What is Your Favorite Theatrical Anime of 2025? 3rd Place “Sama Poke”, 2nd Place “Kimetsu”, 1st Place is That Work That Delighted Original Fans! [2025 Anime! Anime! General Election]

The Year’s Top Anime Films: Readers Crown Their Favorites!

From blockbusters raking in over 10 billion yen to word-of-mouth hits, many theatrical anime graced the big screen this year. Whether you were a frequent visitor to the cinema or cherished that one special viewing, etching the images into your memory, we want to know: which film was your absolute favorite?

As an annual tradition, Anime! Anime! conducted its grand anime poll. During the survey period from December 3rd to 13th, titled “What was your favorite theatrical anime?”, we received 436 responses.

The gender ratio leaned female, with 26% male, 68% female, and 6% undisclosed. The age distribution showed around 19% under 19 years old, about 7.8% aged 55-59, and approximately 7.3% aged 60-64.

A Legend Reborn in Reiwa Takes the Crown!

1st Place

Taking first place is the Theatrical Anime ‘Versailles no Bara’ (also known as *The Rose of Versailles*), with a support rate of about 21.8%.

The original is a manga by Riyoko Ikeda-sensei, serialized since 1972. Even after more than 50 years, this work, beloved worldwide, has been given new life in the form of a theatrical anime.

Many expressed joy over its story, which faithfully follows the source material. Comments included: “They adapted it faithfully to the soul of the original, so I can finally rest in peace,” and “Despite the 113-minute time constraint, it was created faithfully and carefully to the original manga, which made this longtime fan of the original very happy.”

Some rediscovered the work’s charm: “I read the manga in high school. I was impressed then, but even watching it again decades later, I found new discoveries.” This theatrical release also served as an entry point for new fans: “I wasn’t part of the generation that could follow the original manga or the old anime in real-time, so the movie version became my chance to encounter ‘Versailles no Bara’. I can’t thank them enough for drawing it anew in the Reiwa era.”

2nd Place

Second place goes to ‘Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugen Jou Hen: Dai Isshou – Akaza Sairai’ (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Infinity Castle Arc Movie 1: Akaza Returns), with a support rate of about 18.6%.

This wildly popular series’ final arc is being adapted into a three-part theatrical anime. Despite its roughly two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the first chapter delivered breathless pacing that satisfied countless fans.

Voters shared their thoughts: “Even though I knew the ending from reading the manga, seeing it with sound and visuals moved me more, and I cried for the first time at a movie,” “Truly, the story, art, and direction were all spectacular. It’s worth paying to see in theaters,” and “It didn’t betray expectations… it far surpassed them! The animation, sound, voice acting—everything was the best!”

Others noted heightened anticipation: “I thought I need to mentally prepare myself for the upcoming second and third chapters.”

3rd Place

In third is the Theatrical Edit Version ‘Summer Pockets’, with a support rate of about 10.1%.

This work was produced as a re-edited version of the TV anime ‘Summer Pockets’. Comprising four parts, each focusing on a different heroine—”Hisakoma Kamome Hen”, “Tsumugi Vendors Hen”, “Sorakado Ao Hen”, and “Naruse Shiroha Hen”—they were released weekly. The memories of the people met on Torishirojima come alive once more on the big screen.

A fan whose favorite was the “Tsumugi Vendors Hen” commented: “I cried. It was the most moving film of the year for me.”

A Look at Other Notable Films and Comments!

4th Place: Chainsaw Man

Ranking 4th was Gekijouban ‘Chainsaw Man: Reze Hen’. It features even more intense battles than the TV series and a heart-wrenchingly poignant story.

Voters were thoroughly pleased: “Because my favorite episode from the manga was visualized in the most superb way possible,” and “I’m nothing but grateful that I could see it in video, and in a theater at that. Combined with the addictive theme song, my brain exploded with Reze.”

6th Place: Hyaku Emu.

The 6th place film, Eiga ‘Hyaku Emu.’ (100m.), received numerous comments about its powerful aftertaste. It depicts the lives of people who stake everything on the 100-meter dash.

Passionate comments poured in: “The aftertaste following the end credits was just incredible. It’s hard to put into words,” and “I was clenching my back teeth the whole time watching the movie, and my palms were terribly sweaty. I felt no other film makes the viewer feel this tense. The animation expression is also unique.”

8th Place: Hypnosis Mic

In 8th place, ‘Eiga “Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-“‘ made waves with its innovative experiment of having the ending change based on audience votes.

Fans appreciated its rewatchability: “I was surprised by the first-ever voting-participation movie system,” and “Until now, going to a movie once was enough. But this one isn’t the same every time; the result changes based on everyone’s votes in the theater… Even if my favorite team didn’t win, I could still end it with a smile and a ‘This was the best!!!’ It’s a truly wonderful film.”

With more talked-about releases scheduled for 2026, interest in theatrical anime is sure to rise even higher. Let’s enjoy our favorite works in the unique environment only a movie theater can provide!

And Now, The Top 10 Ranking!

【2025’s Favorite Theatrical Anime】

1. Theatrical Anime ‘Versailles no Bara’
2. ‘Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugen Jou Hen: Dai Isshou – Akaza Sairai’
3. Theatrical Edit Version ‘Summer Pockets’
4. Gekijouban ‘Chainsaw Man: Reze Hen’
5. Gekijouban ‘Meitantei Conan: Sekigan no Flashback’
6. Eiga ‘Hyaku Emu.’
7. Gekijouban ‘Zombie Land Saga: Yumegininga Paradise’
8. ‘Eiga “Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-“‘
9. ‘Eiga Kimi to Idol Precure♪ Omatase! Kimi ni Todokeru Kiratti Live!’
10. ‘Ryo-kun Koukai Ki 2: Bokura ga Nozomu Mirai’

《Hashibiroko》
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