by While there are many anime series based on manga, novels, games, and other sources, original anime created from scratch has a unique charm.
A diverse range of original works is being produced in 2025, including “Maebashi Witches,” “Apocalypse Hotel,” and “Days Pass, But the Food Is Delicious.” Stories that remain unpredictable until the final episode, characters that become more vivid with each episode, and visuals and music that immerse you in the world of the workโฆ Many fans are surely moved by the encounters and surprises that only original works can offer. So, Anime! Anime! Conducted a reader survey titled “What is your favorite original anime?” We received 325 responses from August 8th to August 14th.
The gender ratio was approximately 45% male and 55% female, with the majority being female. In terms of age group, approximately 40% were under 19, and approximately 15% were in their 20s and 30s. From classic classics to the latest releases, we’ve ranked them! The top spot goes to “Licorice Recoil,” with a support rate of approximately 10%. “Lycoris Recoil” is a gun action series that depicts the secret activities of agents known as “Lycoris,” who belong to a secret organization. It aired from July to September 2022. Readers praised the series for its action and buddy-style feel, saying, “The teaser visuals portrayed it as a slice-of-life anime set in a cafe, but I was surprised to see it in action, featuring girls fighting for peace with guns in hand. It was cool to see the main character, Chisaku, read the trajectory of a bullet and avoid it at the last moment,” and “The dialogue between Chisaku, the strongest Lycoris ever, and Natakina, a talented but troublesome child, was fantastic.” This year, the short anime “Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time” was released. The contrast between the lively interactions at the branch, Cafe Ricorico, disguised as a shop, and the Lycoris’s willingness to kill on missions was thought-provoking.
The episodes depicting everyday scenes were also well-received, with readers saying, “I was happy to see so much of Chisaku and the others’ true faces in the latest installment.” Coming in second place was “Days Pass, But the Food Is Delicious,” with a support rate of about 5%. “Days Pass, But the Food Is Delicious” is a heartwarming comedy about five female college students enjoying delicious food. It aired from April to June 2025. Some readers expressed hope for a sequel, saying, “The food looks so delicious, it really whets the appetite! It’s not just about gourmet food, it’s also packed with youthful experiences through club activities, making me long for campus life,” and “The contrast between what seems like an ordinary everyday life and the occasional outrageous twists is fascinating. And the dishes that hit me right in the stomach are irresistible.
This was the anime I missed the most last season.” Coming in third place was “A Place Further than the Universe,” with a support rate of about 4%. “A Place Further Than the Universe” is a coming-of-age story about high school girls traveling from Japan to Antarctica. It aired from January to March 2018. Readers commented that they were encouraged by the girls’ efforts to achieve their grand goals, saying, “The coming-of-age drama of the four main characters was beautifully wrapped up in 13 episodes, and the ingenuity of the script blew me away.
The beautiful images of Antarctica, combined with the acting of Minase Inori, Hanazawa Kana, Iguchi Yuka, and Hayami Saori, made for a one-of-a-kind production. I couldn’t stop crying at the end,” and “I was moved by the way the characters, each with their own troubles, forged bonds and confronted their pasts. It taught me the importance of sticking to your beliefs.”
Here are some other comments! Regarding “Zombie Land Saga,” one reader commented, “The broadcast started without any prior information being given, but I was surprised by the combination of zombies and beautiful idol girls. There were plenty of live concert scenes, as well as local Saga Prefecture material, which made me want to go there.”
“Apocalypse Hotel” received a vote, saying, “A sci-fi story set in a Ginza hotel after the end of civilization. With warm character designs by Izumi Takemoto, a sense of wonder in each episode, and homages to classic works, it was a show I could enjoy every week.” “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” received a vote, saying, “Lelouch’s psychological warfare and dynamic mecha action were the best. The unpredictable plot, being an original work, kept me on the edge of my seat. I have fond memories of crying at the final episode.” “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” also received a vote, saying, “Gen Urobuchi and Shaft’s original worldview and story were shocking.
The witch’s spatial design, like how she jumped out of a picture book, was a masterpiece filled with unique expressions that could only be achieved with an original work!” Votes were also cast for titles with a new release scheduled for February 2026. This survey ranked a diverse range of titles from the 1990s to the 2020s. As the voting demographic was young, the top rankings were dominated by titles from the 2020s and titles with recent new releases.
Ranking Top 10 [What’s your favorite original anime?] 1st place: “Lycoris Recoil” 2nd place: “Days Are Passing, But the Food Is Delicious” 3rd place: “A Place Further Than the Universe” 4th place: “Alicia of the Bonds” 4th place: “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” 6th place: “Complete Repair” 7th place: “LAZARUS” 8th place: “PSYCHO-PASS” 8th place: “Neon Genesis Evangelion” 10th place: “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” 10th place: “Yuri!!! oOnICE” 10th place: “Love Live! Superstar!!” (Response period: August 8th to August 14th, 2025)
Ranking Top 20 [What’s your favorite original anime?] 1st place: “Lycoris Recoil” 2nd place: “Days Are Passing, But the Food Is Delicious” 3rd place: “A Place Further Than the Universe” 4th place: “Alicia of the Bonds” 4th place: “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” 6th place: “Complete Repair” 7th place: “LAZARUS” 8th place: “PSYCHO-PASS” 8th place: “Neon Genesis Evangelion” 10th place: “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” 10th place: “Yuri!!! on ICE” 10th place: “Love Live! Superstar!!” (Response period: August 8th to August 14th, 2025) ] 1st place: “Lycoris Recoil” 2nd place: “Days Pass, But the Food Is Delicious” 3rd place: “A Place Further Than the Universe” 4th place: “Alicia of the Bonds” 4th place: “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” 6th place: “Zenshu.” 7th place: “LAZARUS” 8th place: “PSYCHO-PASS” 8th place: “Neon Genesis Evangelion” 10th place: “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” 10th place: “Yuri!!! On ICE” 10th place: “Love Live! Superstar!!” 13th place: “Angel Beats!” 13th place: “Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song” 13th place: “Apocalypse Hotel” 13th place: “Love Live!” 13th place: “Love Live! Sunshine!!” 13th place: “Love Live! “Nijigasaki High School Idol Club” 19th “SHIROBAKO” 20th “K” 20th “Visual Prison” 20th “Fairy Tale Musketeers: Little Red Riding Hood” 20th “Fafner in the Azure” 20th “Zombie Land Saga” 20th “Bakuten!!” 20th “Phi Brain: Puzzle of God” 20th “Bucchigiri?!” 20th “Mononoke” 20th “Yuki Bakuhatsu Burn Brave Burn” (Response period: August 8th- 14th, 2025). This survey is part of a survey of readers’ current interest and attention in anime works and characters. The results are not intended to rank any characters or works. This article will help you learn about new works and characters, and deepen your understanding and interest in them.
