My 10 most anticipated anime of 2026
10. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity
The fourth and final part of the TYBW adaptation, subtitled The Calamity (Kashin-tan), is set to premiere in July 2026. This finale will cover the ultimate showdown between Ichigo Kurosaki and Yhwach. Studio Pierrot has hinted at significant anime-original content for the final battle, overseen by creator Tite Kubo, to expand upon the manga's rushed ending and provide a definitive conclusion to the 20-year saga.
9. Ghost in the Shell (New Take)
The visionary Science SARU (Devilman Crybaby, Dandadan) is taking the reins of this legendary cyberpunk franchise. Scheduled for January 2026, the new series is directed by Moko-chan and written by Toh EnJoe. Unlike the recent CGI entries, this "New Take" returns to a hand-drawn, retro-sci-fi aesthetic that more closely aligns with Masamune Shirow’s original 1980s manga.
8. The Apothecary Diaries (Season 3)
Following the massive success of the first two seasons, Season 3 will premiere in October 2026. TOHO Animation has confirmed the season will be split into two "cours," with the second half arriving in April 2027. Additionally, an original theatrical film written by creator Natsu Hyuuga is slated for December 2026, giving fans a double dose of Maomao’s medical mysteries and palace intrigue.
7. Fate/Strange Fake
What began as a "Whispers of Dawn" special has expanded into a full TV series, premiering on January 3, 2026. Produced by A-1 Pictures, this "Weekly Holy Grail War" is written by Ryohgo Narita (Durarara!!) Set in Snowfield, USA, it depicts a "false" Holy Grail War that spirals out of control, featuring a massive cast of unconventional Servants and Masters. Hiroyuki Sawano returns to compose the high-octane soundtrack.
6. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run
The long-awaited Part 7 adaptation has finally been confirmed with a release date of March 19, 2026. Animated by David Production, the series will stream worldwide on Netflix. Set in 1890, it follows the paraplegic Johnny Joestar (Shogo Sakata) and the mysterious Gyro Zeppeli (Yohei Azakami) as they compete in a cross-country horse race across America. The production uses a hybrid of 2D and 3D animation to handle the complex horse-racing sequences.
5. Witch Hat Atelier
One of the most visually stunning manga in recent years is finally coming to the screen in April 2026. Produced by Bug Films (Zom 100), the series follows Coco, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch despite not being born with magic. The production team has emphasized that they are taking extra time to replicate Kamome Shirahama’s intricate, art nouveau illustration style, making it a top contender for the most beautiful anime of the year.
4. Yuru Asa (Daemons of the Shadow Realm)
From the legendary creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, Hiromu Arakawa, the anime adaptation of Daemons of the Shadow Realm (often referred to by its leads, Yuru and Asa) is set for a 2026 release. The series follows twins separated by fate in a world where humans command supernatural "Daemons." It is being produced as a major flagship title for Aniplex, with Kensho Ono voicing Yuru and Yume Miyamoto voicing Asa.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen (Season 3)
The "Culling Game Arc" officially begins on January 8, 2026. Studio MAPPA returns with director Shota Goshozono to bring one of the most complex and violent arcs in shonen history to life. The season focuses on the deadly battle royale organized by Kenjaku, introducing fan-favorite characters like Hakari Kinji and Hiromi Higuruma. To bridge the gap, a compilation film titled Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution was released in late 2025, re-editing the Shibuya Incident to lead directly into this premiere.
2. Oshi no Ko (Season 3)
Following the intense emotional cliffhangers of the 2D Stage and Private arcs, Season 3 will premiere in January 2026 on Crunchyroll. Produced by Doga Kobo, this season moves into the "Main Story" phase, focusing on the dark underbelly of the film industry as Aqua’s revenge plot accelerates and Ruby’s rise to stardom takes a more ruthless turn. The season is expected to adapt the "Movie Arc," arguably the most pivotal segment of the entire manga.
1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Season 2)
The wait for the continuation of the "First-Class Mage Exam" aftermath is nearly over. Season 2 is officially scheduled to premiere on January 16, 2026. Animated once again by Studio MADHOUSE, the new season will be directed by Tomoya Kitagawa (taking over for Keiichiro Saito). The story follows Frieren, Fern, and Stark as they venture into the northern regions toward Ende, the resting place of souls. Composer Evan Call returns to provide the series' signature melancholic and sweeping orchestral score.
