Top 10 Upcoming Anime Releases in 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Next Year's Biggest Shows
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The anime industry has shown no signs of slowing down, and 2026 is shaping up to be an absolutely monumental year for anime fans. With highly anticipated sequels, groundbreaking new adaptations, and beloved series making their long-awaited returns, 2026 promises to deliver an incredible lineup that rivals—and may even surpass—2025's impressive offerings. Whether you're a die-hard fan of action-packed shonen series or prefer character-driven dramas, 2026 has something exceptional waiting for you.
From the return of certified masterpieces to the first adaptations of fan-favorite properties, let's explore the ten most exciting anime releases heading your way in 2026.
1. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 (January 16, 2026)
Studio: Madhouse
Why You Should Watch It:
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is no ordinary fantasy anime. The first season achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing even Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to become the highest-rated anime series on MyAnimeList. This critically acclaimed masterpiece returns for its second season in early 2026, ready to cement its legacy as one of the greatest anime ever created.
The story continues to follow Frieren, an immortal elf mage, as she navigates the profound loneliness of outliving her companions. Season 2 will conclude the First-Class Mage Exam Arc while introducing the Continued Northern Travels Arc and Divine Revolte Arc—promising to deliver the same slow-burn storytelling, subtle world-building, and splashes of incredible action that made Season 1 so special.
With the manga only halfway adapted and consistently improving with each new arc, Season 2 has every reason to be even stronger than its predecessor. Expect stunning animation, deeply emotional character moments, and a narrative that challenges conventional anime storytelling.
What to Expect: Emotional depth, exceptional world-building, and animation that sets new standards for the industry.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 (January 2026)
Studio: MAPPA
Why You Should Watch It:
Jujutsu Kaisen stands as one of the defining anime of the modern era, and Season 3 is positioned to deliver some of the franchise's most intense and chaotic storylines yet. After the heart-wrenching Shibuya Incident Arc left fans devastated, Season 3 promises to dive even deeper into the dark, complex world that has captivated millions.
This season will adapt the Itadori's Extermination and Perfect Preparation arcs, with the possibility of delving into the Culling Game—widely regarded as one of the manga's most chaotic and thrilling storylines. The Culling Game promises internal conflict, shocking character revelations, and some of the most spectacular animation battles MAPPA has delivered to date.
With MAPPA's proven track record of adapting Jujutsu Kaisen, fans can expect the studio to maintain the high-octane action and emotional depth that has made the series unmissable.
What to Expect: High-stakes action, shocking plot developments, and character arcs that will leave you speechless.
3. Oshi no Ko Season 3 (January 14, 2026)
Studio: Doga Kobo / OLM
Why You Should Watch It:
Oshi no Ko has rapidly become a fan-favorite series, delivering a compelling blend of romance, drama, mystery, and incredible character chemistry. Season 3 continues the saga of Aqua and Ruby as they navigate the cutthroat entertainment industry while uncovering the truth behind their past.
Building on the momentum of two previous seasons, Season 3 picks up with B-Komachi gaining momentum, Aqua thriving as a multi-talented entertainer, Akane's acting career flourishing, and Ruby losing her innocence as she becomes willing to use deception to climb the entertainment world. The season will explore deeper mysteries surrounding Ai and Goro's deaths while delivering the character-driven storytelling the series is known for.
With the manga now concluded, the anime has all the material it needs to provide a satisfying and complete narrative arc. The Winter 2026 season is absolutely packed, but Oshi no Ko will undoubtedly be one of its standout entries.
What to Expect: Character intrigue, emotional storytelling, and reveals that will reshape everything you thought you knew.
4. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run (March 19, 2026)
Studio: David Productions
Platform: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It:
Long-suffering JoJo fans have been waiting for this moment for years. Steel Ball Run—the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki's legendary manga series—is finally receiving its anime adaptation, and the wait is almost over.
Set in 19th-century America, Steel Ball Run follows Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who has been paralyzed below the waist, and Gyro Zeppeli as they compete in a grueling cross-country horse race for a $50 million prize. What makes this arc revolutionary within the JoJo franchise is that it takes place in an alternate universe with entirely new characters, world-building, and rules—while still maintaining the iconic Stands and the essence of what makes JoJo so beloved.
Steel Ball Run is consistently ranked as one of the strongest arcs in the entire manga series, praised for its tight pacing, creative use of the Spin and Stands, and exceptional character development. With David Production's proven ability to capture the manga's distinctive style and intense action, this adaptation has every reason to be spectacular.
What to Expect: A fresh take on the JoJo formula, stunning fight choreography, and character-driven storytelling that elevates the series to new heights.
5. Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 (January 2026)
Studio: MAPPA
Why You Should Watch It:
Hell's Paradise earned its place in anime history as part of the "dark trio of shonen" alongside Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Season 2 promises to deliver the same visceral action, psychological tension, and stunning visuals that made Season 1 so captivating.
Season 2 returns viewers to the mysterious and deadly island of Shinsenkyo, where Gabimaru and Yuzuriha continue their quest for the Elixir of Life amid new rivalries, fragile alliances, and encounters with the powerful Tensen. The anime will introduce new executioners and expand the lore of this dark, brutal world.
Director Kaori Makita has expressed her passion for returning to this world, and the production team is working in an excellent atmosphere with staff who deeply love the series. This season marks a chance to explore how the characters have changed and grown following the trials of Season 1.
What to Expect: Graphic action sequences, dark and complex character dynamics, and a visually stunning exploration of a hostile supernatural world.
6. Witch Hat Atelier (2026)
Studio: Bug Films
Why You Should Watch It:
Witch Hat Atelier represents one of the most anticipated first-season releases of 2026. The manga, which began serialization in 2016, has captivated readers for nearly a decade with its stunning artwork and creative premise. Fans have been waiting nearly as long for an anime adaptation, which was originally scheduled for 2025 before being delayed to 2026 to improve quality.
The series introduces a world where magic isn't inherited but instead is drawn and created through literal pen work and intricate runes. Every panel of the manga looks like a painting, and the anime promises to capture that same artistry and visual beauty on screen.
With years of anticipation built up and a studio commitment to quality over speed, Witch Hat Atelier has the potential to be a sleeper hit that captivates audiences with its unique magic system and beautiful visual presentation.
What to Expect: Breathtaking visuals, creative world-building, and a fresh take on magic in anime.
7. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 (April 2026)
Studio: Studio Bind
Why You Should Watch It:
Mushoku Tensei has established itself as one of the premier isekai anime series, and Season 3 promises to continue delivering the compelling storytelling that has earned it critical acclaim. The upcoming season will adapt significant story arcs that have proven to be fan favorites, with content that multiple viewers have noted has the potential to elevate the series to "masterpiece" status.
Returning director Ryosuke Shibuya will helm Season 3, bringing continuity and expertise to the production. With two years having passed since Season 2's conclusion, the production team will have ample time to deliver the high-quality animation and storytelling the fanbase expects.
This season represents a crucial point in Rudeus's journey, promising character development, emotional beats, and the kind of world-building that has made Mushoku Tensei stand out in the crowded isekai landscape.
What to Expect: Character-driven storytelling, significant character development, and moments that redefine how you view the series.
8. The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 (October 2026 - April 2027)
Studio: Toho Animation Studio / OLM
Why You Should Watch It:
The Apothecary Diaries has quickly become a fan-favorite series, delivering a perfect blend of mystery, romance, drama, and sharp character writing. The announcement of Season 3 confirms that the anime will continue for at least three seasons in three consecutive years—a remarkable commitment to a single series.
Season 3 will air in split cours, with the first part premiering in October 2026 and the second part scheduled for spring 2027. The season promises to continue Maomao's journey as she solves medical mysteries within the imperial palace while uncovering deeper conspiracies.
Beyond the TV series, an original anime film has been announced for December 2026, directed by Norihiro Naganuma. This dual-media approach demonstrates the franchise's massive popularity and the studio's confidence in the material.
What to Expect: Complex mysteries, character growth, palace intrigue, and the perfect blend of historical drama and compelling storytelling.
9. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (2026, Winter Rumored)
Studio: TBA
Producer: Aniplex
Why You Should Watch It:
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint represents the next frontier of manhwa adaptations following the massive success of Solo Leveling. The series was officially confirmed at Anime Expo 2025 by Aniplex in collaboration with Crunchyroll—two powerhouse names behind giants like Demon Slayer and Sword Art Online.
The premise is electrifying: After reading a mysterious web novel called Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse for years, protagonist Kim Dokja wakes up to find that the novel's apocalypse is unfolding in reality—and he's the only person who knows how it will play out. What makes ORV revolutionary is that Dokja isn't an overpowered warrior blessed by a system; instead, he's a reader who manipulates the narrative using his knowledge, wit, and insight.
Fans are already buzzing with anticipation for this adaptation, which promises to perfect the manhwa-to-anime formula that Solo Leveling pioneered.
What to Expect: Innovative storytelling, a protagonist defined by knowledge rather than power, and an adaptation that respects the source material's brilliance.
10. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 (2026)
Studio: White Fox
Why You Should Watch It:
Re:ZERO stands as one of the most ambitious and complex isekai series ever created, and Season 4's arrival in 2026 marks another major milestone for the franchise. While the series remains confirmed for a 2026 release window, the exact premiere month has yet to be officially announced.
Season 4 promises to continue adapting future storylines from the light novel series, delivering the same blend of intense drama, psychological complexity, and character development that has made Re:ZERO unmissable. The series' combination of isekai tropes with profound narrative depth continues to set it apart from other entries in the genre.
With a dedicated fanbase and White Fox's proven ability to adapt the material, Season 4 has every reason to deliver the kind of storytelling that makes Re:ZERO a perennial favorite among anime enthusiasts.
What to Expect: Psychological depth, complex character relationships, and narrative complexity that challenges conventional isekai tropes.
Honorable Mentions
While these ten represent the most confirmed and anticipated releases, 2026 is also bringing several other exciting projects worth keeping on your radar. One Piece (Live-Action) Season 2: Elbaf Arc is scheduled for March 10, 2026, bringing the Straw Hat crew back for round two on Netflix. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, the final arc of Bleach's anime saga, is expected to release in the later months of 2026, bringing Ichigo Kurosaki's epic story to a conclusive end with breathtaking animation and emotional payoffs. Additionally, several anticipated series like DanDaDan are expected to continue with new seasons, though Black Clover Season 2 now appears more likely for 2027 after Crunchyroll removed its 2026 release window.
Conclusion
2026 is poised to be an extraordinary year for anime fans. With the return of critically acclaimed masterpieces like Frieren and Jujutsu Kaisen alongside groundbreaking new adaptations like Steel Ball Run and Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, the year promises something for every type of anime enthusiast.
Whether you're anticipating the continuation of beloved series or eager to discover new worlds and characters, 2026's anime lineup demonstrates that the industry's creative momentum shows no signs of slowing. Mark your calendars, prepare your watchlists, and get ready for what promises to be one of the most exciting years in recent anime history.
Which of these releases are you most excited about? The countdown to 2026 starts now!