The Fall season and the entire year of 2025 is drawing to a close. Most shows have drawn to a close or are about to. So, let’s talk about it! Did anything surprise you? disappoint you? exceed your expectations? Of course, more general topics are still welcome just like any week.
As always, remember to be mindful of spoilers. If you want to know more about how to handle spoilers in this community, check the guide here (also linked in the sidebar).
Fall 2025
I kept hearing that this is one of the worst anime seasons, but at this stage in my life, this is perfect: a few quality shows to follow, with plenty of breathing room to catch-up on past GOATs.
Spy x Family - season 3
I find that this season to be a huge improvement over the past seasons / cour. A lot less fillers than before, but even then the fillers could have been left out of the mainline series altogether IMO; perhaps include them in OVAs instead.
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray - part 2
I still enjoy it like part 1, but IMO the drama can be upped even more. Also, I am starting to notice powerpoint slides; not a good sign. Doesn’t matter as I am in it for the story though, and Oguri’s is cap - as in peak.
I still like Pretty Derby season 2 the most from the Umamusume franchise, but I heard that Cinderella Gray’s story becomes even better later in the manga. Definitely looking forward to future seasons.
Gnosia
The worldbuilding and set-up has been going on for quite a while, and we are now seeing hints of a climax. If they pull off the ending well, I can see it contending with the other popular shows next season in terms of personal enjoyment.
Wandance
Barring the animation and computer graphics, I heard that this anime (read: its story) is good. I ended up binging it last week and it turned out to be my dark horse of the season. (Gnosia doesn’t count because I’ve been enjoying it from the start.)
I love Wanda and Kabo’s relationship. I love the maturity of the characters and the way the story developed. I wasn’t bothered by the 3D models being used in dance sequences, plus I find CG with animation infinitely better than slideshows. If you enjoy anime mainly for the plot, consider giving Wandance a chance.
Also, thanks to Wandance, there is finally a song from this season that made it into my playlist: Stare In Wonder (Wandance OP)
2025 Overall
In a nutshell, 2025 is the year of sports anime for me, with the likes of:
being among my top picks. (Also caught up on Haikyuu!!, Sound! Euphonium and the rest of Umamusume.)
Even my favourite episode from 100 Girlfriends is a sports episode.
Also, Cygames has been killing it lately. Everyone has heard of Umamusume, but The Summer Hikaru Died and Apocalypse Hotel have been fantastic as well.
Quick shoutout to a few more anime that haven’t been mentioned:
If I must pick one anime to represent this year, it has to be Umamusume: Cinderella Gray. It’s thanks to Cinderella Gray that I now find myself deep inside the Umamusume rabbithole.