Which Anime Makes You Want to Watch It in “Winter”? Gintama & Yuru Camp△ Tie for 2nd Place, and the 1st Place is… <2025 Edition>
![[What anime makes you want to watch in 'winter'? 2025 Edition] From 1st to 5th place](/media/815831.jpg)
Shousetsu, also known as Minor Snow, for 2025, spans from November 22nd to December 6th. Shousetsu is one of the twenty-four sekki (solar terms) that divide a year into twenty-four equal parts, traditionally marking the period when snow begins to fall, signifying the true start of winter.
As the chill of winter approaches, many anime fans find themselves drawn to rewatching certain titles. There are those heartwarming series that beautifully depict stunning snowy landscapes, or exciting shows centered around winter sports. Others feature beloved seasonal events like Christmas or Oshougatsu (New Year’s). It’s quite common for the crisp winter air itself to evoke memories of these special anime, making them perfect companions for the colder months.
With this in mind, Anime! Anime! decided to conduct its annual reader survey, asking fans: “Which anime makes you want to watch it again in winter?” The survey was open from November 5th to November 9th, gathering responses from 95 eager participants. The demographics showed a slight female majority, with approximately 60% female respondents and 40% male. The age distribution was primarily younger fans, with about 35% being 19 years old or younger, and 25% in their 20s, indicating a strong engagement from the younger anime viewing demographic.
Heartwarming in the Cold Season… Popular Works Make the Rank!
First Place
Coming in at number one is THE LAST -NARUTO THE MOVIE-, garnering approximately 22% of the votes.
THE LAST -NARUTO THE MOVIE- (C) Kishimoto Masashi Scott/Shueisha・TV TOKYO・Pierrot (C) Gekijouban NARUTO Seisaku Iinkai 2014
THE LAST -NARUTO THE MOVIE-, released in 2014, is a theatrical film from the beloved NARUTO -Naruto- franchise. Set two years after the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the story delves into the romantic relationship between protagonist Uzumaki Naruto and the heroine, Hyuuga Hinata. Readers were particularly captivated by a different side of the protagonist, with comments such as: ‘Up until now, NARUTO -Naruto- has predominantly focused on battles, but in this film, we see a grown-up Naruto gradually beginning to understand the meaning of ‘love.’ It’s essentially Naruto’s first love story, as he realizes that Hinata had always held a special place deep within his heart.’ Another fan shared, ‘It’s incredibly endearing to see the usually strong-willed Naruto, who is always so confident in battle, become utterly dejected when he mistakenly thinks Hinata rejected him. It makes you want to support him, even if you’re not Hinata-chan yourself!’ Many readers also found the red scarf Hinata gifts Naruto in the movie to be quite memorable, symbolizing their growing bond. This touching portrayal of their relationship earned strong support from many fans who had been following their journey for years.
Second Place
Claiming a joint second place with approximately 9% of the votes are Gintama and Yuru Camp△.
Shin Gekijouban Gintama – Yoshiwara Taientou – Teaser Visual (C) Sorachi Hideaki/Gekijouban Gintama Seisaku Iinkai
Gintama, originally a gag manga serialized in “Weekly Shounen Jump”, is set in an Edo period that has been ‘opened’ to aliens. The story follows Sakata Gintoki and his companions at the Yorozuya (odd-jobs shop) as they take on various peculiar requests. Being a long-running series with over 350 TV anime episodes alone, it’s packed with memorable winter-themed segments. Fans loved it for ‘always messing around with every winter tradition imaginable, from the Kabukichou Snow Festival and Shogun’s skiing trip to hot pot episodes.’ Another reader exclaimed, ‘I love the episode where Gin-san tries to give Kagura-chan a present disguised as Santa. All the other characters were also dressed as Santa, and I burst out laughing during the Santa Claus Deciding Match to determine the real one!’ These chaotic, Gintama-esque developments are a huge part of its charm. In particular, several comments highlighted the shocking impression left by Episode 38, ‘Children Only Frollick in the Snow,’ where they create a bizarre snow sculpture known as the ‘Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon’ during the snow festival.
Yuru Camp△ SEASON3 Key Visual (C) Afro・Houbunsha/Yagai Katsudou Project
Yuru Camp△ is an ongoing camping manga serialized in “COMIC FUZ”, depicting the everyday lives of high school girls enjoying solo and group camping trips. A significant part of its appeal lies in how meticulously it captures the atmosphere from autumn through winter and into spring. One reader shared: ‘I also go solo winter camping every year, and I often take inspiration from the camping meals Nadeshiko-chan makes. Listening to the ending themes, ‘Fuyu Biyori’ and ‘Haru no Tonari’ by Sasaki Eri, on the way back from the campsite always makes me feel so glad I went camping, and eager to come back again.’ For many, it’s a series that beautifully conveys the undeniable charm of winter camping.
Other Notable Mentions!
Regarding Natsume Yuujinchou, a fan commented: ‘In the midst of a busy daily life, Natsume Yuujinchou offers a gentle, flowing sense of time that is pure healing. The OVA, Itsuka Yuki no Hi ni (When the Snow Falls), is set in winter and features a slightly melancholic story about a yokai that appears like a pure white snowman.’ It’s a perfect anime to find some peace and quiet during the hectic winter months.
For Dosanko Gyaru wa Namara Menkoi (Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!), a reader shared: ‘Even though it’s set in snowy Hokkaido, it’s a romantic comedy that will make your cheeks flush! It’s definitely a series to enjoy alongside Oohishi Masayoshi-san’s opening theme!’ The contrast between the cold setting and the heartwarming romance makes it a perfect winter watch.
A fan commented on Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica: ‘It has some pretty heavy developments, and since its original broadcast was during the winter, it’s a series I find myself wanting to rewatch in the cold season. With the theatrical film Walpurgis no Kaiten (Walpurgisnacht: Rising) slated for next February, I plan to rewatch the entire series this winter to prepare!’ The chilling themes and winter broadcast make it a poignant choice for the season.
Regarding Sousou no Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End), a voter said: ‘The interactions between Frieren and her companions are so amusing, making me chuckle, and before I know it, my heart feels completely warm. Frieren-sama’s scarf and her white twin tails also strongly evoke a winter image.’ This series, which will see new content next year, clearly brings a sense of warmth even in the coldest of seasons.
Sousou no Frieren Key Visual (C) Yamada Kanehito・Abe Tsukasa/Shogakukan/Sousou no Frieren Seisaku Iinkai
For the 2025 edition of this survey, a diverse array of titles made it into the rankings, ranging from blockbuster theatrical films to beloved long-running series, and from charming slice-of-life stories to epic fantasies. It truly makes one want to dive into these anime, experiencing their unique winter landscapes and heartwarming episodes that bring a sense of comfort during the chilly season.
On the next page, we’ll reveal all 40+ titles that received votes. Don’t miss it!
Top 10 Ranking
Here’s the full list for ‘Which anime makes you want to watch it again in winter? 2025 Edition’:
- THE LAST -NARUTO THE MOVIE-
- Gintama
- Yuru Camp△
4th place (tie):
- Girls & Panzer
- Natsume Yuujinchou
6th place (tie):
- Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
- Melody Time
8th place (tie):
- Kanon
- Golden Kamuy
- Sousou no Frieren
- Medalist
- Love Live!
(Survey conducted: November 5th – November 9th, 2025)
Next Page: All Titles That Received Votes Revealed
By Takahashi Katsunori
