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Summer 2025 Anime arrives like a storm of fresh stories. These exceptional series could easily compete for anime of the year honors. The series’ standout productions showcase innovative storytelling, stunning animation, and memorable characters that define what makes anime special.
Here are the seven anime that deserve to be in the running for anime of the year.
1. DanDaDan Season 2
DanDaDan season 2 premiered on July 3, 2025, and was voted the most anticipated anime of the Summer 2025 season with over 10,000 people participating in the poll. Science SARU's supernatural comedy maintains the perfect balance between horror and humor that made the first season unforgettable.
The second season introduces new yokai encounters while deepening the relationship between Momo and Okarun. The animation quality remains consistently impressive, with dynamic fight sequences. This Summer 2025 anime deserves anime of the year consideration for its unique storytelling approach and exceptional production values.
2. Lord of the Mysteries
Lord of the Mysteries premiered on June 28, 2025, as a Chinese donghua with stellar animation and unique worldbuilding. This Victorian-era fantasy follows Zhou Mingrui's transformation into Klein Moretti in a world filled with steam technology and occult mysteries.
The series excels in atmosphere creation and complex mythology. Its intricate plot weaves together steampunk aesthetics with supernatural horror elements. Eight episodes have aired so far and have already become some of the highest-rated anime episodes of the year. This Summer 2025 anime stands as a strong contender for anime of the year recognition.
3. The Summer Hikaru Died
This psychological thriller explores identity and friendship through horror elements. The story follows Yoshiki, who discovers his friend Hikaru has been replaced by something else after dying, yet chooses to stay with the imposter rather than lose Hikaru completely.
The series raises compelling questions about what makes someone real. Mountain spirits, mysterious companies, and villagers with hidden agendas create a web of intrigue. The psychological complexity and atmospheric tension make this Summer 2025 anime a worthy anime of the year candidate for horror enthusiasts.
4. Gachiakuta
This BONES production features a stark black-and-white world with color representing hope and life. The series follows characters trapped in a barbaric society where accusations lead to immediate punishment without investigation.
Despite featuring initially unsympathetic characters, the potential for redemption drives the narrative forward. BONES' reputation for exceptional animation quality shines through in the action sequences. This Summer 2025 anime earns anime of the year consideration through its unique visual style.
5. To Be Hero X
This series takes the superhero genre and flips parts of it. In To Be Hero X, heroes gain power via the faith people have in them. Lose that faith and you lose the power. Heroes are ranked, and every two years they compete.
The premise allows for both action and critique. World-building is interesting as it’s lighter in some parts, but biting in others. It deserves to be in the running for anime of the year because of its unique twist on hero tropes.
6. Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi’s Original Sin is an ONA that ran in Summer 2025 (six episodes) with heartbreaking, weird, and unforgettable scenes. It follows Takopi, an alien from “Happy Planet,” trying to bring joy to Shizuka, a girl suffering deeply.
Each episode is rated very highly. It’s not just about big visuals, it’s about the writing, the character arcs, the heartbreak. Many viewers consider it a dark horse for anime of the year.
7. Clevatess
This non-isekai fantasy features a continent trapped by demonic beasts and their dark lord. The story follows hero Alicia and the powerful demon Clavitz in an unlikely partnership involving raising a royal child named Luna.
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The worldbuilding presents intriguing mysteries about the demonic border and unexplored lands beyond. While character development needs strengthening, the fantasy elements and action sequences show promise. This Summer 2025 anime has anime of the year potential if it can deliver satisfying answers to its established mysteries.
These Summer 2025 anime transcended typical seasonal boundaries through exceptional storytelling and visual innovation. The season proved that creativity still drives the medium forward. Whether through BONES' distinctive animation style or Kyoto Animation's comedic brilliance, these productions are evolving as an art form worthy of global recognition.
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