With so many ridiculously good anime coming out in 2025, it's safe to say the competition is extremely tough, but no one's complaining, because it means fans get to see high-quality adaptations. Every top anime released in 2025 was full of high quality episodes.
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Fans were impressed by these episodes and they did not hesitate to show their admiration on social media. Given that there are so many exceptional episodes, it's pretty hard to pick just one, but aggregate sites like IMDb make things less complicated. Based on the score on IMDb, here is top rated anime episodes 2025.
To make it easier, only one episode from a series has been included.
Race Against Time
IMDb rating: 9.5
Gachiakuta has been the surprise package of 2025. Before the anime started airing, mainly manga readers were interested in the adaptation. However, once the anime premiered on Crunchyroll, it stole the spotlight from other big names like Kaiju No. 8, Sakamoto Days and Dr. Stone. Some people went as far as calling it the successor to Naruto. While the claim is debatable, it is undeniable that Gachiakuta is an excellent anime.
Gachiakuta episode 21 is among the highest rated episodes of 2025, and everyone who watched it will agree. The episode focuses on Rudo as he tries to fight Bundus. Despite being less experienced than his opponent, Rudo wins by outsmarting him.
To you in 2022
IMDb rating: 9.6
Takopi's Original Sin is proof that not all shonen anime need flashy fights or a plethora of characters to be interesting. ONA presents an emotional story of abuse, sacrifice and love. Takopi's Original Sin addresses many real themes that many viewers struggle with, and it gives them hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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The highest rated episode of the series is the fifth. In the episode, Shizuka travels to Tokyo to see her father and reunite with her dog. But she is shocked when she learns that her father has started a new family. To make matters worse, he refuses to recognize his own daughter, further destroying her mental health. The fifth episode of Takopi's Original Sin also reveals Takopi's true goals.
Light
IMDb rating: 9.7
Lord of Mysteries was among the featured artists of 2025. It is based on the web novel written by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving. Fans had high expectations for the anime adaptation, but somehow it surpassed them. Lord of Mysteries is an amazing series that will keep viewers glued to their screens. The story is intense and full of mysteries, and each episode has beautiful animation.
Of course, it's almost impossible to pick just one episode, but based on the reviews, it seems like fans loved the finale. It has a score of 9.7 on IMDb, making it one of the highest rated episodes of 2025. The episode puts the Nighthawks in the spotlight as they try to defend the Thing.
Are you the king of men?
IMDb rating: 9.7
2025 was always going to be a great year for anime fans; after all, it started with the second season of Solo Leveling. As expected, the new season was full of high-octane fights that showcased Sung Jinwoo's growth as a fighter. With so many phenomenal brawls in Season 2, it was obvious that they would get high ratings.
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There are many episodes rated above 9, but the highest rated was the twelfth. In the episode, Sung Jinwoo arrives in Jeju Island to save the hunters from the Ant King. Jinwoo's entry is followed by an incredible display of strength, where he humiliates the Ant King.
The final boss
IMDb rating: 9.8
2025 turned out to be quite an emotional one for My Hero Academia fans. After the manga ended in 2024, fans knew that the anime would sustain them a bit longer, but now that too is coming to an end. As is the case with almost all finales, MHA's eighth season is filled with intense emotional moments. It is, after all, the culmination of the heroes' journey.
For a My Hero Academia fan, it's almost impossible to pick an episode from the eighth season, but based on ratings, everyone seemed to love the third episode. In the episode, Bakugo proves once again why he is such a fan favorite when he saves All Might from the clutches of All for One. The moment captures Bakugo's growth as a hero and a person.
Kuma's life
IMDb rating: 9.8
Every year there are debates about One Piece, and most of them are about how good the anime is. The series has seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the efforts of the staff at Toei Animation. In 2025, the anime released tons of standouts, and to be honest, the entire list could be filled with them. However, as previously mentioned, only one episode from a series will be included.
For One Piece, it's episode 1137, where fans learn about Kuma's selflessness. The Buccaneer not only protected his daughter, but he also saved the lives of the Straw Hat Pirates. He continued to fight until the end, and despite the tragedies that befell him, he remained a kind person. When Bonney finally found out the truth, she bawled her eyes out, and honestly, who could blame her?
