As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this has been a fantastic year for anime. Fans have enjoyed a consistently high quality of shows, and as the year ends, many will be reflecting on the anime that stood out the most.
As usual, 2025 brought a lot of exciting new anime aimed at young male audiences. These shows were incredibly engaging, leaving viewers eager for the next episode. Now that the year is coming to a close, fans are debating which shonen anime stood out the most. While several titles are in the running, only one can be named the best shonen anime of the year.
This post contains spoilers for several anime.
Sakamoto Days
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.92
- Cour 2 aired in 2025
The initial episodes of Sakamoto Days weren’t very well-received, and many fans felt the anime adaptation didn’t live up to the original manga. However, the studio surprised everyone with a much stronger second half.
The second part of Sakamoto Days was a significant improvement over the first. The story moved at a better pace, and the animation was noticeably better, making it a standout season and earning its place on this list.
Spy x Family
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.23
- The third season is still ongoing
Spy x Family, a popular anime based on Tatsuya Endo’s manga, has quickly become a worldwide favorite. Unlike many action-packed anime, it’s known for being lighthearted and funny, with characters often joking around and enjoying themselves. While it occasionally touches on more serious themes, these moments don’t stay that way for long.
The third season of Spy x Family premiered in 2025 and continued to be a hit with viewers. The popular team of Loid, Yor, Anya, and Bond once again captivated audiences – which isn’t surprising, as they’ve been key to the anime’s popularity. Anya, in particular, has become a fan favorite and a truly iconic character over the show’s three seasons.
Dr. Stone
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.52
- Finished airing two cours in 2025
While Dr. Stone hasn’t gotten quite as much hype as shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia, it’s just as well-made. What really sets it apart is its unique story – the main character, Senku, solves problems using his intelligence and scientific knowledge, rather than just brute force or special powers.
2025 saw the release of the first two parts of Dr. Stone’s final season, and they were both incredibly well-received. This has fans eagerly anticipating the third and final part. With two excellent cours already out, Dr. Stone cemented its place as one of the best action anime of the year.
Gachiakuta
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.07
- Currently airing
Gachiakuta was the unexpected hit of 2025. Few anime fans knew about it before it started, and those who did weren’t expecting much. But the show quickly won people over with its fantastic characters and inventive powers. The action sequences are thrilling and keep viewers completely engaged.
Gachiakuta tells the captivating story of Rudo, a young boy who sees worth in discarded items. This unique perspective sets him apart from his peers, but also makes him a target for teasing. Through it all, Rudo eventually discovers a place where he truly belongs.
Dandadan
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.46
- Aired its second season in 2025
The second season of Dandadan arrived in 2025 and immediately became the talk of the town. With the first season being so well-received, Science Saru faced a lot of pressure to make the new season even better – and they succeeded.
Season two of Dandadan was fantastic throughout. It resolved Jiji’s problems and deepened the connection between Momo and Okarun. The show also boasts a truly exceptional supporting cast – every character played a meaningful and positive role in the story, which is something you don’t often see. All in all, Dandadan Season 2 was almost perfect, making it the best anime of the season.
My Hero Academia
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.88
Image by Studio Bones - Currently airing Season 8
My Hero Academia is a hugely popular and important anime that’s come out in the last twenty years. The final season, which began in 2025, has been incredibly well-received, with fans praising both its stunning animation and compelling story. While the final season is still ongoing, it seems unlikely the studio will stumble before the end.
My Hero Academia fans, get ready for one final showdown! Midoriya will face off against Shigaraki in an epic battle that will decide the fate of the world. Their clash is sure to be unforgettable, and their rivalry will be remembered as one of the greatest in anime.
One Piece
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.73
- Currently airing the Egghead arc
The One Piece anime has really stepped up its game and is now competing with the best in the business. For a long time, the anime was seen as just okay, and many fans preferred reading the manga instead. But Toei Animation has been working hard, and now the anime is finally on par with—or even better than—the source material.
The animation quality of One Piece has been consistently high since the Wano Country arc, and it’s continued to impress in the current Egghead arc. Several recent episodes have received excellent ratings on IMDb, even surpassing popular series like Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries. Combined with a compelling storyline, this makes One Piece the top shonen anime of 2025.
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2025-12-03 22:38