2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in anime history. With a blend of genre-defying originals, long-awaited sequels, and bold reboots, this year’s lineup promises innovation, nostalgia, and storytelling excellence.
Here’s a deep dive into the new anime series—and returning favorites—that are generating serious hype.
New Premieres & Breakout Hits
Sakamoto Days (Netflix → Crunchyroll | Season 1 in January, Season 2 in July)
A masterclass in action-comedy, Sakamoto Days follows a retired hitman turned convenience store owner who can’t seem to stay away from danger. Adapted from the hit manga by Yuto Suzuki, the anime blends over-the-top martial arts with slice-of-life humor. It’s John Wick meets Gintama, and it works.
Why it matters: With Season 2 moving to Crunchyroll, global access is expanding, setting it up to become a breakout franchise in the West.
Solo Leveling Season 2 (Crunchyroll | Ongoing)
After a sensational debut in 2024, Solo Leveling returns in 2025 to continue the saga of Sung Jin-Woo, the weakest hunter-turned-overpowered god-tier slayer. With improved animation and deeper world-building, Season 2 raises the stakes with battles that rival Attack on Titan in scale and intensity.
Did you know? The manhwa sold over 4.5 million copies globally in 2024 alone, driving anime demand across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 (Crunchyroll | July 2025)
Kafka Hibino’s journey as a man-turned-monster continues in a thrilling sophomore season. With a tone that blends military realism and kaiju horror, Kaiju No. 8 builds on its initial success with upgraded animation and new antagonists.
Expectations: Strong production by Production I.G and Toho Animation, and a likely awards contender in next year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Dandadan Season 2 (Crunchyroll | July 2025)
This supernatural-romantic-comedy returns with even more absurdity and style. With its kinetic animation and genre-mashing narrative—featuring aliens, ghosts, psychic powers, and sexual tension—it’s one of the most creatively original series currently running.
Trivia: Directed by Fuga Yamashiro and animated by Science SARU (Devilman Crybaby), this is one of the boldest anime experiments in years.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (Amazon Prime Video | April–June 2025)
A modernized, high-concept Gundam reboot from Studio Khara and Sunrise, featuring input from Hideaki Anno (Evangelion). GQuuuuuuX explores themes of AI, planetary colonization, and corporate warfare, wrapped in 12 tightly scripted episodes.
Why it stands out: This might be the most intellectually ambitious Gundam yet, and Anno’s involvement signals narrative depth.
🎬 Originals & Game-Changing Adaptations
Devil May Cry (Netflix | April 2025)
Studio Mir reimagines Dante’s demon-slaying adventures in this slick English-language anime. Fast-paced action, cel-shaded visuals, and an unapologetically metal soundtrack (yes, Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’” opens the series) make this one of Netflix’s most talked-about anime originals.
Bonus: Renewed for Season 2 within a week of release due to explosive global engagement.
Moonrise (Netflix ONA | April 2025)
Produced by Wit Studio (Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga), Moonrise follows two soldiers on opposite sides of a brutal lunar conflict. Conceptual designs by Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist) and a haunting theme song by Aina the End elevate this into space opera territory.
Critical praise: Hailed by IGN and Paste as one of 2025’s best new sci-fi anime for its emotional depth and mature writing.
Lazarus (Adult Swim | Early 2025)
Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop) returns with Lazarus, a dystopian thriller about a miracle drug that turns deadly. Blending noir, jazz, and cyberpunk elements, it channels the same cool, cerebral tone that made Bebop iconic.
Score by: Kamasi Washington and Flying Lotus. Yes, this anime sounds as good as it looks.
Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra (Crunchyroll | July 2025)
This dark fantasy anime follows a high schooler who wakes up in an apocalyptic world and leads an evil civilization. With themes of morality, politics, and survival, it’s the spiritual successor to Overlord and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, but much darker.
Buzz: Trailer views skyrocketed following a May reveal, with heavy Reddit buzz around its Lovecraftian tone and villain-protagonist dynamic.
My Melody & Kuromi (Netflix | July 24, 2025)
This charming stop-motion series features the iconic Sanrio duo and mixes magic, friendship, and baking. It’s targeted at all ages but resonates deeply with fans of Rilakkuma and Kaoru and Aggretsuko.
Highlight: Theme song performed by Gen Hoshino and K-pop group Le Sserafim.
🌟 Returning Legends & Rising Stars
Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc (Theatrical | 2025 TBA)
MAPPA returns with a film adaptation of the explosive Bomb Girl arc, promising intense emotion and visually chaotic carnage. The trailer broke 25 million views within a week—proof the hype is very real.
The Summer Hikaru Died (Crunchyroll | Summer 2025)
This haunting slice-of-life horror anime explores a rural town slowly unraveling after a mysterious supernatural event. Think Higurashi meets Your Name, with heavy atmosphere and psychological dread.
Spy × Family Season 3 (Crunchyroll | October 2025)
Loid, Yor, and Anya return in a new season that promises more action, new spy threats, and wholesome family chaos. The previous season was among the top 5 most-streamed anime in 2024.
Digimon Beatbreak (Toei Animation | October 2025)
The Digimon franchise evolves again with a futuristic tech-themed season. New Digivice mechanics, slick designs, and nods to Tamers and Adventure are drawing longtime fans back.
📌 Why These Series Will Dominate 2025
✔️ Sequel Momentum
Fan-favorite series like Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8, and Dandadan are back and better than ever, delivering payoff arcs and refined animation.
🆕 Originals with Teeth
Bold debuts like Devil May Cry, Moonrise, and Lazarus bring cinematic production values and mature themes, pushing anime storytelling forward.
🎨 Genre and Format Variety
2025’s anime slate covers everything from action and horror to stop-motion whimsy (My Melody) and mecha epics (Gundam GQuuuuuuX). No other year offers such a wide tonal spread.
🌍 Streaming Domination
Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon, and Adult Swim are driving anime global. These platforms are investing heavily in originals and securing big-name licenses, putting anime on an even bigger international stage.
🎯 Final Watchlist: Anime to Watch in 2025
| Returning Favorites | Bold New Originals | Bonus Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Leveling Season 2 | Devil May Cry (Netflix) | Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc (Movie) |
| Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 | Moonrise (Netflix ONA) | The Summer Hikaru Died |
| Dandadan Season 2 | Lazarus (Adult Swim) | Digimon Beatbreak |
| Sakamoto Days (Season 2) | Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra | |
| Spy × Family Season 3 | My Melody & Kuromi (Stop-motion) |
A Look Back At Demon Slayer: Season 2
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 2 officially began airing on October 10, 2021, starting with the Mugen Train arc, while the new Entertainment District arc premiered on December 5, 2021. The season wrapped up its run on February 13, 2022, delivering a total of 18 episodes across both arcs.
The second season was structured in an interesting way, with 7 episodes covering the Mugen Train story (which was previously released as a film) and 11 episodes dedicated to the Entertainment District arc. This format gave viewers both familiar content with new elements and fresh story developments that pushed Tanjiro and his friends into even more challenging battles.
Many viewers were initially confused about the release schedule, as the Mugen Train arc served as a prequel to the main Season 2 content. The Entertainment District arc kicked off with a special hour-long episode, setting the stage for the intense demon battles that would follow as our heroes continued their quest to defeat demons and find a cure for Nezuko.
Key Takeaways
- Demon Slayer Season 2 aired from October 10, 2021, to February 13, 2022, with 18 total episodes across two story arcs.
- The season began with the Mugen Train arc (7 episodes) and continued with the Entertainment District arc (11 episodes) which premiered on December 5, 2021.
- The Entertainment District arc started with a special hour-long episode that continued Tanjiro’s journey in the popular Kimetsu no Yaiba series.
Season Two Overview
Demon Slayer’s second season delivered an action-packed continuation of Tanjiro’s journey, spanning from October 10, 2021, to February 13, 2022. The season consisted of 18 total episodes divided between two major story arcs, bringing stunning animation and character development to fans worldwide.
Plot Continuation And Story Arcs
Season two of Demon Slayer was structured into two distinct arcs. The first seven episodes covered the Mugen Train Arc, which adapted the events from the hit movie into episodic format with additional scenes and context. This arc followed Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke as they joined Flame Hashira Rengoku on a mission aboard the Mugen Train.
The remaining eleven episodes comprised the Entertainment District Arc, where the demon slayers infiltrated Yoshiwara’s red-light district to hunt down demons responsible for disappearances of women. This arc introduced viewers to Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui and featured some of the most intense battles in the series.
Both arcs maintained the show’s theme of unwavering resolve as Tanjiro continued his quest to turn Nezuko human and defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.
Key Characters And Development
Tanjiro Kamado continued his growth as a demon slayer, refining his water breathing techniques and developing his unique Hinokami Kagura style. His determination remained unwavering despite facing increasingly powerful demons.
Nezuko showed remarkable progress in controlling her demon powers while maintaining her humanity. Her abilities evolved significantly, especially during crucial battle scenes in the Entertainment District Arc.
The season introduced important Hashira members:
- Kyojuro Rengoku: The charismatic Flame Hashira who became a fan favorite
- Tengen Uzui: The flamboyant Sound Hashira with his three wives and unique fighting style
Secondary characters like Zenitsu and Inosuke received meaningful development as well, with each demonstrating growth in both combat abilities and personal maturity through the challenging missions they faced.
Animation And Direction
Under director Haruo Sotozaki’s guidance, Ufotable once again delivered breathtaking animation that set new standards for the medium. The studio’s integration of 3D elements with traditional 2D animation created fluid battle sequences with dynamic camera movements.
The Entertainment District Arc featured some of the most visually stunning fight scenes in anime history, particularly the nighttime battles that showcased spectacular lighting effects and color palettes. Episode 10’s climactic fight utilized the studio’s signature digital effects to create unprecedented visual spectacles.
Sound design complemented the animation perfectly, with careful attention to combat sounds, environmental audio, and an evocative musical score. The season maintained consistent quality throughout its run, with no noticeable production issues despite the ambitious action sequences.
The combination of technical excellence and artistic vision cemented Demon Slayer’s reputation as one of the most visually impressive anime productions.
Release Information And Accessibility
The release of Demon Slayer Season 2 involved multiple announcements and platforms, creating some initial confusion for fans. The season was split into two distinct arcs with different premiere dates.
Release Date Announcements
Demon Slayer Season 2 officially began on October 10, 2021, starting with the Mugen Train arc. This was essentially a retelling of the successful Mugen Train movie with additional scenes and content.
The actual new content—the Entertainment District arc—premiered with a special hour-long episode on December 5, 2021. This caused some confusion among fans, as some considered only the Entertainment District arc to be the “true” second season.
The complete second season, including both arcs, ran for 18 episodes. It concluded on February 13, 2022, after completing its full broadcast run on Fuji Television in Japan.
Streaming Platforms And Availability
Demon Slayer Season 2 was available across multiple streaming platforms, though availability varied by region:
- Crunchyroll: Offered simulcast episodes with the Japanese broadcast
- Funimation: Provided both subbed and dubbed versions
- Netflix: Added the complete season (all 18 episodes) on January 21, 2023
- Hulu: Also carried the series in select regions
International viewers had to wait longer than Japanese audiences for complete access. The English dub typically followed several weeks after the original Japanese release.
North American viewers could watch new episodes weekly through Crunchyroll and Funimation during the original broadcast. Canadian fans had similar access options as their American counterparts.
Viewership Expectations
Following the massive success of Season 1 and the Mugen Train movie, expectations for Season 2’s viewership were extremely high. The Mugen Train film had become the highest-grossing anime movie of all time.
Many analysts predicted record-breaking streaming numbers for the second season. The series had already surpassed many long-running anime shows in popularity, including some episodes of One Piece in viewership.
The split-arc approach was considered strategic to maximize audience engagement. By revisiting the popular Mugen Train story before moving to new content, the studio aimed to recapture viewers who had seen the film while providing extra material.
Manga readers were particularly excited for the Entertainment District arc, as it features some of the most dynamic battles and character development in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about Demon Slayer season 2. The information below addresses the most common inquiries about release dates, episode count, and availability.
When is the premiere date for Demon Slayer season 2 in the United States?
Demon Slayer season 2 officially premiered on December 5, 2021, in the United States. However, the Mugen Train recap arc began airing on October 10, 2021, with enhanced scenes and a new opening by LISA.
This release strategy created some confusion among fans about the actual start date of season 2.
How many episodes are included in the second season of Demon Slayer?
The second season of Demon Slayer consists of two parts. The Entertainment District Arc contains eleven episodes that aired from December 5, 2021, to February 13, 2022.
Before this, the Mugen Train arc recap aired seven episodes (episodes 2-7) with new scenes added to the movie content.
Has the second season of Demon Slayer been made available globally?
Yes, Demon Slayer season 2 has been distributed globally through various streaming platforms. The series received a worldwide release following its Japanese premiere.
Regional release dates varied slightly depending on local distribution agreements.
What is the release schedule for Demon Slayer season 2 episodes on streaming platforms?
Demon Slayer season 2 episodes followed a weekly release schedule on most streaming platforms. New episodes typically became available on Sundays following their original broadcast in Japan.
The Mugen Train arc began on October 10, 2021, while the Entertainment District arc started on December 5, 2021.
Are all episodes of Demon Slayer season 2 currently accessible on Netflix?
Availability on Netflix varies by region. Not all countries have access to Demon Slayer season 2 on Netflix, as distribution rights differ globally.
In some regions, other streaming services hold exclusive rights to the series.
What information is there regarding the broadcast and distribution of Demon Slayer season 2?
Demon Slayer season 2 was broadcast on various networks in Japan, including Fuji TV and Tokyo MX. Internationally, the series was distributed through platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation.
The season consisted of both the Mugen Train recap arc and the Entertainment District arc, with different promotional strategies for each part.
