5 Best Summer 2025 Anime We Want More Of (& 5 That Can't End Fast Enough)

Best and Worst summer 2025 anime
Best and Worst summer 2025 anime (Image Source: CloverWorks, KAMITSUBAKI, and WIT Studio)

The Summer 2025 anime season had an incredible mix of series that either left the fans desperately craving for more episodes or counting down minutes until the final credits rolled. From supernatural mysteries to romance comedies, this season managed to deliver both triumphant hits and disappointing misses.

Here are the standout Summer 2025 anime that captured hearts and the ones that tested our patience.


5 Summer 2025 Anime We Want More Of

5. DanDaDan Season 2

Momo Ayase as seen through the eyes of Okarun (Image Source: Science SARU)
Momo Ayase as seen through the eyes of Okarun (Image Source: Science SARU)

Studio Science Saru delivered another masterpiece with DanDaDan's second season. The series picks up after that jaw-dropping cliffhanger, throwing Okarun and his friends into fresh supernatural chaos. This Summer 2025 anime showcased the newest crew member, Jiji, spectacularly during the opening episodes.

The animation quality remains consistently stunning. Science Saru's distinctive character designs and fluid action sequences elevate every paranormal encounter.


4. The Summer Hikaru Died

Yoshiki traumatized in the series (Image Source: CygamesPictures)
Yoshiki traumatized in the series (Image Source: CygamesPictures)

CygamesPictures composed something truly unsettling with this Summer 2025 anime adaptation. The story centers on Yoshiki as he tussles with the truth that his best friend, Hikaru, has been taken over by a supernatural being. The psychological intricacy runs deep as grief intertwines with acceptance of an impossible situation.

The series excels at holding an atmosphere of dread without relying on cheap scares. CygamesPictures, known for Brave Bang Bravern, demonstrates its versatility with this haunting tale that stays with viewers long after each episode ends.


3. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity

Kaoruko as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio CloverWorks)
Kaoruko as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio CloverWorks)

Cloverworks strikes gold with this charming romance between Rintaro and Kaoruko. Their relationship begins innocently at a bakery but blossoms into something genuinely touching. This Summer 2025 anime proves that slow-burn romance can still captivate modern audiences when handled with care and authenticity.


2. My Dress-Up Darling Season 2

Marin, as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio CloverWorks)
Marin, as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio CloverWorks)

CloverWorks enhanced the animation quality for Marin and Wakana’s ongoing story. This beloved Summer 2025 anime showcases the studio's growth as seasons progress. Subtle improvements in character animation and background details create a more immersive viewing experience than ever before.

The cosplay community aspects remain the series' strongest element. Marin's infectious enthusiasm for costume creation, paired with Wakana's skilled craftsmanship, creates compelling storylines.


1. Takopi's Original Sin

A scene as seen from the Takopi's Original Sin (Image Source: ENISHIYA)
A scene as seen from the Takopi's Original Sin (Image Source: ENISHIYA)

This Summer 2025 anime tackles incredibly heavy themes with remarkable sensitivity and intelligence. The squid-like alien Takopii's quest to understand human happiness becomes a profound exploration of childhood trauma, bullying, and mental health. The series tackles challenging themes without hesitation.


5 Summer 2025 Anime That Can't End Fast Enough

5. Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Season 2

Fighter D as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Yostar Pictures)
Fighter D as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Yostar Pictures)

The second season completely abandoned what made the original series compelling. Fighter D's time loop premise initially promised some potential, but quickly devolved into a confusing narrative chaos. This Summer 2025 anime suffered from severe pacing issues that made following the plot nearly impossible.

Production value dropped noticeably after the first season. Characters frequently appear off-model, and animation quality was inconsistent throughout episodes as well.


4. YAIBA: Samurai Legend

Yaiba, as seen in the series (Image Source: WIT Studio)
Yaiba, as seen in the series (Image Source: WIT Studio)

This Summer 2025 anime prioritized dazzling sword fights over coherent storytelling. The protagonist's journey feels generic and predictable, hitting every expected samurai anime checkpoint without adding anything fresh. Character plot remains frustratingly shallow throughout the season.

The animation quality can't save weak writing and boring character arcs. Fight scenes look impressive but lack emotional stakes.


3. Arknights: Rise from Ember

Action scene from the series (Image Source: Studio Yostar Pictures)
Action scene from the series (Image Source: Studio Yostar Pictures)

Like many mobile game adaptations, this series struggles to form a compelling narrative structure. The Summer 2025 anime feels more like comprehensive promotional material than standalone entertainment. However, character motivations remain vague, and the world-building falls short of providing the depth required to fully engage viewers.

The series takes prior knowledge of the source game, leaving anime-only viewers baffled about basic plot elements. Action sequences feel detached from any meaningful story progression.


2. Kamitsubaki City Under Construction

Poor character design and animation in the series (Image Source: KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO)
Poor character design and animation in the series (Image Source: KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO)

This experimental anime from Summer 2025 introduced bold concepts about virtual idols and digital entertainment, but ultimately fell short in execution. The series feels more like a tech demo than actual storytelling. Characters lack essence beyond their basic archetypes.

The animation style tries to be innovative but often comes across as incomplete rather than artistic. Dialogue feels stilted and unnatural.


1. Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez Deluxe Finals Arc

The main protagonist from the Cardfight!! Vanguard (Image Source: Kinema Citrus, Gift Animation, and STUDIO JEMI)
The main protagonist from the Cardfight!! Vanguard (Image Source: Kinema Citrus, Gift Animation, and STUDIO JEMI)

This Summer 2025 anime embodies all the flaws commonly found in never-ending tournament arcs. The card game battles lack tension because outcomes feel predetermined. Character development takes a backseat to showcasing new card mechanics and strategies.

This anime season exposed the industry's widening quality gap more than any previous year. Studios either committed fully to their projects with remarkable results or phoned in lazy adaptations that disrespected both source material and viewers' time.


The disparity between triumph and failure this season serves as a harsh reminder that anime production requires genuine passion and effort. When studios care, magic happens. When they don't, disasters unfold in real time across twelve painful episodes.

Edited by Akihito Chakma