Anime Summer 2025 weekly ranking June 27th to July 3rd

These rankings are as of the episodes premiering June 27th to July 3rd

S: Must Watch

Episodes I believe you must watch or are missing out on.

1. Takopi’s Original Sin. Ep. 1

Getting this out of the way, watch this.

My favorite anime are always those that hit more serious topics; growth, struggle, pain, hardship, and here, bullying, suicide, and the realities of one’s home.

Before speaking on Takopi, I loved the ending because it is real. Of course, it doesn’t make Marina’s actions ok or even forgivable, but children that bully often come from households or lives like that which Marina exists in. I can understand, but that does not mean one must approve of or be ok with it. Well done.

Shizuka. That scene - again, watch this - was brutal. As she started talking about Chappy the way she did I knew what was coming and my heart hurt because of it. The harsh reality of a bullied child is always heartbreaking. Shizuka is bullied and ignored at home it seems, and the rest of the adults in her life seem to allow it to happen which is something that happens around the world. It is unfortunate, and in this episode we do see what happens when the suffering culminates and an opportunity is presented. I wish nothing but the best for Shizuka, she’s a sweetheart.

Takopi. I love this little guy. He’s so innocent and ignorant but likable. I believe he represents the ignorance of those who don’t understand how bad bullying can be, and his gadgets the attempts of those in power to prevent bullying through useless means. But Takopi is trying, despite not understanding. Him being Shizuka and experiencing what she does, to have that fear ingrained in him, only those that have felt such fear understand the fear that a child can experience in such a situation.

I hope this has a nice resolution, anything less and it’ll break my heart.

9/10, this is the type of stuff I love.

A: Very Good

Good episodes, anime I would recommend to someone looking for something to watch.

2. The Apothecary Diaries

The Loulan arc has been the peak of the series so far. Deception and devotion have been the focus and I love how they have connected everything about the Shi clan with the mystery of Jinshi’s identity.

Loulan is the highlight of the episode and the arc itself. Not only did she mastermind the fall of her mother, but she was even able to get her two wishes granted. And, her final performance was spectacular. There was simply no future for her, at least not one worth living in her opinion. I spoke about the possibility of Loulan being the focus of an upcoming arc before but I never thought they would give us something as good as this.

With this done, I believe next is the last of the season and I wonder what will happen.

9/10

3. Dan Da Dan. Ep.1

I’ve already watched the movie so I know of a little more than what we got this episode. Still, it is nice to see this anime return after a great season 1. It’s the right amount of weird and I’m sure they’ll get weirder as the anime continues.

With this episode, we’re once again left with a dire cliffhanger. No spoilers, but even during the movie I worried about how the group would manage to get out of this. This little arc does reveal a cool boss as well and Okarun has a great moment in it. The movie also leaves on a cliffhanger however, and that is what I look forward to in maybe episode 3.

New OP and ED are also nice. Different from the original, but that’s never a bad thing.

8/10

4. Witch Watch, Ep. 13

The secret to a good opening has always been to just make the characters dance, well done Witch Watch.

Seems, Nemu and wolf will be partners sooner or later. I don’t mind this as it seems wolf will have some character progression over time, but it would be peak if both sides of the coin become closer.

Nico almost died this episode, and I believe Moi is going to realize what he thinks of Nico is more than just a protective role. Still, the moments the two share are well done and I love them so I don’t mind a couple more being sprinkled in before they are together.

8/10

B: Good/Solid

5. The Water Magician. Ep. 1

Basic Isekai, the slop of anime, but as I’ve said before, we need this type of anime. A pallet cleanser if you will. They can be a lot of dumb fun, and I didn’t have one last season. the beginning after whatever doesn’t count! Again, Isekai are fun, the same way starting a new playthrough of minecraft or civ is, there’s a novelty to coming to a new world, exploring the world and its magic, and of course, having our overpowered main character.

With that being said, I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. A little fast, but Ryo is likable and so far the magic and world are enough to keep me intrigued. Meeting and talking with a dragon was a surprise without a doubt, so I wonder if there is a misconception or if Ryo is special.

We even got an after credits scene!

Surprising, 7/10

6. Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now wander the Dungeon. Ep. 1

The sheer ridiculousness of the idea always intrigued me when season 1 was announced. Of course, I had to see how they made it work, and if it would work. To my surprise, and to possibly everyone’s surprise, it’s not a bad watch.

Lammis is enjoyable character to watch, and boxxo is boxxo. Where the anime gets god is the creativity with the use of different vending machines. I do look forward to what vending machine he pulls out next, the new one this episode was a welcome surprise.

Yes, the name and idea are ridiculous, but it’s fun and that’s what anime is about.

7/10

C: It’s ok/Fine

These are shows I happen to pick up but struggle to finish. Still watchable, but not without a good break in between episodes.

D: Do Not Recommend

Shows I do not recommend you watch for various issues.

F: Bad

Anime with glaring issues that make them not only difficult to watch, but the watcher angry at times.

Last. Rent a Girlfriend. Ep. 37

And so begins my greatest hate watch. I do not like RAG, I believe it’s one of the worst manga and anime to ever be wrought up, but man does it make money.

Yes, I am caught up on the manga. But, rest assured, dear reader, I’ve skimmed every chapter in 10 seconds for quite some time. It’s been the same thing for a long time: Kazuya raves over Mizuhara and her beauty, can’t believe he breathes the same air she does, Kazuya bumps into her, one line from her, Kazuya, after literal years of knowing this girl, still can’t form a coherent sentence without freaking out. And oh boy the most recent chapters have been a blast amongst the community.

But here I am, typing this as the episode plays because I know how the episode will go. He’s freaking out as we speak.

Some of my biggest criticisms of this series come out this arc, so I’ll be hate watching until at least that infamous scene.

I’ll never understand why he doesn’t just move on to someone like Ruka, or how his spine never grows, but I do understand money. Keep it on Reiji-san, keep it on.

3/10, I skipped the last five minutes.

Some words

More to come soon!