories!
10. Zenshu
MAPPA’s Zenshu follows the story of Natsuko Hirose, a talented but antisocial animator who was pressured to succeed to the point of working herself to death. After dying, she is trapped in the world of A Tale of Perishing, the anime that inspired her. Although it should have ended tragically, Natsuko struggles to create a happy ending.
Isekai anime has always been a topic of debate among fans and critics. However, Zenshu stands out thanks to its stunning visuals and intelligent writing, making it better than the average isekai anime. MAPPA, known for producing quality works, hopes to bring the same excellence in Zenshu.
9. City The Animation
Kyoto Animation’s City the Animation anime tells the story of Midori Nagumo, a college student who strives to have fun despite being hampered by his poverty and refusal to work. The series follows Midori’s reckless adventures in an ordinary city populated by quirky characters, and this doesn’t interfere with his zest for fun.
City the Animation is Kyoto Animation’s first project in six years that is not a sequel. It serves as a spiritual successor to Nichijou, one of the studio’s best works. If you liked Nichijou, you’ll definitely enjoy City the Animation, so there’s a lot to look forward to.
8. Fire Force
Fire Force is an anime produced by David Production, set 250 years after the Great Cataclysm, a cataclysm that scorched almost the entire world and gave birth to Infernals, demonic creatures resulting from spontaneous combustion.
To fight the Infernals, the pyrokinetics of Tokyo Empire have joined the Fire Force. Their newest recruit is Shinra Kusakabe, a boy who can shoot fire from his feet and is connected to the hidden secrets of the world.
The Fire Force anime will return with its final season, the first half of which airs in April 2025. With the promotional materials already in place, season 3 is expected to have the same great animation and writing as the previous two seasons. Although the production process is time-consuming, it will hopefully be worth the wait.
7. Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days is an anime produced by TMS Entertainment that follows Taro Sakamoto, a former top assassin who retires to raise a family and live a quieter life. However, unforeseen circumstances force him back into the world he once left behind, concerning the mystery behind his retirement.
The Sakamoto Days manga has been successful thanks to its comedy and action reminiscent of John Wick. The anime, which has been long awaited, is expected to translate the story and action of the manga well, and it is unlikely to disappoint.
6. New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is a classic anime from the much-loved Studio Gainax. After a confusing ending, many fans wanted a continuation. In 2023, Studio Trigger announced that they had acquired the rights to this anime and were developing the long-awaited sequel, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt.
New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt will likely continue the story after Stocking kills Panty and splits him into 666 pieces. However, given the weirdness of the series, they could have ignored the previous ending. With all the main staff members returning, this sequel will hopefully be just as great or even better than the original.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuuX is the latest installment in the Gundam franchise and is a collaboration between Sunrise and Studio Khara, of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame. The story follows Machu, who lives peacefully on a space colony, but is caught up in the world of illegal Mobile Suit battles, Clan Battles. He becomes the pilot of Gundam GQuuuuuuuuX and along with his friends, gets involved in events that could change their world.
The latest Gundam anime, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuuX, is drawing attention for being done by Studio Khara. With so much great talent in production, this anime has the potential to be the biggest in recent years. While there is no official release date yet, the theatrical preview will premiere in January. Gundam fans, both old and new, will definitely be looking forward to it.
4. Lazarus
MAPPA’s Lazarus anime is set in a future where the world of medicine has been transformed by Hapuna, Dr. Skinner’s miracle drug. However, Dr. Skinner reveals that Hapuna will kill its users after three years. Now, Lazarus’ special task force is assigned to track down Dr. Skinner and force him to create a vaccine before humanity is too late.
Lazarus is the latest anime from legendary director Shinichiro Watanabe, which offers incredible action and animation. This is Watanabe’s biggest project in years, and fans of his work should not miss it.
3. Gachiakuta
In Bones’ Gachiakuta, Rudo, an orphan, is banished from the Sphere after being accused of killing his father, Regto. He is then trapped in the Pit, a wasteland. There, Rudo realizes that he is a Giver, who has the supernatural ability to give valuable objects.
Rudo’s character is determined to use his powers to return to the Sphere and take revenge on those who have hurt him.
The anime is known for its exciting action and creative visuals, although little is shown in teasers and main images. Many fans refer to it as the spiritual successor to Soul Eater. Gachiakuta is one of the best manga right now, and with Bones behind the anime production, it’s sure to impress.
2. One Piece
One Piece is an anime from Toei Animation set in the Age of Piracy. For more than 20 years, pirates have been trying to find One Piece to become the Pirate King. One of the main characters, Monkey D. Luffy, who has the power of the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit, is determined to gather his crew and prove his worth.
The One Piece anime recently went on hiatus for the first time since its premiere, and new episodes will return in April 2025. The anime’s return will feature iconic moments from the Egghead arc, including Luffy and Kizaru’s fight and Kuma’s backstory. With the quality of anime improving in recent years, 2025 has the potential to be the best year yet for One Piece.
1. Dandadan
Dandadan is a work from Science Saru that tells the story of Momo Ayase and Okarun, two teenagers obsessed with aliens and the supernatural. After meeting, their lives change forever when they gain supernatural powers, while Okarun loses his genitals.
Momo and Okarun collaborate with their friends to get back what they lost, while facing supernatural threats and romance in the midst of the adventure.
The anime Dandadan is one of the most popular anime of 2024, notable for its intelligent writing as well as the amazing animation of Science Saru. With season 2 already in production, fans will soon enjoy more content. Although there is no information about the storyline of season 2, the quality of the first season makes Dandadan look like the best anime to watch in 2025.
Those are some of the best anime recommendations that will air in 2025 with some popular titles that you might be waiting for too. Which is your favorite anime?
