Best Anime Shows to Watch in 2025 – Top 25 Picks for Every Fan
Anime has grown far beyond being just a Japanese art form; it’s now a global cultural phenomenon. From Netflix investing billions into anime production to Crunchyroll dominating the streaming market, millions of fans around the world tune in every day to watch their favorite shows. But with thousands of anime titles available, both classics and new releases, the big question remains: which anime shows are truly worth your time in 2025?
That’s where this curated list comes in. We’ve researched, compared, and analyzed community ratings, popularity trends, and critical acclaim to bring you 25 of the best anime shows that you should watch (or re-watch) in 2025 on The Anime Witcher APK
This list is a mix of:
- Timeless classics that defined generations (Cowboy Bebop, Death Note).
- Modern masterpieces with global fanbases (Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer).
- New hits and ongoing anime that are making waves in 2025 (Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2).
Each entry includes:
A spoiler-free plot summary.
Why it’s considered one of the best anime shows.
Where you can watch it legally.
Ratings (IMDb / MyAnimeList).
Who should watch it (beginners, shonen lovers, drama fans, etc.).
So, grab your watchlist—here are the top 25 anime shows in 2025 that you absolutely cannot miss.
Top 25 Best Anime Shows
1. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Drama
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
- Rating: 9.0/10 IMDb | 8.7/10 MyAnimeList
Attack on Titan is more than just an anime—it’s a cultural event. The story starts with humanity trapped inside massive walls, fighting for survival against monstrous Titans. But as the plot evolves, it explores themes of freedom, morality, and human nature in a war-torn world.
The animation, especially in the later seasons by MAPPA, is breathtaking, and the soundtrack has become iconic. With shocking twists and a deeply layered narrative, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves complex storytelling.
Who should watch: Perfect for fans of epic sagas, dark themes, and thrilling action sequences.
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Rating: 8.6/10 IMDb | 8.5/10 MyAnimeList
Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. With his sister Nezuko transformed into a demon, he sets out on a journey to restore her humanity.
This anime is praised for its jaw-dropping animation by Ufotable, especially the fight sequences that feel cinematic. The emotional depth and sibling bond give it heart, making it resonate with audiences worldwide.
Who should watch: If you’re into visually stunning battles and heartfelt stories, this is a must.
3. Death Note (2006–2007)
- Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Psychological
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Rating: 9.0/10 IMDb | 8.6/10 MyAnimeList
Death Note is the ultimate mind-game anime. It tells the story of Light Yagami, a genius student who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name. What follows is a cat-and-mouse battle of intellect between Light and the mysterious detective L.
The tension, psychological depth, and moral questions make this one of the best anime shows of all time.
Who should watch: Perfect for thriller fans and those who enjoy psychological battles.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Dark Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Rating: 8.7/10 IMDb | 8.7/10 MyAnimeList
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who becomes host to a cursed spirit after swallowing a dangerous object. From there, he enters the world of Jujutsu sorcerers, battling curses and uncovering dark truths.
With crisp animation by MAPPA, incredible fight choreography, and lovable characters like Gojo Satoru, this series has skyrocketed in popularity. Its second season in 2023 cemented it as a modern classic.
Who should watch: Action lovers, shonen fans, and those looking for a darker take on magic battles.
5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Rating: 9.1/10 IMDb | 9.1/10 MyAnimeList
Widely regarded as one of the greatest anime ever made, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their journey to restore their bodies after a forbidden alchemy ritual goes wrong.
The show blends action, philosophy, political intrigue, and emotional storytelling flawlessly. It’s one of the few anime that maintains high quality from beginning to end.
Who should watch: Anyone who wants a complete story with zero filler and deep world-building.
6. My Hero Academia (2016–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Superhero, Shonen
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Rating: 8.3/10 IMDb | 7.9/10 MyAnimeList
In a world where nearly everyone has superpowers (“Quirks”), My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a powerless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. When he inherits the legendary Quirk “One For All,” his journey to becoming the world’s greatest hero begins.
The anime mixes Western superhero influences with Japanese shonen storytelling, making it a fan favorite worldwide.
Who should watch: Fans of superhero stories, Marvel/DC lovers looking for anime alternatives.
7. One Punch Man (2015–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: 8.7/10 IMDb | 8.5/10 MyAnimeList
Saitama, a bald hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, lives a life of boredom because no battle challenges him. While it sounds comedic, One Punch Man cleverly mixes humor with high-stakes action.
Its first season, animated by Madhouse, is considered one of the most visually stunning anime ever. The satire of superhero tropes makes it unique.
Who should watch: Perfect for those who want both epic action and hilarious comedy.
8. Cowboy Bebop (1998)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Neo-Noir
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
- Rating: 8.9/10 IMDb | 8.9/10 MyAnimeList
A legendary classic, Cowboy Bebop is set in the year 2071 and follows bounty hunters traveling across the galaxy. With its stylish mix of jazz music, noir themes, and episodic storytelling, it’s often described as the “gateway anime” for beginners.
It’s not just entertaining; it’s art. The show balances action, melancholy, and philosophy, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
Who should watch: Beginners and fans of sci-fi with deep, stylish storytelling.
9. Chainsaw Man (2022–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Horror, Dark Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Rating: 8.5/10 IMDb | 8.6/10 MyAnimeList
Denji, a poor young man with a pet devil-dog, fuses with his chainsaw demon and becomes “Chainsaw Man.” What sounds wild is actually one of the most hyped anime in recent years.
The anime is brutal, violent, and unapologetically dark. It combines action with emotional moments, making it one of the best anime shows for mature audiences.
Who should watch: Fans of edgy, violent, and unconventional shonen stories.
10. Steins;Gate (2011)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
- Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: 8.8/10 IMDb | 9.0/10 MyAnimeList
A masterpiece of sci-fi storytelling, Steins;Gate follows a group of friends who accidentally discover time travel. But their experiments spiral into dangerous consequences, creating one of the most intense and emotional anime experiences ever.
With a slow-burn start that builds into mind-bending twists, it’s perfect for fans of intelligent narratives.
Who should watch: Sci-fi lovers, fans of time-travel stories, and anyone who enjoyed Dark on Netflix.
11. One Piece (1999–ongoing)
- Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation
- Rating: 8.9/10 IMDb | 8.7/10 MyAnimeList
One Piece is more than just an anime; it’s a legacy. With over 1000 episodes, it follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in search of the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece.”
Despite its length, it remains incredibly consistent in storytelling, world-building, and emotional depth. Its live-action adaptation by Netflix in 2023 brought renewed attention, making it a global hit again.
Who should watch: Perfect for fans of epic adventures, friendship-driven narratives, and long-term commitment.
12. Naruto + Naruto: Shippuden (2002–2017)
- Genre: Action, Shonen, Ninja Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Rating: 8.7/10 IMDb | 8.3/10 MyAnimeList
Naruto’s story of an outcast ninja striving to become Hokage has inspired millions. The sequel, Naruto Shippuden, dives deeper into darker, more emotional storylines, becoming a cornerstone of shonen anime.
From epic battles to heartfelt friendships, Naruto balances action and character development. Yes, it has fillers, but the main story is unforgettable.
Who should watch: Shonen anime lovers, action fans, and anyone who loves stories of perseverance.
13. Bleach (2004–2012, 2022–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Shonen
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Disney+ (Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War)
- Rating: 8.2/10 IMDb | 7.9/10 MyAnimeList
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally becomes a Soul Reaper tasked with guiding souls and battling Hollows. The original run ended abruptly in 2012, but in 2022, it returned with Thousand-Year Blood War Arc—a beautifully animated continuation.
The return has reignited its popularity, placing Bleach back into the top shonen anime rankings.
Who should watch: Fans of action-packed supernatural anime with big battles and stylish characters.
14. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
- Genre: Mecha, Psychological, Sci-Fi
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 8.5/10 IMDb | 8.3/10 MyAnimeList
A groundbreaking anime, Evangelion isn’t just about giant robots fighting monsters. It’s a deep, psychological exploration of depression, identity, and humanity’s survival. The complex symbolism and emotional storytelling make it one of the most studied anime of all time.
The Netflix re-release and the Rebuild of Evangelion movies brought it back to modern audiences.
Who should watch: Fans of deep, emotional, and philosophical anime with sci-fi elements.
15. Hunter x Hunter (2011–2014, hiatus)
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Rating: 9.0/10 IMDb | 9.0/10 MyAnimeList
This anime follows Gon Freecss, a boy who dreams of becoming a Hunter like his father. While it starts as a lighthearted adventure, Hunter x Hunter evolves into one of the darkest and most complex shonen anime ever.
The Chimera Ant Arc is considered one of the greatest story arcs in anime history.
Who should watch: Anyone who wants a mix of friendship, adventure, and serious mature storytelling.
16. Tokyo Ghoul (2014–2018)
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Drama
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Rating: 7.8/10 IMDb | 7.6/10 MyAnimeList
Kaneki Ken, a normal college student, becomes half-ghoul after a life-threatening encounter. He now struggles between the human and ghoul worlds while battling his inner darkness.
While fans argue about the adaptation’s pacing, Tokyo Ghoul remains one of the most iconic dark fantasy anime with unforgettable characters and themes.
Who should watch: Horror lovers, dark-fantasy fans, and those who enjoy morally gray protagonists.
17. Solo Leveling (2024–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Rating: 8.5/10 IMDb | 8.3/10 MyAnimeList
Based on the wildly popular Korean webtoon, Solo Leveling took the anime world by storm in 2024. It follows Sung Jin-Woo, a weak hunter who gains the ability to “level up” infinitely, transforming into the world’s strongest hunter.
The anime adaptation delivers stunning visuals, keeping fans hooked as Jin-Woo’s journey unfolds.
Who should watch: Perfect for fans of power fantasy, gaming-style leveling systems, and modern shonen.
18. Black Clover (2017–2021, Movie 2023)
- Genre: Action, Magic, Shonen
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Rating: 8.3/10 IMDb | 8.1/10 MyAnimeList
Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magic is everything, dreams of becoming the Wizard King. His sheer determination and rivalry with Yuno drive the story.
Though it had a slow start, Black Clover grew into a fan-favorite with incredible battles and emotional payoffs. The 2023 movie Sword of the Wizard King reignited hype for the series.
Who should watch: Shonen fans who love underdog stories with big magical battles.
19. Sword Art Online (2012–2020, multiple seasons)
- Genre: Isekai, Adventure, Romance
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Rating: 7.5/10 IMDb | 7.2/10 MyAnimeList
Sword Art Online popularized the isekai (trapped-in-another-world) trend. It follows Kirito and Asuna, trapped in a VR MMORPG where death in-game means death in real life.
Though divisive, it shaped modern anime and still has a passionate fanbase. With new movies and spin-offs, SAO remains a key anime franchise.
Who should watch: Isekai lovers, gamers, and those who enjoy action-romance anime.
20. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006–2008)
- Genre: Mecha, Strategy, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix
- Rating: 8.6/10 IMDb | 8.7/10 MyAnimeList
This anime blends mecha battles with political intrigue. Lelouch, a brilliant outcast prince, gains the power of “Geass” which allows him to control others. Using this ability, he leads a rebellion against a powerful empire.
The mix of strategy, betrayal, and shocking plot twists makes it unforgettable. Its ending is considered one of the best in anime history.
Who should watch: Fans of strategy, politics, and morally complex protagonists.
21. Fairy Tail (2009–2019)
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Comedy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: 8.0/10 IMDb | 7.6/10 MyAnimeList
Fairy Tail is the story of Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia, and their magical guild. The anime thrives on teamwork, friendship, and over-the-top magical battles. Its humor and emotional arcs balance well, making it one of the most beloved shonen anime worldwide.
Who should watch: Fans of fun, lighthearted adventures with plenty of comedy and strong friendship themes.
22. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Historical
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- Rating: 8.7/10 IMDb | 8.6/10 MyAnimeList
Tanjiro Kamado’s quest to save his demon-turned sister, Nezuko, captured the hearts of millions. The anime is famous for its breathtaking animation by Ufotable, especially the Mugen Train movie which broke Japanese box office records.
The Swordsmith Village Arc (2023) and upcoming arcs ensure Demon Slayer stays one of the hottest anime of 2025.
Who should watch: Viewers who love stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and high-intensity battles.
23. Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–ongoing)
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Action
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Rating: 8.6/10 IMDb | 8.7/10 MyAnimeList
With its stylish fight choreography and cursed energy system, Jujutsu Kaisen quickly became a modern classic. Yuji Itadori’s journey, alongside Gojo and Megumi, delivers both heartfelt and bone-chilling moments.
The Shibuya Incident Arc (2023) left fans speechless with its dark twists, making it one of the most talked-about anime in recent years.
Who should watch: Fans of dark shonen with epic fights and high emotional stakes.
24. Death Note (2006–2007)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: 9.0/10 IMDb | 8.6/10 MyAnimeList
Death Note follows Light Yagami, who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. His cat-and-mouse game with the genius detective L is one of anime’s most iconic rivalries.
Even though it’s short (37 episodes), its impact on anime culture is massive. It’s often the first anime people recommend to newcomers.
Who should watch: Anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers, mystery, and morally complex storytelling.
25. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Rating: 9.1/10 IMDb | 8.9/10 MyAnimeList
One of the greatest anime of all time, Attack on Titan starts with humanity fighting monstrous titans but evolves into a complex story of politics, revenge, and freedom.
The final season concluded in 2023, leaving behind one of the most ambitious and unforgettable anime stories ever told.
Who should watch: Anyone who wants to experience one of the most epic, thought-provoking anime in history.
Bonus Pick: The Witcher – Nightmare of the Wolf (2021)
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 7.2/10 IMDb | 7.1/10 MyAnimeList
While technically a Western production, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf is animated in classic anime style by Studio Mir. The movie explores the backstory of Vesemir, Geralt’s mentor, long before the events of the main Witcher series. With stunning visuals, fast-paced sword fights, and mature storytelling, it feels very much like a Japanese dark fantasy anime.
Why mention it here? Because in 2025, many fans searching for the anime Witcher are discovering this film on Netflix. It’s the perfect bridge for Western fantasy fans curious about anime, making it an honorable mention alongside our list of Japanese anime classics.
Conclusion: What Makes These the Best Anime Shows in 2025?
From classics like Naruto, Death Note, and One Piece to modern hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling, this list balances nostalgic favorites with new-gen masterpieces.
In 2025, anime isn’t just entertainment—it’s global pop culture. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu ensure easy access worldwide, while adaptations, movies, and reboots keep the excitement alive.
If you’re a newcomer, start with Death Note or Demon Slayer. If you’re ready for a long ride, dive into One Piece or Naruto. And if you want cutting-edge modern anime, Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling are must-watch.
FAQs About the Best Anime Shows in 2025
1. Which anime is No. 1 in 2025?
While it depends on taste, globally Attack on Titan, One Piece, and Jujutsu Kaisen dominate in popularity.
2. What’s the best anime for beginners?
Death Note, Demon Slayer, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are great starting points because they’re shorter and easy to follow.
3. What anime should I watch after Naruto?
Try Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, or Black Clover if you want more shonen adventures.
4. Which is better: One Piece or Naruto?
Both are legendary, but One Piece is ongoing with deeper world-building, while Naruto is complete and more emotionally straightforward.
5. Are newer anime better than old classics?
Not necessarily. Classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Death Note remain timeless, while modern anime like Jujutsu Kaisen push animation and action to new heights.