Spring 2025 Watchlist: Hits, Misses, and Maybes
It’s time for a new anime season, and Spring 2025 is stacked.
Between long-awaited sequels, high-drama originals, slice-of-life comebacks, and a few series that made me go "oh no not this again," here’s my personal hype list and a few I’m leaving on the bench.
I’m hoping to add about 10 titles to my 100 Anime Challenge this season, so if you’re on your own anime marathon this year, let’s vibe together!
🌟 On My Watchlist
Classic★Stars
Trailer | Crunchyroll
This will probably be terrible. But classical music bishonen? I’m in. Zero regrets.
Food for the Soul (P.A. Works)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
I love P.A. Works when they hit their stride. Add pretty food visuals and Hokkaido? Yes please. Hoping this is cozy and healing.
mono (8bit)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
From the creator of Laid-Back Camp! It looks adorable, full of great Japan scenery, and high on good vibes. I need this one.
Top Row: Summer Pockets, SHOSHIMIN
Bottom Row: Food for Soul, ZatsuTabi
Once Upon a Witch's Death (EMT Squared)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Yes, it feels like Kobato. Yes, the Maya Sakamoto OP has me suspicious since she also did the Kobato OP. But I’m in for now.
SHOSHIMIN: How to Become Ordinary (Season 2) (Lapin Track)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
YES! I loved season one and I’m so glad it’s back. Bring on the awkward teens and low-key drama.
Summer Pockets (Key / feel.)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Key is back to emotionally destroy me, and I welcome it. Let the crying begin!
ZatsuTabi -That's Journey- (Quad)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
I’m a sucker for travel anime that showcase real Japan. This is high priority, even if I end up fast-forwarding for the scenery.
To Be Hero X (Paper Plane Animation Studio / Bilibili)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
I’m intrigued. It has Tiger & Bunny vibes and a whole lotta flair. We’ll see if it sticks.
Lazarus
No explanation needed.
If you know, you know.
❓ On the Fence
A Ninja and an Assassin Under One Roof (SHAFT)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Love the trailer energy! Haven’t vibed with SHAFT since Madoka Magica and Bakemonogatari, so this one’s tempting. Might squeeze it in if I have time.
Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive? (J.C. Staff)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
I'm a sucker for romcoms, but JC Staff tends to fumble the finish. We’ll see.
Anne Shirley (The Answer Studio)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Might be a low-priority chill watch. I haven’t read Anne of Green Gables yet, but anime might finally sell me on it.
Witch Watch (OLM)
Trailer | Crunchyroll / Netflix
I want to check it out, but I’m worried about tropes. Backup list for now.
GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULERS (SANZIGEN)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Love the franchise and the voice cast. But stiff CGI? I’m hesitant after recent disappointments.
⛔ Skipping for Now
The Beginning After the End
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Massively popular, but isekai baby rebirths aren’t for me.
Catch Me at the Ballpark!
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Beer and baseball? Nope. Already the tired protag IRL.
I'm the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Creepy little boy tropes. Hard pass.
Please Put Them On, Takamine-san (LIDENFILMS)
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Nope. Not my vibe. And LIDENFILMS hasn’t impressed me lately.
Teogonia
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Boring fantasy setup with no spark. Skipping.
The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows
Trailer | Crunchyroll
Another fantasy special-class anime? I’m good.
The Shiunji Family Children
Trailer | Crunchyroll
No thanks on the incest plotlines.
The Unaware Atelier Meister
Trailer | Crunchyroll
More generic fantasy. Pass.
Genre Watch Guide:
🎯 Top Picks by Genre
Romance: The Apothecary Diaries (continuing from Winter—still elite slow-burn)
Comedy: Witch Watch
Drama: Summer Pockets
Action: Already into the franchise? Go with Devil May Cry. New viewer? Try To Be Hero X.
Isekai / Fantasy: The Beginning After the End (if you’re into that reincarnation life)
Cute Girls Doing Cute Things: mono
Boys Boys Boys: Classic★Stars
Sci-fi: Moonrise (high-stakes space drama incoming)
Guilty Pleasure: Please Put Them On, Takamine-san and The Shiunji Family Children (skip for me—but if that’s your thing, have fun!)
💌 Let’s Watch Together!
Got a favorite pick this season? I want to hear all about it! Join the convo over in Discord, and if you're taking on the 100 Anime Challenge with me, let’s hit those watch goals together.
Want to help pick which characters show up as sketches and emotes? Join the Sketch & Emote Club on Patreon to vote, request, and download monthly rewards for your Twitch or Discord.
And don’t miss my next blog post coming soon: my favorite anime OPs of Winter 2025!
If you’re still playing catch-up from last season, check out some of my older Winter 2025 blog posts clicking the 100 Anime Challenge tag at the bottom of this post. They’ve got all the details you need to get started.
