Best Anime of 2025 (So Far) – In-Depth Review

2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for anime—blending explosive action, emotional depth, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to the scene, this list covers the most compelling, underrated, and critically acclaimed anime of the year so far.

1. Gachiakuta

📖 Plot

In a dystopian floating city, young Rudo is condemned to “The Pit”—a toxic abyss of garbage and outcasts—where he uncovers an extraordinary power that could reshape society.

Characters:

Rudo’s journey is layered with themes of injustice and self-worth. The supporting cast fills the world with political tension and moral grey zones.

🎨 Art & Animation:

Studio Bones delivers kinetic animation with gritty, atmospheric visuals—raw and visceral in equal measure.

🎧 Sound:

Dark ambient scores and impactful sound design deepen the bleak tone and emotional stakes.

🧾 Verdict:

⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)

A standout for mature, visually striking shonen that takes bold thematic risks.

2. Lazarus:

📖 Plot

By Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), this stylish sci-fi thriller follows a mercenary group racing to stop a bio-weapon outbreak before humanity collapses. vulture.com

Characters:

Diverse, morally ambiguous characters add intrigue, though emotional depth occasionally takes a backseat to spectacle.

🎨 Art & Animation:

Amazing cinematography and action sequences—complete with John Wick–inspired choreography by 87eleven. vulture.com

🎧 Sound:

A unique soundtrack that blends jazz, saxophone, and electronic beats—crafting an intense urban vibe.

🧾 Verdict:

⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)

High-octane sci-fi with style, though some character arcs feel paint-by-numbers.

3. The Summer Hikaru Died:

📖 Plot

A quiet countryside horror: Hikaru returns from disappearance as someone—something—else, forcing his friend Yoshiki to confront grief and the unknown. decider.com +2 whattowatch.com +2 indiatimes.com +2

Characters:

Subtle, emotionally resonant performances drive the narrative, with depth in their relationship and trauma.

🎨 Art & Animation:

Quiet and unsettling visuals—a slow-burn dread rather than jumpscares—echo works like Higurashi. en.wikipedia.org +4 decider.com +4 indiatimes.com +4

🎧 Sound:

Minimalist soundtrack. Silence is used as a weapon—intensifying the creepiness and emotional pull.

🧾 Verdict:

⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

A haunting gem: atmospheric, emotionally raw, and not to be missed for horror fans.

4. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

📖 Plot

Set after the Demon King’s defeat, Frieren—a millennia-old elf mage—embarks on a journey of reflection and emotional rediscovery. decider.com

Characters:

Frieren’s evolving relationships with her former party and protégée Fern blend nostalgia with emotional poignancy.

🎨 Art & Animation:

Elegant, painterly visuals perfectly match the slow, introspective tone.

🎧 Sound:

Emotional, orchestral soundtrack amplifies themes of loss, time, and memory.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

A beautifully meditative fantasy that defies genre expectations with emotional resonance.

5. The Beginning After The End

📖 Plot

A reborn monarch navigates magic, politics, and personal redemption—blending epic fantasy with character-driven storytelling. decider.com timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Characters :

Strong character growth and nuanced relationships between monarch, allies, and foes create a well-rounded cast.

🎨 Art & Animation:

Vibrant and polished fantasy aesthetics make the magical world feel alive.

🎧 Sound:

Rousing orchestral score enhances the grandeur and emotional beats.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)

A classic fantasy done right: rich world-building, engaging plot, and solid production values.

💬 Final Thoughts

So far, 2025’s anime slate delivers high variety and quality—from cerebral fantasy and evocative horror to dazzling sci-fi thrillers. Whether you’re drawn to deep character arcs or immersive world-building, there’s something here worth diving into.

🎯 What’s your top pick so far this year? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Image credit MAPPA.