The RIOTUS Anime Society is gifting you with a list of the Best Anime of 2025—argue with the streets (or make some recommendations ’cause we want more)
“Nyaight of the Living Cat is a smorgasbord of hilarious yet cute action-adventure fun mixed with all the beats of an apocalyptic survival series.” –Alex Bear
“SAKAMOTO DAYS has the same rhythms and flow as Spy × Family. And that’s love. It’s high-octane action vs. ordinary life, blended with high-quality hijinks. Basically, catnip. There’s an assassin no one can beat, a hilariously cute psychic, and a family that keeps growing through the power of love. Watch it immediately.” –Sherin Nicole
A thrilling psychological coming-of-age horror, The Summer Hikaru Died is my favorite anime of the year. I ended up rooting for these two best friends even though one is dead and his body is taken over by some strange eldritch being. The animation is beautiful and sometimes grotesque at the same time. I am excited for season two, and can’t wait to see how the two main characters face the challenge of wanting to stay together—even with the threat of other eldritch beings and hunters of said beings close in on them. –Jasmine Jones
What do you get when psychic weirdos, questionable aliens, and cursed spirits crash into the lives of two awkward teens? Dandadan—an adrenaline-shot of chaos that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. It’s loud, strange, and wildly heartfelt, giving us a cast that perfectly captures the beautiful disaster of being young… plus yokai, lasers, and the occasional kaiju meltdown. –Philip Jean-Pierre
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle
I was lucky enough to have seen this in a packed theater full of young anime fans and people who love Demon Slayer, cosplay, and all. Hearing the crowd cheer, laugh, gasp, and pop from the excitement of what they were seeing on the big screen was contagious . . . it was a fire time in the theater that will excite fans of the series as well as those who love anime overall. It’s one of the visually best animated films I’ve seen this year and should even impress those who are not familiar with anime outside of Studio Ghibli. –Julian Lytle
If you love the classic overpowered-protagonist / underdog trope, Solo Leveling is kind of a comfort watch for people who enjoy a familiar story with some unique edges. Need Proof?
- Jinwoo starts as the weakest hunter alive, he’s the guy everyone genuinely expects to die first.
- Instead of feeling gimmicky, the plot builds into a storyline unique enough to stand on its own.
- It’s kinda like if One Punch Man had a more in-depth origin story that’s layered with RPG video-game play. –Paige Walcott
“Solo Camping for Two is a cute adventure under the stars sprinkled with a pinch of comedy, some delicious campfire cooking, and a whole lotta heart. I can’t wait to see what camping escapades they head on next!” –Alex Bear
“Gachiakuta got me at the first mention of spirits inhabiting well-loved objects. It hooked me more with its socio-economic commentary on consumption without renewal, and the accusatory finger it points at toxic hierarchical structures. I’m so locked in on this trash show—because for the first time, “legit trash” is high praise.” –Sherin Nicole
Imagine if high school drama meant dodging curses instead of crushes, and your big senior milestone was fighting a demon that wants to wear you like a hoodie. That’s Jujutsu Kaisen in a nutshell…sorta—pure, beautifully choreographed chaos. It all starts with one swallowed demon finger, and from there the world explodes into monsters, mayhem, and the sorcerers barely holding it together. –Philip Jean-Pierre
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
For those who don’t know, Chainsaw Man is a violent story with gore and stakes to these battles as people are put in harm’s way as the Public Safety Division tries to protect them from these devils. If you don’t like seeing limbs cut off and people being exploded, this is not for you. Yet if you can get past that or love it watching Denji just desire to be loved and find connection, something he hasn’t had much of in his short life, you’ll have one of the best theater experiences of the year. Man, it’s a great year for Anime films in theaters. –Julian Lytle
A genius goblin girl, a flower boy with a mind for intrigue and a body that’s hiding tea, and medical mysteries in an alternate version of Imperial China. This shonen-shoujo is my comfort watch with a tingle of danger and the slow-burning romance I crave. Why don’t we have a live-action adaptation yet? I’m really asking: TELL ME WHY? I’d even take a US version with a Japanese-American college student who gets isekai’d into a historic-fantasy version of Imperial China. Just give it to me. –Sherin Nicole
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill
If you’re looking for your next cozy obsession, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill is the anime that sneaks up on you like the smell of something delicious at 2 a.m. Imagine an isekai where the real magic isn’t world domination—it’s good seasoning, chaotic familiars, and a hero whose greatest power is being the ultimate fantasy meal prep master. It’s Julia Child meets The Witcher, but make it wholesome, hilarious, and beautifully animated. Whether you’re here for adorable creatures, low-stakes adventure, or the kind of comfort-food storytelling that feels like a warm bowl of ramen on a cold day, this show is a perfect bite-sized escape. Fire it up—you’ll be hungry for more. –Philip Jean-Pierre
Tojima Wants To Be A Kamen Rider
The show blends deep emotional scenes and character internal feelings and thoughts with his emotional outbursts, as well as some solid comedy . . . The story got me locked in, though, for the whole season. It lived up to my hopes and is a great new addition to the fall anime lineup. Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider feels like a good entry point to Kamen Rider, just at a time when it’s beginning to go global. –Julian Lytle
May I Ask For One Final Thing?
Nothing hits as hard as a woman—in studded gloves—who loves nothing more than laying waste to the corrupt oligarchy with her fists. Dukes up? Nah, Duchess up! That’s our girl Scarlet. Every episode has me giggling harder than Prince Julian. –Sherin Nicole
Are you still here? Thank you, we love you too. But go watch more anime now!
