5 Best Anime Genres in 2025 and Their Greatest Hits

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2021 has been a year filled with numerous victories within the anime community, as many eagerly awaited releases and continuations for 2025 have been announced, some of which have already premiered. The anticipation among fans is palpable, and it’s always exhilarating to witness such enthusiasm for new content, especially when previous years have had their fair share of hits and misses. However, one constant truth about anime is that it consistently delivers even better and more remarkable offerings following a dry spell.

In 2025, we’ve already witnessed a multitude of captivating shows that have garnered significant attention. One emerging dark fantasy series worth noting is Gachiakuta, which is swiftly gaining popularity. The much-anticipated return of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX has also kept many viewers on the edge of their seats. And let’s not forget about the upcoming premiere of the first Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie, set for release in September. To celebrate some of the year’s most exciting productions, we’ll be delving into the most popular genres of 2025 that managed to captivate and thrill audiences alike.

5) Romance

Although the romance genre may not have as many highly anticipated series as some others on this list, it’s important to acknowledge the notable releases from 2025. The romance genre can be polarizing, with passionate supporters and vocal critics. However, it often blends elements of slice-of-life, comedy, and drama, making it a versatile genre that transcends traditional categorization. In comparison to seinen and shonen genres, which often present darker themes, romance offers lighter, more whimsical narratives as well.

  • Honey Lemon Soda
  • My Dress-Up Darling
  • My Happy Marriage
  • Kowloon Generic Romance
  • Zenshu

In the year 2025, there were several captivating romantic series that drew in fans’ interest. One of these, “My Dress-Up Darling,” which returned for its second season in July to widespread acclaim due to its intricate portrayal of character motivations and relationships, is a well-known series. Similarly, “My Happy Marriage” made its second season debut in January. Additionally, I can’t help but recommend the lesser-known romance anime “Honey Lemon Soda,” which deals with themes of self-acceptance and growth, and was released this year.

4) Action

In most cases, you’ll struggle not to find action as part of a list of genres, especially in anime. This is because action is frequently interwoven or incorporated with other genres, particularly in fight-intensive anime series. Action serves multiple purposes: it showcases animation skills, allows individual studios to demonstrate their unique style in presenting the show, and often caters to those seeking a fast-paced, effortless viewing experience. If you’re on the lookout for something easy to watch, an action anime could be just what you need!

  • Spy x Family
  • Wind Breaker
  • Sakamoto Days
  • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
  • Solo Leveling

In 2025, some of the best shows are sequels to series that have already completed their initial seasons. For instance, the highly popular show Spy x Family is set to release its third season this year. Another example is Solo Leveling, an anime based on a South Korean web novel, which had its second season premiere in January. Although many shows have returned for another run, it’s worth highlighting Sakamoto Days, the engaging new series about a former hitman who now runs a convenience store and is steadily gaining popularity.

3) Supernatural

The supernatural genre, while closely related to horror, is increasingly being seen as a unique category of its own. This is particularly true for modern shows that use elements like ghosts, psychic abilities, and spirits to drive their stories. Although it sometimes overlaps with horror, thriller, and mystery genres, the supernatural has a distinct feel that keeps audiences captivated. Given the genre’s expansive nature, you’ll find a wide range of plotlines, settings, and world-building in anime series falling under this category.

  • Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun
  • Jujutsu Kaisen
  • Dandadan
  • Undead Unluck
  • The Summer Hikaru Died

In 2025, there were numerous fantastic supernatural anime that got renewed and premiered, as well as a few notable movie releases. One of these, the Dark Trio’s Jujutsu Kaisen, is coming out with another cinema movie titled Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death, which brings together the season two arc on the big screen. The beloved series Dandadan, straddling the border between supernatural and science fiction, already had its second season out in July. Additionally, a new series called The Summer Hikaru Died made its debut on Netflix to much acclaim and enthusiasm.

2) Science Fiction

In more straightforward language: Anime science fiction is a genre that’s been gaining increased attention due to its significant impact on the medium overall. This genre plays a crucial role in delving into profound topics such as the purpose of life, the essence of humanity, dystopian societies, and the effects of technology on our world. Additionally, a large portion of mecha anime falls under this category, which holds substantial appeal and influence within the anime community due to its popularity.

  • Dr. Stone
  • Lazarus
  • Kaiju No. 8
  • Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
  • Fire Force

Over the past ten years, numerous fantastic science fiction anime have emerged, and in 2025, several new ones seem poised to make a significant impact. One notable example is “Kaiju No. 8,” a shonen anime that recently concluded its second season in July this year and has been highly recommended as one of the recent series to watch out for. Another much-anticipated release was “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX,” which debuted in April, expanding an already well-known franchise within the genre. Furthermore, a new anime titled “Lazarus,” produced by Mappa, offers another promising offering and takes place in the same universe as Cowboy Bebop.

1) Dark Fantasy

Over the past several years, a dominant type of storytelling on screens has been dark fantasy, which is a subcategory of the broader fantasy genre. Dark fantasy explores more serious and adult topics, sometimes even incorporating horror elements. Its popularity might stem from its rich possibilities for plot development, character growth through power-scaling, intricate world-building, and unique animation styles. It’s also worth noting that numerous popular shonen series from the past decade belong to this genre.

  • Chainsaw Man
  • Demon Slayer
  • Clevatess
  • Gachiakuta
  • Tougen Anki

This year, anime enthusiasts are enjoying a wealth of content, ranging from classic favorites to fresh sensations that are rapidly gaining popularity. Joining this lineup is “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” the long-anticipated cinematic debut of the character from the infamous Dark Trio. Another film out this year is “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” which marks the beginning of the series’ concluding arc. It would be unjust not to mention the dark fantasy series that made a splash in 2025, such as “Gachiakuta,” an anime centered around a boy living in a wasteland filled with trash and battling the monsters there.

Here’s a possible way to rephrase the sentence in a more conversational and engaging tone:

“What are your thoughts on the genres featured in this list? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share with us about your preferred anime genres and the series that really stood out for you this year in the comments below.

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2025-08-27 02:29