Holy chrome and circuits, anime fans! WeebRai here, and after 17 years of watching anime through every season imaginable, I can confidently say Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most INSANE seasons we've ever witnessed.
With Netflix reporting that 50% of their global users now watch anime (yes, you read that right!), the industry is responding with absolute bangers. From the mind-blowing return of Night City's edgerunners to supernatural chaos that'll make your head spin, this season has something for everyone.
The Big Picture: Why Summer 2025 Hits Different
Before we dive into the shows, let me tell you why this season is particularly special. After covering Anime Expo 2025 virtually and analyzing industry trends, three things stand out:
- Sequel Season: Major franchises are returning with refined animation and bigger budgets
- International Adaptations: We're seeing more non-Japanese source material than ever
- Netflix's Anime Dominance: Their investment is bringing cinema-quality animation to streaming
Now, let's get to what you're really here for – the shows that'll consume your summer!
1. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2 – The Chrome Returns
Studio: Studio Trigger
Episodes: 10
Premiere: July 15, 2025
After the emotional devastation of Season 1 (I'm still not over it), Studio Trigger returns to Night City with a completely new cast of edgerunners. Set 6 months after David Martinez's story, Season 2 follows a new crew led by a netrunner named "Ghost" who discovers something in the old net that could change Night City forever.
Why You Should Watch:
- Studio Trigger's animation is even more unhinged (if that's possible)
- New soundtrack by the same composers
- Direct tie-ins to Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion
- Netflix confirmed this as their biggest anime investment to date
WeebRai's Take: "I've watched the first episode preview at Anime Expo, and trust me – the opening sequence alone justifies your Netflix subscription. The neon-drenched action is cranked to 11!"
2. Dan Da Dan Season 2 – Supernatural Chaos Continues
Studio: Science SARU
Episodes: 12
Premiere: July 8, 2025
The supernatural comedy that took Fall 2024 by storm returns! Momo and Okarun's bizarre adventures continue as they face even weirder yokai, aliens, and... well, I can't spoil it, but let's just say the source material gets WILD.
Why You Should Watch:
- Science SARU's experimental animation techniques reach new heights
- The Turbo Granny arc that manga readers have been hyping
- Perfect blend of comedy, action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments
- Creepy Nuts returns for another banger OP
WeebRai's Take: "Dan Da Dan proved that weird can be wonderful. Season 2 doubles down on everything that made S1 special while adding layers of character development I didn't see coming."
3. Lord of Mysteries – The Anime Adaptation We Never Expected
Studio: Ufotable
Episodes: 24 (Split cour)
Premiere: June 28, 2025
The Chinese web novel phenomenon finally gets the anime treatment it deserves, courtesy of Ufotable (yes, the Demon Slayer studio!). Set in a Victorian-era world with Lovecraftian horror elements, this is unlike any anime you've seen.
Why You Should Watch:
- Ufotable's signature visual style applied to cosmic horror
- Complex mystery plot that rewards attention
- First major Chinese novel adaptation by a top-tier Japanese studio
- 24 episodes confirmed, ensuring proper pacing
WeebRai's Take: "Having read the source material, I was skeptical about the adaptation. But Ufotable's treatment is chef's kiss. The atmosphere is perfectly unsettling."
4. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 – Monster-Slaying Action Escalates
Studio: Production I.G
Episodes: 12
Premiere: July 12, 2025
Kafka Hibino returns for another season of kaiju-fighting action! With the Defense Force arc in full swing, expect bigger battles, deeper character development, and revelations about the kaiju threat.
Why You Should Watch:
- Production I.G's animation budget went through the roof
- Fan-favorite characters get spotlight episodes
- The raid arc that manga readers call "peak fiction"
- Perfectly balances comedy with intense action
5. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King Season 2
Studio: Pierrot
Episodes: 13
Premiere: July 20, 2025
After the movie's success, Black Clover returns with a full season continuing the Wizard King saga. Asta's journey reaches new heights as the kingdom faces its greatest threat yet.
Why You Should Watch:
- Movie-quality animation throughout
- Major power-ups and transformations
- Yuno vs Asta rivalry reaches its peak
- Sets up the final arc of the series
6. Oshi no Ko Season 3 – The Entertainment Industry's Dark Side
Studio: Doga Kobo
Episodes: 13
Premiere: July 5, 2025
The psychological thriller about the entertainment industry returns for its most intense season yet. Following the shocking Season 2 finale, Aqua's revenge plot reaches critical stages.
Why You Should Watch:
- Covers the manga's most acclaimed arc
- YOASOBI returns with another phenomenal OP
- Industry commentary hits harder than ever
- Character development that'll leave you speechless
7. Tower of God Season 3 – The Tower Climb Intensifies
Studio: The Answer Studio
Episodes: 26 (Split cour)
Premiere: July 10, 2025
Bam's journey up the tower continues with improved animation and a commitment to adapting the webtoon properly. This season covers the Workshop Battle arc that fans have been demanding.
Why You Should Watch:
- New studio brings massive quality improvements
- 26 episodes allow proper pacing
- Kevin Penkin's soundtrack returns
- Finally does justice to the source material
8. The Elusive Samurai – Historical Action Masterpiece
Studio: CloverWorks
Episodes: 12
Premiere: July 7, 2025
Based on the manga by Yusei Matsui (Assassination Classroom), this historical anime follows a young lord surviving in medieval Japan through unconventional means.
Why You Should Watch:
- CloverWorks' most ambitious project yet
- Unique take on samurai genre
- Gorgeous traditional art style
- Perfect for fans of historical anime
9. Sakamoto Days – The Action-Comedy We Needed
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Episodes: 24
Premiere: July 13, 2025
The legendary hitman-turned-convenience store owner gets his anime adaptation! Watch Sakamoto balance family life with his violent past in this action-packed comedy.
Why You Should Watch:
- John Wick meets slice-of-life comedy
- Incredible fight choreography
- Wholesome family moments
- 24 episodes confirmed from the start
10. Frieren Season 2 – The Journey Beyond Journey's End
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 28
Premiere: July 18, 2025
The surprise hit of 2023 returns with an even longer season! Frieren's journey continues as she delves deeper into magic, memory, and what it means to be immortal.
Why You Should Watch:
- Madhouse maintaining S1's incredible quality
- 28 episodes to properly adapt the manga
- Emotional storytelling at its finest
- Already generating Oscar buzz for anime film eligibility
Honorable Mentions Worth Your Time
- Make Heroine ga Oosugiru! – Rom-com with a twist
- SHY Season 2 – Underrated superhero anime returns
- Wistoria: Wand and Sword – New fantasy series with potential
- 2.5 Dimensional Seduction – For the culture
How to Watch Everything Without Burning Out
Look, I get it. Ten shows plus honorable mentions? That's a lot. Here's my veteran strategy:
- Priority Watch (Same day): Cyberpunk, Dan Da Dan, Frieren
- Weekend Binge: Lord of Mysteries, Oshi no Ko
- Casual Pace: Everything else
Remember, anime is meant to be enjoyed, not to stress you out!
Where to Watch
- Netflix: Cyberpunk Edgerunners S2, Sakamoto Days
- Crunchyroll: Dan Da Dan S2, Kaiju No. 8 S2, Tower of God S3, Most others
- Disney+: Black Clover Season 2
- Prime Video: Lord of Mysteries
Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Weeb
After 1,247 anime series, I can smell a legendary season from miles away, and Summer 2025 has that special sauce. Whether you're here for the adrenaline-pumping action of Cyberpunk, the supernatural weirdness of Dan Da Dan, or the emotional journey of Frieren, this season delivers.
The fact that Netflix reports 50% user engagement with anime shows we're not just a niche anymore – we're mainstream, baby! And with that mainstream appeal comes bigger budgets, better animation, and stories that push boundaries.
So grab your snacks, clear your schedule, and prepare for a summer of peak fiction. See you in the discussion threads!
Quick FAQ
Q: Which show should I start with if I'm new to anime?
A: Frieren Season 2 is beginner-friendly despite being a sequel. Otherwise, Sakamoto Days offers pure fun without requiring anime knowledge.
Q: Will these shows be dubbed?
A: All major releases will have English dubs within 2-4 weeks of Japanese release.
Q: Any must-watch from previous seasons before starting these?
A: Definitely watch Cyberpunk Edgerunners S1 and Frieren S1. The others can be enjoyed standalone or with quick recaps.
Follow WeebRai for more seasonal guides, reviews, and anime culture deep dives. Summer 2025 is just beginning!
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