The Most Popular Anime Right Now (2025): What to Watch This Season

Anime fans, rejoice! The summer of 2025 is packed with thrilling new releases, long-awaited returns, and award-winning masterpieces. Whether you're into high-octane action, emotional fantasy, or supernatural comedy, there's something for everyone. Here's your guide to the popular anime right now that are dominating the scene.

🔥 1. Solo Leveling Season 2 – The Global Phenomenon Continues

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Release: January 4, 2025(ranker.com)

After a strong debut, Solo Leveling has exploded in popularity with its second season. The Red Gate Arc showcases Sung Jin-Woo's transformation from an E-rank hunter to an unstoppable force. The series clinched Anime of the Year at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards, making it the first manhwa adaptation to earn that honor. (ranker.com, en.wikipedia.org)

✨ 2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – A Poetic Fantasy Masterpiece

Studio: Madhouse
Awards: Anime of the Year (Anime Trending Awards), Best Director (Crunchyroll)
Streaming: Crunchyroll(en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)

Frieren flips the fantasy genre by exploring what happens after the hero's journey ends. Following the elf mage Frieren as she reflects on her past and seeks deeper connections, the series has captivated audiences with its emotional depth and stunning visuals. It secured Anime of the Year at the 2025 Anime Trending Awards. (en.wikipedia.org, decider.com, hindustantimes.com)

👽 3. Dandadan – Supernatural Chaos Meets Rom-Com Gold

Studio: Science SARU
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Accolades: Best Animation, Best Soundtrack (Anime Trending Awards)(hindustantimes.com, en.wikipedia.org)

Blending aliens, ghosts, and teenage romance, Dandadan is a wild ride that's both hilarious and heartfelt. Critics have praised its dynamic animation and unique storytelling. The series boasts a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has won multiple awards, including Best Animation and Best Soundtrack. (en.wikipedia.org)

🧟 4. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 – Humanity vs. Monsters, Reimagined

Studio: Production I.G
Streaming: Crunchyroll, X
Release: July 19, 2025(en.wikipedia.org, indiatimes.com)

The battle intensifies as Kafka Hibino continues his dual life as a Defense Force member and a Kaiju-human hybrid. Season 2 promises deeper character development and escalating threats. An original special episode, "Hoshina's Day Off," will premiere on July 5, 2025, ahead of the new season. (indiatimes.com)

🧙 5. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Trilogy – The Epic Finale Begins

Studio: Ufotable
Release: First film on July 18, 2025
Format: Three-part movie trilogy(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Demon Slayer is concluding its saga with a cinematic trilogy, starting with the "Infinity Castle Arc." This global event marks the beginning of the final battle, promising breathtaking animation and emotional storytelling. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

⚙️ 6. Leviathan – Steampunk Adventure with a Legendary Soundtrack

Studio: Studio Orange & Qubic Pictures
Streaming: Netflix
Release: July 10, 2025(polygon.com)

Adapted from Scott Westerfeld’s novel, Leviathan transports viewers to an alternate 1914, blending steampunk aesthetics with a gripping wartime narrative. The series features a cinematic score by Nobuko Toda, Kazuma Jinnouchi, and Joe Hisaishi, enhancing its epic scope. (polygon.com)

🧛 7. Devil May Cry – Stylish Demon Hunting Returns

Studio: Studio Mir
Streaming: Netflix
Release: April 3, 2025(en.wikipedia.org, ranker.com)

Dante is back in action in this anime adaptation of the popular video game series. With high-octane battles and a rocking soundtrack featuring Limp Bizkit's "Rollin'," this series delivers the stylish action fans expect. (en.wikipedia.org)

🏴‍☠️ 8. One Piece: Egghead Island Arc, Part 2 – The Saga Nears Its Climax

Streaming: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Release: April 6, 2025(editorial.rottentomatoes.com)

The One Piece journey continues as the Egghead Island Arc delves deeper into its mysteries. With some of the most stunning visuals in the series' history, this arc is setting the stage for the epic conclusion of Luffy's adventure. (editorial.rottentomatoes.com)

🐭 9. Tom and Jerry Gokko – Classic Duo Gets an Anime Twist

Format: Short anime series
Streaming: YouTube (Coming Soon)(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

The iconic cat-and-mouse duo is reimagined in Tom and Jerry Gokko, a Japanese adaptation that brings their antics to the anime world. A 45-second trailer has been released, teasing the upcoming series. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

🧠 10. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes – A Gritty Prequel Emerges

Studio: Bones
Release: April 2025(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Set five years before the main series, Vigilantes follows a young man using his Quirk to help others without a Hero license. With a distinct comic book-inspired aesthetic, this spin-off offers a fresh perspective on the My Hero Academia universe. (editorial.rottentomatoes.com)

🎬 Bonus: Award-Winning Anime to Catch Up On

Look Back – Winner of Film of the Year at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Spy x Family: Code White – Crowned Anime Movie of the Year at the 2025 Anime Trending Awards. (en.wikipedia.org, hindustantimes.com)