Ultimate Winter 2025 Anime Guide: 10 Must-Watch Series for Every Anime Fan

As the fall 2024 anime season comes to an end, the anticipation for the winter 2025 anime season begins. This inaugural season of the year is crucial for setting the stage for anime enthusiasts, making it an exciting time to explore new content and established favorites. The winter lineup for 2025 promises a diverse array of compelling anime that both seasoned fans and newcomers will appreciate.

This winter season is particularly noteworthy, featuring a combination of returning fan-favorites and exciting new titles ready to make their mark. The following highlights represent some of the most anticipated shows that are expected to captivate audiences throughout 2025.

10. From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!

Anime Series by Ajia-do Animation Works; Based on the Manga by Michiro Ueyama

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Following Kenzaburo Tondabayashi, a salaryman who finds himself reincarnated as Grace Auvergne, the villainess from his daughter’s beloved otome game, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! blends clever humor with charming character dynamics, making for an engaging parody within the increasingly popular villainess isekai genre. This unique narrative is poised to provide enjoyment for both veteran fans and new viewers alike.

9. Medalist

Anime Series by ENGI; Based on the Manga by Tsurumaikada

Medalist centers around Inori Yuitsuka, an aspiring Olympic figure skater facing challenges from both personal and familial expectations. When she meets Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former ice dancer, he revitalizes her passion for skating as they work toward their shared dreams. Despite its niche premise, the series leverages profound character development and striking visuals, reminiscent of the best sports anime, promising to resonate even with non-sports fans.

8. The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World

Anime Series by Satelight; Based on the Manga by Koyoshi Nakayoshi

This vibrant series features Togo Asagaki, aka Kizuna Red, who is unexpectedly transported from his role as a Super Sentai hero to a fantasy realm filled with dark forces. The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World promises a colorful and parodic adventure, exploiting both isekai and Super Sentai tropes to create a fresh narrative that will appeal to fans of both genres.

7. Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc Season 2

Anime Series by Production I.G; Based on the Manga by Yudetamago

The much-anticipated sequel to Kinnikuman continues the saga where Kinnikuman must once again rally his allies against the Perfect Large Numbers, a new threat to the world. With breathtaking animation and gripping plot developments, Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc Season 2 aims to expand on the foundational elements established in Season 1, appealing to long-time fans and newcomers alike.

6. Solo Leveling: Arise From The Shadow

Anime Series by A-1 Pictures; Based on the Novel by Chugong

In the world of Solo Leveling, Hunters navigate a dangerous landscape filled with monsters. This new season follows Jinwoo Sung, once the weakest Hunter, who acquires unprecedented powers after a near-death experience. With stunning visuals that characterize A-1 Pictures’ work, Solo Leveling: Arise From The Shadow promises to further elevate the gripping narrative, drawing viewers into Jinwoo’s transformation.

5. Zenshu

Anime Series by MAPPA; Directed by Mitsue Yamazaki

In a unique take on the isekai genre, Zenshu follows Natsuko Hirose, an overworked animator who finds herself in a fantasy world inspired by her childhood favorite anime. With a focus on creativity and personal struggle, this series stands out from typical isekai narratives thanks to its exceptional visuals and insightful commentary on professional pressures.

4. Sakamoto Days

Anime Series by TMS Entertainment; Based on the Manga by Yuto Suzuki

Sakamoto Days presents Taro Sakamoto, a retired assassin who attempts to lead a peaceful family life until circumstances pull him back into the fray. Merging action and humor akin to iconic films like John Wick, this adaptation is highly anticipated due to its beloved source material, and is poised to deliver captivating animation and storytelling.

3. Re:Zero — Starting Life in Another World Season 3, Part 2

Anime Series by White Fox; Based on the Light Novel by Tappei Nagatsuki

Returning for the second half of Season 3, Re:Zero continues its dark and immersive story as Subaru Natsuki navigates the dangers of a fantasy world with the unique ability to reverse time upon his death. Renowned for its intense emotional depth and stunning visuals, this season is set to deliver another gripping return filled with dramatic evolutions in its complex narrative.

2. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

Anime Series by Toho Animation & OLM, Inc.; Based on the Light Novel by Natsu Hyuga

Following Maomao, a witty apothecary within a captivating imperial setting, The Apothecary Diaries explores her adventures and sharp intellect as she navigates palace intrigues. As one of the breakout hits from 2023, the upcoming season promises to build on its predecessor’s strengths with rich storytelling and stunning animation, reinforcing its place in mainstream anime.

1. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2

Anime Series by Bibury Animation Studios; Based on the Manga by Rikito Nakamura & Yukiko Nozawa

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You follows Rentaro Aijou, who is given a divine challenge to love 100 soulmates or face dire consequences. With its humorous take on the harem genre, the first season was a surprising success, and the second season is set to escalate the absurdity for an even more entertaining experience, making it one of the must-watch series of winter 2025.

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