10 Most Anticipated Anime Series of 2026, Ranked

2025 is finally over, and as fans look back on their year, they can reflect on what anime came out. It was another excellent year for the medium, from new seasons such as Solo Leveling to Season 2 of new classics like To Be Hero X. However, the new year brings a plethora of new anime to look forward to.

2026 could be the best year for anime in a long time as fans get excited for new seasons of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation or original series such as The Darwin Incident. This list will rank the ten most anticipated anime of 2026 based on fan opinion, likelihood of quality, wait time, the studio animating it, and how good the manga is.

10 'TRIGUN STARGAZE' (2026)

2023 saw the release of a remake of one of the greatest classic anime of the 1990s, and 2026 will be its second season. TRIGUN STARGAZE follows Vash the Stampede years after the planet descended into chaos. As others look for him, Vash must protect them from the one-winged angel.

The first season of the Trigun remake was surprisingly polarizing due to its CGI animation and differences from the original. However, not only is the animation absolutely stunning and some of the best CGI in the medium, but the story is also closer to the manga than the original. This next season will ramp up the stakes with plenty of action and exhilaration.

9 'Daemons of the Shadow Realm' (2026)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the greatest anime series of all time, and its creator, Hiromu Arakawa, has a new series. Daemons of the Shadow Realm takes place after one fateful day destroys Yuru’s life, but now, with the ability to summon a deity, he vows to reveal the truth.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm could be the best new anime series in 2026, made by one of the most influential manga authors. This anime promises another remarkable adventure with twists and turns, the type that only someone like Arakawa can deliver. Daemons of the Shadow Realm is a must-watch when it comes out in spring 2026.

8 'Hell's Paradise Season 2' (2026)

After a few years of waiting, fans will finally get the newest season of Hell’s Paradise, one of the best modern dark Shonen series. As Gabimaru and his group continue to search for the elixir of life on this mysterious island, more players enter the game, leading to more fights and drama.

Hell’s Paradise was one of the best anime series of 2023, and its popularity hasn’t faded; quite the opposite, in fact, as it has remained one of the most anticipated series of 2026. This anime never failed to deliver riveting fight scenes, and fans can expect bigger and better things this season. The best part is that fans don’t need to wait long, as Hell’s Paradise season 2 comes out in January.

7 'Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2' (2026)

Isekai is arguably the most popular anime genre nowadays, but one of the pioneers is finally returning to screens after nine long years. Saga of Tanya the Evil follows the titular character and her rise in military might after being reincarnated into a little girl in a world of magical warfare.

After nearly a decade of wait, Saga of Tanya the Evil will pick up where it left off, and fans can expect even crazier and more dramatic moments. As one of the best war manga series, Saga of Tanya the Evil has built quite a following, especially in the years between its anime seasons. Indeed, the TV adaptation is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, who believe it will be the anime of the year.

6 'Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3' (2026)

Following the wild ride of a second season, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 ups the stakes this January. After the world is thrown into chaos because of the existence of demons, Yuji is on the run, avoiding execution. Meanwhile, other sorcerers enter the culling game, a brutal bloodbath where no one is safe.

Fans may be surprised that Jujutsu Kaisen isn't higher on this list, but readers of the manga are hesitant about this arc, which is pretty messy. Still, it is at least a fun mess that will feature more dazzling animation, fluid movement, and artistic fights. Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 enters one of its most action-packed arcs, and fans cannot contain their excitement for this action masterclass.

5 'Witch Hat Atelier' (2026)

The fantasy genre is one of the most popular nowadays, and the next big show is Witch Hat Atelier. Coco is a normal girl, but when she learns the secret of magic, she is brought into the world of witches to learn the craft and save her mother. However, she has a lot to learn and faces prejudiced opinions against her.

The only reason Witch Hat Atelier isn't higher is that the studio animating it, BUG FILMS, ran into production and scheduling issues for its debut anime. While fans should be more optimistic this time around, it is still cause for concern. However, what has been shown of Witch Hat Atelier so far is phenomenal, with stellar animation and flawless fantasy vibes that could make this the next biggest new anime series.

4 'Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity' (2026)

There will be a handful of final seasons in 2026, such as Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 and Golden Kamuy Final Season. However, the biggest finale of 2026 is Bleach, set to air in summer 2026. Ichigo and his gang prepare for the final fight against Yhwach and the Sternritter, which will determine humanity's fate.

After decades of waiting, fans finally saw the return of Bleach, and now, they will witness the conclusion with this season. The creator, Tite Kubo, was heavily involved this season and promised original and expanded scenes. The action will be top-notch, and the hype will be immense as one of the greatest anime series of all time concludes. However, some fans hold out hope that the anime will continue with the Hell arc.

3 'Black Clover Season 2' (2026)

One Piece was the last continuously running anime to switch to a seasonal format, following the same trend as Black Clover. The second season of Black Clover will pick up in the Spade Kingdom as Asta and his friends take on their leaders in an all-out war to save their captains.

The Black Clover manga is coming to an end, meaning right now is the perfect time for a second season. While fans aren't too happy with the manga, the early parts of this arc are exceptional and feature some of the best writing, so there are few reasons to doubt this upcoming season. As one of the biggest modern shonen jump franchises, Black Clover’s return is highly anticipated and easily one of the most significant anime events of 2026.

2 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2' (2026)

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is one of the most acclaimed anime series of the decade, which means that its second season is going to be on everyone’s watchlist. Now that Frieren, Fern, and Stark can go further North, they can continue their journey to the land of the dead, but greater mysteries and side quests are bound to pop up.

It may have only been three years, but it feels a lot longer. But alas, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will return, and sooner rather than later, coming out on Crunchyroll in January 2026. It redefined the fantasy genre by proving that stopping to smell the roses could be entertaining, action-packed, wholesome, and well-written. Fans can expect more relaxing storytelling, stunning animation, and some of the best modern anime arcs. Depending on how far they adapt, fans could witness three of the most riveting arcs in the series.

1 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run' (2026)

One of the greatest manga series of all time is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and 2026 will see the anime adaptation of its best part yet, Steel Ball Run. The world’s largest race is about to begin, and as Johnny and Gyro prepare to race across America, there are hidden truths and mysteries that will pit them against some of the most powerful people in the country.

Steel Ball Run is arguably the best manga series ever that doesn’t have an anime — that is, until now, which makes this adaptation special. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is known for its suspenseful fights, overly dramatic moments, unique animation, artistically ambitious style, and unforgettable moments, and this season will be the best of all of those aspects. If there is one anime to watch this year, it is Steel Ball Run. Fans won’t have to wait too much longer, as Steel Ball Run airs this March on Netflix around the world.