10 Great Anime to Watch Before the End of Fall 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, anime fans are reflecting on the year’s highlights. While some years have been quieter for anime, 2025 delivered with a strong lineup of new series, returning favorites, and exciting theatrical releases. Looking ahead to 2026, fans are optimistic that the new year will bring even more great anime shows and films.

With December just around the corner, many are already looking ahead to next year. However, there’s still time to enjoy some of the most popular anime that fans have been talking about. As fall ends, now is a great chance to catch up on shows everyone’s been raving about. While series like My Hero Academia are finishing their current seasons, and we’ll have to wait for more of Demon Slayer, there are still plenty of fantastic anime to watch. Here’s a list of 10 awesome series to add to your watchlist before fall is over.

10) Odd Taxi

I’ve been noticing more people talking about Odd Taxi lately, and it’s fantastic! It’s easily one of the most overlooked anime of the past few years, but it’s slowly building a really dedicated following. The first season came out in 2021 with 13 episodes, and they followed it up with a movie, Odd Taxi: In the Woods, in 2022. Even though it’s not brand new, I think it deserves a lot more attention because its story and characters are truly unique.

Odd Taxi is a thrilling crime mystery that blends suspense with deeper themes. The show features adorable animal characters, which creates an interesting contrast to its mature exploration of social issues, psychology, and stereotypes. The story centers around Odokawa, a quiet taxi driver who gets caught up in the mystery of missing teenage girls.

9) Chainsaw Man

Many fans already consider Chainsaw Man a modern classic anime, praising its mix of intense action and emotional depth. Originally debuting in late 2022, the series recently expanded with a successful movie, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. It’s frequently mentioned alongside Jujutsu Kaisen and Hell’s Paradise as part of Shonen Jump’s ‘Dark Trio’ – a group of manga known for their mature and often dark themes.

If you haven’t already, you should check out Chainsaw Man. It’s a visually stunning show with a really interesting group of characters. The story centers around Denji, a teenager who gets the ability to turn into a chainsaw-wielding demon after a strange event involving his pet. While it’s definitely known for its action and gore, the show also has surprisingly emotional moments, particularly when exploring the complicated histories of its characters who hunt demons.

8) Dandadan

I’ve been absolutely blown away by how huge Dandadan has become! It started as this cool, under-the-radar manga that a dedicated group of us were following, and now it’s one of the most talked-about anime of the year. The first season dropped at the end of 2024, and because fans loved it so much, they quickly released a second season in summer 2025! Even better, they’ve already given the green light for a third season, though we’re still waiting to hear when it’ll arrive. What really makes it special is how it mixes everything – supernatural stuff, sci-fi, comedy, and drama – into this really exciting and colorful story.

Dandadan tells the story of an unexpected friendship between two high school students who couldn’t be more different. They both have strong beliefs about the supernatural, which brings them together. The series is full of crazy events like alien abductions and ghost possessions, but at its heart, it’s about the unique bond between these two unlikely friends. If you enjoyed shows like Gintama, Mob Psycho 100, or Jujutsu Kaisen, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

7) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Good high fantasy anime is hard to come by these days, with most popular titles being over ten years old. However, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which premiered in 2023, has revitalized the genre. Fans have been eagerly awaiting more episodes, and a second season is finally set to release in January 2026. The show is praised for many things, including its beautiful animation, stunning artwork, and thought-provoking themes.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End tells the story of Frieren, an elf mage, who sets out to explore the world and deepen her magical knowledge after successfully helping a group of heroes defeat the Demon King. The series largely focuses on what happens after the epic battle – how the characters rebuild their lives, find peace, and experience the simple joys of life following a great struggle. It also beautifully highlights the value of human connection, the strength of friendship, and how time affects everyone, even those who live for centuries like Frieren.

6) Gachiakuta

With its unique urban fantasy setting and striking visuals, Gachiakuta has quickly become a promising new anime. It premiered earlier this year and is set to finish its first season in December 2025, and many believe it could become as popular as some currently airing series that are nearing their conclusion.

Gachiakuta follows Rudo, a boy who’s been banished to a desolate wasteland beneath a beautiful, floating city. He has to learn to survive amongst the outcasts and garbage, all while teaming up with them to battle the monsters lurking in their underground world. What really makes Gachiakuta stand out is its unique and well-developed power system, plus its interesting characters and relationships. Though the series is still ongoing, it’s already made a strong impression and promises a lot more exciting content to come.

5) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a dark fantasy anime that stands out for its complex themes and mature storytelling, especially compared to other action-adventure series. Released in 2023, the show is part of Shonen Jump’s ‘Dark Trio’ and fans have been eagerly awaiting its second season, which is scheduled to premiere in January 2026. Although other shows in the Dark Trio have generated more buzz, Hell’s Paradise is widely considered to be one of the most well-written anime series of the last ten years.

Hell’s Paradise tackles big ideas like overcoming past mistakes, dealing with trauma, how violence repeats itself, unfairness in society, what it means to be human, and the dangers of living forever. It’s visually stunning with beautifully done animation and exciting, fast-paced action. The characters are complex and feel like real people with believable motivations. The story centers around Gabimaru the Hollow, a famous assassin who gets a chance to avoid execution by undertaking a dangerous mission: finding the elixir of life on the legendary island of Shinsenkyo.

4) Made in Abyss

Since its debut in 2017, Made in Abyss has become known as a remarkably insightful anime. It consistently challenges expectations, earning a reputation as one of the most compelling series of recent years. A second season followed in 2022, and a movie, Made in Abyss: Awakening Mystery, is planned for release in 2026 to continue the story. The series expertly flips common storytelling tropes, making each character’s choice feel both inevitable and impactful, driving the narrative forward.

Made in Abyss follows a young girl and her robotic friend as they explore a huge, mysterious chasm called the Abyss, hoping to find her mother. Though the premise sounds simple, the characters’ journey into the Abyss is full of meaning, representing their personal growth and transformation. The dangerous and ever-shifting environment of the Abyss, combined with moments of intense action, powerfully illustrates the anime’s central theme: the loss of innocence.

3) Trigun Stampede

Few anime remakes succeed in capturing the heart of the original, but Trigun Stampede is a notable exception. Released in early 2023, the series will return for a second season, Trigun Stargaze, in early 2026. Based on the Trigun manga, Stampede is a fresh take on the classic 1990s Trigun anime, retelling the story with updated, visually stunning CGI that makes the action sequences particularly impressive.

Trigun Stampede retells the story of the original series, taking place on the dangerous, futuristic planet of No Man’s Land, a world filled with hardship and lawlessness. The story centers on Vash the Stampede, a legendary gunslinger whose very presence seems to invite chaos and destruction. If you enjoyed the first Trigun anime, you’ll definitely want to check out Trigun Stampede. It’s a fantastic continuation of the story, building on the characters and their journeys with exciting new perspectives.

2) Delicious in Dungeon

Anime shows centered around classic dungeon adventures, like those found in tabletop roleplaying games, aren’t always common, but Delicious in Dungeon perfectly captures the spirit of the genre. The show premiered in early 2024, and a second season is already confirmed to be in the works, though a release date hasn’t been announced. Fans have loved its unique approach to fantasy survival, praising its skillful mix of humor, action, and fantasy elements.

Delicious in Dungeon follows a team of adventurers in a fantasy world as they try to save a comrade who’s been captured by a dragon. Facing dwindling supplies, they have to get creative with cooking, using whatever they can find in their environment to survive and complete their quest. What sets this show apart from other action-adventure series is its focus on the everyday details, like preparing meals, offering a unique and refreshing take on the genre.

1) Cyberpunk : Edgerunners

If you’re looking for an anime to watch before the year ends, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a must-see. This science fiction anime truly shines, boasting amazing animation, a striking use of color that enhances both the world and characters, and a deeply emotional and intricate story. Originally released on Netflix in 2022, it quickly became a fan favorite and led to the announcement of a sequel, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, scheduled for release in 2026.

Set in a gritty, futuristic city riddled with crime and controlled by powerful corporations and the government, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez as he struggles to survive after a personal tragedy. He becomes an ‘Edgerunner’ – an outlaw operating on the edges of society – while being pursued by those in power. The series delivers thrilling action and a compelling story with complex characters, making it a great watch for anime enthusiasts.

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2025-11-30 22:44