AnimeFanatika – Anime Club in South Africa

Top Spring 2025 Anime Picks

The 2025 Spring Anime Season Recommendations is bursting with thrilling new shows, and choosing what to watch can be overwhelming! Do not worry, we’ve got your back with a list of must-see picks, handpicked just for you. Grab your snacks, kick back, and get ready to dive into the hottest anime of the season. Ready to discover what’s in store? Itadakimasu!

Recommended Returning Anime

This season is packed with epic comebacks! Black Butler – Emerald Witch Arc returns with its signature Victorian gloom and supernatural intrigue, while Fire Force Season 3 ignites the action once again. And for our fellow isekai fanatiks, I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level Season 2 is here to whisk us away on more witchy adventures. Get ready, these returning favourites are about to rock our socks off!

Black Butler - Emerald Witch Arc

Bye Bye, Earth Season 2

Fire Force Season 3

Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Season 2

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level Season 2

WIND BREAKER Season 2

Our Top 10 Winter Anime Recommendations

Anne Shirley

The anime Anne Shirley is a adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel. It follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative, red-haired orphan mistakenly sent to live with elderly siblings, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, in Avonlea. Though initially unwanted, Anne’s spirited nature, intelligence, and kindness win over the town.

She faces challenges, forms deep friendships, especially with Diana Barry, and develops a rivalry-turned-romance with Gilbert Blythe. The series beautifully captures Anne’s growth from an impulsive child to a mature young woman, staying true to the novel’s themes of love, resilience, and the power of dreams

Devil May Cry

The upcoming Netflix anime series Devil May Cry, premiering on April 3, 2025, is based on Capcom’s renowned video game franchise. Its narrative centers on Dante, a demon hunter seeking vengeance for his mother’s death, as he battles to prevent the convergence of human and demon realms.

Produced by Adi Shankar and animated by Studio Mir, the series features Johnny Yong Bosch voicing Dante, with the late Kevin Conroy as VP Baines, having recorded his lines prior to his passing. The opening sequence is set to Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’,” reflecting the show’s late ’90s/early 2000s musical ambiance.

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman (Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru)

Beryl Gardinant, a self-described “humble old man,” spends his days teaching swordsmanship in a quiet, rural dojo. Once a young dreamer aiming for glory, he long abandoned such aspirations, until a famous former student arrives with shocking news.

Beryl has been chosen as a special instructor for the Liberion Order’s knights! Thrust into an unfamiliar world, he journeys to the capital, reuniting with past students, elite knights, a prodigy wizard, and a top-ranked adventurer.

But why do they all insist on learning from him? Doubting his worth, Beryl must navigate his unexpected role while longing for a peaceful, simple life.

GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULERS

After the decline of science and technology, magic becomes humanity’s new energy source. But with it comes a dangerous creation: Gears, forbidden biological weapons. When the Gears rebel, humanity fights back in the brutal Crusades, leaving deep scars that linger for decades.

As a result, Sin Kiske, born of a human and a Gear, prepares to attend his parents Ky and Dizzy’s wedding, an event breaking the ultimate taboo.

Though hard-won peace allows it, tensions remain. Just as blessings are given, a mysterious girl appears. A child of Gear blood and one who despises Gears. That fateful encounter will shake the world forever.

I'm the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire! (Ore wa Seikan Kokka no Akutoku Ryoushu!)

In his past life, Liam was a virtuous, responsible man, only to die betrayed, buried in debt. Reborn into the ruling family of a mighty interstellar empire, he swears to abandon morality and live solely for himself. Determined to be a tyrant, he seizes power without hesitation.

However, despite his ruthless intentions, fate refuses to cooperate. Every selfish act unexpectedly benefits his people, bringing peace and prosperity instead of fear. To his frustration, his rule only makes him more beloved. No matter how hard he tries to be feared, Liam’s “tyranny” keeps making him the empire’s greatest hero!

Lazarus

In 2052, humanity enjoys an era of peace and prosperity, freed from sickness by a miracle drug called Hapuna, created by Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. Ubiquitous and essential, Hapuna seems perfect, until Skinner vanishes.

Three years later, he returns with a dire warning: Hapuna has a short half-life, everyone who took it will die soon. As panic spreads, a global task force called Lazarus is formed, five elite agents with one mission: find Skinner and develop a cure before time runs out.

With death looming over the world, can Lazarus save humanity from impending extinction?

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living peacefully in a space colony, never imagined being drawn into danger. That changes when she meets Nyaan, a war refugee, who introduces her to Clan Battle -an underground mobile suit dueling sport.

Under the alias “Machu,” Amate battles fiercely in her GQuuuuuuX. However everything shifts when an unknown Gundam, pursued by the space force and police, appears before her. Its pilot, a boy named Shuji, holds secrets that could change everything.

As their fates intertwine, the world they know is on the brink of a new era, one that will rewrite history.

The beginning after the end (Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani o Suru?)

King Grey reigns supreme in a world where martial prowess defines status, yet power brings crushing solitude. Beneath his wealth and strength lies a hollow man, lost and without purpose. Upon death, he is reincarnated into a realm of magic and monsters, given a second chance at life.

Determined to correct his past mistakes, he embraces his new existence, but challenges await. Beneath the world’s peace lurks an ominous force, threatening everything he strives to protect. As he fights to secure his future, he must confront the deeper question: why was he reborn, and what is his true purpose?

YOUR FORMA

In an alternate 2023, Your Forma, a revolutionary “smart thread” technology, was created to combat viral encephalitis but soon became essential to daily life. However, these devices record everything users see, hear, and feel, raising deep privacy concerns.

Echika Hieda, an elite electronic investigator, dives into memories to solve crimes. But her skills are so intense that human assistants suffer neural overload. After hospitalizing one too many, she’s assigned a new partner, Harold Lucraft, a sharp yet mischievous android.

Can this unlikely duo overcome their differences and stop a looming digital catastrophe before it spirals out of control?

Vigilante -Boku no Hero Academia ILLEGAL

Not everyone needs a license to fight for justice!

In a world where heroes are trained and sanctioned to battle supervillains, some choose a different path. These unregistered fighters operate outside the law, some for justice, others for their own reasons. They are vigilantes.

Koichi Haimawari never became a licensed hero, but he still uses his modest Quirk to help others. A run-in with thugs leads him to team up with two unlikely allies. They may lack experience, but they have the determination to make a difference. However, they soon learn that heroism takes more than just good intentions.

Honourable Mentions

Our Honorable Mentions feature anime that came very close to making our top 2025 spring Anime season recommendations list. However, due to the limited space of our top recommendations, we’ve included them here as they could be the enjoyable watch you’ve been seeking!

APOCALYPSE HOTEL

Years after humanity’s disappearance, the Galaxy Tower hotel in Ginza, Tokyo, remains operational. Yachiyo, a devoted hotelier robot, and her fellow robotic staff tirelessly maintain the hotel, despite its empty halls.

Day after day, they wait for their owner’s return and the revival of humankind. But just as eternity seems endless, a small miracle is about to unfold, one that will change everything for Yachiyo and her robotic colleagues, sparking hope in their long, patient vigil.

Butt Detective (Oshiri Tantei)

Oshiri Tantei follows the adventures of a brilliant detective with a rather… unusual face, one that resembles a butt! Despite his quirky appearance, he solves mysteries with sharp deduction skills, impeccable manners, and his signature “Buttly Blast.”

Alongside his loyal assistant, Brown, he unravels cases, outsmarts criminals, and helps those in need. This lighthearted detective anime, filled with humour and clever twists, is perfect for younger audiences and mystery lovers alike, making every case an entertaining ride!

Everyday HOST CLUB

Hajime Sekiguchi, once a life insurance salesman, takes a desperate leap into the world of hosts at Club One. There, he meets a quirky crew, a veteran “little brother” host, a former idol using romance as a sales tactic, and a game-obsessed, aggressive host.

Though skeptical about the job’s sanity, Hajime soon discovers his polished sales skills work wonders in this flashy world. Using his experience, he finds unexpected success, proving that charisma and strategy can thrive anywhere.

KOWLOON GENERIC ROMANCE

Caught in a reality she never wanted, Kujirai questions her very existence. She can see, smell, and taste, she knows Kowloon is real, but is she? In a town shrouded in secrets, doubt lingers in her heart, making each day a struggle.

Yet, with Kudou by her side, could things change? As mystery and uncertainty intertwine, Kujirai searches for answers, hoping that companionship might bring meaning to a world where even her own presence feels uncertain.

Ninja to Koroshiya no Futarigurashi

Satoko Kusagakure, a runaway ninja, ends up living with Konoha, a high school assassin. With Satoko’s ninjutsu ability to transform objects, Konoha sees an opportunity, they strike a deal: a place to stay in exchange for cleanup help after assassinations.

Between fending off ninja assassins, enjoying meals bought with blood money, and navigating their bizarre cohabitation, the two form an unlikely bond. Their chaotic yet heartwarming life unfolds in a world where danger lurks behind every corner.

Rock Is a Lady's Modesty (Rock wa Lady no Tashinami deshite)

At an elite all-girls’ academy, Lilisa Suzunomiya, now the stepdaughter of a real estate tycoon, is expected to abandon her love for rock music. Forced to conform, she buries her passion, until she hears drumming from an old school building.

There, she meets a skilled drummer who shares her rebellious spirit. Together, they reignite their love for rock, clashing against tradition with elegance and defiance. Their journey is a thrilling symphony of rebellion, friendship, and unshaken passion.

Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentōshō

In Edo-period Kadono, a shrine maiden known as “Itskihime” resides in a remote mountain village. Jinta, an orphan who arrived with his younger sister Suzune, grows up as her guardian. When a mysterious demon warns of a future ruled by a Demon God, Jinta sets out to hunt it down.

His journey spans centuries, from Edo to Heisei, as he battles supernatural forces while questioning the weight of his sword and the destiny he carries.

Teogonia

In a world ravaged by war between humans and invading demi-human tribes, Kai, a boy from the village of Lag, joins the battle to protect his homeland. As his comrades fall and he suffers a grave injury, buried memories of another life resurface.

With newfound knowledge, he steps into a realm of magic and mystery, determined to change fate. A tale of courage and heroism unfolds as Kai embarks on his extraordinary journey.

The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows (Isshun de Chiryou shiteita noni Yakutatazu to Tsuihou sareta Tensai Chiyushi, Yami Healer toshite Tanoshiku Ikiru)

Born into the slums, Zenos has fought for every opportunity. Inspired by a healer, he studies tirelessly and joins an adventurer’s party, only to be treated like garbage and eventually cast aside. With no money and nowhere to go, he turns to the city’s underbelly, opening an underground clinic using his self-taught healing skills.

As word spreads of his miraculous talents, even the royal palace takes notice. Can Zenos defy the odds and forge a new path while saving lives?

The Catcher in the Ballpark! (Ballpark de Tsukamaete!)

At a pro-league baseball stadium, a cheerful gyaru beer seller approaches with a playful, “Am I your type, Onii-san~?” But beneath her bubbly exterior lies an innocent and kind-hearted girl. The stadium isn’t just a place for sports, it’s like a lively town where people work, laugh, and share heartfelt moments.

Join the fun in this romantic comedy packed with laughter, tears, and the charm of stadium life, celebrating everyone who makes professional baseball unforgettable!

The Dinner Table Detective (Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de)

Reiko Hosho, the only daughter of the CEO of the global Hosho Group, leads a double life as a rookie police officer, hiding her true identity. When faced with complex cases, she seeks advice from her perfect butler, Kageyama.

A perfectionist in every way, Kageyama serves flawless meals from hors d’oeuvre to dessert and offers sharp, insightful critiques of Reiko’s reasoning, always walking the fine line between helpful and witty, never crossing into offense. Together, they navigate the challenges of work and life with humor and precision.

The Mononoke Lecture Logs of Chuzenji-sensei: He Just Solves All the Mysteries (Chuuzenji-sensei Mononoke Kougiroku: Sensei ga Nazo wo Hodoite Shimau kara.)

Set in post-war Tokyo in 1948, this story follows Kanna Kusakabe, a high school second-year, who encounters her new language teacher, Akihiko Chuzenji. As mysterious supernatural events unfold around her, Kanna seeks help from the grumpy Chuzenji-sensei, who awaits in the library prep room.

Together, they form an unlikely duo to uncover the mysteries lurking in the shadows. This high school supernatural mystery marks the beginning of a thrilling journey for Kanna and her enigmatic teacher.

The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl (Gorilla no Kami kara Kago sareta Reijou wa Ouritsu Kishidan de Kawaigarareru)

In a world where 16-year-olds receive blessings from animal gods, Sophia, the shy daughter of a noble, is bestowed with the blessing of the “Gorilla God,” granting her the strength to lift over 500 kg. Despite her desire for a peaceful life, her immense power attracts attention.

Soon, she finds herself being scouted by the royal knights. Now, Sophia must navigate the challenges of her newfound strength and the demands of those seeking her abilities.

WITCH WATCH

Morihito Otogi, a high school student from an ogre lineage, leads a peaceful life until his childhood friend Nico, a witch-in-training, moves in with him. Nico, excited to reunite with her old friend and crush, chooses Morihito as her familiar. However, he’s soon tasked with protecting her from a foretold calamity.

As Nico’s unpredictable magic causes chaos and awkwardness fills their shared home, Morihito finds himself in the middle of supernatural hijinks and looming threats.

Zatsu Tabi - That's Journey

After her storyboards get rejected, aspiring manga artist Chika abandons her desk for an adventure! Using a quirky social media poll, she embarks on a spontaneous journey to random destinations chosen by others.

Along the way, she faces hilarious mishaps, forms unexpected friendships, and finds new inspiration. As Chika navigates through each unpredictable stop, she discovers more about herself, embracing the freedom of creativity and the beauty of life’s surprises.

Our top Movie recommendations

Detective Conan The Movie: One-eyed Flashback (Meitantei Conan Movie 28: Sekigan no Flashback)

Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback (Meitantei Conan: Sekigan no Flashback), the 28th film in the renowned series, is set to premiere in Japan on April 18, 2025.

The narrative unfolds in Nagano Prefecture’s snowy mountains, where a terrorist threat looms over the Nobeyama radio observatory, a JAXA facility. Conan Edogawa teams up with Kogoro Mouri and Nagano police officers Kansuke Yamato, Taka’aki Morofushi, and Yui Uehara to unravel the mystery.

Directed by Katsuya Shigehara, with a screenplay by Takeharu Sakurai, the film promises intense suspense and intricate plot twists characteristic of the franchise.

Dragon Heart - Adventures Beyond This World (Dragon Heart - Reikai Tanbouki)

Dragon Heart: Reikai Tanbouki (also known as Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World) is an upcoming anime film scheduled for release on May 23, 2025.

The story follows Ryusuke, a junior high student from Tokyo, who visits his cousin Tomomi in Tokushima during summer vacation. Their reunion leads them into a series of extraordinary adventures that transcend the ordinary world.

JUJUTSU KAISEN Movie: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death (JUJUTSU KAISEN Movie: Kaigyoku, Gyokusetsu)

Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc is a compilation film set to premiere in Japan on May 30, 2025. This movie revisits the backstory of Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto during their second year at Tokyo Jujutsu High in 2006, focusing on their mission to protect the Star Plasma Vessel, Riko Amanai, from various adversaries.

Originally presented as a five-episode arc in the anime’s second season, this film offers fans an opportunity to experience the pivotal events that shaped these characters on the big screen.

Let's Make a Mug Too Movie (Yakunara Mug Cup Mo Movie)

Yakunara Mug Cup Mo, also known as Let’s Make a Mug Too, is a Japanese manga series that has been adapted into an anime. The story follows high school girls in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, as they explore the art of pottery.

A compilation film is scheduled for screening at Tajimi City’s Valor Culture Hall in March 2025, with plans to release it on YouTube afterward. If well-received, a second season compilation may also be produced.

The anime’s first season aired in April 2021, with a second season, titled Let’s Make a Mug Too: Second Kiln, following in October 2021.

Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage (Mononoke Movie: Hinezumi)

Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage, the second installment in the anime film trilogy, is set to premiere in Japan on March 14, 2025. Directed by Kenji Nakamura, the film continues the enigmatic Medicine Seller’s journey as he confronts malevolent spirits rooted in human emotions.

Hiroshi Kamiya reprises his role as the Medicine Seller, joined by a talented voice cast including Cho, Daisuke Hosomi, Haruka Tomatsu, Kenyu Horiuchi, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yoko Hikasa, and Yuki Kaji. The trilogy’s final chapter is anticipated in spring 2026.

Princess Principal: Crown Handler - Chapter 4

Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 4, the fourth installment in the six-part film series, is scheduled to premiere in Japan on May 23, 2025.

Following their failed attempt to secure Princess Mary’s exile, Team White Pigeon is captured by the Kingdom’s Interior Ministry Army. The Duke of Normandy coerces them into becoming double agents, placing Princess under his control while releasing the others under strict surveillance.

The Commonwealth, doubting their loyalty, assigns them a mission to contact a man whose position could destabilize the Commonwealth’s economy. Directed by Masaki Tachibana and produced by Actas, the film continues the thrilling espionage narrative.

Top Ten Lists Videos from YouTube

Curious about other Top Ten Lists? Check out these videos for more Top Ten Spring anime suggestions.

2024 Winter Anime the AnimeFanatika Team watched.

Takeshi Season Round-up

Solo Levelling: Season 2

Absolutely amazing anime. In-depth story and the visuals are stunning. The progression of the story line is also to be recommended with each episode keeping you on the edge of your seat with the exaspiration of having to wait another week for the new episode.

I give it a 9/10 and only losing a point because the storyline does feel a little too close to Hunter X Hunter with the Ant Saga.

Medalist

I am really enjoying this series and the trials of overcoming your limits and reaching for your dream even when people are dead set against you.

I really enjoyed the coach’s demenour and his passion in helping her reach her dream.

I Left my A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!

As a person who was bullied as a child I get great enjoyment when the Hero “gets his own back” at the party, that has betrayed him and takes his new party to great heights without resorting to under-handed tecniques.

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time

As a software developer, the MC resonates with me with all the overtime I have had to work and how I would rather avoid it so that I can spend more time doing things I enjoy. It is a little bit of a cookie cutter anime but was still really enjoyable.

Even Given the Worthless "Appraiser" Class, I'm Actually the Strongest

If you enjoy harem anime… Watch this one 🙂

Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time

If you enjoy harem anime… Watch this one 🙂

Just joking, it is a harem anime but it has a good story line and I like the fact that the MC has so much passion for his craft like we do at AnimeFanatika

Ookami Season Round-up

Solo Levelling: Season 2

This season is very enjoyable, episodes that stood out for me is the one in the Ice Dungeon ad the oe with the High Orcs.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

This season is just as good as season 1, I love how ‘passionate’ Maomao, the protagonist can get over rare ingredients and the little comic relief scenes between all the serious sleuthing just adds to the anime’s charm.

I Left my A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!

I really like the teacher that left his A-Rank party to help a trio of his former students. I like his students too as well as the interaction between them. Definitely worth a watch.

Botsuraku Yotei no Kizoku dakedo, Hima Datta kara Mahou wo Kiwametemita

 It is another anime with an overpowered MC but I really enjoyed it. However some may find it too generic and I totally understand, but if you are of an older generation that played ‘Breath of Fire’ on Nintendo in the 90s you will appreciate the world building aspect of the series.

Shiro Season Round-up

Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou 3rd Season

Yet another Isekai about yet another edgy, overpowered protagonist who was given the short end of the stick. This show at least has a bit of fun with the premise, while giving the main protagonist a not-harem on the side.

Solo Levelling: Season 2

Speaking of brooding, overpowered protagonists, this is another one that I enjoyed. I’ve been a fan of the manga since day 1, so I’m biased

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

More of the same as season 1, seeing the misadventures of Maomao, a talented herbalist with a twisted personality and Jinshi, the eunuch trying to keep her in line, as the unravel plots to destabilise the imperial court.

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I'll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time

The title says it all: an Adventurers guild receptionist makes a wish to become insanely strong so she can solo a raid-boss, all so she doesn’t have to waste away doing overtime at her job.

I Left my A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!

Tale of an adventurer who, after being taken advantage of by his party for seemingly not pulling his weight, returns to his former students, beautiful young female students, and givesthem a helping hand as their new party leader

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the videos displayed on this page belong to their respective owners or channel. AnimeFanatika does not claim any right over them and please support the creators by subscribing and liking their content.