5 Anime of 2025 with Standout Character Designs – Sakamoto Days, The Apothecary Diaries and others
Michelle Topham 
I have to say 2025 has been a remarkable year for anime so far, delivering a slew of visually stunning series with instantly recognizable character designs that captivate and resonate with audiences.
As most of you probably know, though, character design in anime is more than just aesthetics. It’s about conveying personality, story, and thematic depth through designs that really grab the attention of the viewer and help pull them further into the anime’s plot.
From bold color palettes to intricate details then, in my opinion, the following five anime, all released in 2025, stand out for their exceptional character designs, each bringing something unique to the table.
They also stand out in storytelling, writing, directing and voice acting, which is why all five are in my Top 10 anime of 2025.
1. Sakamoto Days (Premiered January 2025)
Sakamoto Days, (which is also now getting a live action film), is adapted from Yuto Suzuki’s manga, and brings a retired assassin’s chaotic world to life with designs that balance humor, grit, and charm.
The protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, is a visual paradox as, surprisingly, he is a chubby, unassuming family man who once was a sleek, deadly hitman.
His rounded silhouette, complete with a dad bod and casual clothing, contrasts sharply with his sharp-eyed, battle-ready demeanor. And the kickass skills he is hiding under all that heft.
All of which makes not only him, but his unusual character design, instantly memorable.
The supporting cast, like the sleek and stylish Shin Asakura or the eccentric, weapon-obsessed Heisuke Mashimo, uses bold lines and exaggerated features to reflect their quirky personalities.
The designs also brilliantly incorporate contemporary fashion with tactical gear, blending streetwear with assassin flair, which grounds the series’ absurd humor in a relatable yet dynamic aesthetic.
This mix of modern and functional design, paired with fabulously expressive faces, makes every character pop, ensuring they are as engaging to look at as Sakamoto Days‘ action-packed story is to follow.
Sakamoto Days is currently streaming on Netflix.
Even though, genre-wise, it wouldn’t generally be one of my faves, I watched both Part 1 and Part 2 of the first season back-to-back in just two days, I loved the gorgeous art style that much.
2. Dandadan Season 2 (Premiered Summer 2025)
I am probably one of the few anime fans who, even though I watched both seasons of Science Saru’s Dandadan, I wouldn’t say it will ever be one of my favorite anime. Subject matter, again. I simply didn’t find it interesting.
That being said, what continued to grab me were the anime’s dazzling second season character designs and overall aesthetics, as they built on the vibrant and eclectic character designs and art style that made its 2024 debut a bit hit.
The characters, which are crafted from Yukinobu Tatsu’s equally-stunning manga, are a visual feast, blending retro sci-fi, occult horror, and youthful energy.
Look at Momo Ayase, as her bold, asymmetrical hairstyle and street-smart outfits scream confidence, while her expressive eyes convey her fiery spirit.
Meanwhile, Okarun, with his nerdy glasses and disheveled look, transforms into a dynamic, turbo-granny-inspired form, showcasing the series’ knack for wild yet cohesive design shifts.
New characters like Jiji also add a layer of mystery with sleek, minimalist designs that contrast the show’s chaotic supernatural elements.
The use of vivid colors and fluid animation help enhance the characters’ otherworldly abilities even further, making every fight scene a visual spectacle.
The beautifully-designed Dandadan is streaming on Crunchyroll.
3. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 (Premiered January, 2025)
TOHO Animation’s The Apothecary Diaries returned in 2025 with its exquisite, historically inspired designs that bring medieval China to life with a modern twist.
As historical-ish themed anime go, this is one of my Top 3. Not of 2025, but of all time, and much of that is due to the art style and the character designs.
Look at protagonist Maomao, the diminutive yet sharp-witted apothecary. She is a masterclass in subtle yet striking and utterly memorable design.
Her practical, muted-green attire and messy bun reflect her no-nonsense commoner appearance and personality, while her large, curious eyes hint at her insatiable curiosity.
Her contrast with Jinshi’s opulent, flowing robes and ethereal beauty underscores their dynamic, with his design using vibrant purples and golds to exude charisma and mystery and, of course, infer he is a member of the royal family.
The ensemble cast, from palace maids to imperial officials, also features intricate clothing patterns and accessories that reflect their status and personalities, while grounding the series in its pseudo-historical setting.
The stunning attention to detail, using things like hairpins, fabric textures, and color gradients, creates a rich visual tapestry that enhances the storytelling, making each character feel like a living part of the palace world.
Seasons 1 and 2 of The Apothecary Diaries are on Crunchyroll. If you haven’t yet watched it, you are missing a visual and narrative treat.
4. Gachiakuta (Premiered July, 2025)
Studio Bones’ Gachiakuta did not perform as well with international viewers ratings-wise as I would have expected.
Especially as, not only with its plot, but also visually, the apocalyptic anime blows every similarly-themed series out of the water as it introduces a gritty, dystopian world with character designs that push the boundaries of shonen aesthetics.
Starting with protagonist Rudo, who is designed by Satoshi Ishino, and sports a rugged, patchwork outfit that mirrors his harsh upbringing in a trash-filled society. His spiky hair and intense, scarred expression convey resilience, while his weaponized cleaning tools add a unique, industrial edge.
The supporting cast, like the mysterious Enjin with his sleek, cyberpunk-inspired look, uses bold color contrasts and asymmetrical designs to reflect the series’ chaotic worldbuilding.
Studio Bones’ mixed-media approach, blending 3D and 2D animation, also gives the characters a dynamic, almost tactile quality, making their movements feel raw and visceral. Something that perfectly fits with the anime’s gritty theme.
Meanwhile, the designs’ ability to merge contemporary urban fashion with dystopian functionality creates a fresh, visually arresting style that stands out in the, let’s face it, very crowded shonen landscape.
The wonderful Gachiakuta is streaming on Crunchyroll in both subbed and dubbed versions.
5. Zenshu (Premiered January, 2025)
Finally, MAPPA’s original anime Zenshu offers a fantastical take on anime creation, with character designs that blend traditional and modern elements.
That all starts with Natsuko Hirose, the prodigious animator reborn into her favorite fictional world, has a sleek, futuristic outfit paired with a classic, flowing hairstyle, symbolizing her bridge between old and new storytelling.
Her time-manipulation device, intricately detailed, adds a layer of realism to her fantastical role.
Other characters, like those in the re-animated “A Tale of Perishing,” feature bold, symbolic clothing with earthy tones that tie into the story’s themes of nature and redemption.
The designs also use very clean lines and vibrant palettes to convey personality, with subtle details like weathered fabrics or intricate accessories adding depth.
The fusion of fantasy and meta-narrative elements in the designs makes Zenshu a visual standout, reflecting its innovative premise through every character’s look.
Its plot and its unique, often quite quirky characters, add to that even more.
Zenshu is streaming on Crunchyroll now.
Why these 2025 anime shine with their character designs (and in other ways too)
These five anime showcase character designs that go beyond mere aesthetics, as they also serve as storytelling tools that enhance narrative depth and emotional impact.
The wonderful Sakamoto Days uses humor and contrast to make its boldly-designed assassins relatable yet iconic, while Dandadan embraces eclectic, colorful designs to match its genre-blending chaos.
Meanwhile, The Apothecary Diaries grounds its characters in historical detail while adding some modern flair.
The standout Gachiakuta pushes shonen boundaries with gritty, functional designs, and Zenshuu blends tradition and innovation to reflect its meta-narrative.
Each series uses unique silhouettes, striking color palettes, and unusual thematic details to create characters that are instantly recognizable and, dare I say, iconic.
As 2025 heads towards its end, these anime prove that superb character design remains a cornerstone of the medium, as they captivate audiences with visuals that are as compelling as the stories they tell.
Whether you are drawn to the comedic grit of Sakamoto Days or the ethereal elegance of The Apothecary Diaries, or the grunge of Gachiakuta, these series offer a masterclass in what makes anime character design truly exceptional.
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