
Warning: The following article contains a brief discussion of intense sexual themes.
As 2025 ends, it’s clear this has been an incredible year for anime. With both returning series and exciting new releases, fans have had plenty to enjoy, and it’s hard to imagine how 2026 could be any better.
Saying 2025 was the best year for anime might be an exaggeration, but it definitely had a lot of incredibly popular moments. Looking back, especially at how much those moments spread online, it’s easy to see why people felt so excited about anime that year.
10) Yoshiki Feels Hikaru’s Insides (The Summer Hikaru Died)

In the anime The Summer Hikaru Died, something strange happens after Hikaru swallows a dangerous spirit that attacked Yoshiki. Yoshiki becomes fascinated with what it’s like to experience the world from inside Hikaru’s body. Hikaru allows Yoshiki to feel what that’s like, and the experience is disturbing, unpleasant, and unexpectedly stirs something within both of them.
Fans were especially looking forward to the scene where Yoshiki connects with Hikaru, and the anime didn’t disappoint. The moans and sound effects used to portray the intimate moment were surprisingly intense, even comparing the sensation to something visceral. This scene set the tone for the show’s passionate LGBTQ+ themes, and things only escalated from there.
9) The Hayasii Sing “Hunting Soul” (Dandadan)

In episode 18 of Science Saru’s Dandadan, Seiko brought in a group of exorcists to try and remove the Evil Eye from Jiji before it became too powerful. This exorcist group was surprisingly a heavy metal band named Hayasii, and their method involved performing a loud rock song called “Hunting Soul.” The performance was so energetic, it even got the ghosts in the area moving to the music.
The music in Dandadan has consistently been a standout element, and the “Hunting Soul” performance was a prime example, boasting amazing music and visuals. Notably, the English dub featured vocals by Marc Hudson of DragonForce. It was a major moment in season 2, and fans are eager to see how season 3 can surpass it.
8) Panty & Stocking’s Second Twist Ending (New Panty & Stocking With Garterbelt)

The animated series New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt ended with Brief finally getting a date with Panty, and it looked like she felt the same way. However, before they could go out, the king of hell pulled them both down to hell. Years later, Stocking, who has become a priest, sends their son, Junior, and a demon named Bastard on a mission to rescue them.
The first season of Panty & Stocking famously ended with a bizarre and unexpected twist. When the sequel finally arrived after many years, it featured an even wilder ending, instantly grabbing viewers’ attention. It felt like a fitting conclusion to the series, and fans hope that if a third season is made, it won’t be such a long wait.
7) Izuku And Everyone Vs. All For One (My Hero Academia)

During episode 8 of My Hero Academia season 8, even the weakest heroes joined forces to try and defeat All For One. Izuku, finding renewed strength, fought his way through the chaos, with his allies creating an opening for him to reach All For One and attempt a finishing strike.
The final battle with All For One felt like a fitting conclusion to the entire series, especially considering how Izuku consistently inspired others to overcome their weaknesses. Using the memorable song “You Say Run” really highlighted this theme and helped create an incredibly powerful finale.
6) Amo’s Tragic Backstory (Gachiakuta)

The latest episode of Bones Film’s Gachiakuta (#13) shared the heartbreaking story of Amo’s past. It was revealed that her mother sold her into sexual slavery to the person who originally owned her boots. Amo didn’t realize this until much later, and after finding a sense of self-worth—possibly through meeting the angel—she ultimately killed her enslaver.
Amo’s past was powerfully presented, turning her into a deeply sympathetic and damaged character. The use of childlike drawings effectively showed her inability to cope with the trauma of her assault and other painful experiences. This is one of the most compellingly bleak moments in all of Gachiakuta, and it’s made even more heartbreaking by the fact that Amo appeared to be kidnapped right afterward.
5) Bakugo Vs. All For One (My Hero Academia)

In the movie My Hero Academia, Bakugo unexpectedly reappeared just as All Might was about to be defeated by All For One, immediately stepping in to save him. Bakugo then took the lead in the battle, using his explosive powers to quickly move around the city and fight All For One.
Bakugo’s return was a major event in the My Hero Academia manga, and the manga handled it beautifully with a fantastic soundtrack and stunning animation by the renowned Vincent Chansard. The final season of My Hero Academia was incredible overall, and Bakugo’s revival was definitely a standout moment.
4) Denji And Reze Go For A Swim (Chainsaw Man: The Movie — Reze Arc)

In the MAPPA film, Chainsaw Man: The Movie — Reze Arc, Denji and Reze end up at a school late at night where Reze impulsively suggests they go swimming naked. Denji is initially reluctant, still thinking about Makima, but Reze convinces him, and they share a memorable experience.
What really struck me about the pool scene in the Chainsaw Man movie wasn’t the nudity, but how genuinely sweet it was to see Denji and Reze find a moment of real happiness together. The music by Kensuke Ushio really emphasized that feeling. It’s no surprise it’s become the movie’s most memorable scene – it’s easy to understand why fans connected with it so strongly.
3) Kuma Reflects On His Life One More Time (One Piece)

In the emotional conclusion of Kuma’s story in the One Piece anime, Vegapunk was about to remove Kuma’s ability to think for himself. Kuma thought back over his difficult life, but felt peace knowing he had at least managed to save Bonney. Moved by Kuma’s selflessness, Vegapunk even cried before completing the procedure, acknowledging Kuma as a true hero.
Kuma always dreamed of being a hero, but his life was filled with hardship. The anime beautifully captured the story of his past, using stunning animation and music to showcase his difficult journey. Many fans consider Kuma’s backstory to be one of the most compelling in One Piece, and the adaptation did it justice.
2) The Five Elders Arrive On Egghead (One Piece)

In the anime One Piece, Kizaru and Saturn did manage to kill Vegapunk, but before he died, he sent out a video message promising to reveal important secrets. Realizing they needed backup to prevent this from happening, Saturn called the other Five Elders to Egghead Island, and they all transformed into terrifying, monstrous beings.
The moment the Five Elders appeared in the Egghead arc was instantly memorable, and the anime adaptation truly elevated it with stunning and emotional animation – some of the best the series has ever produced. While nearly every episode of the Egghead arc has become a viral sensation, the reaction to the Five Elders’ arrival remains the most talked-about moment.
1) Super Saiyan 4 Becomes Canon (Dragon Ball Daima)

The latest episode of Toei Animation’s Dragon Ball Daima showed Gomah becoming incredibly powerful with the Evil Third Eye, even overwhelming Goku in his Super Saiyan 3 form. The situation looked hopeless, but Goku managed to gain the upper hand after receiving magical energy from Neva, which allowed him to transform into Super Saiyan 4.
Super Saiyan 4 is a hugely popular transformation in Dragon Ball, and its unexpected addition to the official storyline was a massive surprise for fans. It felt like a fitting tribute to Akira Toriyama following his death, and many consider it the most exciting anime moment of 2025.
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2025-12-20 19:18