Anime has experienced significant growth in recent years, and its popularity is expected to continue growing. What was once a niche interest has become a global phenomenon, drawing in millions of fans. Industries around the world are recognizing anime as a growing powerhouse as audiences tune in to streaming platforms and theatrical releases more than ever before.

With this increase in viewership, it’s only natural for the industry to grow and adapt by pushing artistic boundaries, delivering cinematic animation, and telling bold stories that capture viewers’ attention from the start. Studios and creators are raising the bar with key series that redefine what anime is capable of while paving the way for a new generation of masterpieces.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose peaceful life is completely shattered when a demon slaughters his family. His sister, Nezuko, is the only survivor of the massacre, but has been transformed into a demon herself. Driven by grief and determination to find a cure for her, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps.

The story is filled with gorgeous animation that raises the bar for what to expect from major anime titles. With relatable, well-written characters and villains, intense action, and powerful themes of perseverance, compassion, and bonds that connect one another, Demon Slayer has earned its place among the most popular anime.

The series’ rise in global popularity is proven by its theatrical release of Infinity Castle, which has currently exceeded $600 million in worldwide gross revenue, making it the only Japanese film to achieve this milestone. Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle Part 1 is the first installment of its three-part theatrical finale and is expected to continue breaking records.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen centers on Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who finds himself at the center of a dangerous power struggle in the jujutsu world after he swallows a powerful cursed object to save his friends. He joins Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he learns to harness his power under the guidance of his mentor Satoru Gojo and alongside new friends.

Filled with grueling training, intense battles, and heartbreaking losses, the series delves into the cost of power and the fine line between right and wrong in morally complex situations. Jujutsu Kaisen is best known for its animation and fluid fight choreography; however, it also had a massive impact on sparking discussions on working conditions within the anime industry.

Spy x Family

Spy x Family follows Twilight, a master spy tasked with a high-stakes mission that requires him to build a fake family. In order to maintain his cover, he takes on the persona of Loid Forger and adopts a daughter, Anya, who secretly has telepathic abilities, and marries Yor, who is secretly an assassin.

The three of them hide their true identities and maintain their pretense of being a normal family to achieve their individual goals. Spy x Family is filled with humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments as the makeshift family forms genuine bonds. Despite having a lighthearted storyline, the subplot of espionage and a tense Cold War era adds to the narrative’s intrigue.

Spy x Family is endlessly entertaining and suitable for audiences of all ages. It proves that blending genres and targeting a wide range of demographics can not only achieve massive appeal but also introduce countless viewers to the world of anime through a thrilling, vibrant, and heartfelt storyline.

Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko follows Aquamarine “Aqua” and Ruby Hoshino, twin children who are reborn as the children of their favorite idol, Ai Hoshino. Following a devastating event resulting in Ai’s murder, Aqua resolves to take part in the entertainment industry to discover the truth behind his mother’s death, while Ruby dedicates herself to living up to Ai’s legacy.

The series stands out for its meta storytelling and social commentary on the entertainment industry. Oshi no Ko examines the costs of fame, the harmful effects of cyberbullying, and the daily struggles and pressures faced by creators. By portraying the complex stories of various artists and creators, the series offers a sobering and thought-provoking perspective on the industry.

Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling centers on Sung Jinwoo, once called the World’s Weakest Hunter, as he unexpectedly gains a mysterious power that allows him to level up after a near-death experience. Through daily quests and completing dungeons, Jinwoo rises to take on increasingly dangerous challenges on his path to becoming an unstoppable force.

With stunning animation and fast-paced storytelling, Solo Leveling captured international attention, breaking records and becoming Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, along with several other awards. Solo Leveling popularized Korean webtoon adaptations and raised the bar for what to expect from action anime.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows Frieren, a long-lived elf mage and member of the legendary hero party that defeated the Demon King, ushering in an era of peace. As her human friends age and eventually pass away, Frieren begins a journey of reflection to understand the fleeting nature of humanity and the bonds she once took for granted.

Filled with regret for lost time with her friends, Frieren takes on a young apprentice named Fern and travels the land to learn magic, explore forgotten places, and discover ways to understand humanity better. Through these experiences, Frieren develops a deeper appreciation for memories, connections, and the time spent with those closest to her.

Frieren challenged traditional fantasy stories by taking place after the climactic battle that most series end on. Rather than fast-paced action, the series leaned into slower-paced, introspective storytelling, earning it widespread acclaim around the world. Its unique approach to time, thought-provoking themes, and gorgeously animated scenes made the series stand out among anime.

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries centers on a clever young woman, Maomao, who finds herself sold into servitude at the imperial palace’s rear palace. With her sharp intellect and extensive knowledge of medicines and poisons, she navigates political intrigue and solves mysteries with ease. Her cleverness catches the attention of Jinshi, a eunuch who promotes her to a lady-in-waiting for a high-ranking consort.

The Apothecary Diaries stands out among anime by proving that non-action, slow-burning mysteries with strong female leads can capture the attention and praise of large audiences. Its pacing, plot, and characters prove that not every popular series needs to adhere to a similar formula and that intellectually driven stories could hold viewers as much as any action series.

Gachiakuta

Gachiakuta follows a boy named Rudo who is falsely accused of murder and exiled from the floating city of Heaven to the monstrous junkyard known as The Pit. While there, he joins an outcast group called the Cleaners who battle against mutated beasts with the goal of revenge and uncovering the identity of the true murderer.

The series quickly gained popularity following its release and is recognized for its stylistic experimentation. It’s a punk anime with intense pacing, a near-perfect adaptation of the original manga, and thought-provoking themes that enhance the narrative. Gachiakuta’s willingness to embrace creative risk makes it stand out among modern hit anime titles.

Lord of Mysteries

Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Lord of Mysteries follows Klein Moretti, originally Zhou Mingrui, a man who is reincarnated into a Victorian-era world filled with complex magic systems, occult horrors, and ancient powers. Assuming his new identity as Klein, he joins a hidden society and becomes a Beyonder, someone who has gained supernatural powers by drinking a special potion.

To learn the truth about his transmigration and find a way back to his world, he takes on the role of a detective, becoming a Seer within the hidden society. As Klein delves deeper into this new world, he uncovers greater mysteries, faces dangerous challenges, and creates a secret, hidden organization called the Tarot Club to gain strength and information.

Lord of Mysteries is based on a Chinese web novel by Cuttlefish and introduced millions of viewers around the globe to Chinese anime, known as donghua. It’s best known for its jaw-dropping, cinematic animation that raises the bar for what to expect from future anime series while juggling a complex world, story, and cast.

To Be Hero X

To Be Hero X is set in a world where public trust can turn ordinary people into superheroes. It follows several of these heroes, all striving to be the best. Focusing on the lives of top-ranked heroes, the story explores the true meaning of heroism in a world where ranking, fame, and public perception shape their identities.

As another donghua, To Be Hero X introduces audiences to Chinese animation with a striking blend of 3D and 2D visuals. The series experiments with various artistic styles to create an eye-catching and dynamic viewing experience, making every scene stand out. With a strong cast of complex characters and detailed world-building, the show provides a thrilling experience.

Most impressively, the series features a groundbreaking interactive element that lets fans vote for their favorite characters. These votes influence the characters’ Trust Values, affecting their power at the start of the next season and the amount of screen time they get. This not only deepens audience engagement but also introduces a bold new approach to animated storytelling.