2025’s Highest-Rated Anime: The Top 10 Series Fans Loved Most

There’s no denying it—2025 was an exceptional year for anime. The industry delivered success on every front, from blockbuster films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc dominating the global box office to non-Japanese productions breaking into the mainstream and earning widespread acclaim.

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back at the anime that resonated most strongly with audiences. Based on MyAnimeList user ratings, here are the 10 highest-rated anime of 2025, ranked from best to worst. Notably, while Solo Leveling Season 2 once held a spot in the top ten, it was ultimately pushed out by a late Fall 2025 release.

1. Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc (Movie)

Score: 9.14

Serving as a direct sequel to the TV series, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc had enormous expectations riding on it—and it exceeded them in spectacular fashion. Despite a modest production budget, the film became a massive global success, earning over $175 million worldwide.

Narratively, the movie introduces Reze, a new romantic interest for Denji, whose presence adds emotional depth before revealing darker intentions tied to his Chainsaw heart. Balancing romance, absurd comedy, brutal action, and explosive set pieces, the film perfectly captures Tatsuki Fujimoto’s chaotic storytelling style. It stands as one of the most impactful anime films of the decade.

2. Kingdom Season 6

Score: 9.04

Kingdom has always delivered epic warfare and political drama, but Season 6 elevated the series to new heights. The battles feel larger in scale, the emotional stakes are heavier, and Xin’s journey has never been more rewarding to watch.

Seeing a former servant rise to the rank of general is both inspiring and satisfying, and Season 6 cements Xin as one of anime’s most compelling long-term protagonists. The only downside? The season raised expectations so high that fans are already demanding a swift continuation.

3. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

Score: 8.91

Already beloved for its clever writing and intrigue, The Apothecary Diaries became even stronger in its second season. The series doubled down on mystery, introducing complex merchant conspiracies while deepening its political tension.

Season 2 was also a major win for fans invested in Maomao and Jinshi’s relationship. With long-held secrets finally revealed, their dynamic evolved in meaningful ways, adding emotional payoff to an already gripping narrative.

4. My Hero Academia Season 8 (Final Season)

Score: 8.80

While not the franchise’s strongest arc overall, My Hero Academia’s final season delivered a satisfying and emotional conclusion. Deku’s long journey—from Quirkless dreamer to the hero who defeats both Shigaraki and All For One—came full circle in a way that felt earned.

The finale, in particular, left fans emotional. Even after losing One For All, Deku’s desire to remain a hero endured, made possible through the support of Class 1-A and All Might. With an OVA still on the way, fans haven’t quite said goodbye yet.

5. Takopi’s Original Sin

Score: 8.78

Despite its short six-episode runtime, Takopi’s Original Sin left a profound impact. What begins as a seemingly innocent story about an alien trying to make a lonely girl smile quickly spirals into a devastating exploration of bullying, neglect, and emotional trauma.

Rather than presenting a single villain, the anime exposes how adult irresponsibility and systemic failure shape children’s suffering. Takopi’s struggle to understand human pain gives the series its emotional weight, making it one of 2025’s most haunting and memorable anime.

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6. To Be Hero X

Score: 8.72

Produced by BeDream, To Be Hero X surprised many by taking over One Piece’s broadcast slot on Fuji TV. Despite initial skepticism, the Chinese-produced anime quickly won fans over.

Its bold animation style, multi-hero narrative, and interactive storytelling elements set it apart. A fan-voted popularity poll even influenced future story developments, creating a rare level of audience engagement. The result was one of the most unique anime experiences of the year.

7. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Akaza Returns (Movie)

Score: 8.70

Becoming the highest-grossing anime movie of all time, Akaza Returns earned over $750 million worldwide, surpassing several major Hollywood releases. Its success cemented anime’s place as true mainstream entertainment.

While the film’s story may be the weakest of the planned trilogy, its stunning visuals and emotional intensity ensured its dominance. With stronger arcs still to come, future installments may achieve even greater acclaim.

8. Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2

Score: 8.69

Climbing the rankings late in the year, Cinderella Gray Part 2 pushed Solo Leveling Season 2 out of the top ten. While the first part was enjoyable, the second cour added greater emotional depth and narrative tension.

By focusing on the rivalry between Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross, the series made its races more dramatic and personal than ever before, solidifying its place among 2025’s standout anime.

9. Lord of Mysteries

Score: 8.64

Another Chinese production, Lord of Mysteries had high expectations due to its popular source material. Unfortunately, early production issues—particularly rushed pacing and dense exposition—made the opening episodes difficult for newcomers to follow.

Despite this, the anime’s distinctive storytelling, striking art style, and atmospheric world-building still set it apart. While it didn’t fully reach its potential, it remains one of the more ambitious and visually compelling series of the year.

10. Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity

Score: 8.61

Rounding out the list is Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, a gentle romance that sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers criticized its familiar, Romeo and Juliet-like setup and repetitive dialogue, while others embraced its warmth.

What ultimately won fans over was the series’ comforting tone and CloverWorks’ high-quality animation. While not groundbreaking, it delivered a soothing, heartfelt experience that resonated with many viewers.

Final Thoughts

From emotionally devastating dramas to explosive action blockbusters, 2025 showcased anime at its most diverse and ambitious. Whether through box office dominance or critical acclaim, these ten series defined the year—and set a high bar for what’s to come in 2026.