The stacked season has already produced some gems.
The current Summer 2025 anime season is in full swing, with multiple hyped titles for fans to enjoy. From returning shows to new ones, these titles haven’t let us down yet. Although it’s hard to choose the best ones from so many great shows, we have done our best to give you our first impression of the 10 best series of the season. So if you haven’t started watching them yet, now’s the time to do it!
10. Ruri Rocks
Ruri Rocks aka Ruri no Houseki, based on Keiichirō Shibuya’s manga, was one of the underdog titles of the season but exceeded all expectations. It focuses on a high school girl named Ruri, who is obsessed with shiny crystals and jewellery. One day, she meets college student Nagi, who is studying Mineralogy. Together, the girls take on several adventures around Japan to find different rocks and gems.
Although there’s not much depth or pacing to the plot, Ruri Rocks wins your heart with its beauty and knowledge. Nagi’s easy lessons about different rock formations will engage you while Ruri’s childlike joy at finding beautiful rocks enamours you. Thanks to the gorgeous animation and endearing characters, the series has become a surprise fan favourite.
9. Tougen Anki
If you love action anime, then you likely have been waiting for the anime adaptation of Yura Urashibara’s Tougen Anki manga. The series puts a twist on an ages-old tale of Momotarō vs. Oni. The descendants of Momotarō are still hunting for the descendants of demons aka Oni. When our bratty teenage protagonist Shiki learns of his Oni identity after a Momotarō tries to kill him, it’s too late and he loses his adoptive father (who is also a former Momotarō).
The anime began with a shockingly heartwrenching episode, pulling in the audience with a tale of grief. Soon, it fell into the mold of a typical shonen with the protagonist training at an Oni academy to get stronger and exact his revenge. However, that doesn’t mean the series isn’t entertaining. With amazing action sequences that perfectly blends traditional animation with CGI and characters that easily grow on you, the show is only getting more fun with each episode.
8. With You and the Rain
This anime season has something for everyone and that’s true for slice-of-life lovers as well. Based on Ko Nikaido’s manga series, With You and the Rain (Ame to Kimi to), is a heartwarming tale of a girl who finds an abandoned animal and takes it home. Although it looks like a tanuki, the anime behaves like a dog…and can even write on paper? Fuji’s new pet is nothing but a wonder no matter what he is.
The series feels a bit absurd when you start watching it, but you are soon pulled into a serene plot that highlights the journey of Fuji and her new friend Kimi. The way everyone reacts to Kimi is hilarious yet heartwarming. The show is adorable, wholesome, and the perfect treat after a long week of school/work.
7. My Dress-Up Darling Season 2
Despite being a romance anime, My Dress-up Darling was one of the most-awaited shows of the season and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. The story of Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo continues with renewed vigor and loads of new cosplays. This time, the romance is even more profound between the two protagonists and the sweet moments between them have been extremely fulfilling for the fans.
There is nothing new to say about the anime adaptation of Shinichi Fukuda’s manga. Marin is still a ray of sunshine and her crush on Gojo is adorable. On the other hand, our awkward male protagonist is slowly coming out of his cocoon and being integrated into the world of cosplay. His exceptional talent of creating beautiful costumes is growing with him and outfits this season have been breathtaking so far. If you still haven’t gotten around to watch My Dress-up Darling, then now’s your chance!
6. Secrets of the Silent Witch
This anime immediately caught the attention of thousands of fans because of its adorable protagonist, who suffers from severe social anxiety. Based on Matsuri Isora’s novel series, the story focuses on Monica Everett, a genius witch who is the only one in the world able to perform chantless magic. But she only came up with this magic due to her inability to utter words in public. What happens when this young loner is put in a school to protect the Second Prince of the country? Chaos.
Monica might remind you of characters like Hitori Goto from Bocchi the Rock! or Komi from Komi Can’t Communicate. Although she shares their social anxiety, Monica also has her own charms. She fights through her own shortcomings to help others when they need it. Despite being scared, she speaks up for those she cares about, making her a lovable character that you can’t help but cheer on. The mystery and intrigue the series has woven into its plot, paired with some stunning animation makes it a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series.
5. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
Another highly anticipated series of the season is The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku), based on the manga by Saka Mikami. If you are a fan of sweet and calm romances, then this adorable love story between two teenagers will be right up your alley. Despite belonging to two schools that hate each other, Kaoruko and Rintaro have become friends. But as they start meeting more often, their classmates grow suspicious.
The series is a perfect mixture of romance, friendship, and a hint of teenage drama. Even though it has just started, the chemistry between Rintaro and Kaoruko has made people fall head over heels for them. Their friends also have some amazing character development ahead of them to look forward to. Thanks to the clean animation, soothing storyline, and an adorable main couple, the series is a treat for all shojo lovers out here.
4. Gachiakuta
Taking a sharp turn away from the calm and gentle nature of the last title, we land on Gachiakuta, adapted from Kei Urana’s famed manga. The dark, dystopian, supernatural action series centres around Rudo, who is thrown off the Sphere into The Pit after being wrongfully accused of killing his adoptive father. Instead of death, Rudo finds a way to get revenge in the Pit when he meets Enjin, and learns how his gloves are a powerful weapon known as a vital instrument.
Dangerous monsters, powerful enemies, and a unique art style with incredible character designs--you can find all of that in Gachiakuta. The action in this anime has been breathtaking so far, and I loved seeing everyone’s Vital Instruments and what they can do. The plot is only going to thicken from this point onward as Rudo meets enemies who aren’t monsters, but humans and vital instrument users just like him. If you are a fan of dark shonen stories, then Gachiakuta should be on your watchlist.
3. Lord of Mysteries
Despite being a Chinese Donghua, the Lord of Mysteries animated series has taken anime fans by storm. The Isekai story focuses on a man from China who reincarnates into another world as Klein. This world is designed after Victorian Era Europe and hides a complicated power system which can give humans abilities like Gods. With his newfound powers, Klein has to solve mysteries and find out a way to go back to his original world.
What catches your eye about Lord of Mysteries is its incredibly detailed and vibrant animation and art. However, what makes you stick with it is the complicated yet addictive storyline. It is likely that you will need to write down some notes or even read the original novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving. However, if stories like Omniscient Reader’s Viwepoint or even Solo Leveling are more up your alley, then you might want to join Klein on his incredibly complex and dangerous leveling up journey.
2. The Summer Hikaru Died
Every horror fan has been waiting for The Summer Hikaru Died (Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu) anime, based on Mokumokuren’s manga. The story focuses on Yoshiki and Hikaru, who live in a backwater town in Japan where mysterious occurences are always afoot. One day, Hikaru goes into the surrounding woods and goes missing. He comes back a week later, but Yoshiki realises that it’s not the real Hikaru and something sinister has taken over his body. However, due to his intense love for Hikaru, he doesn't tell anyone anything and continues to spend time with the creature.
The anime perfectly balances the emotional turmoil and the eldritch horror, which are both equally important parts of the story. The relationship between Yoshiki and the new Hikaru is bizarre yet heartwarming. On the other hand, the village elders trying to find the lost monster before it’s too late will fill you with cold dread. Thanks to the use of imagery and excellent voice performances, the series has become even more gripping. If you are a fan of boys love, horror, or both, then you need to watch this series ASAP.
1. Dandadan Season 2
The show every anime fan has been waiting for is back with a BANG! Dandadan Season 2 finally introduced Evil Eye, a yokai the manga readers have been waiting to see. In the second season, Momo and Okarun visit the sinister village where Jiji lives, but things go awry when they meet the vicious Kito family. A dangerous battle for survival breaks out when the group finds out how the Kitos have been allegedly keeping the village safe from volcanic eruption.
Much like the first season, the second season of Dandadan is filled to the brim with action, with some comedy and romance to keep the palate clean and refreshed. The first few episodes have intense battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will also catch glimpses of the awkward yet adorable romance brewing between Okarun and Momo, along with hilarious moments courtesy of their group. Overall, if you want to be excited, engaged, and entertained, then Dandadan Season 2 is the way to go!
