Top Anime Films From 2025 You Probably Haven't Watched Yet

Last year marked a turning point for Japanese animation on the global stage. While major franchise releases grabbed most of the spotlight, numerous exceptional films quietly made their mark without receiving the recognition they deserved. These productions ranged from deeply personal stories to spectacular action sequences, proving that 2025 offered something special for every type of viewer.

The following ranking highlights ten outstanding animated features that may have escaped your notice, organized by their overall impact and artistic merit.

Hidden Gems and Short Films

At the bottom of our list sits Bâan: The Boundary of Adulthood, a contemplative short film that takes a completely different approach from typical high-energy productions. This 18-minute meditation on growing up uses stunning artwork and deliberate pacing to explore life's transitions. Studio Daisy created something truly special for viewers who appreciate thoughtful, artistic storytelling over flashy spectacle.

Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl brings us into a gritty cyberpunk world through Studio SHAFT's distinctive visual style. This dystopian tale combines tech-noir elements with raw energy, creating an experience that feels like a love letter to classic science fiction anime. While it didn't achieve mainstream success, the film stands out as a cult classic in the making.

Franchise Favorites and Character Studies

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved expands on the beloved series by focusing on Kanna's emotional journey. Kyoto Animation delivered their signature blend of humor and heart, creating a film that works both for longtime fans and newcomers. The movie proves that character-driven stories can be just as compelling as action-heavy blockbusters.

The Colors Within initially premiered in Japan during late 2024 but gained international attention throughout 2025. Science SARU crafted a unique story about a high school student who experiences the world through color, weaving together themes of identity, music, and human connection. The film's creative approach to storytelling earned critical acclaim and several award nominations.

Horror and Sports Excellence

Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage continues the franchise's tradition of psychological horror without relying on cheap scares. The film combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with supernatural storytelling, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after viewing. This production demonstrates how horror anime can be both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.

100 Meters focuses on sprinter Togashi's journey through competition and personal growth. Rock'n Roll Mountain used rotoscoped animation to create incredibly realistic running sequences that put viewers right in the middle of each race. Netflix's worldwide release helped this sports drama reach a broader audience, though it remains underappreciated despite its emotional depth.

Top-Tier Productions

Mamoru Hosoda's Scarlet draws inspiration from Hamlet while telling an original story about a young woman seeking truth about her past. Studio Chizu delivered gorgeous animation and ambitious themes, though critics had mixed reactions to the narrative execution. The film showcases Hosoda's continued evolution as a filmmaker willing to tackle complex subjects.

The top three positions belong to franchise films that delivered exceptional quality. Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death compiles one of the series' most beloved story arcs into a single feature, focusing on the relationship between Gojo and Geto during their student years. MAPPA's production provides both emotional depth and spectacular action sequences.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle broke multiple box office records as the first installment in the series' final trilogy. Studio Ufotable's visual mastery shines in every frame, delivering epic battles and character moments that satisfied fans while attracting new viewers. The film's commercial success helped cement anime's place in mainstream entertainment.

Taking the top spot, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc perfectly balances action, emotion, and character development. MAPPA adapted Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga with incredible attention to detail, creating a dark fantasy that resonated with audiences worldwide. The film proves that complex human relationships can be just as engaging as spectacular fight scenes, earning it recognition as one of the year's finest animated features.