Anime & Manga Trends of 2025 : A Summary

The landscape of anime and manga in 2025 is a vibrant testament to the medium’s ever-evolving creativity, marked by a powerful blend of nostalgia, innovative formats, and genre-blurring narratives. The dominant trend is “The Next Generation,” where beloved classics are being thoughtfully reimagined for a new age, while original stories push boundaries like never before.

The Rebirth of Legends

A significant portion of the zeitgeist is defined by legacy series returning with fresh perspectives. “Delicious in Dungeon” (Dungeon Meshi) has solidified its place as a genre-defining hit, masterfully blending high-stakes fantasy adventuring with meticulous culinary world-building and heartwarming character dynamics led by the pragmatic Laios and sensitive Marcille. Similarly, “Kaiju No. 8” continues to dominate with its unique take on the monster genre, following the relatable late-bloomer Kafka Hibino in a world where battling kaiju is a bureaucratic day job.

The trend extends to ambitious new adaptations of iconic manga. “Dandadan” has taken the anime world by storm, captivating audiences with its impossible-to-predict, heartfelt rollercoaster of supernatural battles, teenage awkwardness, and interstellar conflict, centered on the unforgettable duo of Momo Ayase and “Okarun.” Furthermore, the long-awaited adaptation of “Sakamoto Days” has redefined action-comedy, delivering breathtakingly fluid fight choreography with the story of a legendary hitman turned jovial family man, Taro Sakamoto.

The Rise of the “Anime-Original” Powerhouse

2025 has also been a banner year for original projects that bypass the manga source, proving the medium’s narrative strength. Continuing its staggering run, “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” remains a critical and commercial darling, using its melancholic, time-spanning fantasy framework to explore profound themes of legacy, memory, and connection through the eyes of the elf mage Frieren. New original series like “Meiji Gekken: 1874” recently showcase a push into historical fiction with a stylish, dramatic edge.

Manga: Beyond the Page

The manga sphere is experiencing its own revolution. “Oshi no Ko” remains a cultural phenomenon, with its scathing and intricate deep-dive into the entertainment industry continuing to spark fervent discussion. Its complex characters, like the driven idol Ai Hoshino and her revenge-seeking son Aqua, dominate fan discourse.

Digital platforms and apps have democratized access, allowing titles like “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” to find massive, dedicated audiences for its gentle, character-driven romance. Meanwhile, dark fantasy continues to thrive with series such as “Kagurabachi“, which has captivated readers with its distinct aesthetic and compelling revenge premise following Chihiro Rokuhira.

Visually experimental and narratively dense works are also in vogue. “Dandadan” and “Choujin X” (by Tokyo Ghoul‘s Sui Ishida) push artistic boundaries with dynamic, chaotic page layouts that feel inherently cinematic, challenging how action and emotion are conveyed on the static page.

Character-Centric Storytelling

Across both anime and manga, the focus has firmly settled on deep character exploration. Protagonists are often defined by introspection, trauma, and complex motivation rather than simple power escalation. We see this in Frieren’s centuries-long emotional journey, in Kafka Hibino’s struggle with his dual identity, and in Okarun and Momo’s tender, growing bond amidst cosmic chaos. The “cool dad” trope has also found a perfect avatar in Taro Sakamoto, whose overwhelming strength is hilariously contrasted with his mundane domestic life.

Looking Forward

The trends of 2025 indicate a healthy, diverse ecosystem. Studios are investing in both guaranteed successes from beloved manga and risky, high-potential original works. For fans, this means an unprecedented richness of choice—from the comfort of revisited worlds to the thrill of entirely new visions. The year proves that anime and manga are not just maintaining their global cultural foothold, but actively deepening it, one unforgettable story and character at a time.