As 2025 comes to a close, anime fans can confidently say that it has been one of the best years in the industry. Fans have been seeing top-notch animation to suit their tastes all year long. As we prepare to close out another impressive year, fans might want to look back at the anime that had the biggest impact on them.
The best animation of the 90s
The 1990s were the heyday of animation, and many series from that time remain popular today. Here are the best anime of that decade.
As always, the boy demographic has seen many excellent anime debut. These titles kept viewers glued to the screen and wanting more. As the year came to a close, there was a lot of debate about which shonen anime was the best. There are several competitors, but only one can be considered. Best shonen anime of 2025.
This post contains spoilers for several anime.
Sakamoto Days
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.92
The first part/season of Sakamoto Days left a lot to be desired. In fact, many fans strongly believed that TMS Entertainment failed the adaptation and did a poor job of implementing their favorite manga. But the studio proved everyone wrong with the second course.
The follow up course to Sakamoto Days was great. Not only has the sense of speed improved, but the visuals have also improved compared to course 1. Overall, the second course is an upgrade, and that's why Sakamoto Days deserves a place on the list.
spy x family
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.23
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The third season is still in progress.
Spy x Family, based on Tatsuya Endo's manga of the same name, has become one of the most popular anime series in the world. It differs from most shonen series in that it isn't overly serious. Most of the time, the characters are funny and joking. Sometimes anime takes a mature approach, but it doesn't last long.
The best boy animation of all time
One Piece, Naruto, DBZ, and Jojo are just some of the best shonen anime of all time and are some fierce competition.
Spy x Family once again impressed viewers with its third season in 2025. The quartet of Loid, Yor, Anya and Bond once again stole the show, which is no surprise as they were crucial to the anime's success. Among the four, Anya is the most loved by fans. Over the course of three seasons, she became an iconic heroine.
Dr. Stone
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.52
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2 lectures end in 2025
Dr. Stone may not have received the same level of attention as other next-gen titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia, but it's no slouch when it comes to quality. Dr. Stone offers a more unique story than most. The protagonist, Senku, takes a different approach to the problem. Instead of relying solely on overwhelming abilities, Dr. Stone's Senku relies on his brains.
In 2025, Dr. Stone released two of the final season's three courses, and both were outstanding. So fans have high expectations for course 3. Considering the anime was released in not one, but two gorgeous courses, Dr. Stone was truly one of the best shonen anime of 2025.
Gachiakuta
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.07
Gachiakuta was the biggest surprise of 2025. Before the premiere, most anime fans had never heard of it, and even if they had, expectations weren't high. When the anime finally started airing, fans were pleasantly surprised. The series features a great cast and many unique abilities. The fights are also exciting and keep viewers on their toes.
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Gachiakuta is a gripping story about a young boy named Rudo who finds value in what others consider trash. His perspective makes him stand out from other kids his age. Unfortunately, it also made him an object of ridicule. Despite the difficulties, Rudo is ultimately able to find his place.
Dan Dan Dan
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.46
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Second season airs in 2025
Dandadan released its long-awaited second season in 2025 and as expected, it swept all the headlines. Science Saroo was under pressure to deliver an adaptation that could somehow surpass the standards set by the first season, and it's safe to say the studio delivered.
The second season of Dandadan was amazing from start to finish. Jiji's troubles are over as Momo and Okarun become closer than ever. Dandadan also proved to be one of the best supporting characters in anime. Everyone involved in the story was impacted in a positive way, which is extremely rare. Overall, Dandadan Season 2 was almost flawless, which is why it made it to the top of the list.
My Hero Academia
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.88
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Season 8 currently airing
My Hero Academia is one of the most influential anime released in the last 20 years. In 2025, the final season of the series was released to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Not only was the animation amazing, but the story was amazing. My Hero Academia's final season hasn't wrapped yet, but it's hard to see the studio messing up at any point.
MHA fans can finally see Midoriya defeat Shigaraki and bring peace to the world. The fight between them will become legendary, and their rivalry will go down as one of the most iconic rivalries in anime history.
one piece
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.73
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The Egghead episode is currently airing.
The One Piece anime is no longer ordinary and has proven once again that it can hang with the biggest names in the industry. For years, the One Piece anime was considered average and most fans preferred the manga. However, Toei Animation's efforts worked in the animation's favor.
The quality of the animation has improved since the story entered the Wano Country arc. Toei Animation maintained its standards even after the arc ended, which is also why the Egghead arc is so phenomenal. So far, the One Piece anime has released several highly rated episodes on IMDb, beating the likes of Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries. Aside from the amazing animation quality, the story is also outstanding, and this is why One Piece is the best shonen anime of 2025.
