Anime Summer 2025 weekly ranking July 4th to July10th

These rankings are as of the episodes premiering July 4th to July 10th

S: Must Watch

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

1. Takopi’s Original Sin. Ep. 2

What a twist. Marina continued to be unforgivable in this episode, the reveal of her plot making it easy to hate on her and and difficult to see how they would redeem or finish the conflict between her and Shizuka. There are a few ways to do this of course, or, you just don’t.

Takopi’s ignorance is both his biggest trait and fault. I can understand since coming from a planet like his where it seems such hatred is nonexistent, but it inhibits his ability to understand what is actually going on between Shizuka and others. In this episode he struggles to understand what he did, and the consequences of it. Perhaps they will settle later on, but he may choose to ignore them as Shizuka smiles because of it.

I’ll save discussion on Azuma for later as I understand what he represents, but it will be best to give more screen time before speaking about him.

Yea, they showed it again. 9.5/10

2. Call of The Night. Ep. 1

Yes, the OP and the ED are fantastic. Both songs are paired with some fantastic visuals that only make the music better. Mirage in particular is high up there for all the Creepy Nuts releases.

A nice return to Call of The Night which I do really like. LidenFilms has mastered the art of night with how they use their color palette to add light and make the night stunning throughout the anime.

While it seems we’re getting some action this season, what carries the show for me is the relationship between Nazuna and Ko. Both awkward individuals with little idea of live despite both have the natural attractiveness to each other that draws them together despite the conflict around their relationship. I do believe Ko will turn, but I wonder if it will be this season.

Is love special? Or do people make it more special than it needs to be? I think its nice, but Ko and Nazuna search for something amazing where it can just be something nice, underwhelming even. Care and loyalty are just as good in my opinion. The talk about pick up guys was good as well. As someone who has been around more than I am proud to admit to, there is two sides of the coin as they say. One side yearns for the heat, the other for attention. I think both can exists, Nazuna is a perfect example of this in my opinion.

Yea, I think this will be one of the best of the season.

9/10

Also, feet.

Also, Nazuna in the dress 10/10

3. The Apothecary Diaries. Ep. 48

That was a nice send off for Loulan, Shisui, whatever her name is now. But I must ask, how in the world did she survive that?! Whatever the case, I guess she hopes the hair pin will find its way back to MaoMao now that she has her eyes set on a journey that will take her far, and one that she deserves.

With the end of this arc, MaoMao has been kicked out once again and has returned to the pleasure district. Will there be a season 3, I hope there will be so we can see the pleasure district goddesses.

Where does the story go from here I wonder? More mysteries could always be afoot, but if there is more then it will be a focus on Jinshi I believe. More on his true identity and the tasks that come with it. And eventually the love blossoming between him and MaoMao, if it ever happens.

I have my issues with this anime, but I’ll never deny its quality. Yea, it’s good. 8.5/10

Sequel has been confirmed!

4. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai. Ep.1

In a world where we get many romances of such high quality, it’s often difficult to pick a favorite. We have many coming out this season, Dress-Up Darling, Fragarant, and of course,

I will say, despite the quality of the many other romances, Bunny Girl Senpai stands above many as one of the best romances in general. The topics it hits are heavy, the writing is fantastic, the ideas interesting.

To my surprise, CloverWorks has strangle hold on romance as they are animating all the romance anime I have mentioned, but the quality does not drop for any it seems. The first episode of this anime was great, and we’re hitting the gold ol’ puberty syndrome that seems to chase Sakuta around like the plague.

Uzuki will be the focus this time around, with great possibility that she is the girl in the santa suit, and maybe even the mysterious singer. The conflicts between those in idol group is one that can be related to any working relationship, the growing popularity and eventual drifting of the group will hurt some, but is it right to hinder the success of another for this? I’m not sure. I’m of the mind that most idol groups aren’t friends, but that may not be the case here.

Good to be back, Rascal is one of the best romance anime in general. 9/10

A: Very Good

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

5. My Dress-Up Darling. Ep. 1

An excellent return to this super popular anime. Side note, this was one of hte first anime I watched when I first started getting more into anime as it was airing at the time.

The first episode is just cloverworks showing off. The art style and animation is next level, Gojo and Marin are still a great pair. Now, we’re seeing more of Gojo’s internal issues. The mental restraints that he holds over himself are strong, and I can understand why they give him such anxiety and fear. Marin is the perfect person to help him past this, and having read the manga I really look forward to a certain scene.

But, it is a slow burn. Yet, one that is very enjoyable to watch as the characters are fun to watch and I support Gojo more than 99% of the guys in anime. Guy’s a saint, and, yes, Gojo, I get it bro.

Great to be back. 8/10

6. Arknights: Rise from Ember. Ep.1

Yea, this is as fantastic as I remember. I still remember the line ‘Step aside. One of our people died.’ it was such a great line that really pulled me into the story and its characters. For the doctor to be a nameless character that represents that players of the game, the guy dropped one of the best lines of the decade.

The continuation drops us right where we left off with the conflict near a boiling point and war about to break out. It’s difficult to speak about this anime given the amount of context needed to understand and the spoilers that come with it. So, I’ll keep it short. This anime continues it’s strengths with character drama and a strong plot of conflict between classes to generalize it. I am interested in seeing a resolution to said conflict, if one is possible that is.

I do recommend this even if you don’t play the game. 8.3/10

7. Dan Da Dan. Ep. 2

Oh yea, Evil Eye is here and he has a pretty cool design, even the tighty whities work here.

Okarun has a great moment right at the end, showing up to defend his girl like a true hero would. The guy is a nervous wreck, but he never backs down when needed and that makes him cool in my book.

Jiji being hinted at being a genius is funny as I thought grandma Ayase was just happy to hear such compliments. It is unfortunate that Evil Eye took advantage of his kindness, though I believe we’ll have an other moment of spirit joining the good guys here.

Someone kill that worm. 8/10

8. Gachiakuta. Ep. 1

Chiwa’s words hurt more than heartbreak.

A very good opening episode to this new series. Bones Films has a great team and we see what they’re capable of in action scenes with that opening, but what drew me in most were the drastic changes in art styles such as when Rudo is falling into the pit or when he saw the murderer.

Of course, the pit is what interests me most. It’s just earth isn’t it? Or something similar, but there is definitely some crazier things to be found and discovered.

Rudo is also a likable character. Young and rash, but kind and caring. An easy guy to support, so it only hurts more to see him framed.

Very much looking forward to this, the glimpses of the world and conflict are interesting already.

8.5/10, you break my heart Chiwa.

9. Witch Watch, Ep. 14

Creating a whole new OP and ED for an anime within an anime is a level of dedication I hope to have in life.

Dengeki Melon may be the best character in the anime. It’s understandable to be afraid to lay on criticism, doing as a different persona makes it much easier. Since it comes from a caring position the criticism can only help, and in this case it even got her the gig of a lifetime. Truly, the dream of any Otaku.

B: Good/Solid

10. The Rising of the Shield Hero. Ep. 1

Perhaps the most decisive isekai is back. From narrative decisions, to character issues, to whole seasons being hated, Shield hero has no shortage of drama and negativity, but I enjoy it. There are interesting bits to the story, though the execution at times isn’t great, just good enough.

Season 4 picks right up with the journey to Q’ten Lo, or the eventual journey that is. For Now we’re stuck in Siltvelt where Naofumi is a god worshipped by all. He doesn’t care for this of course, he remains the same hard headed man he’s always been.

As much as everyone rants about the other heroes, I don’t think Naofumi receives enough criticism. He’s too… rash? Negative? That guy comes off as really unlikable ok? Jeez man, smile and wave. But, he’s a good guy so we’ll allow it.

If Kevin Penkin is back for the OST, then that is something to look forward to, he is amazing.

Not bad to be back, 7/10

11. The Water Magician. Ep. 2

Abel’s cool. He and I are on the same page about Ryo, he’s stronger than most by a margin. Now, how old is Ryo? We know he has some kind of eternal youth, but we have no idea how long he has been here, if long at all.

Again, I’m surprised by how enjoyable this is. The fantasy aspects are done really well, and the world will continue to grow now so we could get some good drama for the plot as well.

Ryo will be the center of attention once his strength is revealed, I wonder how he will deal with it then.

For now, where’s the haram? Come on, we need some sludge. 7.5/10

12. Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now wander the Dungeon. Ep. 2

I will never be able to explain how much I enjoy this anime, but I’m now certain after I was hyped to hear Boxxo speak. It’s just fun and ridiculous.

Boxxo being able to speak somewhat is cool, but what’s even funnier is girls fighting over the affection of a vending machine, though, he is a person so it makes some sense. If we end in a harem this may be one of the greatest Isekai of all time.

Now, repairing the gate is priority but transforming into tonka Boxxo is expensive. I’m sure the help we’re alluding will come with heavy stipulations and Boxxo will be willing to sacrifice himself for it, but Lamis isn’t letting Boxxo go.

Alright, 1v1 for the love of the box. 7.5/10

13. A Couple of Cuckoos. Ep. 1

Another romance! I will, this anime has some of the best character designs out there, the anime does incredible in keeping the quality high with great art style and use of color to really emphasize the fact that yes, we are watching for the girls.

As for romance, this is on the weaker side of all romance. The best I can describe it as is weird. The relationships are weird, the characters are weird, and the writing is weird. I have no idea who the end game girl is because I don’t think the author knows who the end game girl is, though the OP seems to have made it’s mind.

Whatever the case, there are some nice moments that voice actors seem to be having fun so it’s an ok watch that can be confusing at times.

6.5/10, cute girls sell.

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.

14. Watari-Kun’s ****** Is about to Collapse. Ep.1

On the fence about this one. Why are they naked in the OP? The ED is kind of nice.

Let’s see… I’m a fan of crazy girls. Satsuki could be this, but she seems more controlled than anything else, the reason for destroying the garden is sure to be something nice, but that won’t come for some time. Her design is nice though.

Naoto is a nice guy, I understand why he dedicates so much to Suzu after losing their parents. Of course, this does mean he loses out on a lot of young experiences but it is commendable.

Now, overall, I am unsure of how to feel about this anime. The episode felt messy in trying to establish relationships and drama in the first episode. Focusing on Satsuki first then bringing in other girls later on would have worked better, but this episode just kept bouncing around too much.

Look, I thought Satsuki was going to be some cool demon killer girl with that anime teaser pic. My bad. 6/10

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. 38

Credit where it’s due, RAG has always had good openings, this one is actually my favorite visually. If RAG just cahnged it’s entire story to this, it could be great.

Seeing Mami back might have been the best part of the episode. Her obsession with Kazuya and Chizuru has always been confusing, and even the backstory we get of her eventually doesn’t make it make sense. But! She calls out Chizuru for her BS, which gets even worse as we go. So, I like her.

My biggest issue with this anime is Chizuru, but my the biggest annoyance is Kazuya. He never grows a spine, the constant freak outs when he is within a mile of Chizuru outside can only be done so many times, yet it never stops.

3/10, the OP is actually really nice.

Some words

More to come soon!