10 Best Anime of Winter 2025: Your Essential Watchlist

As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to curl up with some fantastic new anime. Winter 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible season, packed with highly anticipated adaptations, thrilling new series, and returning favorites that promise to dominate discussions. If you’re wondering which anime to watch in Winter 2025?, you’re in the right place. We’ve sifted through the buzz to bring you a definitive list of the best upcoming anime Winter 2025 has to offer. Get ready to update your watchlist!

1. Solo Leveling

After years of anticipation, the beloved webtoon Solo Leveling finally makes its explosive anime debut in Winter 2025. This adaptation promises to bring the dark fantasy world of Sung Jinwoo to life with breathtaking animation and intense action sequences.

For those unfamiliar, Solo Leveling follows Jinwoo, initially the weakest hunter in a world plagued by monsters and dungeons, who gains a mysterious ability to “level up” without limits. This transformation propels him into a journey of immense power, leading him to confront dark secrets and formidable foes. Expect stunning visuals and a captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is easily one of the most talked-about series and a strong contender for the best anime of Winter 2025.

2. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

Fans of intricate mysteries, historical settings, and brilliant female protagonists rejoice! The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is set to continue the compelling adventures of Maomao, a young apothecary working in the emperor’s inner palace. Known for her sharp wit, keen observation skills, and encyclopedic knowledge of poisons and medicine, Maomao often finds herself unraveling complex intrigues and suspicious incidents.

The first season captivated audiences with its blend of medical mystery, palace politics, and subtle character development. Season 2 promises more fascinating cases, deeper dives into the palace’s secrets, and further exploration of Maomao’s unique background. If you’re looking for a meticulously crafted narrative, this is which anime to watch in Winter 2025.

3. Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga

The highly anticipated return of Blue Exorcist with its Shimane Illuminati Saga is a major highlight for Winter 2025. This new arc dives deep into the heart of the Illuminati, a mysterious organization that poses a significant threat to both humans and demons. Rin Okumura and his fellow exorcists will face new challenges, uncover dark conspiracies, and confront personal demons (both literal and metaphorical). Fans have long awaited this continuation, and expectations are high for dynamic action, character development, and a storyline that pushes the boundaries of the series’ established lore. Prepare for a thrilling ride as the fight against demonic forces intensifies.

4. Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2

Get ready for more magical mayhem and muscle-bound comedy with Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2. This unique shōnen series perfectly blends the whimsical world of magic with the sheer absurdity of brute force. Mash Burnedead, a young man born without magical abilities in a world where magic is everything, enrolls in a prestigious magic academy. His secret? He overcomes every magical obstacle with extraordinary physical strength.

Season 2 is expected to continue Mash’s hilarious and action-packed journey as he punches his way through exams, rivals, and increasingly powerful foes, all while trying to keep his lack of magic a secret. It’s a guaranteed dose of laughter and surprisingly epic fight scenes, making it a must-watch among the best anime of Winter 2025.

5. Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon)

Foodies and fantasy enthusiasts, rejoice! Dungeon Meshi, also known as Delicious in Dungeon, is an upcoming anime that combines gastronomic adventures with perilous dungeon crawling. The story follows a group of adventurers who, after a dragon devours their sister, decide to brave a dangerous dungeon. But to save money and survive, they opt to eat the monsters they encounter along the way. This series offers a refreshingly quirky take on the fantasy genre, filled with creative monster recipes, humorous character interactions, and surprisingly well-thought-out world-building. Expect a unique visual style and plenty of scenes that will make your stomach rumble. If you’re searching for which anime to watch in Winter 2025 that’s truly distinct, Dungeon Meshi is it.

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6. Kingdom Season 5

For fans of epic historical warfare and strategic brilliance, Kingdom Season 5 continues the grand narrative of Li Xin and his relentless pursuit of unifying China under a single king. Based on the acclaimed manga, Kingdom is renowned for its massive-scale battles, intricate military tactics, and compelling character arcs.

Season 5 will likely delve deeper into the political machinations and brutal conflicts that defined the Warring States period, showcasing Xin’s growth as a general and the determination of the Qin army. If you appreciate historical epics filled with ambition, courage, and intense combat, then this return is definitely among the best upcoming anime Winter 2025.

7. My Unique Skill Makes Me OP Even at Level 1

Stepping into the popular Isekai genre, My Unique Skill Makes Me OP Even at Level 1 promises a lighthearted and entertaining adventure. The story follows Ryota Sato, an ordinary office worker who is transported to a fantasy world where everything, from his stats to his loot drops, resets to Level 1. However, he quickly discovers a unique cheat ability: he can produce rare, overpowered drops from any monster, regardless of its strength. This premise sets the stage for a comedic and action-packed journey as Ryota navigates this new world with his unconventional power. Expect a fun, low-stakes watch perfect for unwinding.

8. The Demon Prince of Momochi House

If you’re a fan of supernatural romance with a touch of mystery and folklore, The Demon Prince of Momochi House should be on your radar for Winter 2025. The story centers on Himari Momochi, an orphan who inherits an old house believed to be a gateway between the human and spirit worlds. Upon moving in, she discovers it’s inhabited by handsome spirits and a mysterious, powerful “demon prince” named Aoi. As Himari learns about her new home and its otherworldly residents, she becomes entangled in their ancient duties and complex relationships. This series promises beautiful art, intriguing mythology, and a heartwarming, magical tale.

9. Gushing Over Magical Girls

For those who enjoy a darker, more unconventional take on the magical girl genre, Gushing Over Magical Girls offers a unique and comedic twist. The series follows Hiiragi Utena, a high school girl who secretly adores magical girls. Her dream turns into a bizarre reality when she encounters a mysterious mascot character who transforms her, not into a magical girl, but into a villainous leader of an evil organization! Now, Utena must secretly battle her beloved magical girls, leading to hilarious and often risqué scenarios. This anime promises to subvert expectations and deliver a fresh, edgy comedic experience that’s perfect for a mature audience looking for something different.

10. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp

Fans of reincarnation and medical dramas will find much to love in Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp. The story follows Elise de Clorance, a spoiled empress who is executed for her misdeeds. In her second life, she dedicates herself to saving lives as a brilliant surgeon named Aoi Takamoto, trying to atone for her past. When a plane crash sends her back to her original fantasy world for a third life, she retains her medical knowledge and aims to use it to prevent the tragic mistakes of her first life and become a doctor. This series promises a blend of historical intrigue, medical innovation, and a strong female protagonist determined to carve out her own destiny.

Don’t Miss Out on the Best Anime of Winter 2025!

Winter 2025 is truly shaping up to be an unforgettable season for anime fans. From the explosive action of Solo Leveling and Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga to the charming mysteries of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 and the unique humor of Dungeon Meshi, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re a veteran otaku or a newcomer exploring which anime to watch in Winter 2025, this lineup offers a fantastic starting point. Make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for a season filled with captivating stories, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters.