As spring gives way to summer and the year unfolds, anime fans across the globe have more than a few reasons to be excited.
From long-awaited sequels to bold new entries in beloved franchises, the 2025 anime slate – spanning from April through December – promises action, emotion, and enough plot twists to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or a casual viewer looking for your next favourite series, here’s a roundup of some of the most anticipated titles making their way to screens this year.
FIRE FORCE (SEASON 3)
Premiere: April
Back with more flames and fervour, Fire Force returns for its third season, reigniting the story of Shinra Kusakabe and Company 8 as they dive deeper into the mystery behind spontaneous human combustion.
The animation looks more explosive than ever, and with intensifying stakes and a looming endgame, this season is set to be a scorcher.
LAZARUS
Premiere: April 6
Directed by the legendary Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), Lazarus is an original sci-fi action series with a philosophical twist.
Set in the year 2052, a miracle drug promising perfect health becomes humanity’s greatest threat. Enter Lazarus, an elite task force determined to stop the catastrophe. Expect sleek visuals, deep existential themes, and a soundtrack that’ll likely be as iconic as its premise.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM GQUUUUUUX
Premiere: April 8
A new chapter in the ever-expanding Gundam universe, GQuuuuuuX introduces fresh faces, revolutionary mecha designs, and an updated take on interstellar warfare.
As always with Gundam, prepare for gripping political drama, high-stakes battles, and more philosophical musing than your average sci-fi romp. For newcomers and lifelong fans alike, this could be the next big leap for the franchise.
KAIJU NO. 8 (SEASON 2)
Premiere: July
Having won hearts with its debut season, Kaiju No 8 is back with even more heart-pounding action. Kafka Hibino, still juggling his life as a cadet and his monstrous alter ego, faces new challenges and deadlier threats.
DAN DA DAN (SEASON 2)
Premiere: July
The supernatural comedy that caught everyone off guard returns for its second season.
Following Momo Ayase and Okarun as they continue their bizarre encounters with urban legends, Dan Da Dan mixes romance, horror, and laugh-out-loud absurdity in a way few series dare.
GACHIAKUTA
Premiere: July
Set in a society where the privileged live in floating cities and the unwanted are literally discarded into a monster-infested abyss, Gachiakuta tells the story of Rudo – a wrongly accused exile fighting for survival and justice.
With gritty world-building and high-intensity battles, this is a powerful new contender in the dark fantasy space.
THE SUMMER HIKARU DIED
Premiere: July
Fans of psychological horror, take note – The Summer Hikaru Died is shaping up to be one of the most hauntingly atmospheric anime of the year.
Based on Mokumokuren’s popular manga, the story unravels the strange changes in a rural town when a supposedly dead friend returns… but something about him isn’t quite right.
It’s eerie, emotionally charged, and guaranteed to leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
DIGIMON BEATBREAK
Premiere: October
Digimon fans, rejoice! Beatbreak brings the iconic franchise back to life with a darker tone and an all-new cast of characters. Blending nostalgia with a fresh narrative, the series promises intense battles, emotional growth, and perhaps a few surprises that challenge what we think we know about Digivolution.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or introspection, these upcoming series prove that anime remains one of the most diverse and imaginative storytelling mediums around. So get your watchlist ready – this year’s anime offerings are not just entertainment; they’re experiences waiting to be lived. – Izah Azahari
