The 2025 anime awards winners have just been unveiled at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, a dazzling celebration of the year’s finest anime series, characters, and creators. Held on May 25, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Tokyo, Japan, the ninth annual event captivated fans worldwide with a star-studded livestream. From emotional dramas to action-packed epics, this year’s winners reflect the diversity and creativity of anime from October 2023 to December 2024. Hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, the ceremony featured performances by Creepy Nuts, LiSA, and FLOW, alongside presenters like Finn Wolfhard and Kacey Musgraves. Let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable night and explore the 2025 anime awards winners who stole the show.
Anime of the Year and Top Contenders
The race for Anime of the Year was fierce, with heavyweights like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Dandadan, Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling, Delicious in Dungeon, and The Apothecary Diaries vying for the top spot. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End clinched the prestigious award, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and breathtaking animation. This fantasy epic, which explores an elf mage’s journey through loss and love, resonated deeply with fans and judges alike. With 25 nominations, Frieren dominated the night, also securing Best Drama for its emotionally rich narrative. Dandadan, with 22 nominations, wasn’t far behind, earning praise for its vibrant action and quirky humor, though it didn’t snag the top prize.
- Anime of the Year: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Notable Nominees: Dandadan, Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling
Standout Categories and Surprising Wins
The 2025 anime awards winners shone across 32 categories, including new additions like Best Isekai Anime and Best Background Art. Solo Leveling took home Best New Series, a nod to its explosive popularity as a dark fantasy about a weak hunter rising to power. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! won Best Slice of Life, charming audiences with its heartfelt take on high school romance. Kaiju No. 8 scored multiple awards, including Best Main Character for Kafka Hibino, whose transformation into a monster-fighting hero captivated fans. The viral hit “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts, from Mashle: Magic and Muscles, swept Best Opening and Best Anime Song, proving its cultural impact.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Animation | Dandadan |
| Best Romance | A Sign of Affection |
| Best Original Anime | Girls’ Band Cry |
| Best Voice Actor (Japanese) | Kana Ichinose (The Apothecary Diaries) |
Attack on Titan’s Global Impact
A highlight of the 2025 anime awards winners was the inaugural Global Impact Award, presented to Attack on Titan. This iconic series, which concluded in 2023 with a final film in 2024, was honored for its profound cultural influence. With over 140 million manga volumes sold and critical acclaim, including 100% Rotten Tomatoes scores for three seasons, Attack on Titan has redefined anime’s global reach. A creator from MAPPA accepted the award, celebrating the series’ legacy of intense storytelling and complex characters. This recognition underscores anime’s growing role in shaping pop culture worldwide.
Musical Performances and Star Power
The ceremony wasn’t just about awards; it was a spectacle. Creepy Nuts brought the house down with their performance of “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” and “Otonoke” from Dandadan. LiSA, known for Demon Slayer’s “Gurenge,” delivered a soulful set, while FLOW celebrated Eureka Seven’s 20th anniversary. Presenters like J Balvin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Pabllo Vittar added global flair, connecting anime to broader entertainment. Over 51 million votes were cast, a 50% jump from last year, showing the passionate engagement of fans in deciding the 2025 anime awards winners.
What’s Next for Anime Fans?
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards set a new benchmark for celebrating anime’s creativity and emotional depth. From Frieren’s introspective journey to Kaiju No. 8’s action-packed thrills, this year’s winners showcase the medium’s versatility. Fans are already buzzing about next year’s awards, which will shift to a January-to-December eligibility period, reducing recency bias. The global love for anime continues to grow, and events like this remind us why it resonates so deeply. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the scene, these winners offer a perfect starting point to explore anime’s magic.
Missed the live show? Stream the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards on Crunchyroll’s YouTube or Twitch channels now! Share your favorite winners in the comments and join the anime community’s celebration.