With the spring anime season winding down, it's time for fans to start putting together their watchlists for the Summer 2025 anime season. While there are plenty of good new shows premiering, this season seems likely to be dominated by sequels / returning shows once again.
Since some of the most popular anime shows from recent years are returning this summer, it's no wonder people are excited to see what's coming out. So here’s a list of the five most anticipated of them that are coming out this season.
My Dress-Up Darling
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Having been one of the most popular romcom anime in recent years, My Dress-Up Darling is easily one of the most anticipated romance returns of the Summer 2025 season. When fans last saw Wakana and Marin, she was confessing her love to him as he slept on the other side of the phone.
Season 2 of the series will likely explore more cosplay, as well as Wakana's first introduction to cross-playing. Whether or not his romance with Marin will evolve remains to be seen. However, fans can expect a few close encounters and classic misunderstandings.
Kaiju No. 8
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
When Kaiju No.8 premiered in the Summer of 2024, it was so hyped that Crunchyroll even had a countdown on their homepage to announce the series. Knowing that, it's no surprise that fans are just as excited for the show's second season, if not more.
At the end of season 1, Kafka Hibino's cover as a kaiju hybrid was blown. Season 2 will likely deal with the aftermath of that as the Defence Force figures out how to use him and if he can be fully trusted.
Dan Da Dan
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Given that its first season only just premiered at the end of 2024, Dan Da Dan is easily one of the fastest turnarounds of recent anime seasons. Considering how ridiculously popular the series was, it's no wonder its studio, Science Saru, wasted no time continuing the series.
At the end of season 1, fans were introduced to Momo's childhood friend Jiji, who is being haunted. Season 2 will focus more on Momo and Okarun helping him to overcome his problem while fighting demons of their own. For the series' more impatient fans, the first three episodes of season 2 are currently in theaters playing as a movie titled Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye.
Call of the Night
Where to watch: HiDive
With plenty of action flooding the Summer 2025 anime season, it's nice to see another romance on the list with Call of the Night. This series isn't all love and relationships, however, as it also leans heavily into the supernatural genre with a vampire main character.
For most of season 1, Kou seemed determined to make the vampire Nazuna fall in love with him and change him. However, Kou changing his mind attracted the attention of other vampires, complicating the potential couple's situation. Season 2 will likely deal with the aftermath of his choice, and Nazuna is now the one forced to make Kou fall in love with her in exchange for his life.
The Rising of the Shield Hero
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
The Rising of the Shield Hero is easily one of the most popular isekai anime currently running, so it's no wonder that even after a two-year break, fans are eagerly awaiting the newest season. With the way season 3 ended on that Raphtalia cliffhanger, it feels like this new season cannot come soon enough.
At the end of season 3, it was revealed that Raphtalia is a member of the Q'Ten Lo royal family with claims to the throne. Despite having no interest in royal politics, it seems at least part of season 4 will deal with convincing the kingdom that Raphtalia is no threat to them.
While this season seems to have more returning hits than ever, this list only scratches the surface of what will be available soon. With plenty of new and returning series premiering during the 2025 Summer anime season, finding something to watch shouldn't be hard at all.