Anime has never been more popular than it is today. Streaming services report massive audiences – for example, Crunchyroll alone has over 120 million registered users (about 17 million of them paid subscribers as of 2025), and over 15 million paid subs by 2024.

This reflects the huge global fanbase for anime. Many fans search for top shows on free sites (including AnimePahe), but it’s important to watch through legitimate channels. In this article we’ll highlight some of the most enduring and current hit anime series often sought by viewers in 2025, along with their genre and appeal. For each we note where you can officially stream them. All titles below can be found on various legal platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, etc., even if fans sometimes spot them on unofficial sites.

Evergreen Classics

These long-running or classic series remain popular for new fans and veterans alike.

One Piece (1999 – Present) – This epic adventure follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they sail the oceans in search of the legendary treasure “One Piece” so Luffy can become the Pirate King. It’s a shonen (young-male) action series full of humor, friendship and ever-escalating battles.

One Piece has aired over 1,100 episodes so far and continues to set records – in mid-2024 it even topped IMDb’s best-rated shows list for the year. Its long-term appeal comes from Oda’s imaginative worldbuilding, memorable characters (each Straw Hat pirate has a unique personality and power), and an overarching emotional story about dreams and loyalty. Audiences of all ages enjoy the mix of swashbuckling fun and heartfelt moments.

Official streams: Crunchyroll carries virtually the entire series (Sub and Dub), as do Funimation and Netflix (regional availability varies). Pirate adventure fans won’t be disappointed by One Piece’s epic saga.

Naruto (2002–2007) – This action-adventure series centers on Naruto Uzumaki, an energetic young ninja who harbors a mighty fox spirit (the Nine-Tailed Fox) inside him. Guided by this “spirit demon,” orphaned Naruto trains hard to earn respect and become the Hokage (village leader). It’s a classic coming-of-age story – Naruto’s journey from underdog to hero resonates with many viewers.

The show is known for its exciting ninja battles, a large supporting cast (friends Sakura, Sasuke, and mentor Kakashi), and themes of perseverance and friendship. Netflix’s description calls it “a goofy anime adventure” of ninja training. Naruto’s blend of humor, drama, and action has kept it popular for over two decades.

Official streams: Crunchyroll (and its Funimation catalog) have both Naruto and its sequel Naruto: Shippuden. Netflix and Hulu also carry the series. Even new fans in 2025 continue to enjoy Naruto’s spirited ninja saga.

Modern Shonen Hits

These series began in the 2010s/2020s but have quickly become must-watch favorites.

Attack on Titan (2013–2023) – A dark fantasy action series set in a grim post-apocalyptic world. Humanity lives behind giant walls to protect itself from man-eating “Titans.” When Titans breach the wall of his hometown, young Eren Yeager vows revenge after a Titan devours his mother. He joins the elite Survey Corps to fight back.

The story follows Eren and his friends Mikasa and Armin as they battle Titans and uncover shocking secrets. Attack on Titan is praised for intense action, suspenseful storytelling, and complex themes (freedom vs. security). By 2023 it concluded its anime run with global acclaim. According to Wikipedia, it has received “universal critical acclaim” and is considered one of the greatest anime series of all time.

Official streams: Crunchyroll streams all seasons (Sub and Dub). Netflix (in many regions) and Hulu also carry the series. Genre: Dark fantasy, action, horror.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–2024) – A beloved recent hit. Set in Taisho-era Japan, the story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. His sister Nezuko survives but is transformed into a demon. Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko. The show is a shonen action series with stunning animation (by studio Ufotable) and emotional appeal. Viewers love Tanjiro’s compassion and the dramatic sword fights. The series (and its hit movie Mugen Train) won many awards and critical praise; it’s called one of the best anime of the 2010s. In 2023 and 2024, seasons continued adapting new story arcs, keeping the fanbase engaged.

Official streams: Crunchyroll and Hulu stream Demon Slayer (English sub and dub); Netflix carries the first season in many regions. Genre: Dark fantasy, adventure, action.

My Hero Academia (2016–Present) – A modern superhero-themed shonen hit. In a world where most people have “Quirks” (superpowers), Izuku Midoriya is a boy born Quirkless who dreams of being a hero. After bravely saving a friend from danger, he’s granted a powerful Quirk by the world’s greatest hero, All Might.

The series follows Izuku (Deku) as he attends U.A. High School – an academy training the next generation of heroes – alongside a colorful cast of aspiring heroes and villainous threats. Its appeal lies in likable characters, epic power battles, and earnest themes of heroism and self-improvement. Netflix sums it up: “After he saves a bully from a villain, a normal student is granted a superpower… allowing him to attend a high school training academy for heroes”.

Official streams: My Hero Academia is on Crunchyroll (sub & dub) and Funimation (dub). Hulu, Tubi, and other platforms carry various seasons; Netflix offers seasons in some regions. Genre: Superhero action, coming-of-age, school life.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–2023) – A dark fantasy series from manga creator Gege Akutami. It follows high schooler Yuji Itadori, who swallows a cursed talisman (a demon’s finger) and becomes host to a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna.

To protect people from curses (monsters born of human malice), Yuji joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers at Tokyo Jujutsu High. The show features visceral battles against curses, smart magic systems (Jujutsu), and a blend of horror and humor. Audiences praise its well-developed characters (Yuji’s upbeat bravery, Gojo’s antics, etc.) and top-notch animation by MAPPA. As of 2024, the Jujutsu Kaisen manga exceeded 100 million copies in circulation – evidence of its massive popularity.

Official streams: Crunchyroll (sub and simuldub) and Hulu stream the anime, and Netflix carries season 1 in many regions. Genre: Dark fantasy, supernatural action.

New and Trending Series

Finally, some of the hottest recent titles (2020s). These are still fairly new but have already captured fans’ attention.

Chainsaw Man (2022) – A gritty action-horror anime based on the hit manga. It stars Denji, a destitute teenager who inherits a contract with Pochita, a demon that resembles a chainsaw. This fuses Denji’s body with Pochita’s power, letting him grow chainsaw blades from his arms and hea.

Now part-human, Denji is drafted into Japan’s Public Safety Devil Hunters to fight other devils. Chainsaw Man is known for its dark humor, graphic violence, and unpredictable story. It mixes over-the-top action with satirical takes on hero tropes. By late 2024 the source manga had sold over 30 million copies worldwide, highlighting how big the franchise is.

Official streams: Crunchyroll (and Hulu in the U.S.) streams Chainsaw Man as it airs (sub & dub). Genre: Supernatural action, horror-comedy.

Spy × Family (2022–Present) – A genre-blending comedy action series. It centers on “Loid Forger,” a top spy who must assemble a fake family for a secret mission. Unbeknownst to him, his new wife Yor is a lethal assassin, and his adopted daughter Anya is a telepath.

The three hide their true identities from each other, leading to hilarious and touching moments. Spy×Family mixes spy thriller elements with slice-of-life family comedy. Anya’s cute telepathy gags and Yor’s secret-agents-meet-mom humor are major draws. The series has become a worldwide hit – its manga has sold over 30 million copies by 2023.

Official streams: Crunchyroll and Wakanim simulcast the anime (sub and dub), and Netflix has streaming rights in many countries. Genre: Action-comedy, family, espionage.

Solo Leveling (2023–Present) – An action-fantasy series adapted from a popular Korean web novel. It follows Sung Jinwoo, a very weak “E-rank” Hunter (one who fights monsters in gated dungeons) who struggles to make ends meet. After surviving a deadly dungeon, Jinwoo gains a unique System power: the ability to “level up” without limit. This transforms him into a formidable Hunter.

The story tracks Jinwoo’s rise from underdog to nearly undefeatable warrior as he fights stronger monsters and uncovers supernatural secrets. Fans love Solo Leveling for its relatable hero, thrilling battles, and the “video game” leveling theme. Crunchyroll’s IMDb guide notes Jinwoo’s status as the “weakest hunter” who gets his chance at the ultimate power.

Official streams: The anime premiered on Crunchyroll (2023), with new episodes simulcast sub and dubbed. Genre: Fantasy action, RPG-like, urban fantasy.

These selections highlight anime that remain in high demand in 2025. Each title above can be found on legal streaming platforms (Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, Hulu, etc.) in most regions. For example, recent Crunchyroll announcements note series like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Spy×Family among top watches. (Fans who spot these shows on AnimePahe should remember that they’re also available through official channels.)

Conclusion

In summary, 2025’s anime landscape is led by these enduring favorites, each with a blend of action, drama, and fan-favorite elements. They are praised across reviews and awards (see citations above) and continue to draw new viewers long after their debut. Whether you’re into epic pirate voyages, heroic ninjas, titanic battles, or quirky family spies, this list has an anime to suit you. Each series’ legal streams ensure high-quality viewing and support the creators. Enjoy the adventure, knowing these shows are accessible through approved streaming services – safe, high-quality, and fully licensed.