(Anime & Manga/Light Novel)

: The "grandfather" of modern battle shōnen, following Goku’s journey from a boy to a world-saving hero. Neon Genesis Evangelion

The cinematic direction offers a gritty, movie-like atmosphere rare in television anime.

: A brilliant high school detective trapped in a child's body solves complex mysteries.

Aka Akasaka's manga successfully transitions from episodic mind games into deep, long-form character development and genuine emotional payoffs.

These series challenge our understanding of technology, identity, and the future of human society through breathtaking speculative worlds. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

(Anime & Manga)

Unlike the "power of friendship" tropes in most sports series, Blue Lock is about egoism. It’s a high-stakes battle royale where 300 strikers compete to become the best in Japan. How to Choose Your Next Series

: A high-energy volleyball series that makes every match feel as intense as a life-or-death battle.

It offers a melancholic yet deeply comforting look at time, regret, and human connection.

It delivers a refreshing, fast-paced romance free of the frustrating misunderstandings common to the genre.

To maintain world peace, a master spy constructs a fake family. He unknowingly adopts a telepathic daughter and marries a skilled assassin, with all three keeping their identities secret from one another.

While Shonen focuses on fighting, Shojo (for girls) and Josei (for women) focus on relationships, personal growth, and drama.

Isekai, where a character is transported to another world, has become a dominant force. While the genre is often saturated, 2025 delivered some truly outstanding entries, including shows that dare to be different.