Anime continues to surge in global popularity, drawing millions of viewers from diverse cultures into its vibrant worlds and compelling stories. As we near the end of 2025, several anime series have emerged as global favorites, combining massive streaming numbers, social-media buzz, critical acclaim, and devoted fan communities. This article explores the top trending anime right now and why they are dominating the global anime conversation. Which Anime Are Trending Globally Right Now?
Table of Contents
What Makes an Anime “Trending”
Before diving into specific titles, it helps to understand what factors make an anime trend globally in 2025:
- Streaming numbers and platform reach: With streaming services available worldwide, anime that hit top charts on platforms such as Crunchyroll and Netflix naturally reach more viewers.
- New seasons / releases / hype cycles: Anime that launch a new season or movie often re-ignite interest in their franchise.
- Critical acclaim and fan ratings: High ratings across platforms and positive reviews help sustain popularity beyond the initial release.
- Social media & global fandom buzz: Memes, fan art, discussions, and word-of-mouth add to the cultural footprint of a series.
Keeping these in mind, here are some of the anime currently trending globally in late 2025.
Top Trending Anime Globally in 2025
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
One of the most popular anime worldwide this year, Jujutsu Kaisen continues to enchant fans with its high-octane action, strong storytelling, and deep character arcs. According to recent coverage, it holds among the highest ratings across multiple platforms in 2025.
Its ability to balance supernatural horror, emotional depth, and dynamic fights has made it a favorite among longtime anime fans and newcomers alike. For many, Jujutsu Kaisen represents the standard for modern shonen anime.
2. Solo Leveling
Adapted from a popular manhwa, Solo Leveling has risen rapidly in popularity. In 2025, it reportedly leads global streaming charts, making it one of the most-watched anime worldwide.
The series’ appeal lies in its straightforward but compelling premise: a protagonist rising in power against monstrous threats, combined with polished animation and tense action sequences. It’s especially popular among fans who enjoy power-escalation, fantasy, and RPG-style storytelling.
3. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man continues to perform strongly in 2025, buoyed by both its original TV series and recent film release Chainsaw Man, The Movie: Reze Arc. The movie’s box office success, both in Japan and internationally, helped push the franchise’s global popularity to new heights.
With a unique blend of brutal action, dark humor, psychological horror, and tragic romance, Chainsaw Man stands apart from many contemporary anime. Its edgy tone and emotional depth are resonating strongly with global audiences.
4. Attack on Titan
Even though the series has officially concluded, Attack on Titan remains a trending name thanks to its massive legacy and ongoing discussion about its themes of war, identity, and morality. In 2025, it remains among the most talked-about anime globally.
For many viewers, a rewatch or first-time dive into the series keeps Attack on Titan relevant, especially as new anime constantly draw comparisons to its high-stakes storytelling and world-building.
5. Sakamoto Days
A relatively newer entry compared with the giants above, Sakamoto Days has quickly gained traction in 2025, thanks to a fresh mix of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements. Multiple sources list it among the top anime to watch this year.
The show’s unique premise, a former world-class assassin living a quiet life as a convenience-store owner while dealing with his violent past, offers a refreshing twist on the shonen genre. Its humor, heart, and action make it a strong pick for anime fans looking for something different yet engaging.
Why These Anime Are Appealing Globally
1. Diverse Themes and Genres
Whether it’s horror (Chainsaw Man), fantasy action (Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen), dystopian drama (Attack on Titan), or comedic slice-of-life (Sakamoto Days), there’s something for every kind of anime fan. This variety helps attract a broad audience across cultures.
2. High Production Quality & Engaging Storytelling
Many of these shows benefit from high production values, fluid animation, strong direction, and effective use of sound and music, which elevates the viewing experience. Combined with strong writing, complex characters, and narrative depth, they keep audiences hooked.
3. Accessibility via Global Streaming Platforms
Streaming services have made anime more accessible than ever. Global availability via platforms that support multiple languages and regions has allowed these titles to break beyond Japan and reach fans worldwide, contributing to their trending status.
4. Community & Fandom Engagement
Social media, fan art, discussions, speculations, and community-driven hype play a significant role. As fans share their reactions and analyses, more viewers get drawn in, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of interest and popularity.
What’s Next: What to Watch Out For
- New seasons and upcoming releases: As these anime franchises expand with sequels, movies, and spin-offs, their popularity is likely to grow even further.
- Adaptations of popular manga/manhwa: Much like Solo Leveling, we can expect new adaptions from trending manga/manhwa to gain instant global traction.
- Cross-cultural appeal & diverse themes: Anime that explore universal themes — like identity, morality, love, or existential dilemmas — will continue to resonate with global viewers.
Final Thoughts
2025 is proving to be another vibrant year for anime fandom globally. Whether you are a longtime anime enthusiast or someone who’s just beginning to explore the medium, the titles featured above offer a broad spectrum of storytelling, emotion, and creativity.
From power-packed battles and supernatural horror to heartfelt comedy and existential drama, anime’s global pulse is alive and strong. If you’re looking to dive into trending anime right now, Jujutsu Kaisen, Solo Leveling, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan, and Sakamoto Days are definitely worth checking out.
