Anime Fall 2025 Weekly Ranking December 26th to January 1st
Dec. 26, 2025
Ranking for anime episodes released Dec. 26, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026
Last week of the season and this weeks reviews are out early! With some heavy hitters to come, we are at last freed from some of the worst of this season. It isn't enough to blemish the season however, there have been some great anime to watch.
S: Must Watch
Episodes I believe you must watch or are missing out on.
1. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Stairway to Adulthood-. Ep.1
SUMMARY
This will be a review for episode one and two of the anime special released 12/31/25.
Words cannot describe how much I love this anime. It is the greatest Rom-Com in anime, but man does it do romance superbly well. It is an honor to see this, and with the announcement that all that is left is anime original ending, it's time to enjoy what we have left.
We begin with Kaguya exploring memories through a picture book. The first we explore is of her birthday and the surprises that came with it. Chika tries her best to prepare a prank for Kaguya, struggling until going for the old the president has a girlfriend plan! This backfires in the most incredible way, nearly killing Chika in the process, and allowing us to get a cute scene of Kaguya in the end. The drive through this memory is just a short example of what made this anime so great, it's so creative and fun, and it's awesome to see Kaguya enjoying her position at her beloved's side now.
The next memory is of a vital moment in every couple's life, the phone call. The amazing narrator takes over here, and we're reminded that the beauty of relationships are the simplicities of it. Their first phone call is just simple conversation, but hearing the voice of the person you love is more than enough for love birds like this. PLEASE GOD, MAY LOVE LIKE THIS FIND ME!!! So falling asleep on the phone is a universal thing huh? What's even more universal, family wanting to know about a member's love life.
Turns out Papa Shirogane is doing well as a youtuber. The whole family loses themselves to the money from such ventures, but oh boy did we get a reward in that Kei animation. Good lord, that was absolutely fantastic, THEY EVEN MADE HER LOUDER WHEN SHE GOT CLOSER TO THE SCREEN! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT, THAT'S WHY KAGUYA SAMA IS THE GOAT! THE GOAT! ONTO EPISODE 2!
Episode 2 starts with Kaguya and Shirogane being left alone. I'm a little heartbroken to hear that Hayasaka has left the Kaguya home, but the girl always wanted more. Shirogane takes Kaguya to his new home after the spoils of youtuber money. The universe makes it so these two end up alone and we're not missing out on this chance, we're spending the night baby!
As everyone else enjoys youth, Kaguya and Shirogane do their best to navigate unknown roads. There is no shortage of nerves in this sort of situation, shoot even I have butterflies at the moment. Both are too nervous to jump into action, but youthful hormones prevail. Still, a young man's libido is not enough to take control of Shirogane! Look at our boy, immediately switching off when needed to, I'm so proud of him.
Now, Kaguya does does bring up a valid concern here. They will be separated for some time, her desire to rush because of it is understandable. I'm happy for these two, it's a big step and doing it after they were sure makes it even more special even if Shirogane believes himself weak because of it.
Hey! It's Hayasaka! Through her eyes, we can see that Kaguya has changed and is much happier now. Not only that, Kaguya swears to not fear what she wants to do anymore. Good for her, to the day Shirogane must leave we go.
Kaguya oversleeps on this day of all. As she rushes to the airport, Shirogane says his goodbyes to everyone. I did my best to hold in my tears as everyone said their kind words to the guy, but Kaguya doesn't make it in time. All is ok however, we can't forget that Kaguya is filthy rich and she flies off to say her goodbyes.
Back to current day, we see our two grown up love birds at home together. We've had a lot of great scenes in this anime, so much laughter and heart thread pulling moments, but I don't think anything was as sweet as seeing them together at the end.
10/10, TAKE US OUT MASAYUKI SUZUKI!
2. To Your Eternity Season 3. Ep.13
SUMMARY
Not sure what is going with publishing and all that, so we had to travel back to our old days of anime watching to seek this episode out.
As I thought, Fushi is using Funa's body. He has little idea of Funa's daily life or relationships, so we see him struggle interacting with the other students. Mizuha finds Fushi as he continue his efforts to help her, but it is here that Fushi discovers that Mizuha's connections with the Nokkers has deepened.
As Mizuha is speaking with Fushi, Funa returns! She reveals that she knows many if not most of Mizuha's secrets. Mizuha runs away after hearing this, I fear that someone knowing of her true self could drive her to take desperate measures.
The one to find Mizuha after she runs away is none other than Hanna. As I thought, Mizuha's sanity is deteriorating by the second and she, or her Nokker, let's her innermost thoughts out. A relationship ending like this will be difficult to repair, if it is even possible that is.
Back to Fushi, he finds Mimori. The poor is once again ostracized at school. Home life hasn't changed much either, but she believes she can hold up this time around. she also mentions that her new strength is in part because of the Nokker as it allowed her a second chance, though I believe this credit should go to Fushi and her brother.
Mizuha returns only to make things worse with Fushi. As we see more of Mizuha, I like that her toxicity does have consequences. Her relationship with Fushi is just that, she wants for nothing more than to have Fushi as her own property that makes her life the best, she wants this from everyone. When they don't reach her expectations, she lashes out and we have seen this many times by now. The unfortunate truth is that there are many people like this, but few with the Nokkers behind them.
Fushi decides to go home for now, wondering what drives people to want to die. It's been some time since he was home, and he is excited to see them. Unfortunately, everyone is busy, and worst of all, unhappy.
This was a great ending. We need to teach Fushi that while there is plenty to be happy about, life can be difficult and being happy at all times is unrealistic. Even so, I'm a firm believer that life is worth living, even with the struggles in each era. It's a great topic to explore, and I hope we have the team be part of this half of the season.
9/10, Mizuha is going to lose it
A: Very Good
Good episodes, anime I would recommend to someone looking for something to watch.
3. Spy X Family Season 3. Ep.13
SUMMARY
Nightfall destroys her opponent with a rage filled strike as we return for the final episode of this Spy X Family. Wheeler is in shock after the strike, and tanks another blow of hopes of gaining an advantage, he underestimated just how far Nightfall was willing to go and is almost killed were it not for Loid.
After Nightfall considers taking Loid out as well, we get an excuse from the man as to why he didn't kill Yuri. This feels as much an excuse for himself as it is for his partner here, though it is sound reasoning. Despite some serious pain, Nightfall receives the greatest reward she could ask for as Loid carries her to safety. The team escapes, a tough mission successful in the end.
Time to go home, an even more difficult mission awaits Loid. Lucky for him, Yor is sober now, though he is still knocked down by Yor's explanation of what was going on. In the end, Yor did have a gripe in that Loid didn't rely on her enough, it leaves us with a sweet scene of Yor appreciating Loid asking of her after his long day.
Although Loid's troubles were almost done, Yuri arrives just in time to make things harder. Yuri notices the damaged arm and goes in to find the truth. My heart dropped, but Loid's arm is somehow ok; I don't expect less from the master of disguise. He's hard on himself, but I'm glad Yor is there to send him to sleep via stress.
Onto to Nightfall, she gets a visit from Handler at the hospital. Nightfall's training to best Yor is what kept her safe from permanent damage which angers her until Handler distracts the anger with embarrassment. She's the boss for a reason.
We end the season with some cuteness from Anya, and Loid looking to the family changing him despite his reservations.
I have mixed signals on this season. The high was incredibly so, my favorite thing this anime has done and something I wanted very much from this anime. I am biased for darker themes and hard hitting stories. The Wheeler mission was also good as it had moments of peril. The red circus was nice as well, but I believe the story continues to be hindered by the need to appeal to a broad audience. Spy x Family is good, but I am always reminded that it could be much more. Will we get to that? Well, I'm not sure. I doubt it if I'm honest.
8/10 episode, 8/10 overall
B: Good/Solid
4. Watari-Kun's ****** Is about to Collapse.. Ep.26
SUMMARY
Last episode of this journey, we start off with Makina leaving Watari stunned. That's not the only surprise however, Ishihara and Yamada are here to visit Watari as well.
Ishihara is doing her best at teasing Watari. The story about her scene had nothing in comparison to the big reveal, Watari has to live with that knowledge now.
Over to Suzu who is still hopeful for the future. Tokui isn't one to break a girls heart it seems, at least she can be happy with the fantasy and the free flowers for now. When did little Ishihara start liking Suzu, I cant remember. I wish him luck as we're over to Watari hard at work.
Watari's goal is clear, he wants nothing more than to provide for Satsuki. It's great to see him mature from his path of uncertainty, this is what got him his soul mate after all. Even so, he gets some much needed encouragement from a coworker, I hope it's all he needs to continue thriving.
On his way home, Watari thinks about Tamayo and the discussion about their family. It's unfortunate that she has basically lost most of her family, but the more we learn about how Tamayo has cared for the kids makes me like her even more. Someone get her a nice guy!
Tamayo gives Watari some more advice before heading to work, even easing his mind as she will take care of Suzu as needed. Watari swears to to pay her back one day, but she tells him that there is no need for that. She volunteered to take them in, and they will always have a home for her. Holy, Tamayo best girl.
Moving forward, we're off to the beach baby. Suzu tags along for the trip as we're into the last third of the episode. As Suzu tries to get a tan, Watari gifts Satsuki a nice watch and proposes. Satsuki accepts of course, and says the magic words. I've said this many times, but this story has done some things very very well. Saving the I love you for this moment was excellent, I'm shocked by how good it was.
Into the ending, the three head home. Watari and Suzu sit together until a free seat opens up next to Watari and he calls Satsuki over. We see them sleeping on the train, and get the best scene of the series. A small Satsuki calling for her Nao-kun in the old garden as her current self sleeps on his chest, she has found him at last.
8/10, gosh that ending was just as sweet in the manga.
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.
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.
5. Tales of Wedding Rings Season 2. Ep.13
SUMMARY
Alright I'm ready to get this over with. The last episode of Satou and Krystal and four other girls for some reason. REALLY? JUST KRYSTAL SUMMONS HIM? WE DONT EVEN GET ALL THE GIRLS TO SUMMON HIM? DONT WRITE A HAREM IF YOU DONT WANT THE HAREM. GOOD LORD, WHAT A WASTE OF THE COCNCEPT BUT WHAT MAKES IT WORSE IS THE FACT THAT THE AUTHOR IS THE ONE THAT THREW IT AWAY. ALL OF YOU? I ONLY SEE KRYSTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Krystal and Satou defeat the abyss king. You heard that right. Where are the other girls? Don't care, the author certainly doesn't. I have never been so unsatisfied by the heroes victory before, and I watched slime season 3. Glad Satou tells the others just how much they mean to the story in the end, that's right, won by themselves.
But ohhhh, the abyss isn't done yet. Phase 2 oh hero my hero. The other girls finally get a chance to be part of the story, let's hold hands everyone, that'll show'em. What a lame victory, they literally only did this TO INCLUDE THE OTHER GIRLS. YOU KNOW HOW YOU COULD HAVE AVOIDED THIS AWFUL SCENE? BY USING THE FUCKING GIRLS BEFOREHAND!!!!!!!!!!
Satou is celebrated for saving the world, that's cool I guess. Some scenes for the other girls, before continuing to an assassination attempt on Satou. Before this can happen, the group leaves for Earth. Satou plans to study about the other world before becoming king of it all. Want to know how this anime ends? The only way it can baby, WITH JUST SATOU AND HIME BECAUSE THIS ISN'T A HAREM, IT'S A LIE.
No further review on this, so many pitfalls and issues, time is better spent elsewhere. Don't watch this.
4/10 overall and episode, don't write harems if you are too scared to have one
6. One-Punch Man Season 3. Ep.12
SUMMARY
Alright, let's put this one to rest after this. I have seen the rumors of a second cour or a continuation of sorts, please don't. Please.
Pig and alloy get some action this episode, no animation, just action. We some Saitama and the rest of heroes for split seconds, before Tatsumaki arrives at Gyoro's location. Although a powerful psychic in his own right, Tatsumaki is another level.
The fight ends with Tatsumaki's victory and the reveal that someone else is behind Gyoro. As he is defeated, Gyoro calls for Orochi who never arrives. Where is Orochi? Well, he's after the one and only Saitama.
Orochi vs Saitama. Orochi deduces that Saitama is the beast living above after the bald fella sends the mutt running away. Excited to fight such a being, we begins by blasting Saitama with a plasma cannon. Saitama counterattacks, running forward through a barrage of attacks until he reaches his target. Remember the final fight from season 1? Well, this isn't even a fraction as good as that.
2/10 overall, I'll only watch the next season for Fubuki, but just that. I'm skipping the rest.