The Spring 2025 anime season has officially commenced, ushering in an array of both new and returning titles vying for viewer attention over the next three months. Although it may not boast as many renowned staples as Fall 2024 or Winter 2025, this season presents an impressive lineup of sequels, including popular series such as Fire Force, Black Butler, and Wind Breaker. Additionally, two noteworthy spin-offs, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, are also making their debut.
In addition to sequels, Spring 2025 introduces several exciting new anime offerings that traverse a variety of genres, themes, and narratives. With around 40 shows totaling more than 400 episodes, keeping track of the ongoing releases can prove challenging. To help navigate this extensive lineup, we will spotlight the best anime of Spring 2025.
Below are some essential details and parameters to consider:
- The cut-off date for episodes is April 6, 2025.
- This article will be updated weekly to include new Spring 2025 anime and adjust rankings based on developments in each series.
- Only shows premiering in Spring 2025—whether new releases or sequels—are eligible for inclusion. Consequently, ongoing series from Winter 2025, such as The Apothecary Diaries, or long-running titles like Case Closed are excluded.
- One Piece is omitted, despite its return, as it’s a long-standing show that does not require further promotion.
- For previews of individual series, you can click on the titles provided.
5 Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho
Spring 2025’s Demon-Hunting Anime
An unexpected triumph, Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho may emerge as the stealth hit of Spring 2025, provided it maintains its current trajectory. Opening with a lengthier episode, this series from Yokohama Animation Laboratory transports viewers to a fictional Edo period in Japan, where demons roam freely.
At the heart of the narrative is Jinta, a human, and Suzune, a demon who shares a deep bond with him dating back to childhood. Despite Jinta’s romantic feelings for Shirayuki, Suzune selflessly distances herself for his happiness, only to be tragically manipulated by a demon force into committing an unforgivable act against Shirayuki. This sets in motion a dramatic transformation for both characters—Suzune descends into villainy, while Jinta becomes a vengeful warrior.
Though it may not match the production quality of top-tier action anime, the fight sequences in Sword of the Demon Hunter are compelling, characterized by fast-paced and visceral moments. The emotional stakes for both Jinta and Suzune are easy to grasp, effectively drawing viewers into their tumultuous journey.
4 Lazarus
Shinichirou Watanabe’s Spring 2025 Anime
Under the direction of Shinichirou Watanabe, famous for his acclaimed works like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, Lazarus arrives with sky-high expectations as it marks his return to sci-fi action. Set in a near-future landscape, the series follows a covert squad tasked with locating Doctor Skinner, who vanished after disclosing that his widely-used legal drug carries a deadly mutation that will manifest fatal consequences three years post-consumption. Time is of the essence, with only a month remaining before the impending crisis begins to unfold.
From its opening moments, Lazarus is imbued with Watanabe’s hallmark style, featuring sharp animation and a jazz-inflected soundtrack. The narrative kicks off with a high-octane chase, centering on Axel, a masterful escape artist whom the task force seeks to enlist. While primarily a technical showcase, the premiere episode efficiently establishes the storyline’s hook and sketches out the unique skills of the team’s members.
3 Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray
Spring 2025’s Brilliant Seinen Sports Anime
Yes, it’s the anime featuring horsegirls. The Uma Musume franchise is immensely popular in Japan, known for delivering rich character-driven narratives that balance humor with poignant storytelling, rivaling many other sports anime. This spin-off, Cinderella Gray, loosely ties to the main series, making it accessible to newcomers. Its source material is regarded as one of Uma Musume’s crowning jewels, solidifying its potential as one of Spring 2025’s standout titles.
Beyond the horsegirl premise, Cinderella Gray offers a compelling portrayal of high-stakes sports racing, delving into the emotional highs and lows of elite competitions. The story follows Oguri Cap, a determined racer, chronicling not just her struggles but also those of her companions and competitors. The initial episode effectively introduces Oguri Cap, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead in her racing journey.
2 Fire Force Season 3
Spring 2025’s Hottest Action Shonen Anime
After a significant hiatus, Fire Force returns for what is anticipated to be its concluding season, building on the solid foundation of its earlier installments. While not flawless, this battle shonen has consistently impressed viewers with its stellar animation, exhilarating action, and intricate world-building. The plot and characters, while adhering closely to genre conventions, remain engaging and relatable.
This season sees the White Clad cult stepping into the open, enlisting influential figures within the Tokyo Empire as they advance towards a crucial conflict. As ever, Force Company 8 remains staunchly opposed to the White Clad’s machinations, putting them at potential risk of being branded as traitors.
The third season of Fire Force kicks off with an exciting episode that effectively re-establishes the main cast while simultaneously elevating the stakes of the ongoing narrative.
1 Wind Breaker Season 2
A Simple But Incredibly Entertaining Action Anime
A year post its anime debut, Wind Breaker jumps right back into action, commencing with an exhilarating brawl between rival schools that mirrors the chaotic energy of its inaugural season. Bofurin’s first-year students are matched against Keel, a gang known for its ruthlessness and competitive edge.
While not the most innovative in concept, Wind Breaker captivates audiences through its straightforward yet effective approach. It features well-developed characters, conflicting ideologies between gangs, and a protagonist on a rewarding journey. The series combines grounded martial arts with impressively visceral battles, making it a balanced and exciting viewing experience.