The world of anime is set to dazzle audiences once again with an impressive lineup of new and returning series in 2025. From highly anticipated adaptations to thrilling original projects, here are some of the most exciting anime you should mark on your calendar.

Solo Leveling (Season 2)

Following the immense success of its debut season, Solo Leveling returns with even higher stakes. The story continues with Sung Jin-Woo, now an S-rank hunter, facing increasingly perilous threats that challenge his abilities and his role in the hunter world. This season delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the system that granted him his powers, exploring new alliances, rivalries, and geopolitical tensions. Animated by A-1 Pictures, known for their visually stunning productions like Sword Art Online, fans can expect breathtaking fight scenes and epic dungeon explorations.

With its gripping mix of action, fantasy, and character development, Solo Leveling Season 2 is set to solidify its place as a global anime phenomenon.

Witch Hat Atelier

Ayumu Watanabe, known for his exceptional work on You Are Ms. Servant and Summertime Rendering, is taking on one of the most visually stunning manga to date: Witch Hat Atelier. Based on Kamome Shirahama’s acclaimed series, this anime follows the journey of Coco, a young girl who dreams of wielding magic despite being unable to do so. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Qifrey, a traveling wizard who reveals an unconventional path to magic. However, this opportunity comes with a steep price. Produced by Bug Films, the studio behind Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and featuring a score by renowned composer Yuka Kitamura (Elden Ring, Bloodborne), this adaptation promises to be a spellbinding experience.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

The Gundam universe continues to evolve, and 2025 will bring us Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, an ambitious collaboration between Sunrise and Hideaki Anno’s Studio Khara. With a script co-written by Anno himself and Yoji Enokido (Revolutionary Girl Utena, FLCL), and direction by Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Diebuster), this series boasts an all-star team. The story is set in a space colony, focusing on an underground mech-fighting arena called “Clan Battle” and the journey of Amate Yuzuriha, a high-schooler drawn into this dangerous world by a mysterious character named Nyaan. While the series’ full release date remains under wraps, fans can look forward to a preview film compiled from the first episodes, set to debut in January.

Lazarus

Shinichiro Watanabe, the visionary behind classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, returns with Lazarus, an original series set in a futuristic 2052. The plot revolves around a miracle drug that eradicates all disease, only for the scientist behind it to reveal its deadly side effect: it shortens the lifespan of everyone who uses it. To combat this impending crisis, the “Lazarus” task force is assembled. The anime promises a unique blend of action and music, with fight choreography designed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski and a soundtrack composed by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo. This series is poised to be a masterpiece of storytelling and aesthetics.

Yaiba: Samurai Legend

The revival of beloved classics continues with Yaiba: Samurai Legend, an adaptation of Gosho Aoyama’s manga. Directed by Takahiro Hasui (Mob Psycho 100 Season 3) and animated by Wit Studio (Attack on Titan, Spy x Family), this series chronicles the journey of Yaiba, a young samurai on a quest to defeat his rival, who has been transformed into a demon after obtaining a cursed sword. With a combination of nostalgic charm and modern animation techniques, this remake is sure to captivate both long-time fans and new audiences.