Most Buzzed-About Anime of Spring 2025

The Anime That Should Be on Your Radar This Season

In addition to writing about movies and television, I sometimes discuss animation. Animation isn’t exclusive to Disney / Pixar or Japanese Anime, but rather the industry as a whole. I also really love Japanese Anime. I’ve previously written a primer on Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. I even did an article recently about Studio Ghibli vs AI.

I haven’t spent much time on the newsletter discussing anime TV series. Most TV series can be watched on streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hi-dive, and Netflix.

I’m going to be writing about some of my most anticipated anime of the Spring 2025 season. Usually one of the most packed seasons of the year, this Spring Anime season doesn’t disappoint. Not only are there anticipated spin-offs like My Hero Academia: Vigilante and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, but there are also anticipated video game adaptations like Devil May Cry. Don’t worry if Japanese Anime isn’t for you, I’ll be back with movie reviews and features soon.

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Devil May Cry

Devil May Cry feels like it comes from a different era. The music and references are a throwback, and it spends so much of its first half-hour discussing a demon sword. This anime is based on a pretty popular franchise from game developer Capcom, but I’m going to be completely honest: I never played these games for their story. Mostly, it was fun going in and defeating wave after wave of demons using protagonist Dante’s dual pistols and sword. So unless the show tosses the contrived plot aside for a lot more action, I can’t recommend Devil May Cry.

Release date: April 5th
Where to watch: Netflix

Lazarus

One of the most popular animes in the West is Cowboy Bebop. Adult Swim has been chasing that success for the better part of two decades. Director Shhinichiro Watanabe never wanted to make a sequel to that franchise, declaring that he was done and moving on to other ventures. There have been some fantastic shows in there, like Carole & Tuesday, Space Dandy, and Kids on the Slope, but none of them has been Cowboy Bebop. Unsurprisingly, his new show, Lazarus, isn’t Cowboy Bebop either. But it might be the closest he’s come to capturing that same feeling. Lazarus reminds me a little of Ready Player One but without all the fan service. In Lazarus, a drug was released upon the world and was supposed to bring peace and comfort to all. Years later, the man responsible for developing the drug says that anyone who has taken the drug will die within three years. Unless humanity can find him. The pilot is heavy on action, and I’m already on board to see how this team will save the day.

Release date: April 6th
Where to watch: Adult Swim, streaming the next day on Max

Witch Watch

What do you get when you mix a witch in training and her Ogre companion? Witch Watch. That’s what you get. This romantic-comedy features plenty of magic and hijinks. I remember reading a few chapters and growing tired of Nico’s witch blunders. She’s the type of character that can’t help but get into trouble. Morihito is a monotone protagonist who barely exists alongside Nico. Don’t expect much, but if you want a magical romantic-comedy, Witch Watch might be your fancy.

Release date: April 6th
Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll

Anne Shirley

Before you ask, Anne Shirley is an anime adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. While I don’t have that much experience with the story, I had a general gist of the events. The first episode of Anne Shirley is all about Anne meeting the Cuthberts, Marilla and Matthew. The siblings have grown old, and it’s tough finding help to take care of their property and home, so they figure they’ll adopt a boy and raise him to take of Green Gables. A mix-up occurs, and instead of a boy, the Cuthberts receive the red-haired and adventurous Anne. I have a hard time finding a fault in this premier— it introduces the characters, is adequately animated, and showcases why the Cuthberts would ultimately decide to give it a go with Anne. And it does all that in only 24 minutes.

Release date: April 4th
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Kowloon Generic Romance

Now, this is what I’m talking about. Kowloon Generic Romance takes place in the nostalgic Kowloon Walled City. Real estate agents Reiko Jujirai and Hajime Kudo spend a lot of time together outside of work, and Reiko’s feelings for Hajime continue to grow. Everything seems, well, generic until Reiko begins to think everything about her world is a little off. She quickly summarizes that she has no memory of her past at all. Maybe this show is an easy target for me, but a science-fiction romance with adult characters? In my anime? That’s a win. I honestly can’t wait to watch more of this, and if you want something that’s off the beaten path, look no further than Kowloon Generic Romance.

Release date: April 5th
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

If you want more selections, I’ll recommend the writers at Anime News Network, who’ve put together a good preview of their anticipated titles.