New anime coming in August 2025 and where to watch them
There is a great number of new anime coming in August 2025, including Captivated, By You, Crayon Shin-chan the Movie, and Little Shark's Day Out. You can catch these and more exciting new titles across popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Disney+.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- New anime coming in August 2025, and where to watch them
- Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancer (8 August)
- Grave of the Fireflies (returning) (10–12 August)
- ChaO (15 August)
- Captivated by You (Muchuu sa, Kimi ni.) (21 August)
- As One (22 August)
- Little Shark's Day Out: A Friend in a Big City (22 August)
- Ponyo (returning) (23–27 August)
- Fushigi no Kuni de Alice (29 August)
- The Summer Hikaru Died Season 1 (Episode 5–9) (2– 30 August)
- Dandadan Season 2 (episodes 6–9) (7–28 August)
- Gachiakuta Season 1 (episodes 5–9) (3–31 August)
- My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 (episodes 5–9) (2–30 August)
- What new anime is coming out in August 2025 on Netflix?
- Which anime has a new season coming in 2025?
- Which is the Anime of the Year 2025?
- What is the world's No. 1 anime?
Key takeaways
- Highly anticipated movies coming out in August include Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancer, Captivated, By You, and ChaO.
- If you love adventure, comedy, and fantasy, check out Ponyo, Fushigi no Kuni de Alice, As One, and Little Shark's Day Out: A Friend in a Big City.
- Grave of the Fireflies is making a return when it premieres in theatres at Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 from 10 to 12 August 2025.
- Series enthusiasts can catch up with My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Gachiakuta Season 1, Dandadan Season 2, and The Summer Hikaru Died Season 1.
New anime coming in August 2025, and where to watch them
August 2025 will feature several new and returning anime premieres across top streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and in theatres worldwide. Here is a comprehensive list of movies and series you can binge-watch this August.
Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancer (8 August)
- Genres: Adventure, comedy, drama, anime
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
- Director: Masakazu Hashimoto
- Voice cast: Yumiko Kobayashi, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Miki Narahashi, Satomi Kōrogi
- Where to watch: Theatres (Japan and India)
Crayon Shin-chan the Movie is among the most anticipated anime. It will premiere on 8 August 2025 in Japan and on 26 September 2025 in India. The film is set in India, where the Kasukabe Defence Force wins a trip to a kids' dance festival.
While there, chaos erupts when Bo-chan becomes possessed by a mysterious dark force. Shin-chan and his friends must navigate this contest by blending their signature comedy and chaos with dance. The movie showcases Indian culture, dance, and cuisine and is highly anticipated in India.
Grave of the Fireflies (returning) (10–12 August)
- Genres: War drama, historical, tragedy, animation
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Voice cast: Ayano Shiraishi, Tsutomu Tatsumi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
- Where to watch: Theatres (Studio Ghibli Fest 2025)
Grave of the Fireflies is a critically acclaimed 1988 Japanese animated film returning to theatres in 2025. The film is set during the final months of World War II in Kobe, Japan.
Grave of the Fireflies revolves around the tragic story of two orphaned siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive in WWII Japan. Film director Isao Takahata meticulously executes the haunting tale of loss, resilience, and the human spirit.
The film will be showing in theatres as part of the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025. Grave of the Fireflies is scheduled for a limited theatrical run from 10 August to 12 August 2025, in various cinemas across the United States.
ChaO (15 August)
- Genres: Romance, fantasy, comedy, drama
- Studio: Studio 4°C
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki
- Voice cast: Anna Yamada, Ōji Suzuka
- Where to watch: Theatres (Japan, North America)
ChaO is one of the most anticipated animated films coming out this August. The film is produced by Studio 4°C, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, and brought to life by lead voice actors Anna Yamada and Ōji Suzuka.
The fantasy comedy is set in a near-future society where humans and mermaids coexist. The story follows Stefan, an office worker, who gets a proposal from ChaO, a mermaid princess. Their romance blossoms amid challenges due to cultural and emotional differences.
Captivated by You (Muchuu sa, Kimi ni.) (21 August)
- Genres: Comedy, slice of life, drama
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- Director: Asami Nakatani
- Voice cast: Kensho Ono, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Koki Uchiyama, Yuki Ono
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Simulcast
Captivated by You is a new romance anime coming in August 2025. The romantic slice-of-life anime film is set in a boys' high school.
The film follows Joji Ema and Yuichi Medaka exploring crushes and friendships. Captivated by You will stream on Crunchyroll and Simulcast on 15 August 2025.
As One (22 August)
- Genres: Slice of life, adventure, comedy
- Studio: Honoo Studio Gooneys
- Director: Kōbun Shizuno
- Voice cast: Ruki Shiroiwa, Haruka Shiraishi, Shunsuke Takeuchi, and Yoko Hikasa
- Where to watch: Theatres (Japan)
As One is an upcoming Japanese anime movie that will be released in theatres on 22 August 2025. It is a prequel to the sci-fi arcade game Starwing Paradox.
The story takes place 20 years before the game and focuses on a high school boy named Yō. His parents do not support his dream of becoming a musician, and he feels frustrated and disconnected from his band. After hearing a strange voice, a bright light transports him to a sci-fi world called Meguriboshi.
In this world, Yō meets a robot mechanic named Rako, and they form a telepathic connection. The film explores friendship, conflict, survival, and personal growth.
Little Shark's Day Out: A Friend in a Big City (22 August)
- Genres: Slice of life, adventure, comedy
- Studio: ENGI
- Director: Marina Maki
- Voice cast: Kana Hanazawa, Megumi Han, Misaki Kuno
- Where to watch: Theatres (Japan, North America)
Little Shark's Day Out is set for theatrical release in Japan on 22 August 2025 in theatres. The story revolves around Kozame-chan, a small shark who ventures into the big city. While there, she makes new friends and helps a young girl. This gentle and heartwarming adventure explores the themes of curiosity, kindness, and friendship.
Ponyo (returning) (23–27 August)
- Genres: Fantasy, adventure, family
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Voice cast: Yuria Nara, Noah Cyrus, Hiroki Doi
- Where to watch: Theatres (Studio Ghibli Fest 2025)
Ponyo, originally titled Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, is a 2008 Japanese animated fantasy and adventure film. It was produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by the legendary film director Hayao Miyazaki. The film will premiere at the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 between 23 August and 27 August.
The film follows a goldfish princess who escapes from the ocean and is rescued by a five-year-old boy named Sōsuke. Sōsuke names the fish Ponyo, and the two develop a bond.
Ponyo desires to become a human despite the dangerous consequences caused by her use of magic. The film explores the theme of friendship, love, nature, and the balance between the human world and the sea.
Fushigi no Kuni de Alice (29 August)
- Genres: Fantasy, adventure, Isekai
- Studios: Nippon Animation, Apollo Films
- Directors: Shigeo Koshi, Taku Sugiyama
- Voice cast: Tarako, Masako Nozawa, Kenichi Ogata, Issei Futamata, Noriko Uemura
- Where to watch: Theatres (Japan)
Fushigi no Kuni de Alice is an upcoming 2025 Japanese anime feature film scheduled to premiere in Japan on 29 August 2025. It is the first theatrical anime film adaptation in Japan inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic 1865 fantasy novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
The film revolves around Rise Azumino, a college student who is struggling with her life. One day, she mysteriously travels to Wonderland, where she meets Alice and other characters from Alice in Wonderland. The film blends traditional elements of Carroll's classic story with a modern twist.
The Summer Hikaru Died Season 1 (Episode 5–9) (2– 30 August)
- Genres: Supernatural, horror, coming-of-age drama
- Studio: CygamesPictures
- Director: Ryohei Takeshita
- Voice cast: Chiaki Kobayashi, Shuichiro Umeda, Yumiri Hanamori, Wakana Kowaka.
- Where to watch: Netflix
The Summer Hikaru Died is a Japanese series that premiered in July but is running through August. This critically acclaimed supernatural drama is a Netflix exclusive out of Japan. It follows an emotional story of friends Yoshiki and Hikaru in a rural Japanese village.
Things take a drastic turn after Hikaru returns from the mountain fatally injured. The series explores the themes of grief, identity, and friendships.
Dandadan Season 2 (episodes 6–9) (7–28 August)
- Genres: Action, supernatural, romance, comedy
- Studio: Science SARU studio
- Directors: Fūga Yamashiro and Abel Góngora
- Voice cast: Shion Wakayama, Natsuki Hanae, Kaito Ishikawa
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+ (Japan)
Dandadan is a returning Japanese anime adaptation of the manga series by Yukinobu Tatsu. The new season, which premiered in July, will have episodes streaming in August. The series focuses on the Cursed House arc, where Jiji's family home is known for being haunted.
This arc will explore Jiji's past and his relationships with his friends, especially Okarun. Momo also faces strange threats in a hot springs town. The series will continue to mix supernatural fights with growing romantic tension between the main characters.
Gachiakuta Season 1 (episodes 5–9) (3–31 August)
- Genres: Fantasy, action, dystopian, sci-fi
- Studio: Studio Bones
- Director: Fumihiko Suganuma
- Voice cast: Aoi Ichikawa, Katsuyuki Konishi, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Gachiakuta is a highly anticipated dark fantasy anime series that will be running through August. The story follows Rudo, a young boy falsely accused of murdering his father. He is exiled from Sphere to Pit, a harsh, trash-infested wasteland.
In the Pit, Rudo discovers he has supernatural powers, and he vows to use these powers to take revenge and reclaim his place. Episodes 5 to 9 explore themes of survival, corruption, and rebellion in a dystopian world where discarded people fight for justice. The characters are voiced by Japanese actors, including Aoi Ichikawa, Katsuyuki Konishi, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and Yumiri Hanamori.
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 (episodes 5–9) (2–30 August)
- Genres: Romance, comedy, slice of life
- Studio: CloverWorks
- Director: Keisuke Shinohara
- Voice cast: Hina Suguta, Akira Sekine, Shōya Ishige
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My Dress-Up Darling, also known as Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru, is a new anime coming in August 2025 on Crunchyroll. The series is an adaptation of the manga by Shinichi Fukuda.
The story follows Wakana Gojo, a high school boy passionate about making dolls. He meets Marin Kitagawa, a popular and energetic girl, who discovers his talent and convinces him to help with cosplay costumes.
Together, they explore the world of cosplay while exploring friendship and romance. The film explores themes of confidence, self-expression, and meaningful connections.
What new anime is coming out in August 2025 on Netflix?
August 2025 is a quiet month with no new anime premiering on Netflix. However, there are ongoing titles with fresh episodes that debuted in July you can watch, including The Summer Hikaru Died Season 1, Dandadan Season 2, Gachiakuta, and Leviathan Season 1.
Which anime has a new season coming in 2025?
August 2025 new anime series highlights include My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Gachiakuta Season 1, The Summer Hikaru Died Season 1, and Devil May Cry.
Which is the Anime of the Year 2025?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the top anime of the year is Solo Levelling. It won multiple awards in the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The awards won include Anime of the Year, Best Action, Best Score, Best New Series, and Best Main Character.
What is the world's No. 1 anime?
According to IMDb, Attack on Titan is ranked as the number one anime. However, as per Japandev, One Piece is a top contender.
August 2025 offers an exciting lineup of new anime catering to various tastes and genres. Fans can enjoy these anime on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu, and in theatres. The list above explores fresh stories while allowing you to catch up on earlier releases.
Legit.ng published an article about Japanese movies and series. There are various movies and series that premiered in July 2025. These movies range from animation, live-action and classic films.
Japanese movies and series were released in July in theatres and on streaming services like Netflix. Some popular titles that came out include JUJUTSU KAISEN, My Neighbour Totoro, and Summer Wars. Check out this article for more Japanese movies that dropped in July.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
