7 Best Anime Movies of 2025
List of the Best Anime Movies Released in 2025
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Looking back at last year, it was truly a thrilling year for anime movie fans. Several highly anticipated films made a huge impact: Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, a sequel to the popular TV series, became a box office hit; the two-part adaptation of the acclaimed manga Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction captured audiences’ attention; The Colors Within, the latest film from a renowned director, made waves; and Look Back stood out as one of the most compelling short movies.
However, 2025 is shaping up to be just as exciting. To be fair, there are no upcoming standalone anime movies from big-name directors like Makoto Shinkai, Mamoru Hosoda or Hatao Miyazaki. But this year still boasts some of the most anticipated film sequels to hit anime in recent years. Additionally, a highly awaited anime movie that was originally scheduled for release last year will finally make its debut.
So, what masterpieces will be born this year? In this article, I’ll introduce the best anime movies of 2025. For sequel films, I’ll also provide a guide on how to catch up for those who haven’t yet watched the original series.
Updates:
–Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved and KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! 3 -Bonus Stage- have been added to the list (March 25, 2025)
– The release date for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has been set for September 19, 2025 (March 24, 2025)
– The release date for the first movie of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle has been set for July 18 (March 10, 2025)
If you’re looking for recommendations on the best anime series airing or streaming in 2025 that aren’t covered in this article, be sure to check out this list ▶︎ List of the Best Anime Series to Watch in 2025
1. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht Rising-
2025 is the year when fans’ expectations will be finally met. Among all upcoming releases, the one that Shaft fans have been anticipating the most in recent years is none other than Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht Rising- (劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ〈ワルプルギスの廻天〉). Originally scheduled for the early 2024 release, it was postponed by a year and is now set to premier in the winter of 2025.
The Puella Magi Madoka Magica series first introduced as a TV anime series directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and produced by the studio Shaft, airing in 2011. Every anime fan should take the time to watch the 12-episode series along with its sequel film titled Puella Magi Madoka Magica New Feature: Rebellion before experiencing this long-awaited new installment.
On the surface, Puella Magi Madoka Magica may seem like just another cute magician girl anime, but as its core, it tells a serious science fiction story. Since both the past narratives and this continuation are entirely original creations with no pre-existing source material like manga or light novels, predicting what will happen next is nearly impossible. This unpredictability is one of the series’ greatest strengths. For the new anime movie arriving after more than a decade, catching up on the previous episodes and film is far from a chore, which is a wonderful experience worth every moment.
Release date: Winter 2025
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
The latest anime movie of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, one of the most socially impactful anime series in history, is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編). For anyone interested in anime today, this is an unmissable title. The series began with its 26-episode first season in 2019, followed by the 2020 release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, which covered the equivalent of 7 episodes. The second season, Entertainment District Arc, ran for 11 episodes, while the third season, Swordsmith Village Arc, also consisted of 11 episodes. Most recently, the fourth season, Hashira Training Arc, was aired and distributed with 8 episodes.
Now, the story continues into its final act with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which has been announced as a trilogy. In terms of content, this adaptation is expected to cover the equivalent of about 20 to 30 episodes. The long-standing battle between Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps and their ultimate enemy, the demon king Muzan Kibutsuji, reaches its climax. Just when it seems that Tanjiro and the Hashira members have finally cornered Muzan, they fall into his trap instead.
This highly anticipated installment will show intense battles between the strongest Hashira and the most powerful demons Twelve Kizuki. Fans are eager to see who will face off against whom. Additioanally, for readers of the original manga, a major point of interest will be whether the anime addresses unresolved plot points that were not covered in the completed manga. The beginning of the grand finale of one of the best anime in recent years kicks off in 2025. Don’t miss it.
Release date: July 18, 2025
▶︎For more details on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, please check here.
3. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Chainsaw Man, one of the most shocking but acclaimed dark-fantasy anime in 2020s, can be one the best anime movie of 2025, which is titled Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇). Based on the hit manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the first season of the Chainsaw Man was broadcast with 12 episodes in 2022, produced by Mappa. As a sequel to the first season, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc enters a new story arc featuring a new girl character Reze.
After defeating the Samurai Sword, Denji meets a girl named Reze while working at a cafe. As they spend more time together, their bond deepens. For the first time since developing feelings for Makima, Denji finds himself truly drawn to Reze as a woman. But who is she, really? Is she a friend or a foe? The release date of this anime film has been announced as around the time of a typhoon in 2025, a reference to the story’s setting. This strongly suggests a summer premiere.
Release date: September 19, 2025
▶︎For more details on Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, please check here.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death
Jujutsu Kaisen, which made headlines last year when its original manga reached its conclusion, is set to release a new movie titled Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death (劇場版総集編 呪術廻戦 懐玉・玉折) in May 2025. This film serves as a compilation of episodes that have already aired in the second season of the anime. However, given the high quality and popularity of these five episodes, bringing them together into a single cinematic experience makes perfect sense.
The Jujutsu Kaisen anime first aired its first season from 2020 to 2021, followed by the second season in 2023. Out of the 23 episodes in the second season, the first 5 are now reimagined as a movie. And, this is second Jujutsu Kaisen film, following the release of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in 2021.
The story explores the past of Satoru Gojo, a teacher of the protagonist Yuji Itadori and now known as the strongest jujutsu sorcerer. It delves into how he became so powerful and the shifting dynamics of his relationship with Suguru Geto, who was once his classmate but later became his greatest enemy. The film features intense battle scenes, unexpected plot twists, and even lighthearted slice-of-life comedic moments. They have made this storyline a favorite among Jujutsu Kaisen fans. As the franchise moves toward future arcs, why not take a moment in 2025 to relive the very best of Jujutsu Kaisen?
Release date: May 30, 2025
5. Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback
A brand-new anime film from a long-running series, now an annual trasdition, is set to hit theaters once again this year. Detective Conan, known as Case Closed in North America, is a legendary detective manga with 100 volumes and its anime series that has been airing since 1996. In 2025, it returns with its 28th anime movie title, Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback (名探偵コナン 隻眼の残像), premiering this spring.
The trailer has revealed that the film takes place in a snowy mountain setting. While the main characters, of course, make an appearance, the story focuses on the Nagano Prefecture Police members Kansuke Yamato, Takaaki Morofushi and Yui Uehara. Most notably, this movie partly centers around Kogoro Mori, a rare occurrence in the series. It is the first time Kogoro takes on a central role in a Detective Conan movie since the 9th film Detective Conan: Strategy Above the Depths released in 2005.
Although Conan’s films may seem like standalone spin-offs, they often conrain crucial elements that tie into the main story. For newcomers, catching up on past episodes before watching this movie may feel overwhelming. However, for those who get hooked, it promises an outstanding mystery experience. That being said, one of Detective Conan’s biggest strengths is that even without prior knowledge of past episodes, you can still enjoy each movie to a certain extent.
Release date: April 18, 2025
6. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved
The latest part in the beloved fantasy slice-of-life anime series from Kyoto Animation is Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜). To be honest, it’s unlikely this film will be considered the best anime movie of 2025 by most viewers. However, that has less to do with the film’s quality and more with its nature as a spin-off entry. For fans of the original Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid (which began airing in 2017) and its 2021 second season, this Kanna-centered story is nothing short of sublime. The film is directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, who also helmed Season 2 (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S).
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is a heartwarming comedy about an ordinary office worker, Miss Kobayashi, who ends up living with a dragon named Tohru in maid form. As more quirky dragons join their daily life, the story blends fantasy and slice-of-life humor. In Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved, one day, a surprise visitor appears before Kanna, a young dragon living with them. Shockingly, it’s her real father, which is an encounter that could change everything.
Release date: June 27, 2025
7. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! 3 -Bonus Stage-
KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! 3 -Bonus Stage- (この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！3 ―BONUS STAGE―) isn’t a full-length anime film in the traditional sense, but rather a theatrical release made up of two brand-new OVA episodes. That said, KonoSuba has been a global fan favorite since its first season aired in 2016, making this a must-watch addition to the 2025 anime movie lineup. With Season 3 released in 2024, the series is still going strong—so don’t miss this fresh spin-off while the hype is alive. Its lighthearted humor and isekai setting also make it a perfect entry point for newcomers to anime.
In one tale, Kazuma’s party is called upon to face a looming typhoon, with Megumin’s explosive magic at the center of a high-spirited mission. In another, a mysterious adventurer seeks the legendary “Kazuma Satou,” leading to a comical twist as stories blur the line between truth and illusion. Two light-hearted adventures unfold in the whimsical world of KonoSuba.
Release date: March 14, 2025
This article will be updated with additional titles every time a new renowned anime movie is released.
It should now be clear that 2025 will be a significant year for many anime fans. At the same time, looking back at the history of anime films, the works introduced above are just a small fraction of the many great works out there. If you want to explore the best anime movies of all time, be sure to check out this list ▶︎ 30 Best Anime Movies of All Time
For more modern finest anime movies in these few years, check these articles below!
▶︎ 7 Best Anime Movies of 2024 from The Colors Within to Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
▶︎ 11 Best Anime Movies of 2023 from The Boy and the Heron to Spy x Family Code: White
▶︎ 10 Best Anime Movies of 2022 from Suzume to One Piece Film: Red
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Hi! I’m a writer and editor at Japan Web Magazine. Since 2017, I’ve written over 500 articles covering a wide range of Japan-related topics—must-visit travel spots, local food culture, helpful travel tips, seasonal events, anime, manga, and more. I travel all over Japan, from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. My hobbies, such as hunting for the best ramen shops and keeping up with the latest anime every season, help me share the magic of Japan with people from all over the world. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Japan fan planning your dream trip, I want to help you experience the best of what this country has to offer. After traveling to many countries around the world, I still love Japan the most, and I continue to share information while making the most of my perspective as someone who was born and raised here. [Connect with me] ▷You can find more of my writing and follow my latest thoughts on Japan over on Medium. A bit more about me: [Traveler at heart] ▷Most unforgettable trip: Chichijima Island, a remote island that takes over 23 hours to reach by ferry from Tokyo! ▷Favorite neighborhood in Tokyo: Kagurazaka [Foodie life] ▷Obsessed with sushi and ramen ▷Proud foodie moment: Scored a seat at the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro [Passionate otaku] ▷Favorite anime: March Comes in Like a Lion and Attack on Titan ▷Manga I live by: One Piece and Slam Dunk
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