As the fall 2024 anime season nears the end of all anticipated series, that means there will be a whole new anime lineup for the next season.
From highly anticipated sequels to new additions to the anime world, here is a list of the top 10 upcoming anime you'll want to watch in Winter 2024 – 2025.
10. Can You Keep a Secret?
Release date: January 2025
This office-themed romantic comedy revolves around Yui Mitsuya and Masugu Tateshi, who are more than just coworkers. Mitsuya is attracted to Tateshi's helpful and humble attitude while Tateshi is fascinated by her cuteness.
While they were dating, they wanted to keep their relationship a secret to avoid awkward situations at work.
9. Zenshuu
Release date: January 2025
This upcoming anime series is an original story by Studio MAPPA, focusing on an animator, Natsuko Hirose. Her career quickly developed and soon after graduating from high school, she debuted as a director.
Her first anime series was a huge success, but her difficulties began when her next project was a romantic comedy revolving around first love. Because Natsuko has never been in love, she doesn't understand this concept. As a result, her film's production stalled as she found herself unable to create a storyboard.
8. The Rose of Versailles (Movie)
Release date: January 31, 2025 (Japan release date)
The anime produced by studio MAPPA is based on the classic Shojo work by Riyoko Ikeda. The story takes place several years before and during the French Revolution. The film tells the story of Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, a Parisian noblewoman who was raised from a young age.
Her first mission is to follow Princess Marie-Antoinette. Unexpectedly, the Princess later fell in love with Oscar but then realized she was a woman. They soon become friends as the story continues to depict the struggles of two women trapped in high society. The film has not yet announced a global release date.
7. Honey Lemon Soda
Release date: January 2025
This upcoming romance Shojo anime series is about Uka Ishimori, a 15-year-old girl who is bullied in high school for freezing in front of others. Now, she wants to start over in high school. However, she was drenched in her juices by classmate Kai Miura during the first week.
Kai has a completely different personality from her and he slowly encourages her to come out of her shell. When he helps her, Uka realizes she has a crush on him.
6. Blue Exorcist part 5
Release date: January 2025
Blue Exorcist released a new season this Fall and has been confirmed to release a 5th season in January. The story revolves around Okumura Rin, who believes he is a normal teenager – until one day, he discovered he was the son of Satan.
The sequel will follow Shura Kirigakure as he faces his destiny and discovers the darkness within the true Knight of the Cross.
5. Dr Stone: Science Future
Release date: January 2025
The upcoming Winter 2025 anime will air the final season of Dr. Stone. The story follows Senku in the future, where civilization has almost disappeared. The young genius scientist has set a goal of restoring the world to the way it was more than 3,000 years ago.
The final season will focus on Senku's goal of reviving as many people as possible to support his space program. Despite the risks involved, he is determined to save humanity.
4. Solo Leveling part 2: Arise from the Shadow
Release date: January 2025
Solo Leveling is set in a world that has changed drastically a decade ago due to the appearance of mysterious portals called “Gates”, connecting the world to a world of magic and monsters. Modern weapons have no effect on these monsters.
Some people are given supernatural powers and are called “hunters” who fight dangerous creatures. The first part ends with Jinwoo gaining a new power: the power to control an army of the dead. Part 2 will begin adapting the manhwa from chapter 46, starting the Red Gate arc.
3. My Happy Marriage season 2
Release date: January 2025
My Happy Marriage is a historical romance series that will return with a new season in the upcoming Winter of 2025. The story follows Miyo Saimori, a young girl who, despite being of noble birth, works as a servant for her cruel family.
She is terrified after being forced into an arranged marriage with a notoriously cruel army captain, Kiyoka Kudou. Having lost all hope of a happy life, Miyo has no idea what awaits her in her new home, which turns out not to be a miserable marriage but a life filled with happiness.
2. Sakamoto Days
Release date: January 2025
Based on a popular manga series by WSJ, Sakamoto Days tells the story of Taro Sakamoto, a former assassin who retired after getting married. Once considered the greatest assassin of all time, Taro is now a fat family man. However, his peaceful days don't last long when he discovers that there is a bounty on his head.
Now, together with his new allies, Taro must discover the truth. Five years of living in peace did not diminish his skills once he returned to action.
1. The Apothecary Diaries season 2
Release date: January 10, 2024
The sequel to The Apothecary Diaries will bring new mysteries for the curious Maomao to solve. The story follows her after she is kidnapped and sold into the inner palace as a maid.
Although she tries to hide her intelligence and medical expertise, it does not go unnoticed by Jinshi, a eunuch in charge of the inner palace. Maomao likes to solve cases for fun, which is perfect for Jinshi who needs her help. However, she still doesn't know the big secret that Jinshi is hiding from her.