2025’s Top 10 Anime Films You Probably Missed

2025 wasn’t just another year for animated features from Japan—it was the year these films took centre stage worldwide. From major franchise instalments to heartfelt originals and punchy short films, the year’s releases proved that anime could smash box office records and spark conversations well beyond the usual fan circles.

Here’s a rundown of the ten standout anime films from 2025 that may have slipped under your radar, ranked by their impact, quality, and what made them matter to punters everywhere.

Short Films and Indie Standouts

Kicking things off is Bâan: The Boundary of Adulthood, a short but powerful piece that ditches flashy battles for a more meditative, personal story about growing up. With stunning visuals and a gentle pace, it’s a top pick for anyone who enjoys reflective animation or art-house fare. It’s a reminder that 2025 wasn’t just about the big blockbusters—smaller productions left a real mark too.

Next up, Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl throws viewers into a gritty, cyberpunk world, thanks to Shaft’s signature animation style. While it didn’t get the same global attention as some franchise giants, its vibrant visuals and raw energy make it a must-see for fans of edgy, sci-fi anime. It’s a proper gem for those who like their stories with a bit of punk attitude.

Franchise Favourites and Character-Driven Stories

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved keeps the charm of the original series alive, focusing on Kanna’s growth and emotional journey. It’s light-hearted but layered, making it one of the year’s best feel-good films—perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers after something easy to enjoy.

The Colors Within made waves after its late 2024 Japanese release, gaining global traction in 2025. The story follows a high schooler discovering new ways to connect with the world through colour, blending themes of identity, music, and relationships. Praised for its emotional depth and inventive storytelling, it’s one of the year’s most meaningful releases.

Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage continues the tradition of unsettling, supernatural tales, using clever storytelling and striking visuals to create a lasting impression. It’s a strong example of how horror anime can be both visually stunning and deeply engaging, without relying on cheap scares.

Sports, Fantasy, and Emotional Highs

Landing at number five, 100 Meters is a sports drama with real heart. Following the journey of star sprinter Togashi, the film explores rivalries and personal growth, all brought to life with impressive rotoscoped running scenes. Its global release on Netflix helped it find a wider audience, earning praise as one of the year’s most underappreciated but moving sports stories.

Scarlet, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, is a fantasy action film inspired by Hamlet. With lush animation, time-bending themes, and a strong female lead, it mixes high stakes with personal drama. While some reviews were mixed on the story, the film’s ambition and atmosphere stood out.

Blockbuster Hits and Franchise Powerhouses

In the top three, Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie compiles one of the series’ most beloved arcs, focusing on Gojo and Geto’s younger days. It delivers an emotional punch and offers both new and returning fans a solid introduction to the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, setting the stage for future instalments.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is the first in the franchise’s final trilogy and smashed box office records, becoming one of the highest-grossing anime films ever. Packed with epic action and standout character moments, it pushed the series even further into global pop culture, leaving fans keen for what’s next.

Topping the list, Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc was a massive hit in 2025. Adapted by MAPPA from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, it balanced action, emotion, and character depth. The film became one of the year’s highest-rated, showing that dark fantasy and messy relationships can be just as crowd-pleasing as any sword fight.

So, which anime film from 2025 is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below, and we would love to hear from you all.

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire