There are plenty of big anime releases lined up for 2025, but if there’s one show that’s got everyone truly excited, it’s Lazarus. While other titles are bringing back popular franchises or continuing fan-favourite stories, Lazarus is coming in fresh — with an original idea, a crazy-talented team, and visuals that already look stunning.

And if that’s not enough, it’s created by Shinichiro Watanabe, the legend behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy. That alone is enough to get fans buzzing. But there’s a lot more happening here that makes Lazarus one of the most talked-about anime of the year.

A Sci-Fi Story With a Killer Premise

The story of Lazarus takes place in a near-future world where a miracle drug called Hapuna changes everything. Created by the mysterious Dr. Skinner, Hapuna can heal anything. But there’s a terrifying twist — after exactly three years, the drug kills anyone who’s taken it.

Now, as the third anniversary of Hapuna’s release approaches, a special task force called Lazarus is formed. Their mission: find Dr. Skinner and get a cure before the entire human race is wiped out.

It’s a gripping plot full of suspense, action, and emotional stakes. With every passing second, the world gets closer to disaster. This is the kind of story that keeps you hooked from the first episode.

An Unreal Team of Creators

One of the biggest reasons fans are so hyped for Lazarus is its incredible production team. Of course, Shinichiro Watanabe is leading the project, but he’s not alone.

The action director is Chad Stahelski, the filmmaker behind the John Wick series. Yes, that’s right — the same guy responsible for some of the coolest fight scenes in modern action cinema is now bringing that same energy to anime.

Then there’s Studio MAPPA, the animation studio handling Lazarus. MAPPA is known for shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Vinland Saga, and Chainsaw Man. They are at the top of the game when it comes to animation, and it shows in every second of the Lazarus trailer. 

Add to that names like:

Miho Sigiura (Art Director),

Akemi Hayashi (Character Designer),

and top-tier musicians like Floating Points and Kamasi Washington for the soundtrack…

And what you have is an anime dream team.

Stunning Visuals, Music, and Action

The trailers and promos for Lazarus are already making waves online. The animation is smooth, the visuals are cinematic, and the action scenes look straight out of a movie.

What really stands out, though, is the music. The background score by Floating Points and Kamasi Washington brings a unique vibe that mixes jazz, electronic, and dramatic tones — something rarely seen in mainstream anime.

It’s this mix of strong story, visuals, and music that gives Lazarus its own identity.

Why Lazarus Might Be the Best Anime of 2025

While there are other amazing anime dropping this year like Chainsaw Man: Reze, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Re:Zero Season 3, and Apothecary Diaries, Lazarus is something else.

It’s a brand-new concept. It’s not a sequel or a reboot. It’s an original anime, built from scratch by some of the best names in the business. That kind of confidence and risk deserves attention.

With just about a month left before the premiere, fans across the world are counting down the days. If it delivers on even half of what it promises, Lazarus could easily become one of the biggest anime hits of the decade.

More: Anime