As we usher in the Winter 2025 anime season, viewers can anticipate an impressive lineup featuring over 40 episodes released weekly. While the sheer volume and diversity of offerings are attractive, only a select few series are likely to leave a lasting impression once Winter fades into Spring. This season presents a mix of popular sequels and fresh titles, promising the potential for some standout hits — though only time will tell which series will rise to the occasion.
To navigate this bustling season, we have compiled a concise guide highlighting the best anime of Winter 2025. Below are the key details and criteria for this selection:
- The evaluation cutoff for episodes stands at January 12, 2025.
- Only anime that premiered in Winter 2025 will be included in the rankings, which covers new series as well as sequels. As such, offerings from Fall 2024, like Shangri-La Frontier, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, and Re:Zero, will not be part of this list.
- Rankings will be updated weekly to reflect the evolving landscape of the season.
- For additional insights, click on the title of each anime to access previews and discussions.
5 Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days: A Decent Start With Some Rough Edges
Among the many anime lined up for Winter 2025, Sakamoto Days has garnered significant anticipation, primarily due to the acclaim surrounding Yuto Suzuki’s source material. However, promotional content for the adaptation has raised concerns, with critiques highlighting animation that lacks the vibrancy fans expected from the manga’s dynamic style.
This action-comedy centers on a legendary hitman who trades a life of crime for domestic bliss, running a convenience store with his wife and child. Yet, trouble looms as his past life threatens to intrude. The pilot episode, while engaging, did not fully alleviate worries highlighted in trailers, revealing animation that oscillated between impressive and clumsy. Despite this, Sakamoto Days largely retains the source material’s charm and humor.
4 The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2
The Ultimate Harem Comedy Returns, Now With Even More Girls
While harem anime can be polarizing, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You strikes a balance, leaning into comedy while smartly engaging with harem tropes. Season 1 laid the groundwork with clever parodies, highlighting Rentarou’s character and showcasing diverse personalities among the girls.
With Season 2 underway, fans can expect the absurdity to escalate as new soulmates join the fray. The premiere started with girls swapping bodies, enabling fresh character dynamics that challenge established norms. Rentarou’s harem continues to grow, ensuring that hilarity and chaos are on the horizon.
3 Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast
Exploring Drama On and Off the Stage
Following up on 2023’s hit BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast delivers a compelling narrative that digs deep into character emotions from its very first episode. This sequel shifts focus onto the girl band Ave Mujica, which is facing internal strife and seeming to teeter on the edge of collapse shortly after their debut.
Character-driven and poignant, the series delves into the personal struggles of its ensemble cast, tackling issues like addiction, abandonment, and anxiety. The impressive CG animation is a stylistic choice that adds to its unique presentation, complemented by an enchanting musical backdrop.
2 The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Maomao Continues to Shine as the Flawless Protagonist
Following the success of its first season, The Apothecary Diaries returns for another 24 episodes, seamlessly picking up where it left off. The series combines humor, historical intrigue, and intricate world-building with finesse, presenting a captivating narrative that enamors viewers.
Maomao remains an irresistible lead, utilizing her wit and intellect to navigate the complexities of medicine and poison in the imperial court. The Season 2 premiere introduces a whimsical subplot involving a cat while still allowing for character development and historical education through engaging storytelling.
1 Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
The Most Anticipated Anime of Winter 2025
As arguably the most celebrated manhwa, Solo Leveling has been eagerly awaited for its anime adaptation. A-1 Pictures stepped up to deliver a polished first season in 2024, showcasing stunning action sequences that truly captured the essence of the source material.
The second season promises to maintain that momentum as protagonist Sung Jin-woo embarks on a seemingly straightforward dungeon hunt that quickly escalates into chaos. As he encounters formidable foes, the complexities of hunting and Sung’s unique abilities take center stage, ensuring that viewers will be thoroughly entertained.
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