After the huge success of Nezha 2 and Demon Slayer, it would be a crime not to talk about anime. I think everyone knows by now that animated films or series from Japan are popularly known as anime, which are generally—or almost always—adapted from manga, the Japanese comics. We now live in an era where almost every person has watched anime at least once in their life. So, what now?
Now we’ll discuss the best anime to watch in 2025, some upcoming releases in 2026, and the greatest anime of all time. The list is going to be huge, and you’ll definitely get a lot of valuable and useful information from it. So, make sure to follow along till the end!
Best Anime to Watch in 2025
Demon Slayer Film
The most awaited and anticipated film of 2025—we all witnessed it. This was also the first anime film I watched in theaters, and it was a peak experience that can’t be explained. The sequel to Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc, the film heavily focuses on the Infinity Castle and Akaza. We all know this is the final arc and the ultimate battle between the demons and the Demon Slayer Corps.
Solo Leveling Season 2
One of the most-watched series of 2025, Solo Leveling Season 2 has broken many records. It features some of the best VFX and CGI seen in anime so far. Many even believe this could be the anime of the year. The story continues after Season 1 as we explore the world alongside our lead character, Jin-Woo, who keeps getting stronger with every episode.
My Hero Academia: Final Season
The final season of My Hero Academia is currently streaming, and it’s a banger! While One-Punch Man disappointed fans with its lazy animation, MHA has reached new heights. The studio absolutely nailed it in terms of animation quality. If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, you know the ups and downs it’s faced—but now it’s in a league of its own. The final battle keeps getting more intense with every episode.
Gachiakuta
If you’ve watched Attack on Titan and want something with similar vibes, here it is—Gachiakuta! It’s a dark battle-action series set in a world filled with discrimination. In this world, the rich discard their waste—and the poor—into the abyss beyond the walls. The story follows an orphan boy named Rudo, through whom we explore this brutal and fascinating world.
Sakamoto Days
An action-packed family comedy released in 2025, Sakamoto Days follows a former hitman who retires for love but is forced back into action due to unforeseen circumstances. It’s something like John Wick, but with more lighthearted moments and humor.
Devil May Cry
An adult urban fantasy anime that follows Dante, a demon hunter seeking vengeance against demons. As expected, demons also aim to wipe out the human race from Earth—leading to an epic battle between worlds.
Dandadan Season 2
A monster-filled adventure where Momo and Okarun are thrown into a chaotic world of ghosts, aliens, and supernatural powers. The second season, released in 2025, continues the madness. You can watch it on Crunchyroll for free.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
This anime follows Kafka Hibino, who dreams of protecting humanity. It’s another monster-themed series, where characters fight after transforming into Kaiju themselves. Sounds complicated? Just watch it—and if you’ve seen Season 1, you know exactly what I mean.
Sanda
Sanda is set in a futuristic Japan facing ultra-low birth rates. Children are heavily monitored, and strangely, Santa Claus is banned as a “dangerous symbol.” The story follows Kazushige Sanda, a descendant of Santa, who decides to take up the mantle of Santa and fight against the adults to protect the children.
Lazarus
Set in the year 2052, this anime follows a task force of five agents assembled to locate Dr. Skinner, the inventor of a miracle drug called Hapuna. Three years after its release, he announces that everyone who took it will die. The agents must find him and develop a vaccine before time runs out.
Best Anime to Watch in 2026
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
The most awaited season of 2026! Fans are eagerly waiting to see what happens after Gojo’s sealing. The story will continue from there, and we can’t wait for what’s next.
My Hero Academia Next Season
My Hero Academia is nearing its end, and its next season is expected in 2026. This year already delivered a banger to fans, especially since One-Punch Man didn’t live up to expectations. Fans are now waiting for the conclusion of this long-running journey.
Hell’s Paradise
After a two-year gap, Hell’s Paradise returns in January 2026. The story follows an assassin on a quest for immortality. Expect breathtaking artwork, intense action, and a deep narrative.
Ghost in the Shell (Remake)
A remake of the iconic Ghost in the Shell, this version impresses fans with its stunning visuals, realism, and presentation. Set in a futuristic world, it follows a female cyborg police officer who investigates cyber crimes while exploring deep philosophical questions about humanity and identity.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run
Who doesn’t know JoJo’s? If you’re an anime enthusiast, you’ve probably watched or at least heard of it. It’s legendary—even meme culture owes a lot to JoJo’s. The next part, Steel Ball Run, is coming in 2026. Though the animation may not look perfect yet, we’re excited to see how it turns out!
Best Anime of All Time
We can’t skip the all-time greats—it would be disrespectful to the classics that defined anime culture. These are the must-watch anime that every fan, old or new, should experience at least once.
Attack on Titan
One of my favorite anime of all time. It explores society’s duality, justice, morality, and the truth behind freedom. The story follows Eren, a boy living within massive walls that protect humanity from Titans. But Eren dreams of seeing the world beyond—and that’s where everything changes.
One Piece
I bet you’ll fall in love with this anime. One Piece is a masterpiece—hats off to Oda-sensei, the genius behind it. Running since 1999, it tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who dreams of becoming the Pirate King. Along his journey, he meets his crewmates: Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Robin, Brook, Jinbe, and Franky.
But don’t think it’s a simple pirate story—this series is full of mysteries, emotions, and world-building like no other. You’ll thank me later for recommending it!
Naruto & Naruto: Shippuden
Another legendary title, Naruto follows a young ninja determined to become the Hokage. His journey, friendships, and battles are unforgettable. The series, part of the “Big Three,” features some of the most beloved characters in anime history.
Death Note
For many fans, Death Note was their gateway into the anime world—including me. It’s an intense psychological thriller about a student who discovers a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. Opinions may vary, but it remains a timeless masterpiece. If you’re new to anime, start here.
Bleach
One of the Big Three, Bleach is a must-watch action-adventure anime that dives into the world of spirits and Soul Reapers. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who accidentally gains the powers of a Soul Reaper—and from there, the story explodes into something much bigger.
Monster
A psychological suspense thriller from 2004. Monster isn’t for everyone—not because it’s bad, but because it demands patience and thought. It’s slow, deep, and morally complex, forcing you to question who’s truly right or wrong. I feel bad for this, because it is such an underrated anime.
Demon Slayer
One of the biggest and most visually stunning anime ever made. Its recent films prove just how far anime can go in terms of storytelling and animation. There’s not much more to say—just go watch it if you haven’t already.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Even if you haven’t heard of the anime, you’ve definitely seen Gojo Satoru—the tall, white-haired, overpowered character with a global fandom. Yes, he’s from Jujutsu Kaisen. Now you know why you need to watch it.
Vinland Saga
A beautifully written story about Vikings that dives into revenge, pacifism, and the nature of humanity. This isn’t your typical revenge story—it’s deep, emotional, and philosophical. Not for everyone, but definitely for those seeking real storytelling.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
One of the highest-rated anime on IMDb for years. Released in 2009, it remains a timeless classic. It follows two brothers on their journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone after a tragic event. The themes, emotions, and storytelling are simply unmatched.
Honorable Mention: “Dragon Ball Z.”
Do I even need to explain why? Everyone knows it. And if you don’t—just Google it!
Now, this list should be more than enough for newcomers who want to become true weebs and dive into the anime universe. We’ll talk more about other hidden gems in another article. Till then, enjoy these—and remember, this isn’t a ranking list. I’ve written them in the exact order they popped into my head, so don’t judge or get offended. Just enjoy the watchlist!
Creative/Info/Clips Ref. – Wallpaper Cave, YouTube