In late 2025, the anime world is in a fascinating, somewhat contradictory place. On one hand, we’re seeing record-breaking global success with films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle crossing the $1 billion mark. On the other, the industry is grappling with a "profitless prosperity" where production studios are struggling under the weight of their own success.
Whether you're a seasonal watcher or a die-hard otaku, here is your pulse check on the world of anime as we head into 2026.
❄️ Winter 2025: The Heavy Hitters are Back
The current season is dominated by massive sequels and a few "new generation" contenders that have quickly become fan favorites.
| Anime | Why it’s Trending | Platform |
| Solo Leveling Season 2 | Jin-woo’s climb to god-tier power continues with even higher production stakes. | Crunchyroll |
| Sakamoto Days | A legendary hitman-turned-store-owner. It’s the perfect mix of John Wick and Spy x Family. | Netflix |
| The Apothecary Diaries S2 | Maomao remains the smartest person in the room (and the Rear Palace). | Crunchyroll |
| ZENSHU | A meta look at the animation industry itself, following a genius animator pushed to her limits. | Crunchyroll |
💎 The "Hidden Gem" of the Year: Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
If you haven't seen it yet, Orb is the dark horse of 2025. It’s a historical thriller about the pursuit of heliocentrism. It sounds academic, but it’s actually a high-stakes, gut-wrenching story about the dangerous cost of seeking the truth.
📉 The Industry Paradox: Success vs. Survival
While we celebrate 2025 as the year anime became truly "global," the behind-the-scenes reality is sobering.
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Studio Bankruptcies: Despite the billions flowing into the industry, at least eight major production companies exited the market this year.
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The "Profitless Prosperity": Most studios work as "contractors for hire" under the Production Committee system. They often don't see a dime of the merchandise or box office profits, leaving them unable to pay animators a living wage even when a show becomes a global phenomenon.
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The Rise of Self-Funding: Studios like MAPPA are trying to break this cycle by self-funding projects (like Chainsaw Man), but the financial risk is enormous.
📽️ Looking Ahead: What to Watch for in 2026
The announcements from late December 2025 have already set the stage for a massive upcoming year:
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Black Clover’s Return: Finally confirmed for a 2026 premiere after a long hiatus.
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Gachiakuta Season 2: Quickly greenlit after the first season’s gritty, urban-fantasy aesthetic took the community by storm.
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The Rise of "Donghua": Chinese animation (like To Be Hero X) is no longer just a niche; it’s now competing directly with Japanese productions for prime streaming slots.
💬 Let's Discuss!
2025 has been a rollercoaster of high-octane fights and high-stakes industry drama.
Which Winter 2025 premiere has been your favorite so far? Are you Team Sakamoto or Team Jin-woo? Let me know in the comments below!
