Top Anticipated Anime Releases for 2026

The Japanese animation industry is preparing for another major year in 2026, building on the viewership growth and streaming accessibility established in 2025. The upcoming year is scheduled to feature a mix of highly anticipated sequels and new adaptations. Netflix saw significant success in 2025 with titles like Sakamoto Days, and the momentum is expected to continue with returning favorites.

Key releases for the year include the second season of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, which explores the aftermath of a war, and the third seasons of both Oshi no Ko and Jujutsu Kaisen. Additionally, 2026 will introduce new series such as Witch Hat Atelier and a new adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. The year will also see the debut of Daemons of the Shadow Realm, a new series from Hiromu Arakawa, and the Steel Ball Run arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

Several popular series are returning for their third seasons, continuing storylines that have captivated global audiences. Oshi no Ko is set to release its third season, which will follow the characters Aqua and Ruby Hoshino as they navigate the entertainment industry. The series is known for its unique premise involving reincarnation and a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the idol world. The upcoming season is expected to depict a growing rift between the twin siblings as they pursue their careers.

Another major returning title is Jujutsu Kaisen. Season 3 will address the aftermath of the "Shibuya Incident," a storyline marked by tragic deaths and significant losses. The new season is anticipated to focus on the impending execution of the protagonist, Yuji Itadori, and introduce the "Culling Game" arc. This arc involves the main cast participating in a high-stakes Jujutsu Kumite (sorcerer brawl).

2026 will also introduce several new series and fresh takes on established franchises. Among the most notable is a new adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, described as a "new take" on one of the most seminal anime of all time. The production comes from a highly regarded studio, aiming to revisit the iconic cyberpunk property.

The fantasy genre will be well-represented by Witch Hat Atelier. The production team at Bug Films reportedly delayed the project to ensure the animation quality matched the intricate detail of the source manga. The story centers on a young girl who becomes an apprentice to a witch after discovering the secrets of magic. Similarly, Daemons of the Shadow Realm is a new series from Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist. It adapts her manga about estranged twins who must control their powers through supernatural entities known as "Daemons" to save the world.

Returning franchises also include the second season of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. The series is a twist on the dungeon-raiding genre, focusing on an immortal elf named Frieren as she processes the loss of her former party members years after defeating the demon king. Through her travels with a new apprentice, she explores themes of grief and the passage of time. The series was previously recognized as a top anime of 2024.

Finally, the long-running JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series will feature its sixth season, adapting the seventh manga story arc, Steel Ball Run. This arc is set in the American West and introduces a new protagonist, Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey. The plot revolves around a cross-country horse race, functioning as a standalone story that serves as an entry point for new viewers.