The numbers are in for Winter 2025’s most popular anime, and the results may surprise longtime fans, because Dragon Ball Daima did not make the top 3. A data analytics company compiled streaming stats and social media engagement across all anime airing from January to March, revealing a fresh hierarchy of fan favorites. While there are returning hits and highly anticipated sequels, the biggest headline might be what did not make the podium, because Dragon Ball Daima fell just outside the top three.

That is right, despite the global weight the Dragon Ball name carries, newer and more contemporary series commanded the most attention this season, according to White Box Entertainment. It is a sign that the anime landscape is continuing to evolve, with audiences flocking to fast-paced adaptations, female-led narratives, and stylish storytelling over legacy titles. The top ten anime of Winter 2025 may leave some fans pleasantly surprised, and they say a lot about where anime is heading.

Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries Take the Lead

Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries Are Officially The 2 Most-Liked Anime of Winter 2025

Taking the number one spot is Solo Leveling season 2, an action-heavy adaptation based on a Korean web novel. The series continues to ride a wave of global interest with its slick visuals and fast-paced story about a monster-hunting protagonist who grows stronger with every kill. Its modern game-like mechanics and international appeal have kept viewers hooked across platforms, especially in North America and Southeast Asia, where hype never dipped between seasons.

In second place, The Apothecary Diaries season 2 proves that quieter, character-driven shows can still dominate in popularity. Its blend of historical drama, medical mystery, and a cunning female lead made it a favorite among adult viewers and fans of grounded storytelling. While not flashy, the show thrives on sharp writing and nuanced world-building, and its strong fan engagement online, particularly on TikTok and X, helped secure its high placement.

Sakamoto Days Emerges, While Dragon Ball Slips

Sakamoto Days Shockingly Steals the Top 3rd Spot for Winter 2025

Dragon Ball Daima may have landed in fifth place, but that is a notable drop considering the franchise’s iconic status. While fans were initially intrigued by the premise of de-aged characters and fresh animation, Daima has not resonated as strongly with younger viewers who are more invested in contemporary action stories. Nostalgia only carried it so far, especially with fierce competition from newer hits.

Meanwhile, Sakamoto Days debuted very successfully in third place, thanks to its unique mix of comedy, action, and slice-of-life storytelling. Based on a hit manga, it follows a retired assassin trying to live a peaceful life while constantly being dragged back into chaos. Its stylish choreography and likable characters struck a chord with fans looking for something fresh yet grounded. It is a strong indicator that genre mashups and humor-laced violence are striking the right tone with today's anime crowd and toppling would-be giants like Dragon Ball Daima.