2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for anime, with a blend of captivating original series and the return of beloved shows. Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe is making his comeback with a new series, and he’s joined by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for FLCL, and Hiroyuki Imaishi, renowned for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Gurren Lagann, who are also debuting new projects. While this list highlights the ten titles we’re most excited about, there are so many other shows launching in January alone that we couldn’t fit them all in—such as the second season of the unexpectedly heartwarming My Happy Marriage and the adaptation of the popular Shonen Jump series Sakamoto Days. Following an impressive year for anime in 2024, here’s what we are eagerly anticipating in the months ahead.
Sorairo Utility (January 3)
Although it’s tough for anything to match the high-energy excitement of Birdie Wing, the new golf anime Sorairo Utility takes a much more laid-back approach to the sport. Based on a charming 2021 short film (available on Crunchyroll), the series follows Minami, a high schooler who discovers golf while feeling down about not having anything she’s truly good at. Directed by Kengo Saitō (who also helmed the short film), this one promises a feel-good vibe.
The Apothecary Diaries, season two (January 10)
If you loved the first season of The Apothecary Diaries (which made our Best Anime of 2024 list), we have got great news: there’s more on the way, and you won’t have to wait long. The medical mystery and historical drama returns in early January with the start of its new season, promising even more intrigue within the Imperial Palace. For those who aren’t familiar: The Apothecary Diaries, adapted by director Akinori Fudesaka and writer Norihiro Naganuma from the novel series of the same name, follows MaoMao, an apothecary-turned-servant in a royal palace who attends to the emperor’s concubines. Her knowledge of medicine and poisons leads her to take on the role of a forensic investigator, uncovering secrets and solving mysteries within the royal court.
April
Fire Force Season Three
Fire Force takes the saying “fighting fire with fire” quite literally, offering a fantasy world where a special fire brigade battles “infernals”—humans who spontaneously combust into near-demonic beings. The members of Special Fire Force Company 8 each have their own pyrokinetic abilities, and with explosive sound design and vibrant visual effects, the action is as intense as it is eye-catching. Set in the “Tokyo Empire,” the series features a tense atmosphere with a shadowy government and competing religious factions vying for control. Produced by David Production (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure), director Tatsuma Minamikawa returns for the final season, which will be split into two parts, airing throughout 2025 and 2026.
Yaiba: Samurai Legend
It’s a great time for remakes. Recently, a new adaptation of Ranma 1/2 has wonderfully captured the charm of the original manga, and another take on The Rose of Versailles is also on the horizon. Adding to this growing list is a new adaptation of Yaiba, created by Gosho Aoyama (known for Case Closed). Directed by Takahiro Hasui (Mob Psycho 100 season three), this version features Minami Takayama reprising her role as the young samurai lead, who sets out on a journey to defeat his rival, now transformed into a demon after claiming an evil sword. The series is animated by Wit Studio (Attack on Titan, Spy x Family).
TBA 2025
CITY: The Animation
The 2011 anime adaptation of Keiichi Arawi’s Nichijou is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime comedies ever created—a surreal blend of vignettes that turn the everyday lives of a group of high school girls (and one robot who dreams of being a high school girl) into complete chaos. While the demand for a second season was never fulfilled, the announcement of an adaptation of CITY by the same studio, Kyoto Animation, is the next best thing. A spiritual successor to Nichijou, CITY (directed by Taichi Ishidate, who also worked on the original series) brings a similar style of humor to a slightly older cast. The story centers on Midori, a college student whose search for stable income leads to plenty of mayhem along the way.
Lazarus
Shinichiro Watanabe’s anime works are famous for their broad appeal, with his iconic series Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo often recommended as gateways into anime. His upcoming original series, Lazarus, offers even more reasons for newcomers to tune in, featuring action choreography by John Wick director Chad Stahelski and a soundtrack from a powerhouse trio of musicians: Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo. Set in the year 2052, the series revolves around a miracle drug that has eradicated all disease. However, three years after it’s become part of everyday life, the scientist who developed it reveals that the drug has actually shortened the lifespans of everyone who has taken it, and their deaths are now imminent. In response, a task force called “Lazarus” is formed to find a cure for the cure-all drug.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Like a space colony crashing to Earth, some of the biggest anime news for 2025 landed with an explosive impact. Last month, Sunrise announced a new Mobile Suit Gundam series, backed by an extraordinary roster of talent (or, if you prefer, an all-star team in the cockpit). We’re all still trying to figure out how to pronounce the title, though.
GQuuuuuuX is being co-produced with Hideaki Anno’s Studio Khara, with the Evangelion creator himself writing the scripts, alongside co-writer Yoji Enokido (Revolutionary Girl Utena, FLCL, Neon Genesis Evangelion) handling the series composition. Directing the show is Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Gunbuster 2: Diebuster, The End of Evangelion), while mechanical design duties are in the hands of Ikuto Yamashita (Evangelion, once again).
With such an insane lineup of talent, the show is set in a space colony and revolves around an underground mech-fighting league called “Clan Battle.” The story follows Amate Yuzuriha, a high schooler who gets pulled into this world after meeting Nyaan (yes, “meow”). A preview film, made up of the first few episodes, was released in Japan in January, but as of now, the official release date for the full series has yet to be confirmed.
New Panty & Stocking With Garterbelt
The bold and highly stylized anime directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi are some of the most instantly recognizable in the industry, with Panty & Stocking With Garterbelt taking those visuals to an exaggerated, cartoonish extreme. Known for its raunchy, parodic takes on everything—from Transformers to beyond—the recently announced sequel, New Panty and Stocking With Garterbelt, aims to pick up where the original left off 15 years ago, with many of the original staff returning. The series follows the misadventures of the “Anarchy sisters,” Panty and Stocking (and other characters named after lingerie), two angels who’ve been banished from heaven to Daten City, a kind of limbo. There, they fight to regain their former status, naturally using the power to transform their underwear into weapons.
The Summer Hikaru Died
In The Summer Hikaru Died, a close friendship takes a dark, Lovecraftian turn, based on the manga of the same name. Teenager Yoshiki discovers that his friend Hikaru, who died during a mountain hike, has been replaced by a strange, otherworldly entity. Directed by Ryohei Takeshita (also behind the acclaimed Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night), the series is produced by Cygames Pictures, the studio responsible for one of 2024’s standout anime, Brave Bang Bravern.
Witch Hat Atelier
Ayumu Watanabe has had a busy year: last year, he directed You Are Ms. Servant, and in 2022, he helmed Summertime Rendering (a fantastic series that deserved more attention, especially given its brief stint on Disney+). This year, Watanabe brings us Witch Hat Atelier, which may be his most prestigious adaptation yet, based on Kamome Shirahama’s stunning manga known for its beautiful artwork. The story follows Coco, a girl who dreams of using magic despite lacking the ability. Her life changes when she meets a traveling wizard named Qifrey, who introduces her to an alternate way of practicing magic to help her achieve her dream—but at a great cost. Produced by Bug Films (Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead), the series also features talented individuals like composer Yuka Kitamura, known for her work on Elden Ring and Bloodborne by From Software.
