The 7 Best Anime Movies of 2025 (Ranked): From Gundam & Chainsaw Man to KPop Demon Hunters
Anime movies often live in the shadow of long-running TV series—unless you’re talking about Studio Ghibli. But 2025 flipped that script. This year, anime films became the big-screen event, with major franchises delivering theatrical spectacles and a few standout originals proving anime cinema can compete with any blockbuster.
From Chainsaw Man and Demon Slayer to Gundam, 2025’s biggest anime releases were built for theaters. And beyond Japan’s biggest names, one surprising title captured mainstream audiences worldwide: Netflix’s American-made hit, KPop Demon Hunters.
Below are the 7 best anime movies of 2025, ranked from #7 to #1.
7) Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: The Beginning
Why it stands out: A compilation movie that feels sharper and more satisfying than the TV story that followed.
This film assembles key material from the later anime episodes into a tighter package—one that highlights the most interesting ideas, the alternate timeline setup, and the impact of major franchise lore. It also puts a spotlight on Machu, whose rapid evolution into a formidable mecha pilot makes her one of the most compelling protagonists in this year’s lineup.
Best for: Gundam fans, mecha action lovers, alternate-timeline storytelling.
6) Scarlet
Why it stands out: Gorgeous craft and an ambitious premise—though not perfectly executed.
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time), Scarlet offers a revenge-driven fantasy story inspired by Hamlet, centered on a warrior princess. Visually and technically, it’s impressive—lush, imaginative, and cinematic. The drawback is that the narrative and character arcs feel uneven, making the overall payoff less satisfying than its stunning presentation promises.
Best for: Fans of Hosoda, fantasy adventures, visually rich anime films.
5) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle
Why it stands out: Some of the best action animation ever put on screen.
Few films dominated 2025 like Infinity Castle. It’s a visual powerhouse—packed with expertly directed set pieces, high-intensity movement, and jaw-dropping animation. Story-wise, it plays best as a continuation rather than a standalone experience, especially for viewers who haven’t kept up with the series. But if you’re here for pure spectacle, this is one of the year’s most essential watches.
Best for: Ufotable-quality action, Demon Slayer fans, theatrical anime visuals.
4) Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise
Why it stands out: A joyful return to one of anime’s strangest, funniest idol stories.
Zombie Land Saga was a cult favorite for its bizarre mix of horror-comedy and idol satire, and this film delivers exactly what longtime fans wanted: lovable characters, absurd humor, heartfelt moments, and commentary on the darker side of the idol industry. It doesn’t radically reinvent the franchise—but it doesn’t need to. It’s simply a great time with a cast that audiences missed.
Best for: Comedy, idol anime fans, character-driven sequels.
3) 100 Meters
Why it stands out: A sports anime movie that looks and feels like art.
This is one of the most widely praised anime films of the year—and for good reason. 100 Meters turns track-and-field into a cinematic experience through distinctive rotoscoping techniques and strong directorial style. Beyond the visuals, it delivers an engaging story, sharp dialogue, and a theme centered on desire and motivation—carried by a protagonist who doesn’t fit the typical sports-anime mold.
Best for: Sports anime, indie-styled animation, thoughtful drama.
2) Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Why it stands out: Brutal action, tragic romance, and peak modern anime filmmaking.
If you’ve already watched Chainsaw Man Season 1, Reze Arc is a must. It continues Denji’s chaotic, emotionally messy world while also telling a complete story with real layers—romance, betrayal, and heartbreak. The emotional peaks land hard, and the climactic action is the kind of sequence fans replay and talk about for years.
Best for: Dark action anime, MAPPA fans, emotional story arcs (watch Season 1 first).
1) KPop Demon Hunters
Why it stands out: The biggest anime-style cultural phenomenon of 2025.
The #1 spot goes to a surprise: an American-made anime-style film that exploded into mainstream culture. KPop Demon Hunters blends pop-star charisma with demon-slaying action and a story steeped in Korean cultural flavor. Its trio of leads—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—carry the film with charm, humor, and genuine emotion, while Rumi’s arc is easily one of the strongest character journeys of the year.
It’s not flawless—its 95-minute runtime keeps things moving fast—but that brisk pace also makes it highly rewatchable. Add strong animation, sharp jokes, emotional hits, and a standout soundtrack, and it’s easy to see why it owned the conversation in 2025.
Best for: Action-comedy, stylish animation, K-pop energy, big crowd-pleaser storytelling.
Quick Watch Guide: Which 2025 Anime Movie Should You Watch First?
- Want the most hype action spectacle? → Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
- Want dark, explosive storytelling? → Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
- Want something artistic and different? → 100 Meters
- Want comedy + heart? → Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise
- Want the biggest mainstream “everyone’s talking about it” pick? → KPop Demon Hunters
Final Thoughts
2025 proved anime movies aren’t just side projects between TV seasons—they’re headline events. Whether you’re chasing next-level animation, emotional storytelling, or a fun cultural phenomenon, this year’s lineup delivered something for every kind of anime fan.
