There's no greater joy for TV watchers than learning their favorite series has been renewed for a second, third, or even fourth season. The same is true for anime fans, whose sequel seasons give them the chance to see their favorite arcs animated. While discovering a new show can be exciting, the popularity of this year's Winter 2025 anime season proves that fans truly love the longevity, expanded storylines, and character development that come with a returning series.
With shows like Solo Leveling and Apothecary Diaries returning for sequel seasons, it's not hard to understand how they could so easily dominate the top spots in the charts. However, it's not just those shows, as plenty of other returning anime have been gaining praise and recognition.
Here are the top returning anime whose sequels are dominating the Winter 2025 anime season
Solo Leveling season two
Easily one of the most anticipated returns of 2025, Solo Leveling has not disappointed during its sequel season. It takes the typical “weak main character becomes strong” trope and completely exceeds your expectations by adding new twists and features to the main character's leveling-up program.
The fights, action, and character development have only become more polished with each new episode, solidifying its place at the top of the winter 2025 anime season. If you’re an anime fan who’s now watching Solo Leveling, there’s no better time to binge it before the second season ends.
Dr. Stone: Science Future
Since it first dropped in 2019, Dr. Stone has captivated audiences with its fun characters, designs, and unique take on the post-apocalyptic premise. It often challenges the limits of science while keeping the mood lighthearted and inserting action to keep the excitement high.
In its fourth and final season, Dr. Stone continues to prove why it’s been a staple on many fans’ schedules for years. As Senku and his friends travel across the world to try and save everyone still petrified, their latest foe, a fellow man of science, has proven to be the hardest one yet.
The Apothecary Diaries season two
At first, presents as a period piece about medicine and life inside the royal palace. However, it quickly proves to be so much more, as viewers soon realize this series is just as much a mystery as it is a comedy and slice of life.
The second season of The Apothecary Diaries continues where the first left off, immersing viewers in the secrets of the palace and its residents. However, this time around, the stakes are much higher, as the palace dynamics, especially surrounding the concubines, keep changing.
Bang Dream! Ave Mujica: The Die is Cast!
Bang Dream is undoubtedly one of the most well-known anime music franchises, with more than a few anime seasons. While Ave Mujica is technically a spin-off season, that has not stopped plenty of fans from falling in love with the season’s main musical act.
In Ave Mujica, which is technically the fifth Bang Dream anime season and second spin-off, viewers follow along as the titular band gains notable popularity. At the same time, members struggle from within, causing tension amongst the group just when things start to work out for them. It’s a nice break from the usual while still having the Bang Dream feel.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You
While season one of The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You was everything you might want from a typical romantic comedy anime, it didn’t quite stand out for more than its lengthy name. However, season two has proven that this series offers far more than initially expected.
In this anime, Rentarou Aijou goes from struggling to find a girlfriend to learning he’ll have more than 100 potential romantic interests before the end of high school. Season two expands upon this ridiculous premise, introducing more love interests and hilarious scenarios without ever taking itself too seriously.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season two
While it’s not uncommon to wait for some time between anime seasons, waiting almost 5 years for the second season of Toilet Bound Hanako-kun had some fans wondering if this series would ever get a continuation. Luckily, not only is the wait over, but it was more than worth it, as season two has been even better than the first.
In season one, fans met Nene Yashiro and Hanako-kun, the spirit who haunts her school’s bathroom. While the same humorous tone has continued into the second season, it also explores some of the darker themes and humor the manga is known for.
My Happy Marriage season two
With hints of supernatural powers and comments on social status, it becomes clear very early that My Happy Marriage is much more than just a romance anime. At the end of season one, Miyo had just started exploring her own supernatural abilities.
Season two takes things a step further by exploring Miyo and Lord Kudo’s families and pasts while leaning into their maturing romance. With far more action, as well as answers to quite a few of the first season’s questions, season two is proving to be an even more exciting continuation to the series.
Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga
For several years, Blue Exorcist fans were left wondering if they’d ever see the conclusion of Rin’s story. The series has recently been on a roll, putting out new seasons back to back, and fans have not been disappointed.
Recently, the series dove into the Blue Night arc, and with plenty of manga chapters left to adapt, it shows no sign of losing momentum anytime soon. So, if you’ve been behind on Blue Exorcist like many fans, now’s the perfect time to catch up.
Link Click: Bridon Arc
This latest season of Link Clink surprised many fans as there was almost no advertisement for it. While these six episodes are a prequel season and not a continuation, they’re still worth mentioning as they’ve been said to be more understandable after completing the first two seasons.
This prequel season follows Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang in the early stages of their partnership, trying to figure out how to save Cheng Xiaoshi from a tragic ending. Fans of the series will not want to miss this, as it is meant to clarify some much-needed information before season three.
With so many returning anime giving it their all this season, it may be hard to keep up with everything in your watchlist. However, if you haven't started any of these series yet, or if you're looking to see what's been happening to some of you favorite characters, there are plenty of great options in the Winter 2025 anime selection, especially the sequels.