Summer 2025 Anime Watchlist: What Deserves a Spot on Your Radar?
The Summer 2025 anime season is almost here, and whether you’re the type who watches weekly or the kind who waits to binge it all in one glorious weekend — we’ve all been there. One thing’s for sure though: this summer is stacked with both fresh premieres and hyped-up returns. Here’s a curated list of the most anticipated titles you’ll want on your Summer 2025 anime watchlist.
1. Dandadan Season 2
Let’s kick things off with something mainstream — but don’t let that word fool you. Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s not worth the hype.
After its chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt debut in Winter 2025, Dandadan returns with Season 2. The season one cliffhanger left us dangling hard, so we’re diving straight back into the world of Okarun, Momo, and (hopefully) a deeper dive into Jiji’s mysterious backstory. Expect wild energy, UFOs, yokai, awkward crushes, and some of the most inventive animation this side of the multiverse.
Premiere: July 3, 2025
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Check out the official trailer for Dandadan Season 2 (Summer 2025). Animation by Science SARU, production by Shueisha. Source: YouTube
2. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
Another banger returns. Kaiju No. 8 had no need going that hard in Season 1, and yet every episode was pure tension.
The second season picks up Kafka Hibino’s story as the human-turned-kaiju who’s still figuring out how to fight the monsters without becoming one. Season 1 adapted up to Chapter 39 of the manga, so it’s safe to expect this cour to take us into the 80s (chapter-wise, not vibes). Word of warning: Kaiju No. 9’s endgame may just be one of the biggest threats the squad has ever faced. And yes, fans are already spiralling with theories.
Premiere: July 19, 2025
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Watch the official trailer below. Animation by Production I.G, production by Toho Animation. Source: YouTube
3. My Dress-Up Darling Season 2
If we’re talking most anticipated anime of the summer, this one probably takes the crown.
My Dress-Up Darling hasn’t graced our screens since early 2022, so the return of Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo has been a long time coming. For the uninitiated, it’s the story of an introverted doll-maker and a vibrant cosplayer whose lives hilariously (and wholesomely) collide.
Crunchyroll’s streaming it this season, and honestly, Marin’s charm alone is worth the watch. It’s the kind of show that makes you smile without trying too hard — and Gojo (yes, another Gojo) continues to be the soft boy we all root for.
Premiere: July 5, 2025
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Watch the long-awaited Season 2 trailer for My Dress-Up Darling. nimation by CloverWorks, production by Aniplex/Square Enix. Source: YouTube
4. Gachiakuta – New Series
Now this is one you need to keep an eye on.
A dark fantasy with shonen sensibilities, Gachiakuta follows Rudo, a boy cast into a pit where the worst of humanity survive. It’s gritty, unpredictable, and absolutely not afraid to get weird. The manga is already a cult hit for its storytelling twists and visual punch, and the anime trailer looks like it’s going to deliver. Bonus: the OP “Hugs” is already on repeat in fan circles.
Premiere: July 6, 2025
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Official trailer for Gachiakuta anime adaptation (Summer 2025). Source: Studio Bones / Kodansha / YouTube
5. Dr. Stone: Science Future – Final Cour
The end is near, in the best way possible.
Dr. Stone returns for the second cour of its final season. Senku and crew are on the last leg of their journey to restore civilization through science, after a mysterious petrification event wiped out humanity. If you’ve followed this show from its early experiments to global scientific adventures, this is the emotional (and explosive) payoff you’ve been waiting for.
Premiere: July 10, 2025
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Catch the official trailer below. Animation by TMS Entertainment, production by Toho Animation. Source: YouTube
TL;DR – Don’t Sleep on These Picks from the Summer 2025 Anime Watchlist
Sure, most of the titles on this list are shonen, but don’t let that genre label fool you. These are well-crafted, high-stakes, or downright charming stories that are anything but formulaic.
So what’s on your Summer 2025 anime watchlist? Did I miss something criminally underrated? Hit me up in the comments. For more anime content click here.
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