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The Astra Awards is one of the most prestigious awards in the creative field of cinematic achievements. Hosted by the Hollywood Creative Alliance, formerly the Hollywood Critics Association, The Astra Awards were first given out in 2016. Since then, it has become a tradition, and the people in the entertainment business are always trying their best to land themselves an Astra Award. It is not only the movies and series that get recognized, there is a separate category for Best Anime Series, too.
The 2024 Astra Awards saw Solo Leveling winning the Best Anime Series award, leaving behind the likes of Blue Eye Samurai, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Pluto, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and Ninja Kamui.
The 2025 Astra Awards Nominees are out, and there are some great entries in the Best Anime Series category. The winners will be announced on June 10, 2025, with the place of the ceremony yet to be announced.
Astra TV Awards 2025 Nominees for Best Anime Series
1. Dan Da Dan
- Creator: Yukinobu Tatsu
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
- Animation Studio: Science SARU
Dan Da Dan Season 1 has been nothing short of entertainment. It had everything from the very beginning, with the manga already creating a loyal fanbase even before the anime aired.
Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dan Da Dan is the perfect combination of supernatural with weirdness. Ken Takakura and Momo Ayase, trying to prove each other wrong by exploring the existence of ghosts and aliens, got them involved with both. As the story progressed, more characters were introduced, with most of them being either ghosts or aliens. The way the protagonists dealt with them is something to look out for. Compared to most of the anime of 2024, Dan Da Dan has been better in every aspect.
2. Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Creator: Akira Toriyama
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll/Netflix
- Animation Studio: Toei Animation
The latest addition to the Dragon Ball franchise was something that everyone was looking forward to since it was the last work of the late Akira Toriyama. More than the Super Saiyan vibe, people tuned in to it for nostalgia.
Dragon Ball DAIMA may not be the best series of the franchise, but it put to rest some of the greatest debates. It introduced the Super Saiyan 4, marking the end of the discussion regarding Dragon Ball GT being non-canon. Fans were treated to Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 and the Z Warriors exploring the depths of the Demon Realm. The franchise has always had a perfect balance between laughter and fights, and Dragon Ball DAIMA followed the same principle.
3. Fire Force Season 3
- Creator: Atsushi Ohkubo
- Number: 7 (Ongoing)
- Where To Watch: Adult Swim/Crunchyroll
- Animation Studio: David Production
Fire Force Season 3 is currently airing, having begun on April 5, 2025. The season began with the Obi Rescue arc, showcasing great fights and major revelations that made the fanbase raised a lot of questions.
After returning from Asakusa, Special Fire Force Company 8 has improved significantly, and now it is time for them to face the White Clads. The group of antagonists made their move, with the Tokyo Empire and the Holy Sol Temple joining hands with them. More than half of the season is left to air, and there is a lot of time for either group to turn the situation in their favor. Nonetheless, Fire Force Season 3 is carrying forward the same energy as the previous season, with the stakes rising higher with each episode.
4. Lazarus
- Creator: Shinichiro Watanabe
- Number of Episodes: 7 (Ongoing)
- Where To Watch: Adult Swim
- Animation Studio: MAPPA, Sola Entertainment
Lazarus, one of the most sought-after anime of 2025, thanks to the fact that it was directed by Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe and John Wick director Chad Stahelski, the action director.
Lazarus started off slowly, which received a mediocre response from the critics. However, as the number of days is reducing before humankind perishes, the special task force seems to work more efficiently at finding the antidote. The story’s progression and pace have significantly improved, which seems to be a good sign for the franchise. Moreover, the anime has some great action sequences and background scores, and the animation fluidity also seems great.
5. Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow
- Creator: Chugong
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
- Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow is, without a doubt, one of the most popular anime of 2025. Season 1 featured Sung Jinwoo getting a second chance at life, thanks to The System. In the latest season, he became the true heir to the Shadow Monarch, defeating one powerful enemy after another. It was a one-man show, and A-1 Pictures truly outdid them in every aspect.
Solo Leveling Season 2 is one of the favorites to win the Astra Award in the Best Anime Series category. It was a total package, including fights, suspense, emotions, etc. Sung Jinwoo’s battle with the Ant King remains the highlight of the series.
6. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
- Creator: Natsu Hyuga
- Number of Episodes: 18 (Ongoing)
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
- Animation Studio: Toho Animation Studio, OLM
The Apothecary Diaries’ unique plot has helped it earn a nomination in the Best Anime Series category. After Season 1 was quite a success, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 premiered on January 19, 2025, and is still ongoing.
Maomao’s immense knowledge of medicine and poison has helped her solve the mysteries surrounding the imperial court. She returned to her regular duties after coming to peace with her parents’ secrets. However, peace is not everlasting, as the arrival of a merchant caused strange coincidences. It is up to Maomao to keep everyone at the Imperial Palace and discover the truth behind the mysterious happenings. Instead of Shonen, it is more inclined towards the Shojo and Seinen genres, which makes it more exciting to watch.
Also Read: Dandadan Leads the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards with 22 Nominations
Other Noteworthy Nominations
While there is a dedicated category towards anime, there are other entries coming from the anime industry, even though the category is not exclusively anime based. These nominees are as follows:
Best Lead Voice-Over Performance
- Aleks Le – Solo Leveling (Sung Jinwoo)
- Stephanie Nadolny – Dragon Ball DAIMA (Goku)
- Johnny Yong Bosch – Devil May Cry (Dante)
Best Supporting Voice-Over Performance
- Caitlin Glass – One Piece Season 21 (Nefertari Vivi)
- Justin Briner – Solo Leveling Season 2 (Yoo Jin-ho)
- Xolo Mariduena – Sakamoto Days (Heisuke Mashimo)
Source: Astra TV Awards 2025 official website
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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