The Summer 2025 anime season is booming with over 80 titles, according to Anime! Anime!’s research, and many have already premiered their first episodes. Prior to the broadcast, our reader survey titled “Which Summer 2025 Anime Has the Highest Expectations?” saw a diverse range of titles capture significant attention. Now that the shows have begun and viewers have watched the first episodes, many might find themselves drawn into stories, surprised by unexpected developments, or discovering new charms that differ from their pre-broadcast impressions.
With this in mind, Anime! Anime! conducted a new reader survey: “Which Summer 2025 Anime is Your Absolute Favorite Right Now?” We collected responses from 529 individuals during the survey period from July 21st to July 28th. The gender ratio was approximately 55% male and 45% female, with a slight male majority. Regarding age, about 35% were 19 years old or younger, while respondents in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s each accounted for roughly 15%.
Table of Contents
Reference Article: https://animeanime.jp/article/2025/06/14/91335.html
Horror, Romance, and Youth! The Summer Anime Frontlines
First Place
Claiming the top spot is Hikari ga Shinda Natsu, garnering approximately 9% of the votes.
This series is based on a manga currently serialized in “Young Ace UP.” It tells the story of Tsujinaka Yoshiki, a high school student living in Kubitachi Village, who encounters various strange incidents alongside Hikaru, a mysterious entity that has replaced his childhood friend, Kibou Hikaru. Fans were captivated by the unique blend of genres:
One reader commented, “The genre of a youth horror mystery set in a rural summer is so fresh. Just like Hikaru, who slowly transformed into something monstrous, the fear seeps in gradually. At the same time, the characters’ feelings are meticulously portrayed, making it easy to empathize with them. It’s the show I’m most curious to see what happens next.” Another shared, “The contrast between the unsettling atmosphere of the damp village and the refreshing summer season is striking. The incidents that unfold within this setting truly enhance the unique world-building—it’s superb!” These comments clearly show how the combination of youth and horror has won over fans.
Furthermore, the series received high praise for its psychological depth, with a fan stating, “My heart ached watching the protagonist’s struggle as he accepts that his friend is a fake. The complex relationship between the two is skillfully conveyed through the visuals, music, and voice acting, demonstrating a true dedication to the craft of this work.”
Second Place
Coming in second is Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku, with approximately 7% support.
Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku is adapted from a manga serialized in “Magazine Pocket.” This charming love story centers on the interactions between Tsutsumi Rintarou, who appears intimidating but is kind-hearted, and Wakuri Kaoruko, a student attending an elite all-girls school. Many readers expressed their admiration:
“Kaoruko-chan is wonderful for approaching people without prejudice. Her un-ladylike sides, like eating lots of cake and secretly being a hard worker, are revealed one after another, making me want to know even more about her,” a fan shared. Another commented, “It warms my heart to see these two try to understand each other, transcending labels and preconceptions like being from a ‘delinquent’ boys’ school or a ‘proper’ girls’ school.” The future of their relationship is a major draw, with one comment noting, “I’m so curious about the future of Rintarou-kun and Kaoruko-chan’s love. As they gradually reveal unknown facets of themselves and involve those around them, what kind of growth will they show?”
Third Place
Securing third place is Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 (a sequel), with approximately 6% of the votes.
Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun is based on a manga serialized in “Monthly GFantasy.” The story follows high school student Yashiro Nene, who encounters Hanako-kun, one of the school’s Seven Mysteries (the “toilet-bound Hanako-san”), and helps resolve supernatural incidents related to the school’s怪異. Fans have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the series, from its narrative to its music:
A reader enthused, “The highlight is how Hanako-kun and Nene-chan’s relationship gradually changes as the story progresses. New characters are continuously appearing, and I can’t wait for every Sunday!” Another fan praised the audio experience, saying, “Ooishi Masayoshi-san participates in the opening theme and Kitou Akari-san, who voices Nene, participates in the ending theme throughout the series, and the music perfectly expresses the world of the work. I love the flow of getting hyped up by the OP and then soaking in the mood with the ED.”
Other Notable Comments!
For Ruri no Houseki, a fan remarked, “The story, which deciphers Earth’s messages from tens of thousands of years ago through mineral excavation, is incredibly stimulating to intellectual curiosity. You can feel the grandeur of nature, and the beautiful visuals are simply magnificent.”
Regarding Food Court de, Mata Ashita., a comment read, “It’s so interesting even though it’s just about talking endlessly at a food court. The dynamic banter between the high-energy Wada and the calm Yamamoto is exquisite, and it’s almost a shame that it’s only 6 episodes. I’m already hoping for a second season!”
For Binan Koukou Chikyuu Boueibu High Kara!, a viewer noted, “It’s a comedy you can enjoy without overthinking, featuring high school boys from the Taishou era fighting in flowing costumes. Compared to previous Earth Defense Club members, it was surprising that the protagonists of this season actually have some will to protect the Earth (laughs).”
Votes also came in for short anime, such as Ginga Tokkyuu Milky☆Subway. A fan commented, “The unique characters like the enhanced humans and cyborgs, along with their natural, almost improvisational conversations, are charming. Despite being a retro-futuristic world, it surprisingly exudes a sense of everyday life, allowing you to immerse yourself deeply into the work’s world.”
This survey revealed that manga-original titles were prominent among the top ranks. A wide array of genres, including horror, romantic comedy, fantasy, and action, made it into the rankings. Don’t miss the top 20 on the next page!
Top 10 Ranking
[Which Summer 2025 Anime is Your Absolute Favorite Right Now?]
- Hikari ga Shinda Natsu
- Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku
- Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 (Sequel)
- Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru Season 2 (also known as My Dress-Up Darling Season 2)
- Silent Witch Chinmoku no Majo no Kakushigoto (also known as The Silent Witch is Hiding Her Secret)
- Takopii no Genzai (also known as Takopi’s Original Sin)
- Seishun Buta Yarou wa Santa Claus no Yume wo Minai (also known as Rascal Does Not Dream of a Santa Claus)
- Dr.STONE SCIENCE FUTURE (Part 2)
- Dandadan (Season 2)
- Tougen Anki
(Response Period: July 21, 2025 – July 28, 2025)
Next page: Ranking up to 20th place revealed
- For other ongoing survey themes, click here! Let us know your thoughts.＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
《Takahashi Katsunori》
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