Skip to content 
Another anime season has come and gone, and here I am again, sitting down to reflect on what I watched, what I missed, and what truly blew me away. Winter 2025 brought some exciting titles, surprising twists, and a lot of internal monologue about whether a boy should confess to a girl or not. Let’s break down this season into a tier list – from the “It’s Okay” shows to the “Absolutely Amazing” ones – so you can decide what to binge next. Let’s dive into the Top Anime of Winter 2025 list
But first, a quick disclaimer: I couldn’t catch everything. Some anime like Fire Force (continuation), The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2, My Happy Marriage, Shangri-La Frontier, Honey Lemon Soda, and I’m Getting Married to the Girl I Hate in My Class are either on my backlog or in progress. So they won’t appear on the Top Anime of Winter 2025 list.
Tier 3: “It’s Okay” – Worth a Watch, Not Mind-Blowing
For when you’re in the mood for something light, fun, and uncomplicated.
1. Sakamoto Days
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- Episodes: 11
- Why to Watch: Solid action, quirky premise
- Storyline: An ex-hitman turned family man gets pulled back into his old life, with chaotic consequences.
I wanted to place Sakamoto Days a little higher because the fight scenes were fire. There’s potential for this anime to become something bigger, but for now, it’s in the “OK” zone. The story feels like it’s setting up for something grand, and with Season 2 on the horizon (July 2025!), this might rise in the ranks soon. Visually though? Meh. Didn’t quite vibe with the animation style.
Tier 2: Pretty Good Stuff!
This section is bustling with solid anime. These are not perfect, but you’ll have a great time watching them.
2. Dragon Ball Daima
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 20
- Why to Watch: Nostalgia with a Twist
- Storyline: Classic Dragon Ball characters are turned into kids and go on an old-school adventure.
Let’s be real—watching Goku as a kid again, dealing with ridiculous situations, bathing banter, and monster fights? Peak comfort. The story isn’t deep, but the nostalgic kick and funny moments make it enjoyable. Definitely a culture-man-of-culture moment.
3. Doctor Stone
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Shounen
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 70
- Why to Watch: Smart characters, science made fun
- Storyline: In a post-apocalyptic world, humanity has been petrified. One genius boy uses science to rebuild civilization.
It’s shocking how consistently good Doctor Stone has been. It never goes crazy viral, but it never lets you down, either. If you’re into mental gymnastics, tug-of-war strategies, and subtle fan service (yeah, those random camera angles), this is a smart, feel-good watch. It’s basically scientific problem-solving with shounen adrenaline.
4. Solo Leveling
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Why to Watch: Peak animation, hype moments
- Storyline: A weak hunter turns into the world’s most overpowered shadow warrior.
You probably weren’t expecting this one in Tier 2. I know, I know – people love this. And I did, too. The animation quality? The weekly wait was intense. But story-wise? Still pretty surface-level. Fun, high-energy, but it hasn’t hit its emotional peak yet. Let’s see how Season 2 turns out.
5. Blue Box
- Genre: Romance, Sports, Drama
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Episodes: 25
- Why to Watch: Realistic high-school romance, great pacing
- Storyline: A badminton player likes a basketball star. They practice together. Then she moves into his house. Plot twist? Another girl’s in love with him too.
This anime slowly pulls you in. It’s grounded, warm, and layered. The chibi expressions, the emotional pacing, the realism of high-school relationships – everything just works. You find yourself wondering, “Who will he choose?” even when the answer feels obvious. It’s heartfelt and sincere.
Tier 1: “Absolutely Amazing” – Must Watch. No Debates.
Recommended: 7 Best Studio Ghibli Films That Forever Revolutionized Animation
6. The Apothecary Diaries
- Genre: Mystery, Historical, Drama
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 48
- Why to Watch: Clever writing, satisfying storytelling
- Storyline: A servant girl with a medical background solves mysteries in the imperial court.
This anime is a hidden gem. If you want detective vibes but without the usual dark suspense, this one’s got you. Mamao, the protagonist, is whip-smart and refreshingly logical. The palace drama mixes with poison, politics, and low-key romance in the most binge-worthy way. Oh, and that moonlit fairy dance by Jinshi? Peak art. The animation team deserves a round of applause.
7. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
- Genre: Historical, Drama, Psychological
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll (sub), Netflix (dub)
- Episodes: 25
- Why to Watch: Deep, thoughtful, emotional payoff
- Storyline: A group of thinkers in a 15th-century world try to prove that the Earth moves – risking their lives for the truth.
This one hit hard. It’s not flashy. It’s slow. It’s talky. But the writing? Chef’s kiss. From characters risking everything for knowledge to the brutal consequences of curiosity, this anime dives into philosophy, science, belief, and resistance. By the time the final shots play out, you’ll feel like you’ve watched something truly important. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you love deep, thought-provoking anime, this is a masterpiece.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Top Anime of Winter 2025?
If you’re pressed for time and want to cherry-pick the top from each tier:
- Top Recommendation: On the Movements of the Earth
- Underrated Gem: The Apothecary Diaries
- For the Hype Beasts: Solo Leveling
- For the Thinkers: Doctor Stone
- For the Hopeless Romantics: Blue Box
Honorable Mentions Top Anime of Winter 2025:
These didn’t make it to the list, but I’m planning to catch them soon:
- My Happy Marriage
- Fire Force (Continuing)
- Shangri-La Frontier
- Honey Lemon Soda
- The 100 Girlfriends Season 2
- I’m Getting Married to the Girl I Hate in My Class – just for the title alone
If you found this post helpful or even slightly entertaining, smash that like button, drop a comment, or better yet – share it with your anime gang. Let’s grow the tribe!
FAQs Of Top Anime of Winter 2025
1. What’s the best anime this season?
On the Movements of the Earth—deep, emotional, and unforgettable storytelling.
2. Which show has the best animation?
Solo Leveling takes the crown with smooth fights and stunning visuals.
3. What’s the most underrated anime?
The Apothecary Diaries—smartly written, captivating, and deserves way more attention.
4. Is Sakamoto Days worth watching?
It’s enjoyable, with great fights, but the animation is just average.
5. Any good romance anime this season?
Blue Box—wholesome and subtly emotional.
6. Where can you watch these shows?
Most are available on Crunchyroll; some can be found on Netflix or Hulu.
7. Is Solo Leveling overhyped?
Just a little. The visuals are great, but the story is still warming up.
