11 Popular Anime Show On Netflix 2025

Anime on Netflix has been growing strong. In 2025, some anime shows are getting big attention both from longtime fans and people new to anime. Whether you like action, romance, fantasy, or something more relaxing, there’s something for you. Here are 11 popular anime shows on Netflix this year, what they are about, and why people are watching them.
1. Leviathan
Leviathan launched in July 2025. It is a steampunk / alternate history anime based on the Scott Westerfield book. The story is set just before World War I. A prince and a young person who disguises themselves join forces aboard a bioengineered airship, called HMS Leviathan. The show has rich visuals, interesting world-building, and themes of identity. Many viewers like how the show mixes history + fantasy in a big way.
2. Moonrise
Released in April 2025, Moonrise is a sci-fi anime where Earth and Moon conflict. The main character, Jack, joins Earth’s army as a scout, but soon discovers complicated truths about war, loyalty, and leadership. Its art is beautiful, and the story is more thoughtful than just battles.
3. Devil May Cry (TV Series)
This version of Devil May Cry shows up in 2025. It adapts the video game into an anime world. Dante, the demon hunter, fights both demons and political enemies in a dark, action-heavy show. Fans of the original games enjoy seeing Dante in anime form, and critics generally say it’s a strong adaptation with good animation and sound.
4. My Happy Marriage
This is more on the romantic side. My Happy Marriage explores life in a historical period in Japan when supernatural powers are part of the story. The lead is Miyo, a girl born without special powers, in a world where that is looked down on. She is forced into marriage with a soldier known to be harsh, but through hardship and heart, the story becomes about love, growth, and forgiveness. People like this for its emotion, characters, and art.
5. Komi Can’t Communicate
If you want something lighter and fun, this is for you. Komi Can’t Communicate is about a high school girl, Komi, who can’t talk freely in public because of her social anxiety. She wants to make 100 friends. Another student, Tadano, helps her. Along the way, the show gives funny, sweet moments, and handles themes like anxiety, belonging, and friendship. Very relatable.
6. Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre
Horror lovers will enjoy this. It adapts short stories by the famous manga author Junji Ito. Each episode is a different story, creepy, weird, dark, sometimes surreal. Some stories are scary; others are creepy-fun. Good if you like something outside typical shonen or romance.
7. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
Aromance/school life anime that started in mid-2025. The story is about Rintaro, a quiet and misunderstood student, and Kaoruko, a kind girl from a rival school. There is tension because of school rivalries, social class, and expectations. The show is praised for its emotion, humour, and pace. Great if you like gentle romances and heartwarming storytelling.
8. Sakamoto Days
Based on manga, Sakamoto Days has action + comedy. The main character was once a hitman, but now lives quietly with his family. Trouble comes, of course, so he has to go back to action to protect the ones he cares about. People like it because the action is fun, the characters are charming, and there is a balance between serious fights and funny moments.
9. Record of Ragnarok (Season 3)
This anime has gods vs humans battles, epic fights, and high stakes. In Record of Ragnarok, humanity fights powerful gods in one-on-one matches to survive. Season 3 continues that saga. It appeals to viewers who enjoy myth, strong fight scenes, a variety of characters with special powers, and dramatic action.
10. My Melody & Kuromi
For something completely different: this is a cute stop-motion anime made by Netflix. It features well-known Sanrio characters My Melody and Kuromi. The show is whimsical, fun, and light. It’s about sweets, rivalry, magic, friendship, and cute challenges. If you want something relaxing, child-friendly, or just charming visuals, this is one.
11. Naruto: Shippuden
This is a classic that still gets watched a lot. Netflix reported that Naruto: Shippuden was the most-watched anime in the first half of 2025 globally, with about 40 million views. Many people are still catching up or rewatching it. It’s action, ninjas, growth, emotional friendships, revenge, loyalty. For many, this is one of the must-watch shows to understand modern anime culture.
What Makes These Shows Popular
Looking at these 11, a few patterns emerge that help explain why people are watching them so much:
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Genres and variety: From action to romance to horror to fantasy, Netflix has something for different tastes. If you like fighting & battles, shows like Record of Ragnarok, Devil May Cry, Leviathan are good. If you prefer soft stories or emotional tales, My Happy Marriage, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, and Kand omi Can’t Communicate deliver.
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Strong visual storytelling: Anime with good art, strong animation, and interesting design stand out. Leviathan’s steampunk airships, Moonrise cosmic style, Devil May Cry’s demon designs — these draw viewers in.
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Familiar vs new: Classics like Naruto: Shippuden still win large audiences. New shows that are based on popular manga or that have novelty (stop-motion, romance with unusual setting, etc.) also do well.
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Accessibility: Many of these shows are available in multiple languages or dubbed. That helps viewers worldwide. Also, Netflix’s promotion of weekly releases or part-season drops keeps people waiting and talking.
What to Expect If You Watch
If you start watching these, here are some heads-up:
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If you pick action or fantasy shows (Leviathan, Devil May Cry, Record of Ragnarok), expect some violence, fights, possibly blood, big battles, and powered abilities. Good pacing in many, though some seasons have slower parts.
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In romance or slice-of-life ones (My Happy Marriage, Komi Can’t Communicate, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity), there is focus on character feelings, relationships, and social pressures; some episodes may move slowly, but many reward patience with emotional payoff.
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Horror ones like Junji Ito Maniac can be creepy, maybe disturbing for some. If you don’t like horror or weird images, skip or watch with caution.
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Shows like My Melody & Kuromi are more light-hearted. Good for kids or for relaxing time.
Which One to Start With?
If I were you, here are some suggestions depending on your mood:
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Want big fantasy + action → Record of Ragnarok or Leviathan
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Want emotional romance → My Happy Marriage
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Want something fun + light → My Melody & Kuromi
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Want horror + strange stories → Junji Ito Maniac
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Want a classic anime that defines the genre → Naruto: Shippuden
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s anime lineup in 2025 is strong. They are not just adding more shows, but adding better variety. Some shows get hype, some are sleeper hits, some remake classics. The mix of action, romance, fantasy, horror, and cute shows means almost anyone can find something to like.
If you are new to anime, this list is a good starter pack. If you already watch anime, these shows give a mix of what you know and what’s fresh. Either way, Netflix is showing that anime is no longer niche; it’s mainstream, big, and growing fast.