May 2025 marks an exciting period for anime fans worldwide, with a wealth of brand-new series and fresh adaptations premiering across various streaming platforms.
This year’s lineup showcases a rich diversity of genres, from sci-fi thrillers and supernatural comedies to fantasy adventures and psychological dramas.
Here’s a detailed look at 25 totally new anime series to watch this month and beyond, highlighting the most anticipated titles and what makes them stand out.
Top New Anime Premiering in 2025
1. Lazarus
Directed by the legendary Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), Lazarus is a sci-fi thriller centered on a miracle drug that turns out to be a death sentence. The hunt for the doctor responsible and the elusive Lazarus vaccine drives a gripping narrative filled with action sequences designed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski. Premiering April 5 on Adult Swim, it’s one of the most talked-about new anime of the year2.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Premiering April 8 on Prime Video, this new Gundam series promises fresh mecha thrills with a standalone story about a young boy on the run with a Gundam. Featuring creative input from Evangelion’s Hideaki Anno, it’s poised to be a sleeper hit for mecha enthusiasts2.
3. Moonrise
A sci-fi drama from WIT Studio, Moonrise explores themes of war and friendship set against a lunar conflict. Premiering April 10, it promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story2.
4. Witch Watch
A supernatural comedy blending magic and humor, Witch Watch follows witches navigating everyday life with a lighthearted tone. It debuted in early April 2025 and is gaining popularity for its charming characters23.
5. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
A spin-off expanding the My Hero Academia universe, this series focuses on vigilante heroes using quirks to fight crime outside the law. It premiered April 7 and appeals to fans eager for more superhero action2.
6. Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani o Suru?
This fantasy series about a king’s second chance at life explores themes of power, redemption, and new beginnings. It debuted in spring 2025 and offers a fresh take on reincarnation stories4.
7. Apocalypse Hotel
A new horror-mystery anime premiering in spring 2025, Apocalypse Hotel blends suspense and supernatural elements to create a chilling atmosphere3.
8. Maebashi Witches
Another supernatural-themed new series, Maebashi Witches focuses on witchcraft and magical intrigue, debuting in spring 20253.
9. SHIROHIYO
A drama series with a unique narrative style, SHIROHIYO premiered in spring 2025 and has attracted attention for its storytelling approach3.
10. The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl
A fresh fantasy series with comedic elements, newly announced for 2025, promising a blend of humor and adventure6.
11. The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows
A fantasy anime about a healer’s journey, debuting in 2025, offering a mix of magic and personal growth6.
12. Once Upon a Witch’s Death
A fantasy/mystery series centered on witches and dark secrets, adding to the growing supernatural genre slate for 20256.
13. The Beginning After the End
An adaptation of the popular fantasy web novel and manhwa, this series follows a reincarnated king’s adventures in a new world. It’s one of the anticipated new fantasy anime of 20256.
14. The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiance and Sold to Another Kingdom
An isekai/fantasy romance anime premiering in May 2025, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and second chances6.
15. Danjo no Yuujou wa Kimi Dake ja Nai
A new series exploring friendships and relationships with a fresh perspective, debuting in spring 20256.
16. Gachiakuta
A dark fantasy shonen about survival and revenge in a dystopian world, produced by Studio Bones. This original 2025 series has been praised for its intense storytelling and animation quality6.
17. Zenshu
A drama from Studio MAPPA about a young anime director struggling to create a romantic comedy movie, offering a meta look at the anime industry6.
18. Kowloon Generic Romance
A slice-of-life romance set in a futuristic Kowloon Walled City-inspired setting, blending urban atmosphere with heartfelt storytelling3.
19. Forget You Not
A new drama series exploring complex emotional journeys and relationships, released on Netflix in May 2025[original knowledge].
20. The Better Sister
A family drama debuting on Prime Video in May 2025, focusing on sibling dynamics and personal struggles[original knowledge].
21. Not Her First Rodeo
A drama about personal growth and second chances, premiering May 2025 on Freeform[original knowledge].
22. Virgin Punk
An original anime from Studio Shaft, directed by Yasuomi Umetsu, featuring a gritty, action-packed story set in a dystopian future, slated for early summer 20256.
23. Nyaight of the Living Cat
A unique post-apocalyptic anime directed by Takashi Miike, blending horror and dark humor with a premise about a virus turning humans into cats. Scheduled for 2025 on Crunchyroll6.
24. Witch Hat Atelier
Adapted from Kamome Shirahama’s acclaimed manga, this enchanting tale of magic and self-discovery is set to premiere in 2025 on Crunchyroll, promising beautiful animation and a heartfelt story6.
25. The Summer Hikaru Died
A haunting and emotional horror anime based on Mokumokuren’s manga, exploring friendship and supernatural themes. It is scheduled for release in late 2025 on Netflix6.
Looking Ahead: Anime in 2025
The anime landscape in 2025 is vibrant and diverse, with original series like Lazarus and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX pushing genre boundaries, while adaptations such as The Beginning After the End and Witch Hat Atelier bring beloved stories to life with stunning animation. Horror and supernatural fans have plenty to look forward to with titles like Apocalypse Hotel, Maebashi Witches, and Nyaight of the Living Cat.
Moreover, the industry continues to explore meta narratives and unique storytelling approaches, as seen in Zenshu and Virgin Punk. With major platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Adult Swim, and Prime Video hosting these premieres, anime enthusiasts have unprecedented access to a broad spectrum of new content.
May 2025 and the rest of the year promise to be a thrilling time for anime fans, offering fresh narratives, innovative animation, and captivating characters that will define the medium’s evolving landscape.
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