Introduction: The Season of Fireworks and Feels
Summer 2025 isn’t just bringing heatwaves—it’s delivering one of the most stacked anime lineups in years. From Demon Slayer’s cinematic finale to My Dress-Up Darling’s long-awaited return, this season has something for every fan. But with over 50 new and returning series, how do you choose what to watch?
Let’s cut through the noise. Here are the 5 heavy hitters you can’t miss, plus 3 under-the-radar picks that might just become your new obsession.
The Big 5: Sequels Everyone’s Talking About
1. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Movie Trilogy)
- Why it matters: Ufotable’s adaptation of the Hashira vs. Upper Moons battles will redefine anime action.
- What to expect: Emotional devastation (Rengoku fans, brace yourselves), jaw-dropping animation, and a three-part theatrical event starting July 18 4.
- Pro tip: Watch the Swordsmith Village arc recap if you’re rusty—this finale pays off every plot thread.
2. My Dress-Up Darling Season 2
- The hook: Marin and Gojo’s cosplay-fueled romance returns with more outfits, flirting, and painfully relatable awkwardness.
- Key question: Will Wakana finally confess? Or will we get another beach episode tease? (Manga readers: no spoilers!)
3. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
- The appeal: Kafka Hibino’s journey from janitor to kaiju-hybrid hero amps up with new monsters and deeper conspiracies.
- Underrated strength: Its rare focus on an adult protagonist in shonen—no teenage chosen ones here.
4. The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4
- Comeback potential: After a divisive Season 3, Naofumi heads to Siltvelt to confront Raphtalia’s past and political unrest.
- Make-or-break: Needs to balance its dark themes with less harem tropes to win back fans.
5. Call of the Night Season 2
- Vibe check: More midnight wanderings with vampire Nazuna and insomniac Kou, now diving into her mysterious past.
- Best for: Night owls who love moody aesthetics and slow-burn romance.
Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Skip
1. The Summer Hikaru Died (Netflix)
- Premise: A boy realizes his best friend was replaced by an eldritch horror—but can’t let go.
- Tone: Imagine Your Name meets The Thing with BL undertones.
- Why watch: Its manga broke hearts with its mix of body horror and poignant grief.
2. GACHIAKUTA
- Fresh take: A trash-world dystopia where exiled teen Rudo battles literal garbage monsters.
- Studio hype: Bones (My Hero Academia) is animating—expect fluid action.
3. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
- Romance alert: A delinquent boy and elite girl defy their rival schools’ feud 6.
- Standout trait: No cheap drama—just tender character growth and actual communication.
FAQ: Burning Summer 2025 Questions
Q: Is Chainsaw Man Season 2 coming this summer?
A: No—but the Reze Arc movie hits theaters October 29!
Q: Which show has the best animation?
A: Demon Slayer’s movies will dominate, but Dandadan’s psychedelic fights are a close second.
Q: Any comedy picks?
A: Grand Blue Season 2 (July 7)—college diving club + absurd humor = guaranteed laughs.
Final Verdict: What to Prioritize
- Action junkies: Demon Slayer > Kaiju No. 8
- Romance lovers: My Dress-Up Darling > Fragrant Flower
- Genre-blenders: The Summer Hikaru Died > GACHIAKUTA
Pro tip: Use Crunchyroll’s simulcast schedule—many titles drop weekly starting July 3.
Which summer anime are you most hyped for? Drop your picks below! (And pray for your watchlist—this season is packed.)
