[2026] Recommended Anime! A list of the latest hits and all-time classics

Introducing recommended anime works by genre! We’ve compiled a list of notable works to be broadcast in 2025, as well as classic works, along with highlights and plot summaries. Be sure to check out the works that interest you!

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	January to April 2011
cast	鹿目まどか：悠木碧 暁美ほむら：斎藤千和 巴マミ：水橋かおり 美樹さやか：喜多村英梨 佐倉杏子：野中藍 キュゥべえ：加藤英美里 etc

At first glance, “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” appears to be a cute magical girl story, but it is actually a serious tale that delves into the questions of “what it means to be a magical girl” and “the balance between hope and despair.”

When it first aired, it became a social phenomenon with its unexpected plot twists and shocking storyline.

Its world view, which combines lovely character designs with dark fantasy, and its philosophical theme of “wishes and the price to pay,” have earned it high praise as a groundbreaking work that will remain in the history of anime.

Expectations are also building for the theatrical version, “Walpurgis no Kaiten,” due for release in 2026.

One day, Kaname Madoka, an ordinary middle school student, meets a mysterious creature named Kyubey, who invites her to become a magical girl and save the world.

However, a terrible price is hidden in the contract…

As she struggles with her bonds with her friends, and between hope and despair, Madoka must face her own choices.

・The contrast between cute characters and a shocking story
・A game that completely overturns the concept of “magical girls”
・Deep themes such as wishes and costs, hope and despair

Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	1st period: October 1991 – September 1992 2nd period: October 2020 to October 2022
cast	1991年版 ダイ：藤田淑子 ポップ：難波圭一 マァム：冨永みーな レオナ：久川綾 ヒュンケル：堀秀行 アバン：田中秀幸 2020年版 ダイ：種崎敦美 ポップ：豊永利行 マァム：小松未可子 レオナ：早見沙織 ヒュンケル：梶裕貴 アバン：田中秀幸 etc

Set in the world of the nationally beloved RPG series, Dragon Quest, this passionate fantasy follows the growth and adventures of a young boy named Dai and his friends. It was first adapted into an anime in 1991, and a full remake was produced in 2020.

The new anime (2020-2022) will adapt the original story to its fullest, spanning 100 episodes, and has been re-evaluated by people of all ages as a “classic boys’ anime” that depicts powerful battles, heart-warming drama, and bonds between friends.

The Demon King Hadlar has been defeated, and peace has returned to the world.

Dai, a boy who grew up on an island inhabited by monsters, begins his training under the hero Avan.

But as the threat of the resurrected Hadlar and the Great Demon King Burn closes in on the world, he rises up with his friends Pop and Maam and sets out on an epic adventure.

・Classic story that makes the most of the Dragon Quest world.
・masterpiece that combines the three elements of friendship, growth, and adventure.
・game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, with both old and new anime.

SPY×FAMILY

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	Season 1 (First Season): April–June 2022 Season 1 (Second Season): October–December 2022 Season 2: October–December 2023 Season 3: October 2025–Current
cast	ロイド・フォージャー：江口拓也 ヨル・フォージャー：早見沙織 アーニャ・フォージャー：種崎敦美 ボンド・フォージャー：松田健一郎 etc

The first season of “SPY×FAMILY” aired in 2022, quickly becoming a hot topic as a groundbreaking series that blends stylish action with comical slice-of-life drama.

The story begins when a skilled spy, Tasogare, creates a “temporary family” and enters into a fake marriage and adoption for the sake of a mission.

However, for some reason, the family is full of secrets, with his wife being a skilled assassin and his daughter possessing psychic powers.

The story of how the “true family bonds” gradually develop as they live their daily lives hiding their true identities from each other was deeply moving.

In addition to its exquisite balance of action, comedy, and family drama, the series has been popular with a wide range of viewers, especially Anya’s lovable character, making it immensely popular both in Japan and overseas.

The story is set in a fictional world reminiscent of the Cold War.

In order to carry out a top-secret mission, spy Twilight adopts a young esper named Anya and enters into a fake marriage with an assassin named Yor.

This “temporary family,” each harboring a secret, unfolds in a heartwarming spy action story filled with laughter, tears, and thrills.

・Unique family of spies, assassins, and psychics
・Anya’s adorable behavior and lines have become a hit on social media
・Perfect blend of serious spy action and heartwarming family drama

Tacopee’s Original Sin

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	June to August 2025
cast	タコピー：間宮くるみ 久世しずか：上田麗奈 etc

“Takopi no Original Sin” began serialization in “Shonen Jump+” in 2021.

The series has been a hot topic, especially on social media, and has garnered attention, including being ranked third in the “This Manga is Amazing! 2023” Men’s Edition.

The original is a short story completed in two volumes, but despite its cute characters, it is a shocking work that deals with serious themes such as child abuse and bullying.

It was adapted into an anime series in June 2025.

It is not recommended for those who dislike sensitive content, but it is very thought-provoking, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.

Tacopee is a happy alien from outer space who comes to Earth to bring smiles to the faces of children.

However, he meets Hoshino Shizuka, a girl who is suffering from bullying at the hands of her classmates.

Tacopee tries his best to make her smile, but his “too innocent actions” only make the situation worse, eventually leading to an irreparable tragedy.

・Shocking work that leaves a lasting impression despite being only two volumes long
・Cute character designs and a heavy theme
・Shocking work that became a social phenomenon, sparking intense discussion among 　
　readers, especially on social media

Berserk

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	Berserk (1997 edition): October 1997 – March 1998 Berserk (Season 1): July – September 2016 Berserk (Season 2): April – June 2017
cast	ガッツ：岩永洋昭 キャスカ：行成とあ グリフィス：櫻井孝宏 パック：水原薫 etc

Berserk is an anime based on the dark fantasy manga by Kentaro Miura, and tells an epic tale of human desire, betrayal, and the mercy of fate.

First adapted for TV in 1997, the series has continued to be adapted into different forms over the years: a trilogy of films starting in 2012, a new TV series in 2016, and a MEMORIAL EDITION in 2022 (based on the trilogy, split and edited into weekly 30-minute segments with new scenes added).

The greatest appeal of the series lies in the way Guts, a swordsman who defies a cruel fate, lives his life and the fierce relationships he develops with both his comrades and foes.

There is a strong cathartic feeling in watching him continue to fight despite the intense depictions of violence and cruel fate.

The relationships between Guts, Griffith, and Casca also transcend simple battle scenes, attracting many fans as a deep human drama.

Wielding a great sword taller than himself, Guts is a swordsman who travels from battlefield to battle as a mercenary.

When he meets the Band of the Hawk, led by the ambitious young man Griffith, his fate begins to change dramatically.

Bonds with his comrades, a power struggle, and a brutal, fateful ritual known as the Eclipse.

In a harsh world, Guts throws himself into a battle for revenge and his destiny.

・Masterpiece of dark fantasy
・Stunning action and a relentless world
・Profound human drama revolving around Guts, Griffith, and Casca

Rage of Bahamut

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	1st period: October to December 2014 2nd period: April to September 2017
cast	ファバロ・レオーネ：吉野裕行 カイザル・リドファルド：井上剛 アーミラ：清水理沙 ジャンヌ・ダルク：潘めぐみ アザゼル：森田成一 etc

“Rage of Bahamut” is an anime series with an original story based on Cygames’ popular social game.

The first season, “GENESIS,” aired in 2014, followed by a sequel, “VIRGIN SOUL,” in 2017.

This fantasy epic is set in a spectacular world where gods, demons, and humans coexist, and follows a group of young bounty hunters as they become embroiled in an epic adventure surrounding the “resurrection of Bahamut.”

The series has received high praise for its stunning animation quality, powerful, cinematic direction, and well-paced character drama, earning it favorable reviews even from viewers unfamiliar with the original game.

Bahamut was once sealed away by gods and demons.

When bounty hunter Favaro meets a mysterious girl named Amira who holds the key to the seal, he becomes embroiled in a battle over her.

As the balance between gods and demons is upset, the fates of Favaro and his nemesis Kaiser intersect, and an adventure begins that will determine the fate of the world.

Dr.STONE

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	1st period: July to December 2019 2nd period: January to March 2021 3rd period (1st course): April to June 2023 3rd period (2nd course): October to December 2023 4th period (1st course): January to March 2025 4th period (2nd course): July to September 2025
cast	石神千空：小林裕介 大木大樹：古川 慎 小川 杠：市ノ瀬加那 etc

“Dr. Stone” is an anime based on the manga by Inagaki Riichiro and illustrated by Boichi, which began serialization in “Weekly Shonen Jump” in 2017.

Its unique story blends survival and science, in which humanity is turned to stone by a sudden, mysterious light. Thousands of years later, humanity must use the power of science to rebuild civilization from scratch.

Its scientific knowledge and romantic plot make it a unique work published in a boys’ magazine.

The first season of the anime aired in 2019, followed by “Dr. Stone Stone Wars” (season 2) and “Dr. Stone New World” (season 3), with the fourth season, “Science Future,” airing in 2025.

A world where all of humanity has suddenly been turned to stone.

Three thousand years later, a boy with a genius mind, Ishigami Senkuu, awakens.

Equipped with his knowledge of science, he works with his friends to rebuild civilization from scratch and unravel the mystery behind humanity’s petrification.

This is a story of how the power of science makes the impossible possible, from crafting tools to building cities and even adventuring across the ocean.

・Unique story about using scientific knowledge to revive civilization
・A wealth of practical scientific knowledge and trivia
・Bend of friendship and romantic adventure

The Pharmacist’s Monologue (2nd season)

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	1st period: October 2023 to March 2024 2nd period: January to July 2025
cast	猫猫（マオマオ）：悠木碧 壬氏（ジンシ）：大塚剛央 高順（ガオシュン）：小西克幸 玉葉妃（ギョクヨウヒ）：種?敦美 梨花妃（リファヒ）：石川由依 etc

Set in a fictional Chinese-style empire, this work’s appeal lies in its mystery elements, in which incidents and conspiracies unfolding within the imperial court are unraveled using “knowledge of medicine,” as well as the depth of the intertwining human relationships.

The anime began airing in 2023, and a second season aired in 2025, generating a lot of buzz.

It’s one of the works that attracted attention in 2025.

One day, Maomao, a pharmacist raised in the red-light district, is kidnapped and forced to work as a maid in the harem.

There, she meets the handsome eunuch Jinshi, who asks her to investigate a series of suspicious illnesses among the emperor’s children. Maomao uses her natural knowledge of pharmacology and powers of observation to solve the case.

Even as she finds herself caught up in the intrigues and human relationships of the court, she concocts medicines and unravels the mystery.

・Unique mystery that combines pharmacology and deduction.
・grand political drama set in a Chinese-style palace.

Violet Evergarden

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	January to April 2018
cast	ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン：石川由依 クラウディア・ホッジンズ：子安武人 ギルベルト・ブーゲンビリア：浪川大輔 カトレア・ボードレール：遠藤綾 ベネディクト・ブルー：内山昂輝 etc

“Violet Evergarden” is a moving human drama produced by Kyoto Animation, based on the light novel of the same name by Akatsuki Kana.

A TV series aired in 2018, followed by a feature film, and the series continues to be beloved by many.

The story follows Violet, a girl who lived as a “weapon” during the war, who comes to understand the meaning of the words “I love you” after the war by writing down people’s feelings as an “Auto-Memories Doll” (letter writer).

The beautiful artwork, delicate psychological portrayals, and moving episodes that are impossible to watch without moving to tears have touched the hearts of countless viewers.

Violet Evergarden is a young girl who has lived her life as an emotionless soldier on the battlefield.

After the war, she lost one arm and began a new life as an “Auto-Memories Doll” (a letter writer).

As she comes into contact with various feelings through people’s letters, she continues to search for the meaning of the words “I love you” spoken by someone special.

・KyoAni’s stunning animation and visual expression
・A moving human drama
・A heartwarming story of love woven through letters

We still don’t know the name of the flower we saw that day.

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	April to June 2011
cast	宿海仁太：入野自由 本間芽衣子：茅野愛衣 安城鳴子：戸松遥 松雪集：櫻井孝宏 鶴見知利子：早見沙織 久川鉄道：近藤孝行 etc

“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” commonly known as “Anohana,” is an original anime that aired in 2011 and became a major social phenomenon.

Set in Chichibu, this coming-of-age ensemble drama follows a group of childhood friends who became estranged after a tragic incident in their youth, as they rekindle their bond.

When it aired, it was immensely popular as a prime example of a “tear-jerker anime,” and its ending theme, “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~,” left a lasting impression on many viewers.

The Super Peace Busters were once a close-knit group.

However, after losing one of their members, Meiko (Menma), in an accident, they became estranged.

One summer day, Meiko, who was supposed to be dead, appears before Jintan, who has become somewhat of a recluse.

Guided by Meiko, who asks them to grant her a wish, the group reunites, and time, which had been stopped, begins to move again…

・A moving story about friendship and loss in youth
・Many memorable scenes that will move viewers to tears
・Masterpiece that has established itself as a “tear-jerker” anime

A Place Further Than the Universe

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	January to March 2018
cast	玉木マリ：水瀬いのり 小淵沢報瀬：花澤香菜 三宅日向：井口裕香 白石結月：早見沙織 藤堂吟：能登麻美子 etc

“A Place Further Than the Universe” has garnered high praise for its innovative premise of four high school girls heading to Antarctica, as well as its meticulous character portrayals.

It is a masterpiece that will deeply move viewers with its realistic portrayal of the courage to pursue their dreams, the bonds between friends, and overcoming setbacks and conflict.

Tamaki Mari (Kimari), a second-year high school student, has always wanted to take on a big challenge, but has never been able to take the first step.

Then she meets Kobuchizawa Shirase, a girl who dreams of going to Antarctica. Hinata and Yuzuki join her, and the four of them embark on an unprecedented adventure: two high school girls heading to Antarctica.

As they develop friendships and bonds, the girls set off on a journey that will change their lives.

・Heartwarming story about four high school girls heading to Antarctica.
・story of youth, friendship, and challenge.
・moving coming-of-age anime that will give you the courage to pursue your dreams.

orange

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	July-September 2016
cast	高宮菜穂：花澤香菜 成瀬 翔：山下誠一郎 etc

“Orange” is a youth sci-fi love story in which high school student Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self ten years later and struggles to avoid her “greatest regret.”

The story portrays poignant developments where love and friendship, regret and salvation intersect, deeply moving the heart.

The original work is a manga by Ichigo Takano, and it was adapted into an anime in 2016.

Naho, a second-year high school student, one day receives a letter from herself ten years in the future.

The letter details what will happen in the coming years, including the heartbreaking news that the person she falls in love with will pass away.

Believing the contents of the letter, Naho sets out to take action to change her fate.

・Youth ensemble drama with characters’ conflicts, growth, and relatable moments
・A sci-fi setting featuring letters from one’s future self
・Masterpiece with only 13 episodes, yet leaves a lasting impression after watching

Haikyuu!!

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	Season 1: April 2014 – September 2014 Season 2: October 2015 – March 2016 Season 3: October 2016 – December 2016 Season 4 (1st Cour): January 2020 – April 2020 Season 4 (2nd Cour): October 2020 – December 2020
cast	日向翔陽：村瀬歩 影山飛雄：石川界人 澤村大地：日野聡 菅原孝支：入野自由 西谷夕：岡本信彦 田中龍之介：林勇 及川徹：浪川大輔 黒尾鉄朗：中村悠一 etc

“Haikyuu!!” has sold over 70 million copies in total (as of December 2024) and enjoys immense popularity as a landmark volleyball manga.

The anime began airing sequentially from 2014, receiving high praise for its outstanding animation, dynamic match depictions, and character development stories.

In 2024, the long-awaited “Trash Heap Showdown” was released as a movie, and the production of a new feature film, “Little Giant,” has also been announced.

The series’ popularity continues to soar.

Despite his small stature, Shōyō Hinata possesses exceptional athleticism and leaping ability. During his junior high years, he admired the “Little Giant” and became dedicated to volleyball.

After entering high school, he joins the Karasuno High School volleyball team, where he becomes teammates with his fated rival, Tobio Kageyama.

At first, the two clash, but eventually, they develop a perfect combination and take on numerous fierce matches against powerhouse schools.

・You can enjoy it even if you’re not familiar with the rules of volleyball
・Thrilling match scenes and a growth story with friends
・Packed with unforgettable games that will warm your heart

Yowamushi Pedal

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	Season 1: October 2013 – June 2014 Season 2: October 2014 – March 2015 Season 3: January 2017 – June 2017 Season 4: January 2018 – June 2018 Season 5: October 2022 – March 2023
cast	小野田坂道：山下大輝 今泉俊輔：鳥海浩輔 鳴子章吉：福島潤 真波山岳：代永翼 東堂尽八：柿原徹也 御堂筋翔：遊佐浩二 巻島裕介：森久保祥太郎 金城真護：安元洋貴 etc

“Yowamushi Pedal” is a manga about high school students participating in road cycling races, and it has been a long-running hit series serialized in “Weekly Shonen Champion” since 2008.

The anime began airing in 2013, gaining many fans with its overwhelming sense of speed and intense human drama.

The series has become a long-running franchise with over 100 episodes, and it has been expanded into various media, including stage plays and live-action films.

Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku boy who loves anime and games, had the stamina to effortlessly ride 90 kilometers round trip to Akihabara by bicycle.

After entering high school, he unexpectedly joins the cycling club and, together with his friends, aims to win the Inter-High championship.

Through intense races against rivals and bonds with his teammates, Sakamichi grows into a ‘true climber.’

・The thrilling intensity of high-speed race scenes
・Exciting battles and friendships with distinctive rivals
・A classic story of “effort and growth”

Blue Lock

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	Season 1:October 2022 – March 2023 Season 2:October 2024 – December 2024
cast	潔世一：浦和希 蜂楽廻：海渡翼 國神錬介：小野友樹 千切豹馬：斉藤壮馬 糸師凛：内田雄馬 馬狼照英：諏訪部順一 御影玲王：内田真礼 凪誠士郎：島﨑信長 etc

‘Blue Lock’ has attracted attention for its unique premise of being a project to train strikers who will lead Japan to World Cup victory, and it has become a massive hit, with a total circulation of 45 million copies worldwide.

The anime aired its first season in 2022, drawing attention for its innovative soccer depiction and psychological battles. Its momentum continues with the second season set to air in 2024, and the theatrical film ‘EPISODE Nagi’ also being released.

The Japan Football Association launches a survival training camp called ‘Blue Lock,’ gathering 300 high school forwards to develop the world’s best striker who can lead the Japanese national team to World Cup victory.

Under the harsh rule that everyone except the chosen one will lose the qualification to join the national team, the protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, fights fierce battles with his teammates who are also his rivals.

・A fusion of soccer and death game elements
・Psychological battles and growth drama of unique forwards
・With Season 2 and a theatrical release, it’s currently one of the hottest soccer anime

Ahiru no Sora

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	October 2019 – September 2020
cast	車谷空：梶裕貴 花園百春：内田雄馬 花園千秋：小西克幸 夏目健二：谷山紀章 茂吉要：宮野真守 etc

“Ahiru no Sora” is a story that portrays the realistic youth of high school students with basketball as its theme.

With a style that captures the passion of high school students as they are, it carefully depicts not only wins and losses but also the emotions of the characters.

The anime aired for a year starting in 2019 and was adapted into a 50-episode series.

Despite being only 149 cm tall and small in stature, Sora Kurumatani is a boy with an astonishing sense for basketball.

After entering high school, he joins the Kuzuryu High School basketball team, which is full of unmotivated delinquents.

At first, he clashes with them repeatedly, but gradually, as he deepens his bonds with his teammates, he challenges himself aiming for the national championship.

・The struggles of a small-statured protagonist overcoming the disadvantage of height
・The inner conflicts of delinquent boys and their passionate human drama
・Realistic basketball scenes and a coming-of-age story that feels true to life

Ace of Diamond

Work name	Summary
NumbNumber of anime episodes	Season 1:October 2013 – March 2015 Season 2:April 2015 – March 2016 Season 3:April 2019 – March 2020
cast	沢村栄純：逢坂良太 降谷暁：島埼信長 御幸一也：櫻井孝宏 小湊春市：花江夏樹 小湊亮介：岡本信彦 etc

“Diamond no Ace” is a high school baseball manga by Yuji Terajima, serialized in “Weekly Shonen Magazine” from 2006 to 2015. Its sequel, “Diamond no Ace act II,” was also serialized from 2015 to 2022 and became a hugely popular series.

The anime began airing in 2013 and captivated many fans with its overwhelmingly realistic portrayals and passionate, youthful story.

Eijun Sawamura, who served as a pitcher at a rural junior high school, advances to Seidou High School armed with his uniquely tricky fastball.

At this nationally renowned strong school, he aims for the ace position while being surrounded by talented teammates and rivals.

This work depicts his growth through intense practice, games, and competition within the team.

・A high school baseball anime filled with youth, effort, and setbacks
・Human drama with unique friends and rivals
・Realistic depictions of practice and games