This summer is chock-full of anime debuts between new seasons for popular franchises or the long-awaited arrival of highly anticipated, newly adapted series. In the midst of this incredible anime lineup for 2025, you’re sure to miss one or two shows in between all the big names.
The following anime may not all be complete in their entirety, but are already making a splash among the community. After taking a break between episodes of Dandadan, Gachiakuta, and One Piece, be sure to check out these underrated anime of 2025 you shouldn’t be sleeping on.
8
Witch Watch
Available to Stream on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu
WITCH WATCH
- Release Date
-
April 6, 2025
- Network
-
TBS, MBS, CBC, Tulip Television, BSN, tys, NBC, HBC, RKK, i-Television, SBS, IBC, BSS, MRO, OBS, TUF, RSK, TUY, tbc, RKB, SBC, KUTV, RBC, UTY, RCC, MRT, atv, MBC
-
Rina Kawaguchi
Nico Wakatsuki (voice)
-
Ryota Suzuki
Morihito Otogi (voice)
Based on the manga by Kenta Shinohara, Witch Watch is an adorable series that follows Nico Wakatsuki, a freshly-trained witch who moves in with her childhood friend, Morihito Otogi. While Nico is looking to get closer to Morihito, his only plans are to become the witch’s familiar to protect her from outside forces as well as her own magical mishaps.
Witch Watch is a cute show that’s full of shenanigans, humor, and sweet little moments among a very colorful cast that’s as bright and vibrant as the animation. There are clever little nods to creatures popular in Japanese folklore, like the ogre oni Morihito is meant to represent, as well as Tengu, or crow yokai, that’s featured later on.
Without any major stakes or overarching looming threat in the distance, Witch Watch is a stress-free, nonsensical show that’s perfectly refreshing for the summer. Even better, the anime is already complete for anyone eager to see how many hijinks Nico lands herself in.
7
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!
Available to Stream on HiDive and Amazon Prime
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! is not your average transmigration novel, exploring the fascinating premise of what happens when a middle-aged man is sent back into a villainess’ body rather than a young woman. Not only that, but Kenzaburo Tondabayashi’s original self is still alive, and his family is actively trying to figure out how to rescue him.
Based on the manga by Michiro Ueyama, this isekai is sure to take you by surprise with its novel take on the genre. Kenzaburo is described as having possessed the villainess, Grace Auvergne, and due to his nature as your standard everyday salaryman, comes across as polite and caring to the heroine he’s meant to be tormenting.
Having not the foggiest idea on how to complete the otome game, Kenzaburo needs the help of his daughter to complete the run and return home safely. This beautiful comedy flew just under the radar in light of other major titles and definitely shouldn’t be missed among this summer’s anime lineup.
6
Sword of the Demon Hunter
Available to Stream on HiDive and Amazon Prime
For a more intense watch, look no further than Sword of the Demon Hunter. Originally written by Moto’o Nakanishi, first as a light novel and then as a manga, this entry is a beautifully animated historical fantasy anime that retells the classic battle between demons and humans.
After fleeing from his previous home, Jinta and his younger sister, Suzune, take refuge in a quiet village that’s looked after by the local temple and shrine maiden referred to as Itsukihime. Protecting both the shrine and village from incoming danger, Jinta’s whole world is turned upside down when his lover is killed, leaving him grief-stricken and vengeful.
Similar to Demon Slayer and Inuyasha, Jinta’s entanglements with demons and the corruption they imbue in humans haunt his once-peaceful life and upend it. Despite Sword of the Demon Hunter’s familiar premise, the story is wholly original and sure to leave its audience captivated with the twists the narrative weaves.
5
Secrets of the Silent Witch
Available to Stream on Crunchyroll and YouTube Premium
While waiting for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End next season, Secrets of the Silent Witch is sure to tickle fantasy lovers. Written by Matsuri Isora and manga illustrated by Tobi Tana, this new anime has enchanted viewers with just one episode of its absolutely stunning animation.
Known as the “Silent Witch”, Monica Everett is infamous as the youngest of seven powerful mages, displaying exceptional skill by conducting magic without uttering an enchantment. However, this is only partly due to her immense and crippling social anxiety that makes it nearly impossible for her to speak to other people.
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One part cute, some parts hysterical, and every bit as magical as Frieren, Secrets of the Silent Witch is a simple but beautiful tale brought to life by Studio Gokumi. Monica is a sweet protagonist who’s every bit as capable as some of the best mages, just don’t expect her to take any conference calls.
4
Rock is a Lady’s Modesty
Available to Stream on HiDive and Amazon Prime
2025 has proven to have a little something for everyone, and Rock is a Lady’s Modesty is the anime that’s perfect for hardcore music fans, who enjoyed installments like K-On! and Bocchi the Rock!. Based on the manga by Hiroshi Fukuda, this coming-of-age story focuses on a band of young girls who dream of a rock band.
Lilisa Suzunomiya is an elite young woman who strives to retain a noble status as she enters a private girls’ academy. Yet try as she might, she can’t keep away from her love of rock music.
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After stumbling into a prodigy drummer, Lilisa’s passion is reignited as she aims to follow her dream and pick up the guitar gifted by her biological father once more. Rock is a Lady’s Modesty is a great subversion of a classic story, combining catchy tunes alongside some pretty innovative animation, utilizing 3D capture to replicate the musicians’ movements.
3
Medalist
Available to Stream on Disney+ and Hulu
Medalist
- Release Date
-
January 5, 2025
- Network
-
tv asahi, ABC TV, Nagoya TV, HTB, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting, NCC, Niigata Television Network 21, khb, KFB, HOME, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting, Oita Asahi Broadcasting, Asahi Broadcasting Aomori, Iwate Asahi TV, Akita Asahi Broadcasting, Yamagata Television System, Shizuoka Asahi TV, Asahi Broadcasting Nagano, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting, Ehime Asahi TV, Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting, Ryu-Q Asahi Broadcasting
- Directors
-
Takahiro Hirata
-
Natsumi Haruse
Inori Yuitsuka (voice)
-
Takeo Otsuka
Tsukasa Akeuraji (voice)
Yuri!!! On Ice may not have been renewed for another season, but its spiritual successor lives on in Medalist. Focusing more on the sport itself, this ice-coated anime adapted from the manga by Tsurumaikada aims to melt your heart. Inori Yuitsuka is a sweet, endearing, and odd little girl who believes her only talent lies in ice-skating.
What Inori doesn’t realize is that her passion for the ice is enough to inspire everyone around her, especially that of her mentor, Tsukasa Akeuraji, who gave up his dream of competitive ice-skating to instead teach the sport. Both seeking to bring the other’s dream to life, this heartfelt series wins gold for its beautiful storytelling and amazing anime adaptation.
2
Apocalypse Hotel
Available to Stream on Crunchyroll and YouTube Premium
Apocalypse Hotel was a quiet masterpiece that snuck into streaming platforms one rainy day. This entry is an original anime with no prior source material, following the daily lives of a group of androids left by themselves on a desolate and abandoned Earth. Together, they care for one of the last hotels standing, awaiting humanity’s return.
|
Production Role |
Credit |
|---|---|
|
Director |
Kana Shundo |
|
Screenwriter |
Shigeru Murakoshi |
|
Music |
Yoshiaki Fujisawa |
|
Studio |
CygamesPictures |
Touted as both introspective and “prone to mania” according to reviews online, this intergalactic installment balances both a sense of nuance that carries the emotional gravity of a now quiet world with no life forms remaining, and the absurdities characterized by Space Dandy. Apocalypse Hotel is a fascinating exploration of loneliness, existential dread, and enduring hope through it all.
1
Clevatess
Available to Stream on Crunchyroll and YouTube Premium
Clevatess is one of the most underrated anime of 2025. It begins with a group of adventurers on their way to take on the Demon King as part of humanity’s expansion into the unknown. After introducing their names, showcasing their battle skills, audiences are on the edge of their seats, only to see the party torn down in seconds.
What makes this anime stand out is its study of Clevatess himself as he looks at the world through a beast’s mindset, not knowing why they attacked him, nor why they seek his territory, or what’s beyond it.
Based on the manga by Yunji Iwahara, Clevatess the Demon King seeks out the city that threatened his home, tearing down centuries of history. After taking revenge on the King, he comes across a woman who begs him to save her child. Curious to learn more about humanity, he reluctantly accepts, not knowing that this is the young prince heir.
What makes this anime stand out is its study of Clevatess himself as he looks at the world through a beast’s mindset, not knowing why they attacked him, nor why they seek his territory, or what’s beyond it. He adopts this child, hoping to learn more about man through the eyes of a species he previously thought to be inferior.
