Best Winter 2025 Anime

The Winter 2025 anime season has gotten the year started on the right note, delivering more than 40 episodes per week. While quantity and variety are selling points for the medium in general, ultimately, only a handful of seasonal series will be remembered once the snow melts away and flowers begin to bloom in Spring. Offering a nice blend of sequels and newcomers, the current lineup has produced greatness across a spectrum of genres.

With so many shows airing at the same time, keeping track of everything is not only exhausting but also arguably unsatisfying. As such, a shortlist of the best anime of Winter 2025 can serve as a helpful guide, at least in terms of picking out a few starting points. Let’s go through the season’s highlights.

Updated on March 17, 2025, by Mark Sammut: At this point, the season is almost over, and the best Winter 2025 anime are mostly set in stone. That said, a less-hyped show has been added as a recommendation.

17

Flower and Asura (NEW)

A Well-Done Coming Of Age Anime With An Unusual Focus

Flower and Asura

Release Date

January 8, 2025

One of Winter 2025’s HIDIVE exclusives, Flower and Asura has somewhat gone unnoticed. Part of that is due to its streaming platform, but the story’s focus on high-school broadcasting might be a bit too niche to entice all that many people to seek it out. While certainly a unique topic, Flower and Asura is primarily just a slice of life drama that follows a small group of students who are exploring their passion for broadcasting and voice work, with the first-year student Hana acting as something of a surrogate for the audience.

Similar to how the “sport” is not that important in sports anime, Flower and Asura uses broadcasting as a vehicle to tell an enjoyable and even relatable coming-of-age story. Studio Bind’s animation is top-notch, as is the voice acting (unsurprisingly). While unlikely to go down as an all-time great, this series should be, at the very least, remembered.

16

Tasokare Hotel (-1)

Caught Between The Living And The Dead

Tasokare Hotel

Release Date

January 8, 2025

Directors

Kōsuke Koremizu

Tasokare Hotel is shaping up to be one of Winter 2025’s nicer surprises, and it is fairly accessible due to being available on YouTube’s It’s Anime channel. Based on a game, the concept revolves around a hotel that is somewhat similar to Limbo, and its clientele are people who have recently died or are on the verge of death. When they arrive, they have no memories, so they must use clues found within their rooms to remember who they are and why they are there.

Tasokare Hotel is kind of reminiscent of Death Parade, with each episode following the staff as they handle a new visitor. Their stories are gradually revealed, and happy endings are not guaranteed. While decent from the start, the anime picks up significant steam when Masaki is introduced in episode 3, as he injects a touch of chaos into proceedings. Since then, the anime has delivered engaging weekly mysteries that occasionally sprinkle in tidbits about the hotel or the staff. However, the latter could be a bit more prominent, especially since the recurring characters are generally more interesting than the guests.

15

Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (+1)

A Medical Detective Story

Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective

Release Date

January 2, 2025

Lovingly known as “anime House,” Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective wears its influences on its sleeve, with the opening scene referencing a few tropes associated with that Western medical procedural. While sharing similarities with House, Ameku M.D. does enough to establish a unique identity, largely by also incorporating police detective conventions into most episodes.

Takao Ameku is a super-doctor who is in charge of a hospital department dedicated to exploring unconventional cases. Alongside a few aides who are mostly there to provide emotional support, Takao uses her incredible intellect to decipher peculiar medical and, sometimes, criminal cases. Ameku M.D. is mostly amusing fluff, with most stories sticking to the same structure. The mysteries have been a mixed bag, ranging from ridiculously clever to surprisingly obvious. Even when a case does not quite land, Takao is at least entertaining enough to carry the episode.

While most mysteries have not had much emotional weight, Ameku M.D. managed to produce one of the saddest episodes of Winter 2025. Along with being a gut-punch, this two-part storyline succeeded in adding nuance to Takao’s backstory and personality, something the genius doctor previously lacked.

14

Ishura Season 2 (+/- 0)

A Confusing But Rewarding Isekai Anime

Ishura

Release Date

January 3, 2024

Directors

Yuki Ogawa, Takeo Takahashi

Writers

Keiso, Kenta Ihara

Ishura does not play by conventional isekai or general storytelling standards. Season 1 dedicated its first five episodes to introducing a dozen characters through short half-episode vignettes, all to set up a war that would dominate the second half of the cour. Any viewer who survived the confusing early chapters was eventually treated to a constant stream of intense fights that were enhanced by the show’s lack of a traditional protagonist, meaning nearly anyone could die.

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Season 2 follows a similar format, albeit a touch more streamlined and focused. Rather than revolving around an impending war, Ishura has dedicated its attention to an approaching calamity, while also setting the stage for a future tournament that might not end up happening during this season. The story is still relatively difficult to follow, and the world-building is interesting but muddled; however, none of that matters as the action sequences are once again great. The anime just wants to let fun OP archetypes duke it out in epic battles, and it delivers on that front.

13

I Have a Crush at Work (+1)

A Cute Winter 2025 Anime Romance

I Have a Crush at Work

Release Date

January 6, 2025

Also known as Can You Keep a Secret?, I Have a Crush at Work is somewhat difficult to track down due to not being available on a Western streaming platform, which is a shame as it is among Winter 2025’s best romance anime. The premise is simple: Yui and Masugu are coworkers who want to keep their romantic relationship a secret at the office. That pretty much covers everything, and the episodes chronicle their daily attempts to keep a low profile despite having a natural attraction to each other.

Although surrounded by likable supporting characters, Yui and Masugu carry this show on their backs, and they are adorable. While they act cold toward each other at work, they are warm and supportive outside that context, making them a believable couple. As a slice of life rom-com, I Have a Crush at Work is relentlessly cute.

12

Zenshu (+/- 0)

Winter 2025’s Stealth Isekai Anime Has Been A Pleasant Surprise

ZENSHU

Release Date

January 5, 2025

A MAPPA original, Zenshu was kept under wraps before its debut, which meant the story turning into an isekai was quite a surprise. Was it a welcome one? Well, it depends on the person, but the anime has been a fairly decent example of the theme. If nothing else, Zenshu is one of the most visually impressive isekai anime of all time.

Natsuko is a superstar animator who is struggling with writer’s block while working on her second project. A choking hazard later, she wakes up in the world of A Tale of Perishing, a polarizing anime movie that inspired her to become an animator. Infamously, this film has a depressing conclusion that leaves its heroic characters broken, an outcome that confused viewers at the time. Fortunately, Natsuko might be able to change that.

Zenshu has a few strong positives in its favor, besides great animation. Natsuko is a fantastic protagonist with one of the better-balanced OP abilities. The fantasy world seems to take a lot of inspiration from classic ’80s anime, coming across as a fascinating hodgepodge of tropes and designs. The humor is mostly fine, and the action sequences ooze creativity. While quite simplistic for most of the show’s run, the storytelling has shifted to a more mature tone for the final stretch of episodes, setting the stage for what will hopefully be a fantastic finale.

11

From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! (+/- 0)

Winter 2025’s Best New Isekai Anime

From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!

Release Date

January 10, 2025

Network

TBS, MBS, CBC, Tulip Television, BSN, tys, NBC, HBC, RKK, i-Television, SBS, IBC, BSS, MRO, OBS, TUF, RSK, TUY, tbc, RKB, SBC, KUTV, RBC, UTY, RCC, MRT, atv, MBC

Putting aside Re:Zero, which will restart on February 5, and Ishura, Winter 2025’s isekai content primarily revolves around new series rather than sequels. For the most part, the shows have been decent. Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf and Zenshu are easy recommendations for anybody who loves the genre, but the season’s standout new isekai story is From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!

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As suggested by the title, this anime is effectively a parody of the villainess trope, with a middle-aged dad finding himself stuck in a world based on an otome game. While no stranger to otaku culture, Kenzaburou is not particularly familiar with this game, so he mostly sticks to making educated decisions that rely on his fatherly instincts.

From Bureaucrat to Villainess is simply delightful. As Grace, Kenzaburou ends up acting as a matchmaker for the heroine and her male suitors, all the while unknowingly building himself an accidental harem. The humor is on-point and wholesome, while also not opting to constantly mock isekai or villainess tropes. The anime also makes clever use of the family that Kenzaburou left behind.

A Winter 2025 Sequel That Delivers Romance, Character Growth, And (Some) Action

My Happy Marriage

Release Date

July 5, 2023

My Happy Marriage was among 2023’s stand-out romance anime, but season 1 had room for improvement. While still too early to definitively say, the sequel is shaping up to be a minor step up, largely thanks to the introduction of antagonists who (so far) seem less one-note than Miyo’s abusive family.

Season 2 shines a brighter light on this world’s more fantastical elements, with both Kiyoka and Miyo having to use their gifts during encounters with members of an organization that seems to have noble intentions on the surface. Although shrouded in mystery, the Gifted Communion proclaims to be interested in true equality by bestowing gifts to everyone, not just the elite families.

If somebody enjoyed season 1, they are likely to love its successor. Miyo and Kiyoka’s relationship grows stronger with each passing episode, as is their willingness to display their love for each other. The former’s gradual rise in self-confidence and self-love is also a sight to behold, adding an extra layer of emotion that complements the romance and action well. My Happy Marriage also introduced a great villain, something the story has lacked since the very start.

The Best Season Yet?

Blue Exorcist

Release Date

April 17, 2011

Directors

Tensai Okamura, Koichi Hatsumi, Daisuke Yoshida

Writers

Ryōta Yamaguchi

Blue Exorcist seems like it should be a bigger deal, but the adaptation took a bit too long to produce sequels. Unfortunately, the hype has been relatively muted since the show’s 2024 return, despite the seasons themselves being good. Packed with reveals and led by two lovable characters, the Winter 2025 arc is the best entry yet; however, it is solely for fans who have been watching from the start. Newcomers will be completely lost if they try to start with The Blue Night Saga, dulling its impact in the process.

Rin goes on a trip through time, getting a first-hand view of his mother’s relationship with both Shirou and Satan. After only being shown in bursts, Yuri is pushed to the forefront during this season, and she is charming, charismatic, and just all-around endearing. Her dynamic with Shirou is endearing, while she serves as a positive influence on Satan at first. As Mephisto constantly brings up, this story will end in tragedy.

A Decent Start With Some Rough Edges

Putting aside sequels, Sakamoto Days was the most hyped anime of Winter 2025, solely thanks to the quality of Yuto Suzuki’s source material. However, the adaptation’s promotional material undermined its original momentum, garnering criticism for lackluster animation that seemed to fail to replicate the manga’s kinetic energy.

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Sakamoto Days is an action-comedy about a legendary hitman who decides to settle down after falling in love. Nowadays, he runs a convenience store and spends his days with his loving wife and adorable child. Unfortunately, retirement is not an option, and Sakamoto will have to protect his new life from his old one. Also, he hires a gunman who was originally sent to kill him.

The anime is enjoyable, nothing more and nothing less. The manga’s sharp wit and lovable characters have mostly served the transition in one piece, and Sakamoto Days is at its best when the focus is on the banter rather than the action. However, the latter is also a big part of this story, and it is inconsistent in the adaptation. Just to be clear, the fight sequences are not unwatchable nor devoid of tight choreography, but they lack the source material’s punch or style.

A Hauntingly Good Time

Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun

Release Date

January 10, 2020

Everyone’s favorite mischievous anime spirit is back after a 5-year hiatus, and Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has not lost a step. Similar to the 2020 season, the Winter 2025 sequel has an eye-catching art style that is consistently beautiful and periodically unsettling for those moments when the show decides to sprinkle in a touch of horror. Kamome Academy’s seventh mystery, Hanako, has to continue investigating supernatural cases happening within the school grounds, and the ghost is accompanied by Yashiro and Kou.

While characters like Aoi have their part to play, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun shines due to the chemistry between its three main characters, all of whom are well-defined, endearing, and foster natural conflict between themselves. Season 2 got things started with a two-part mystery revolving around The Clock Keepers, three spirits who influence the passage of time. This storyline not only had a fun mystery but also included a fascinating reveal that added a sense of impending tragedy. After that, the anime has primarily focused on exploring an upcoming tragedy, which has allowed the three main characters to take center stage rather than acting as foils to spirits of the week.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun blends comedy, drama, and even horror well, all the while utilizing an eye-catching art style that is among the season’s best.

A Lighthearted Start To, Hopefully, An Epic Expedition

In its fourth season, Dr. Stone is a known quantity by this point. Consequently, the enthusiasm surrounding the series has become somewhat muted, especially since it is unlikely to attract new viewers this late in its run. Still, Dr. Stone is reliably entertaining, offering a well-done shonen blend that combines comedy, drama, and adventure.

Science Future finds the Kingdom of Science heading to the United States, starting things off with a perilous and lengthy trip across the ocean. The first two episodes are dedicated solely to this journey, essentially serving as a precursor to this saga’s main arcs. While perfectly enjoyable, Science Future leaned heavily on humor during these episodes, including starting things off with an episode revolving almost entirely around Poker.

However, things pick up considerably once the Kingdom of Science arrives in the United States, and they do not receive a warm welcome. While every arc tries to introduce a character who can challenge Senku’s intellect, Science Future has specifically excelled in this area. Xeno Houston Wingfield is simultaneously Senku’s mentor and evil counterpart, and their pre-world freeze connection is a fun twist.

The Ultimate Harem Comedy Anime Is Back, And Now With Even More Girls

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You

Release Date

October 8, 2023

Network

Tokyo MX

Directors

Youichirou Aoki, Masato Jimbo, Mitsutaka Noshitani

Harem anime are an acquired taste, and they do not tend to get mainstream attention. While still niche, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You is more accessible than most of the genre’s offerings due to primarily being a comedy, albeit one that is entirely driven by harem silliness and tropes. The first season established the anime’s style of parody humor, all the while showcasing Rentarou’s brilliance as a worthy MC and the girls’ uniqueness beyond just a defining personality trait.

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Season 2 ramps up the absurdity as more and more soulmates are added to the mix, continuing the story’s relentless march toward actualizing its title’s promise. While not completely devoid of quieter moments, 100 Girlfriends has completely embraced its over-the-top parody nature, throwing out any semblance of logic in pursuit of louder and longer laughs. For example, a segment involved the girls trading bodies, while another reverted most of them to children. Season 2 also delivered one of the most powerful karaoke sessions ever.

4

Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast (+/- 0)

Drama On The Stage (And Off It)

Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast

Release Date

January 2, 2025

A sequel to 2023’s BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!!, Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast delivered perhaps the heaviest first episode out of any Winter 2025 anime, and if its follow-ups were anything to go by, that will continue to be the case for the rest of the season. As suggested by the title, the sequel pushes Ave Mujica to the forefront rather than MyGO!!!!!, and the dysfunctional girl band seems on the verge of collapse despite only recently debuting.

Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast is more character than music-driven. The episodes emphasize different girls, diving surprisingly deep into their struggles and psyches. Touching upon themes like alcoholism, abandonment, split personality, and anxiety, the anime is willing to go to real places as it explores just what drives these characters toward each other and onto the stage. The CG animation can take some getting used to, but it is high-quality. The music is also fantastic, even if it has taken a backseat so far.

Ave Mujica is somewhat of an acquired taste, and not just due to the fact it is a sequel to a relatively niche series. This anime is relentlessly dramatic, to the point of feeling like too much at times. The characters are almost always in a crisis, making for a heavy story with only splashes of warmth or lightheartedness. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is not going to be for everyone.

3

Medalist (+/- 0)

A Fantastic Sports Anime With Two Very Likable Protagonists

Medalist

Release Date

January 5, 2025

Network

tv asahi, ABC TV, Nagoya TV, HTB, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting, NCC, Niigata Television Network 21, khb, KFB, HOME, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting, Oita Asahi Broadcasting, Asahi Broadcasting Aomori, Iwate Asahi TV, Akita Asahi Broadcasting, Yamagata Television System, Shizuoka Asahi TV, Asahi Broadcasting Nagano, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting, Ehime Asahi TV, Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting, Ryu-Q Asahi Broadcasting

Directors

Takahiro Hirata

Winter 2025 is shaping up to be a great season for sports anime, and its shows provide fairly different takes on the genre. Fall 2024’s Blue Box focuses on romance, while Sorairo Utility is a cute girls doing cute things slice of life series. Meanwhile, Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc is a straight-up battle shonen featuring wrestlers. Finally, there is Medalist, which follows an 11-year-old girl who dreams of competing in the Olympics as a figure skater. As she started her training years later than everyone else, Inori is fighting an uphill battle and is fully aware that making up for lost time is very difficult. Fortunately, she has a coach, Tsukasa, who believes in her.

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Medalist is arguably Winter 2025’s most traditional sports anime. Inori is an underdog who only feels comfortable while skating, and she is written off by nearly everyone due to her age. Tsukasa related to her struggle as he also started skating much later than he should have, a regret he still lives with. Together, they are determined to overcome nearly insurmountable odds.

On paper, that is a fairly typical setup for a sports anime, but Medalist elevates this familiarity through the personalities of its characters. Inori is nearly impossible not to love, and Tsukasa’s positive energy is infectious. Medalist is also funny, with Inori having some of the weirdest facial expressions of the season.

Maomao Is Still A Flawless Protagonist

The Apothecary Diaries

Release Date

October 22, 2023

Setting the bar extremely high with its first season, The Apothecary Diaries is back for another 24 episodes, and there is nothing to suggest the sequel will fail to live up to its predecessor’s high standards. While still early days, the Winter 2025 anime has not missed a beat so far, carefully and seamlessly blending humor, drama, historical inspirations, and world-building.

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With her sly wit, effortless charm, and resilience to romance checkpoints, Maomao is the main reason to watch The Apothecary Diaries. Obsessed with investigating medicine and poison, Maomao’s peculiar talents prove to be surprisingly useful for investigating strange cases that transpire within the Imperial Palace’s grounds.

Season 2 got things going with a pretty lighthearted episode that mostly revolved around a cat. However, this seemingly silly plot thread was used to showcase different sides of a couple of key characters, all the while sprinkling in a few historical factoids. The Apothecary Diaries has been constantly brilliant at using “episodic” stories to peel back not only the characters’ layers but also the larger society they live in. The subsequent episodes introduced a compelling mystery that had a clever solution, while also presenting plenty of opportunities for humor.

The Biggest Winter 2025 Anime, And By A Substantial Margin

Arguably the most well-known manhwa of all time, Solo Leveling was destined to receive an anime sooner or later, but quality was far from guaranteed. Fortunately, the responsibility fell on A-1 Pictures, and the dependable studio went on to produce a polished first season in 2024. While the story was nothing too special, the action sequences were fantastic, delivering smooth and fast-paced animation that veered into cinematic territory.

Even though it still has a ways to go before concluding, season 2 has arguably already surpassed its predecessor, and by quite a margin. At this point, Sung Jin-woo is well on his way to completing his evolution into the strongest hunter in existence, a journey driven by his ability and desire to build an overwhelming army of shadows.

While not lacking in interesting lore drops or revelations, Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow has wisely opted to prioritize its main selling point: Action. Nearly every weekly release features a fantastic fight sequence, with each new episode seemingly surpassing the last. If somebody is not into action or hates OP protagonists, they will not get much out of Solo Leveling; however, in terms of what it is trying to be, this anime is the peak. Episode 9 was even surprisingly emotional, something Solo Leveling has arguably lacked since its early days. As the season enters its final arc, Arise from the Shadow looks set to establish itself as one of the all-time great action anime. Honestly, it is already there, but it has yet to hit its ceiling.

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