It’s that time again. As we head into the Spring, there are, in fact, a whole bunch of new anime series. Like with most TV, many are bad, derivative, or appeal to the lowest common denominator. But a few are actually quite good. They are listed below.
Spring’s premieres are an interesting lot, and since there aren’t many sequels this time around, we’re left with quite a few under-the-radar oddballs. Post-apocalyptic hotels, sci-fi mysteries, toxic rock bands, machines that kill fascists, and an adaptation of an early 20th–century Canadian novel make up the best premieres in a season full of sleepers. Without further ado, let’s get into the best anime premieres of Spring 2025.
Honorable Mentions
Lazarus gets off to a slow start with a premiere that showcases energetic bursts of animation but little of its characters. Thankfully, having seen (and reviewed) its first five episodes, this central crew eventually gains much-needed chemistry as they work together to resolve an increasingly tangible doomsday scenario. Whether Lazarus can match Watanabe’s best work remains to be seen, but if it continues this upward trajectory, hopefully, it can at least come close.
The first episode of Wind Breaker’s second season immediately thrust our favorite high school delinquents back into the thick of it with an all-out brawl that reminded us of the series’ punchy action and heart-on-its-sleeve approach. If you want a show about guys getting into street fights that is also (probably accidentally) about the benefits of community-driven alternatives to policing, this is the series for you.
Witch Watch largely lived up to its absolute bop of an OP with a charming first episode that demonstrated its rom-com chops. Following two childhood friends—the witch apprentice Nico and the part-Oni Morihito—the pair immediately get into all sorts of hijinks after reuniting. Thanks to the bouncy dynamic between its leads, its good-natured humor, and all the weird situations its magic-fueled conceit will inevitably create, this one has potential.
Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive? is also a rom-com, and despite its bland title and less out-there premise than Witch Watch, it has many of the same strengths: some sharp gags and a great energy between its protagonists. While this is approximately the one-billionth anime that pairs the “loner kid and popular girl,” it finds its own particulars by showing how Yuu’s dedication to craftsmanship is what makes Himari interested in him.
Yaiba: Samurai Legend is here for your seasonal action fix, and the good news is that WIT Studio clearly brought their A-game, as immediately demonstrated by a flashy duel that calls to mind the maximalism of Studio Trigger. Sure, the main character is an irritating child tied to dated jokes that reveal the source material’s age, but this is a very well-animated action series that understands the battle shonen basics.
Related to the previous pick, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ writing won’t knock your socks off, but its superhero comic-influenced style and alternate angle into this familiar world make this spin-off worth checking out for those not completely burnt out on My Hero Academia.
Lastly, To Be Hero X rounds out this action-focused trio and is the most extreme of the batch because it arguably features the best animation and worst everything else. While this head-first dive into a society where heroes are marketed as commodities zooms through its plot points like it just scarfed down an unhealthy number of caffeine pills, thankfully, its Arcane-styled animation makes its visuals a punchy treat.
5. Apocalypse Hotel
It’s always nice when a premiere doesn’t waste any time reaching its statement of purpose. Apocalypse Hotel is a perfect example, leading with a sharp intro that contrasts a chipper advertisement and escalating news coverage about a killer virus, sardonically cutting between the two as we witness the downfall of humanity and also learn that the Gingarou Hotel apparently offers “heartfelt hospitality” and “a wide variety of rooms tailored to your every need.” It’s a dichotomy further embodied by somber shots of overgrown cities that give way to a cozy hotel staffed by robots still performing their duties over a hundred years after humanity’s fall. Specifically, we follow the android Yachiyo, the acting manager of this establishment, as they’re fueled by the hope that humanity’s return is right around the corner.
There’s quite a bit of humor and charm here: our protagonist relatably has a mental breakdown about a minor inconvenience that doesn’t actually matter that much, and there’s a very good recurring gag where the deep-voiced, outwardly cool Doorman Robot simply cannot stop themself from repeatedly opening the front entrance even though this causes them to overheat. But despite the seeming high spirits of these diligent machines, there’s an intense loneliness underneath it all, as empty streets and a graveyard of decommissioned bots emphasize the unstoppable march of time. While I have no idea if Apocalypse Hotel will maintain this effective tone, which calls to mind series like Girls’ Last Tour, its strong introduction will keep me checking in for now.
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