This 100%-Fresh Horror Mystery Was the Most Heartbreaking Anime Release of 2025

This 2025 anime instantly captivated critics and achieved perfect ratings – The Summer Hikaru Died is more than just another horror project.

It's a poignant and subtle story about loss, identity, and loneliness that uses a mystical plot as a backdrop for a profound psychological exploration.

What Is 'The Summer Hikaru Died' About?

Yoshiki and Hikaru are two inseparable childhood friends who live in a quiet Japanese village. Their idyllic summer of aimless walks and conversations is cut short when Hikaru disappears into the forest. He is found alive but brutally mutilated.

Life in the village gradually returns to normal, but Yoshiki can't shake the feeling that something is wrong with his friend. Six months later, he finds the strength to confront Hikaru.

His suspicions are confirmed – an unknown entity lurks within his friend's body, masterfully mimicking his behavior and appearance.

'The Summer Hikaru Died' Is a Unique Mix of Carefree Summer Atmosphere & Oppressive Horror

The Summer Hikaru Died lacks jump scares, somber music, and dark settings. Instead, horror permeates the brightest and most mundane moments: friends eating ice cream on a hot day and suddenly, a stranger points at them and calls Hikaru the ultimate evil.

The creators achieve a paradoxical effect – the more serene and sunny the atmosphere, the more it weighs on the viewer.

The horror stems from the realization that catastrophe can pierce the most idyllic picture of everyday life and change it forever.

'The Summer Hikaru Died' Is a Surprisingly Subtle Psychological Drama

Beneath the surface of this mystical thriller lies a profound and sad story of grief. Unable to accept the loss of his only source of support in life, Yoshiki spends six months pretending to believe in an illusion.

His inner conflict stems from his struggle with the voice of reason that insists the past cannot be restored.

Meanwhile, the title delves into the other side of the tragedy. The creature inhabiting Hikaru's body grapples with questions of identity. Like a child, it learns to be human by absorbing the memories and emotions of others and gradually begins to experience its own feelings.

This transforms the story into a touching reflection on where the influence of others ends and our true selves begin.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Summer Hikaru Died'?

• The Summer Hikaru Died has 100% from critics and 91% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the title has a score of 8.0/10.

Where to Watch 'The Summer Hikaru Died'?

The Summer Hikaru Died is available to stream on Netflix.