New anime releases are a popular topic, especially for newcomers. With a yearly production of numerous titles, many are sequels to existing works. 2025 is expected to be even more exciting for anime fans, with new series and seasons slated for release. Here are 20 anime shows fans should watch in anticipation of their upcoming sequels.
2025 offers a variety of genres, from superheroes and monster hunter series to high fantasy, science fiction, and comedy. Major titles from 2024 have returned, providing fans with fresh new material for some of 2024’s biggest hits. Additionally, fans have been eagerly anticipating a spinoff in anime form. Let’s have a look on the list of 20 Must-Watch Anime Before Their New Seasons Air.
Table of Contents
Ace Of the Diamond
Ace of the Diamond: Act II, announced in May 2024, is the longest “catch-up” binge from Season 1 with 75 episodes, Season 2 with 51 episodes, and Season 3 (titled “Act II”) with 52 episodes, all available on Crunchyroll. This high-quality sports anime by Production I.G and Madhouse is a must-watch for fans.
The story follows Eijun Sawamura, a baseball pitcher with an unpredictable pitching style, attends Seido High School with friends. A scout offers him a scholarship to help the upperclassmen reach nationals. Sawamura helps them succeed during the summer tournament and leads a new team through the fall tournament. The series follows Sawamura and his team as they prepare for the summer tournament, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The Seido batters improve, becoming as fearsome as their previous year’s first-string team. The team aims to win the summer tournament before the upperclassmen graduate.
Trigun Stampede
Trigun Stampede is a Japanese anime television series adaptation of the manga series Trigun by Yasuhiro Nightow. It follows humanity’s search for habitable planets in a far future where Earth becomes uninhabitable. To survive, humans create plants to sustain their fleets. Two brothers, Vash and Knives, are born with a special connection to plants and cared for by Rem Saverem. The fleet crashes on Noman’s Land, and Vash becomes a dangerous outlaw, while Knives continues his schemes. Vash and Knives encounter investigative reporters Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro, marking the beginning of a new adventure.
Studio Orange’s latest project, Trigun Stampede, showcases stunning CGI animation, with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers referencing it in their 2023 schedule. The sequel, Trigun Stargaze, is yet to be announced, but it’s a great anime available on Crunchyroll. Johnny Yong Bosch reprises his role as Vash from the original 1998 series.
Hell’s Paradise
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a Japanese manga series by Yuji Kaku, set in the Edo period of Japan. The series follows ninja Gabimaru and executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri as they search for the elixir of immortality. The 13-episode anime television series adaptation produced by MAPPA aired from April to July 2023, with a second season set to premiere in January 2026.
Gabimaru is captured during an assassination mission and offers the chance to be pardoned of all crimes by the Shogunate if he finds the elixir of life on Shinsenkyo, a legendary realm recently discovered southwest of the Ryukyu Kingdom. After losing five expedition teams, the Shogunate sends a group of death row convicts to return with the Yamada Asaemon executioner to obtain the pardon. Fans can catch up on Season 1 on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries is a Japanese light novel series by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino. It was first serialized online in 2011 and later published by Shufunotomo in 2014. The series has been adapted into two manga series in 2017, with one published by Square Enix and another by Shogakukan. The light novel is licensed digitally in North America by J-Novel Club and in print by Square Enix. An anime television series adaptation was produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM, and a second season premiered in January 2025. Season 2 is set to release in 2025.
The series follows Maomao, a young girl kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace as an indentured servant. Despite her eccentricity, she plans to work there until her two years are over. One day, she investigates rumors of the emperor’s newborns and concubines being critically ill. Using her experience as an apothecary, she solves the mystery. Despite her anonymity, her actions catch the attention of Jinshi, an influential eunuch, and she becomes a detective for the royal court.
Wind Breaker
Wind Breaker Season 2, the anime by CloverWorks, is set to release in Winter 2025. The series follows Haruka Sakura, an outcast due to his unconventional appearance and lack of social skills, who becomes a proficient fighter. At Furin High School, where strength is valued over academics, Sakura aims to take the top spot.
After a street brawl, he meets his future schoolmates, who fight alongside him, demonstrating the school’s commitment to protecting the town of Makochi. Despite his discomfort, Sakura learns to push past his discomfort when Bofurin faces formidable enemies, and he finds himself fighting for the sake of others for the first time. All 13 episodes of Wind Breaker Season 1 are available on Crunchyroll.
Spy x Family
Spy x Family, a popular anime series by CloverWorks and WIT Studio, is set to release a new season after the release of its recent movie, Spy x Family CODE: White. The anime follows Loid Forger, an enigmatic spy who must build a family to execute a mission. The series has been serialized biweekly on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ platform since March 2019.
An anime television series adaptation premiered on TV Tokyo in April 2022, licensed by Muse Communication in Asia and Crunchyroll worldwide. The second half aired from October to December 2022, and the second season continued from October to December 2023. A third season is set to premiere in October 2025. The anime film, Spy x Family Code: White, was released theatrically in Japan in December 2023 and in the United States and Canada in April 2024.
Sabikui Bisco
Sabikui Bisco, a Japanese light novel series set in post-apocalyptic Japan, is returning with Season 2 announced in July 2023. Studio OZ will animate the series, which currently has 12 episodes available on Crunchyroll. The series, written by Shinji Cobkubo and illustrated by K Akagishi, is licensed in North America by Yen Press. A manga adaptation was serialized online between April 2019 and March 2021, and the second part between December 2021 and October 2022.
An anime television series adaptation produced by OZ aired from January to March 2022, and a second season has been announced. The series follows Bisco Akaboshi, a Mushroom Keeper and archer, as he and his giant crab Akutagawa search for the legendary “Sabikui,” a mushroom said to devour all forms of rust.
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow, an anime television series based on Chugong’s South Korean web novel, has been announced. Produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Shunsuke Nakashige, the sequel is set to premiere on January 5, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks. A compilation film of the first season, titled Solo Leveling: ReAwakening, was screened in Japan from November 29 to December 12, 2024. Crunchyroll acquired North American and select international rights for the compilation film and screened it in the United States and Canada on December 6, 2024.
Dr.Stone
The sci-fi shonen anime series Dr. Stone is ending, making it an ideal time to catch up before the final season. Dr. Stone: Science Future (Season 4) is currently unavailable, but fans can watch all current episodes on Crunchyroll. The series follows the story of Senku Ishigami, a genius boy who emerges from a “Stone World” after being turned into stone by a mysterious light. The fourth season, titled Dr. Stone: Science Future, premieres on January 9, 2025, with three split courses. The opening theme song is “Casanova Posse” by ALI, while the ending theme song is “Rolling Stone” by Breimen.
Re:Zero
Re:Zero, a popular anime series in the isekai-fantasy genre, is set to return for Season 3 in October 2024. The anime, written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shin’ichirō Ōtsuka, follows Subaru Natsuki, a hikikomori who is transported to another world while on his way home from a convenience store.
The series has also been adapted into an anime television series, two original video animation episodes, and a visual novel by game developer 5pb. The second season aired in a split-cour format, with the first half airing from July to September 2020 and the second half from January to March 2021. The third season premiered in a split-cour format, with the first half airing from October to November 2024 and the second half premiering in February 2025.
Here’s the ideal watch order to follow before Re:Zero Season 3 releases:
- Season 1 Director’s Cut episodes 1-6
- Memory Snow movie
- Season 1 Director’s Cut episodes 7-13
- Frozen Bond movie
- Season 2
My Happy Marriage
My Happy Marriage Season 2 is set to return, featuring a second season. The anime, a fantasy romance, is based on a Japanese light novel series by Akumi Agitogi and illustrated by Tsukiho Tsukioka. Initially published online, it was later acquired by Fujimi Shobo and released under their Fujimi L Bunko imprint. A manga adaptation by Rito Kohsaka has been serialized in Square Enix’s Gangan Online service since December 2018.
A live-action film adaptation premiered in Japan in March 2023, and an anime television series aired from July to September 2023. A second season premiered in January 2025. The story follows Miyo Saimori, born without supernatural talent, as she discovers her fiancé’s identity as Kiyoka Kudou, a cruel and cold commander. As they open their hearts, they realize that each other may be their chance at finding true love and happiness.
Call of the Night
Call of the Night, a popular Japanese manga series, is set to return for a new season. The series, written and illustrated by Kotoyama [ja], was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from August 2019 to January 2024. In North America, it is licensed for English release by Viz Media. An anime television series adaptation produced by Liden Films aired from July to September 2022 on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block. A second season has been announced. The manga won the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2023 for the shōnen category. The story follows Ko Yamori, who stops attending school and wanders the streets at night, encountering a vampire named Nazuna Nanakusa.
Blue Lock
Blue Lock Season 2 is set to release on October 5, 2024, with animation production handled by studio 8bit. The soccer anime, written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, has been serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine since August 2018. The manga has over 40 million copies in circulation worldwide and won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in 2021. The Japan national team finished 16th in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Japan Football Union hires Jinpachi Ego, a football enigma, to lead Japan to stardom through a training regimen called Blue Lock. Yoichi Isagi, a high school football player, joins the program to become the world’s best striker. All episodes for the first season are available to watch on Crunchyroll.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man Season 3 is set to return with animation production by J.C. Staff. The series follows Saitama, a bored superhero who seeks powerful opponents and allies. The original webcomic manga was written by One in 2009 and has been adapted into a digital manga by Yusuke Murata. As of November 2024, 32 tankōbon volumes have been released. In North America, Viz Media licensed the manga for English language release. And it serialized it in its Weekly Shonen Jump digital magazine.
An anime adaptation was produced by Madhouse, broadcast from October to December 2015. A second season was produced by J.C. Staff, broadcast from April to July 2019. A third season is set to premiere in 2025. The series was licensed in North America by Viz Media.
Kaiju No.8
Kaiju No. 8, a Japanese manga series by Naoya Matsumoto, is set to release Season 2 in 2025. The first season, released in spring, could be a potential anime of the year. The series follows Kafka Hibino, who gains the ability to turn into a kaiju after ingesting a parasitic creature. He must navigate using his power while trying to join an organization that eliminates kaiju to fulfill a promise he made with a childhood friend. The series is heavily influenced by Japanese tokusatsu media, particularly Ultraman, and the author’s struggles in the manga industry serve as the basis for the main character’s backstory. All 12 episodes from the first season are available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Golden Kamuy
Golden Kamuy is a Japanese manga series that follows Saichi Sugimoto, a veteran of the early twentieth-century Russo-Japanese War, as he searches for a fortune of gold for the Ainu people. The series, which was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump from August 2014 to April 2022, has been adapted into an anime television series, a live-action film, and an English-language television series. The series has been licensed for an English-language release by Viz Media since 2016. The anime adaptation has aired in Japan since January 2024, and the live-action film premiered in October 2024. The series is currently available on Crunchyroll, with no release date for Season 5.
Aharen-San wa Hakarenai
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai is a Japanese manga series by Asato Mizu, published from January 2017 to April 2023. The series was adapted into an anime television series by Felix Film from April to June 2022, with a second season set to premiere in April 2025. The story follows Raido Matsuboshi, who struggles with making friends in high school. He helps his classmate, Reina Aharen, come out of her shell and befriend her, helping her to do the same. The first season, released by Felix Film, is a comfortable, slice-of-life anime with humorous moments and famous anime references. Season 2 is currently unreleased.
Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is a Japanese manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki, set in 1878 during the Meiji era. The series follows Hitokiri Battosai, a former assassin, who becomes Himura Kenshin, a wandering swordsman who protects Japan with a vow to never take another life. The first season, which will begin airing in October 2024, is a recommended watch for fans of historical action series. The entire first season (24 episodes) is available on Crunchyroll. Watsuki aimed to create a unique shōnen manga with a more serious tone as the story progressed.
SK8 the Infinity
SK8 the Infinity is a Japanese anime television series produced and animated by Bones, which aired from January to April 2021 on ABC and TV Asahi’s Animazing!!! programming block. The series follows a group of hardcore skaters in Okinawa who participate in a secret, no-holds-barred competition called “S”. The series features a comedy manga spin-off, a manga adaptation, and an original video animation (OVA) in Japan. A second season has been announced. The story revolves around Reki, a high school sophomore, who takes a new transfer student, Langa, to “S” and pulls him into the world of skateboarding. The anime has a unique and memorable experience for fans of the iconic cartoon series Rocket Power.
Fire Force
Fire Force Season 3 will begin airing in April 2025, with animation production handled by David Production. Fans can catch up on both seasons (48 episodes) on Crunchyroll. Fire Force is a Japanese manga series by Atsushi Ohkubo, published from September 2015 to February 2022 in Weekly Shōnen Magazine.
The series follows a youth with pyrokinetic abilities who joins a special force to counter pyrokinetic monsters threatening Tokyo. The anime television series adaptation, produced by David Production, aired from July to December 2019 on MBS’s Super Animeism block. The third and final season will be split into two seasons, with the first set to premiere in April 2025 and the second in January 2026.
Final Thoughts
With so many incredible anime returning with new seasons, now is the perfect time to revisit or catch up on these beloved series. Whether you’re diving into thrilling adventures, unraveling emotional stories, or exploring intricate worlds, these 20 anime offer something for every fan.
By watching these titles, you’ll not only deepen your connection to the characters and narratives but also enhance your anticipation for what’s to come. So grab your snacks, clear your schedule, and start binging—because the excitement of new seasons is just around the corner!
Let us know which anime you’re most excited to revisit or discover, and stay tuned for more updates on your favorite shows!
