10 Underrated 2025 Anime That Could Be the Next Solo Leveling

When Solo Leveling exploded into mainstream anime fandom earlier this year, it set a new bar for modern action storytelling with its sharp animation, emotionally charged character arcs, and a sense of global buzz that made it impossible to ignore. Yet beyond its shadow, 2025 has quietly produced several hidden gems that may not boast the same hype but have the potential to become tomorrow’s phenomenon.

From romantic dramas that tug at the heartstrings to original sci-fi epics and beautifully animated passion projects, these underrated 2025 titles are brimming with creativity and staying power. Some reimagine familiar tropes through bold artistry, while others stand out through strong emotional resonance or unexpected narrative ambition. Whether fans are chasing the next viral hit or just want to discover anime that truly deserve more attention, here are ten series from 2025 that might just be the next Solo Leveling.

My Melody & Kuromi

Image via Netflix

In an anime landscape dominated by dark fantasy and shōnen spectacle, My Melody & Kuromi is a surprisingly profound standout. Sanrio’s mischievous duo return in a series that blends adorable aesthetics with surprisingly heartfelt storytelling about friendship, envy, and identity. Instead of simple slice-of-life antics, the 2025 adaptation dives into emotional depth rarely seen in mascot-driven media.

What makes My Melody & Kuromi feel special is its willingness to explore the contrast between light and shadow, embodied in its two titular characters. The vibrant, candy-colored world hides themes of self-worth and belonging that resonate with older fans. While it is easy to dismiss it as “just another cute show,” this series proves that emotional growth can be just as thrilling as any battle scene.

I Have a Crush at Work

Office romance anime are often predictable, but I Have a Crush at Work breaks that mold with sincerity and mature storytelling. Set in a Tokyo advertising firm, it follows two colleagues who navigate both professional rivalry and personal attraction. The writing captures the awkwardness and nuance of real adult relationships rather than relying on overused tropes.

Beyond its slow-burn romantic tension, the series stands out for its grounded emotional realism. The characters’ ambitions, insecurities, and quiet moments of connection feel lived-in and authentic. With its subtle animation style and strong character chemistry, I Have a Crush at Work proves that the workplace can be just as captivating a battleground as any fantasy realm.

Medalist

Medalist continues to fly under the radar, but it is one of the most emotionally gripping sports anime in years. Based on the acclaimed manga, the story follows a former figure skater who becomes a coach to a young prodigy. Together, they battle through the highs and lows of the competitive skating world with relentless determination and heart.

The animation captures every spin, glide, and stumble with breathtaking precision. What makes Medalist shine, however, is its raw portrayal of mentorship and the emotional cost of chasing perfection. It is a powerful underdog story that transcends sports in an exploration of passion, resilience, and the bittersweet beauty of dreams pursued against all odds.

Anne Shirley

An unexpected entry in 2025’s lineup, Anne Shirley reimagines Anne of Green Gables through a stunning anime lens. The series blends the warmth of classic literature with modern animation techniques, giving new life to Anne’s timeless optimism and imagination. Its soft watercolor palette and thoughtful direction capture the spirit of hope that defines the original novel.

What sets this adaptation apart is its willingness to explore Anne’s inner struggles with identity and belonging through a more introspective tone. It is not just a retelling but a re-examination of what it means to grow up dreaming in a world that often misunderstands creativity. Quiet, heartfelt, and artistically stunning, Anne Shirley is a hidden treasure among 2025’s releases.

Sanda

At first glance, Sanda might seem like a coming-of-age story about awkward adolescence, but it quickly morphs into something far more chilling and complex. The series begins when middle schooler Sanda is suddenly attacked by his classmate Fuyumura in a violent act that seems inexplicable until darker truths emerge. What starts as confusion soon unravels into a mystery about bloodlines, secrets, and the supernatural forces shaping Sanda’s identity.

Adapted from Gamon Sakurai’s manga, Sanda blends psychological horror, suspense, and social allegory into one riveting package. With its gritty visuals, sharp writing, and layered themes about humanity’s fear of the unknown, Sanda stands as one of 2025’s boldest and most haunting anime, and a slow-burning masterpiece that lingers long after the credits roll.

ZENSHU

Natsuko in the real world with her hoodie up, wearing headphones, and her long black hair obscuring her face

ZENSHU is one of 2025’s most unexpectedly heartfelt isekai anime, as a grounded yet deeply inspiring story about creativity, ambition, and self-discovery. The series follows Natsuko Hirose, a young animator whose meteoric rise in the industry is shadowed by one major flaw, because she’s never experienced love. When her latest romantic film project stalls, she embarks on a journey to understand what love truly means, both in art and in life.

Produced by MAPPA, ZENSHU captures the emotional turbulence of creative burnout with stunning authenticity. Each episode feels like a love letter to the struggles of artists chasing sincerity in a commercial world. With its tender character writing, soft visual palette, and introspective tone, ZENSHU isn’t just an anime about filmmaking, it’s a meditation on the vulnerability that fuels great art.

Rurouni Kenshin – Kyoto Disturbance

Kenshin in the teaser for season 2 of the reboot — Rurouni-Kenshin-Reboot-Season-2-Teaser-Kenshin

While Rurouni Kenshin’s modern reboot initially polarized fans, Kyoto Disturbance finally delivers on the potential of this classic franchise. This 2025 arc revisits one of the series’ most iconic storylines with renewed animation, pacing, and emotional maturity. It’s a masterful blend of nostalgia and reinvention that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.

What makes this version special is its focus on Kenshin’s internal conflict as a pacifist haunted by his bloody past. The fight choreography is beautifully fluid, but it is the emotional stakes that make every confrontation land. Kyoto Disturbance reclaims Kenshin’s legacy, proving that even decades-old classics can evolve into modern storytelling powerhouses.

Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider

A love letter to tokusatsu culture, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider is part comedy, part coming-of-age tale, and entirely heartfelt. The story follows an awkward young man who dreams of becoming a masked hero like his childhood idol. What begins as a goofy premise soon evolves into a moving exploration of fandom, identity, and perseverance.

The series succeeds because it treats its protagonist’s passion with sincerity instead of mockery. It celebrates the power of dreams while acknowledging the harsh reality of chasing them into adulthood. With sharp humor and genuine emotion, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider captures the essence of what makes fans love heroes in the first place.

May I Ask for One Final Thing?

For fans of revenge stories and psychological thrillers, May I Ask for One Final Thing? is a standout hidden gem. The plot follows a noblewoman betrayed by her fiancé and cast out by society, only to return stronger, sharper, and mercilessly cunning. It’s a gripping mix of elegance and ruthlessness wrapped in gorgeous period visuals.

What elevates the show is its balance of empowerment and restraint. Rather than relying solely on vengeance, the series explores what it means to reclaim self-worth after betrayal. The writing is razor-sharp, the pacing deliberate, and the lead performance magnetic. It’s a masterclass in controlled fury and a dark fairytale that burns slow but unforgettable.

Moonrise

Few 2025 anime combine scale and soul as seamlessly as Moonrise. Co-produced by WIT Studio and Netflix, this long-anticipated original sci-fi epic chronicles humanity’s expansion to the Moon, and the moral, political, and emotional toll that comes with it. Its visual spectacle rivals big-budget cinema while grounding its story in deeply human emotion.

What makes Moonrise truly resonate is its philosophical weight. Beneath its stunning space battles lies a narrative about isolation, duty, and the human need for connection. The fusion of cutting-edge animation and contemplative storytelling recalls Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song at its best. Moonrise is proof that anime can still dream big, and deliver.