Anime enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unforgettable roller coaster ride in 2026! The anime 2026 landscape is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet, brimming with explosive battles, spine-tingling supernatural twists, and stories that will tug at your heartstrings. From the return of beloved franchises to the debut of bold new originals, this year promises something for every kind of fan.
As we look forward to the year of Anime 2026, only a handful of announcements have set the stage for what promises to be a spectacular year in the anime realm. Let’s explore the 2026 anime list set to light up screens.
List of Upcoming Anime 2026
The list of upcoming Anime 2026 presented here is carefully curated and includes only those titles that have received official confirmation from studios, production committees, or reputable sources. These are not speculative entries or rumored projects. Unless unforeseen delays are announced, all the listed anime are expected to release in 2026.
Without further ado, here is the current lineup of confirmed best 2026 Anime!
Winter 2026 Anime Calendar
Here’s the Winter 2026 Anime calendar based on officially confirmed titles so far!
Record of Ragnarok Season 3
Record of Ragnarok Season 3 picks up from the cliffhanger at the end of Season 2, where the series’ divine-human tournament is tied 3-3. The upcoming season promises to begin with the seventh match. It will be available to watch on Netflix starting in December 2025.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 (2026 TV Series)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (葬送のフリーレン) was announced at Anime Expo 2025 with a January 2026 premiere.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 1 aired from September 2023 to March 2024, spanning 28 episodes. Season 2 is set to premiere in January 2026, following Frieren as she continues her journey alongside Fern—now a first-class mage—and the warrior Stark. Fans can look forward to more magical adventures, thoughtful character moments, and the reflective tone that made the first season so beloved.
Golden Kamuy Final Arc
Golden Kamuy: The Final Chapter is the highly anticipated conclusion to the anime adaptation of Satoru Noda’s acclaimed manga series. This final arc is set to premiere in January 2026 on Japanese television, following a two-part theatrical prologue titled Golden Kamuy: Sapporo Beer Factory Arc.
The two-part film adaptation of the “Sapporo Beer Factory Arc” will be released in Japanese theaters on October 10 and 31, 2025. These films will serve as a prelude to the final season, bridging the gap between the previous season and the upcoming conclusion.
Final Season Premiere: The final arc of Golden Kamuy is scheduled to begin airing in January 2026. This season will adapt the manga’s concluding chapters, bringing the long-running series to its dramatic conclusion
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 is officially set to premiere in January 2026, continuing the dark fantasy saga adapted from Yūji Kaku’s acclaimed manga. The announcement was made at Jump Festa 2025, confirming the return of the series on Crunchyroll for international audiences.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Season 2 picks up where the first left off, delving deeper into the mysteries of Shinsenkyo, the island where death-row convicts and executioners search for the Elixir of Life. The upcoming season will introduce new executioners, including Yamada Asaemon Shugen, and explore the evolving dynamics among the characters. Director Kaori Makita has expressed excitement about portraying the characters’ growth and the challenges they face in this next chapter.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising
A long-awaited sequel to Rebellion, Walpurgisnacht: Rising is set to hit Japanese theaters in February 2026. The movie picks up directly after Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (2013), so it’s a true continuation of Homura’s route and the cosmic, existential themes the series is known for. In contrast to high-action titles or lighter fantasy/slice-of-life works on your list, this promises philosophical weight, psychological tension, and spectacle.
Spring 2026 Anime Calendar
2026 Spring Anime is the busiest season confirmed so far. Here’s the Spring 2026 Anime Calendar!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle
The Infinity Castle marks the grand finale of Demon Slayer, adapted as a movie trilogy that continues into Spring Anime 2026. This is where Ufotable goes all-in: a labyrinth that twists and shifts beneath the Hashira’s feet, brutal clashes against Muzan’s Upper Moons, and the heartbreaking culmination of Tanjiro’s journey. If Mugen Train proved Demon Slayer could dominate theaters, Infinity Castle is its ultimate statement piece — equal parts spectacle and emotional devastation. For longtime fans, this is not just the climax of the story, but the definitive Demon Slayer experience.
Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4 (Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke)
Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4 (Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke) plot follows Rozemyne (formerly Myne), who becomes the adopted daughter of the Archduke of Ehrenfest. She now faces noble society’s strict etiquette and magic training, while also bearing responsibilities as High Bishop and forewoman.
A key plot point shown in teasers: Rozemyne receives the keys to the temple’s book room from the High Priest as a reward—this opens access to many precious books and furthers her mission of bringing knowledge and literature to more people.
It will air on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV, in the Saturday 5:30 p.m. slot.
The Beginning After the End Season 2
The Beginning After the End Season 2 picks up after a two-year time skip, showing an older, more mature Arthur Leywin. A teaser visual reveals Arthur wearing a mask, traveling alongside Jasmine Flamesworth, hinting at new adventures as they both gain experience as adventurers.
Arthur aims to deepen his magic skills and earn his adventurer’s license, explore dungeons, and gain exposure before formally joining Xyrus Academy.
Otonari no Tenshi-sama Season 2
The story picks up after Otonari no Tenshi-sama Season 1, diving deeper into the evolving relationship between Amane Fujimiya and Mahiru Shiina, who began moving beyond awkward neighborly routines at the end of the first season.
Expect more slice-of-life, romantic development, and those quiet moments of emotional growth that the series is known for.
Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan
An original TV anime confirmed for 2026, Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan is a new project from Aniplex and A-1 Pictures, working in collaboration with their experimental label, Psyde Kick Studio. It’s an original work — not adapted from manga/light novel, etc.
For fans of Akane-banashi-style artistic rivalry/growth (but in a different milieu), Grow Up Show might hit similar notes: performance under pressure, visual storytelling, personal development. It could be a sleeper hit if it balances emotion, performance spectacle, and character arcs well.
Summer 2026 Anime Calendar
As of now, there are no officially confirmed anime series or films scheduled for the Summer 2026 Anime season. Traditionally, summer lineups are likely to be announced around March–April 2026, so we can expect the calendar to take shape as that period approaches. While nothing is confirmed yet, fans are speculating that the season could feature sequels to major franchises alongside original projects from powerhouse studios such as MAPPA, Ufotable, CloverWorks, and Sunrise.
Fall 2026 Anime Calendar
As of now, there are no officially confirmed anime series or films scheduled for the Fall 2026 season. However, Fall is traditionally one of the biggest anime windows of the year, often packed with blockbuster releases and highly anticipated sequels. Official announcements are expected around mid–2026, and fans are already speculating about what could make the lineup. Possible highlights include continuations of popular shōnen titles, adaptations of long-running light novels, and fresh original projects from top studios such as MAPPA, Ufotable, CloverWorks, Sunrise, and Kyoto Animation.
Must Watch – List of Best 2026 Anime
Fans can eagerly anticipate the return of beloved shows such as Haikyuu!!, Mushoku Tensei, Laid-Back Camp, Black Butler, and more. However, for those who haven’t delved into these series or lack the time to catch up, a wealth of new content awaits exploration. The upcoming anime 2026 promises to be a standout period for the anime community, brimming with excitement and discoveries. The 2026 Anime list covers anime that are officially confirmed for release in 2026 but don’t yet have a set season:
Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game (Season 3)
Following the explosive Shibuya Incident Arc, Jujutsu Kaisen continues with the highly anticipated Culling Game Arc. Confirmed for 2026, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 will showcase some of the manga’s most chaotic and high-stakes battles yet.
Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and other sorcerers are forced into a deadly tournament designed by Kenjaku, filled with new fighters, complex rules, and escalating tension. Animated once again by MAPPA, fans can expect jaw-dropping fight sequences and dark revelations that will shape the future of the series.
Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World Season 4 (2026 TV Series)
Following the conclusion of Season 3 in March 2025, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World is set to return with its highly anticipated fourth season in 2026. The announcement was made during Anime Expo 2025, where a new trailer and visuals were unveiled, confirming the season’s premiere on Crunchyroll.
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World Season 4 will continue the journey of Natsuki Subaru, delving deeper into the complexities of his reincarnated life. The upcoming season will adapt the remainder of Arc 5 and the entirety of Arc 6 from the light novel series rezero.fandom.com. Fans can expect intense emotional moments, intricate plot developments, and the series’ signature blend of suspense and drama.
With its compelling storytelling and dedicated fanbase, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World Season 4 is poised to be a standout title in the 2026 anime lineup.
Medalist Season 2
Following the successful airing of its first season from January to March 2025, Medalist is set to return with its highly anticipated second season in January 2026. The announcement was made during the Summer Fes event, where a new teaser trailer and key visual were unveiled, confirming the season’s premiere on TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation programming block Red’s Nerd Den.
Season 2 will continue the journey of Inori Yuitsuka and her coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji, as they aim to qualify for the All-Japan Championships. The upcoming season is expected to delve deeper into their training, challenges, and growth as they strive to achieve their dreams on the ice
Fans can look forward to the season streaming on Disney+ in select regions and Hulu in the United States. Given the acclaim of the first season, Medalist Season 2 is poised to be a standout title in the 2026 anime lineup.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3
Following the conclusion of Season 2 in July 2024, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is set to return with its third season in 2026. The announcement was made during Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo 2025 panel, exciting fans worldwide.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 will continue the journey of Rudeus Greyrat, exploring deeper layers of his reincarnated life. Early teasers hint at major developments, including Rudeus’s encounters with Perugius Dola, confrontations with Orsted, and reunions with key characters such as Eris. New characters are also introduced, expanding the rich and immersive world that fans have come to love.
Fans can look forward to the season streaming on Crunchyroll in 2026, with the exact release window yet to be confirmed. Given the acclaim of previous seasons, Mushoku Tensei Season 3 is expected to be one of the standout titles in next year’s anime lineup.
Oshi no Ko Season 3 (2026 TV Series)
Following the conclusion of Oshi no Ko Season 2 in October 2024, Oshi no Ko is set to return with its highly anticipated third season in 2026. The announcement was made during the Ichigo Production Fan Kansha-sai 2025 (Ichigo Production Fan Appreciation 2025), where a new teaser visual featuring Ruby was unveiled, building excitement for what’s to come.
Oshi no Ko Season 3 will continue to delve into the complex lives of Aqua and Ruby Hoshino as they navigate the intricacies of the entertainment industry. The upcoming season is expected to explore deeper character developments and introduce new challenges for the protagonists.
Fans can look forward to the season streaming on Crunchyroll in 2026, with the exact release window yet to be confirmed. Given the acclaim of previous seasons, Oshi no Ko Season 3 is poised to be a standout title in the 2026 anime lineup.
Trigun Stargaze
Trigun Stargaze is the highly anticipated sequel to Trigun Stampede, continuing the story of Vash the Stampede in the “final phase” of this reimagined adaptation of Yasuhiro Nightow’s original Trigun manga. Set 2.5 years after the events of Trigun Stampede, the series delves deeper into Vash’s journey across a dangerous and unforgiving world.
Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War Final Season
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – Part 4: The Calamity, the final season of the Bleach anime, is officially set to premiere in 2026. This announcement was made at Anime Expo 2025, confirming the conclusion of the series’ long-awaited adaptation of Tite Kubo’s final manga arc.
While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, the series is expected to air in Fall 2026, potentially around October. The final season will adapt manga chapters 664–686, concluding the epic saga with a focus on Ichigo Kurosaki’s battle against Yhwach.
The series will stream globally on Disney+, including in the U.S., following Hulu’s integration into Disney’s platform.
One Piece (Live-Action) Season 2 & Beyond
Netflix has officially confirmed that One Piece Live-Action Season 2 will premiere in 2026. The subtitle for Season 2 is “Into the Grand Line”. New characters from the manga will appear, including Baroque Works villains, Drum Island characters, etc.
The original One Piece anime is still ongoing, currently airing the Egghead Arc. It had a 6-month break but is expected to continue. There are reports of a new One Piece movie(s) expected between the last quarter of 2025 and March 2026. It hasn’t been clearly confirmed which arc or storyline these will cover.
One Piece Season 3 of the live-action adaptation has also been confirmed, with production expected to begin soon.
The Ghost in the Shell (2026 TV Series)
The Ghost in the Shell franchise is set to make a significant return in 2026 with a new anime television series produced by Science SARU. This adaptation aims to stay true to Masamune Shirow’s original 1989 manga, offering a fresh take on the cyberpunk classic. With Science Saru at the helm, this adaptation is expected to deliver bold visuals and modern themes exploring technology, identity, and society.
Eleceed Anime
Manhwa Eleceed anime adaptation was officially announced on July 1, 2025, via teaser visual/teaser PV and key visuals. It’s confirmed to premiere in the calendar year of Anime 2026. The exact airing season or date hasn’t been specified yet.
Eleceed is a supernatural action story with strong fantasy elements, with Seo Jiwoo, the main character, a kind-hearted high schooler with a special ability (super-speed / extraordinary reflexes) who tries to live quietly. He rescues a wounded stray cat, which turns out to be Kayden Break — a very powerful Awakened being trapped in a cat’s body due to injury.
Yomi no Tsugai
Licensed by Crunchyroll, the anime adaptation of Yomi no Tsugai, is a story of dark fantasy set in a remote mountain village. The twin siblings, Yuru and Asa, were separated early in life: Yuru lives a relatively peaceful life hunting in the wild, while Asa is confined, fulfilling some mysterious duty at the village’s prison-like facility.
A major theme involves supernatural creatures known as Daemons (or Tsugai), which are tied to prophecy, power, and hidden truths. The twins must uncover the secrets of their past, reunite, and face threats that extend beyond their village.
Akane-banashi (2026 TV Series)
Akane-banashi is an upcoming anime adaptation of the critically acclaimed sports manga by Yūki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue. Akane-banashi really does carry the DNA of a sports manga, even though it’s rooted in rakugo (a performance art) rather than athletics.
Akane-banashi can be perfectly drawn parallel to Chihayafuru because both series take something traditionally seen as niche (karuta, rakugo) and frame it with the urgency, tension, and camaraderie of sports storytelling. And compared to Haikyu!! Or Blue Lock, Akane-banashi feels modern in its pacing and character intensity—built for the same kind of adaptation energy that hooks audiences.
By 2026, it’s primed to scratch that itch for fans who love sports anime structure but want something fresh and rooted in Japanese tradition.
The Akane-banashi series is set to premiere in 2026 on Japan’s TV Asahi and BS Asahi networks. The anime will be produced by Studio ZEXCS, with direction by Ayumu Watanabe and Yū Harima, and character designs by Kii Tanaka, who will also serve as chief animation director. Michihiro Tsuchiya handles the series composition, and the music is composed by Akio Izutsu.
Black Clover Season 2
Black Clover Season 2 is officially in production and is expected to premiere in late 2026, coinciding with the anime’s 10th anniversary. The announcement was made during Anime Expo 2025, and the series will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Season 2 is anticipated to continue Asta and Yuno’s journey as they strive to become the Wizard King, delving deeper into their adventures within the Magic Knights and their battles against powerful enemies.
While the exact release date has not been announced, the anime 2026 is expected to premiere in late 2026, aligning with the series’ 10th anniversary
Beastars Final Season Part 2
The Beastars final season is split into two parts: Part 1 premiered on December 5, 2024, with 12 episodes. Beastars Final Season Part 2 will conclude the story, adapting the remaining arcs from Paru Itagaki’s manga. Expect it to resolve major plotlines: Legoshi’s life after leaving school, the escalation of “devouring incidents,” his confrontation with Melon, and how Legoshi, Haru, Louis, and others face their internal and external challenges.
The upcoming Beastars Final Season Part 2 arc is expected to emphasize themes such as identity, guilt, friendship, love, and the moral and social tensions between carnivores and herbivores — core ideas that have powered Beastars since its start.
Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods
Set to debut in 2026, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods (original title Kami no Niwatsuki Kusunoki-tei) adapts Enju’s light novel series into a TV anime. Minato Kusunoki inherits a rural house that used to be haunted by evil spirits. Using his special purification ability, he clears out the darkness—and the act draws in a cast of gods, each peculiar and spirited, who find the newly cleansed Kusunoki home a welcoming haven. The story revolves around Minato’s quiet life among supernatural roommates: the gods, the occasional onmyōji, and the changing seasons.
It contributes a different flavor in Anime 2026 — while we have high-action series like Infinity Castle, Akane-banashi, etc., Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods promises a gentler, more contemplative counterpoint. For fans of the supernatural-slice-of-life genre, this one looks like it’ll hit the emotional warm spots.
Dorohedoro Season 2
A sequel to Dorohedoro was officially announced on January 9, 2024, as a streaming series with a confirmation that the sequel will be Dorohedoro Season 2. Studio MAPPA will be producing it again. Though it’s scheduled to release in 2025; however, no specific date has been set. Also, there is no clarity whether episodes will drop all at once (binge-style) or weekly.
Dorohedoro Season 2 release date is in a “red flag” zone. It was officially announced for 2025. But, we’re one season away from Fall 2025 (the last anime cour of the year), and there’s been no trailer, no key visual, no updated promo material. That’s unusual for a series expected to air within the next 3–6 months. For most seasonal TV anime, marketing usually ramps up 6–9 months ahead (trailers, cast confirmations, visuals). The silence strongly suggests a delay. So there are two likely scenarios:
Scenario 1: ONA / Netflix Drop – Since Season 1 streamed on Netflix, MAPPA and Netflix could decide to release Dorohedoro Season 2 as a full ONA (Original Net Animation), bypassing seasonal schedules. That would explain the lack of promo tied to a “Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall” cour — because Netflix can drop it all at once whenever.
Scenario 2: Postponed to 2026 anime calendar year- If it’s meant for Japanese TV broadcast like a normal cour, then yes — at this stage, with zero promotional rollout, it’s pretty safe to assume it won’t make the 2025 anime window. The production committee would likely shift it to Winter Anime 2026 (Jan–Mar) or later.
Conclusion: 2026 will be THE year of anime
The 2026 anime list releases will be updated as the seasons are revealed. As we eagerly await the arrival of these highly anticipated upcoming Anime 2026, each series promises a unique blend of excitement, humor, and suspense. Whether you’re a fan of isekai, fantasy, or sports anime, the upcoming year has something special in store for everyone.
Stay tuned to Phoneswiki for the next wave of Anime 2026 magic and prepare for a year of captivating storytelling and breathtaking animation!
