Anime

5 Best Anime of 2025 That Didn’t Get Any Recognition in The Crunchyroll Awards

Crunchyroll Anime Awards is an annual ceremony held by the largest anime streaming platform in the world. The platform recognizes the anime series and films that have been released throughout the year and gives them the well-deserved acclaim. The awards are decided based on a combination of fan votes and input from a global panel of judges. Ever since its launch in 2017, it’s one of the most anticipated global anime events.

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This year, as expected, popular shows such as Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling received awards at the ceremony. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the more obscure and underrated anime that deserved just as much recognition as any of the major titles.

5) 100 Meters

Image Courtesy of Rock n Roll Mountain

Unfortunately, there was only one category for anime films, which went to Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. While 100 Meters is a compelling story, with emotional depth and dynamic visual storytelling, it couldn’t match the level of popularity and production of Demon Slayer. This film is based on the underrated manga by Uoto,ย the creator of 2024โ€™s acclaimed historical Seinen,ย Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.

4) Apocalypse Hotel

Apocalypse Hotel
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While thereโ€™s no confirmationย if the anime will ever have a Season 2, itโ€™s still one of the best original anime in recent years. Apocalypse Hotel was nominated for the Best Original Anime category, but it’s not surprising it lost to Shinichirล Watanabe’s Lazarus. Despite the fact that this gorgeous anime touches on several thought-provoking themes with a unique outlook on humanity, it’s still considered somewhat underrated.

3) Secrets of the Silent Witch

Image courtesy of Studio Gokumi

This acclaimed fantasy film is so underrated that it didnโ€™t even announce a Season 2 despite the impressive reviews. Considering it’s not recognized by global fans, it didn’t even receive any nominations either. However, thanks to the gorgeous fictitious world and a charming female protagonist, the anime is definitely worth a watch.

2) The Summer Hikaru Died

The Summer Hikaru Died
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The biggest disappointment of this year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards was how it completely sidelined this masterpiece in every category. The anime was nominated in eight different categories, but somehow, it didn’t manage to win a single award. This heartbreaking horror story is based on Mokumokurenโ€™s award-winning manga that explores LGBTQ+ themes and the struggle for identity.

1) Witch Watch

Image Courtesy of Bibury Animation Studio

Witch Watch is the most refreshing Shonen anime released in quite a few years, but it can’t compare to the popularity of intense battle action. The anime was nominated in five different categories, including the opening sequence, which was directed by Megumi Ishitani, one of the most renowned animators in the industry. Unfortunately, despite its worth, the series didn’t grab any awards this year.


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