With 2026 shaping up to be a banner year for anime, here are the 10 most anticipated series and sequel releases that fans around the world are hyped for.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen – Season 3
- Why it’s hyped: Season 3 returns with the much-anticipated Culling Game arc, promising high-stakes battles and major power shifts. JW Web Magazine+2Gamerant+2
- Premiere: January 8, 2026. EW.com
- What to expect: Given MAPPA’s proven track record and how intense the Culling Game is in the manga, fans expect both brutal fights and deep character moments.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Season 2
- Why it’s hyped: This contemplative fantasy about life after heroism struck a chord in its first season, and fans are eager for more of Frieren’s quiet journey and emotional growth. JW Web Magazine
- Premiere: January 2026. Gamerant
- What to expect: More of the gentle, introspective storytelling that made Season 1 so beloved — and possibly deeper exploration into the relationships between Frieren, Fern, and Stark.
3. Oshi no Ko – Season 3
- Why it’s hyped: The idol-world drama continues. A new teaser visual, along with fresh story beats, suggests this season will be pivotal. Oricon Group+1
- Premiere: January 2026. Oricon Group
- Notable additions: New cast members have been announced, like Yuto Takenaka (Shun Yoshizumi) and Yoji Ueda (Tetsu Urushibara). Oricon Group
- What to expect: More behind-the-scenes drama in the entertainment industry, deeper character arcs, and likely emotional turning points.
4. Hell’s Paradise (Jigokuraku) – Season 2
- Why it’s hyped: After a brutal first season, the second season dives deeper into the island’s dark mysteries, new executioners, and looming conflict. Oricon Group
- Premiere: January 2026. Oricon Group+1
- What to expect: A more intense tone, higher stakes, and more action as Gabimaru and Sagiri face new enemies and uncover deeper secrets. CoNime
5. The Apothecary Diaries – Season 3
- Why it’s hyped: The palace mystery anime returns with a split-cour third season plus a theatrical movie. Hypebeast+1
- Premiere:
- Season 3, Part 1: October 2026 NamiComi
- Part 2: April 2027 Hypebeast
- Movie: December 2026, with an original story by light novel author Natsu Hyuuga. Animehunch+1
- What to expect: More medical mysteries, palace intrigue, and character development, plus cinematic-level storytelling in the movie.
6. Ghost Concert: Missing Songs
- Why it’s hyped: A new original mixed-media project blending music battles with a sci-fi twist, produced by ENGI. Vikipedi
- Premiere: 2026. Vikipedi
- What to expect: High-energy musical showdowns, futuristic visuals, and a fresh concept that hasn’t been overdone in anime.
7. Inherit the Winds (Kaze o Tsugu Mono)
- Why it’s hyped: A historical anime produced by Aniplex, blending samurai-era drama with a more theatrical, emotionally rich narrative. Vikipedi
- Premiere: 2026, with a four-panel manga adaptation announced too. Vikipedi
- What to expect: Historical intrigue, political drama, and compelling character dynamics — potentially appealing to fans of period anime.
8. Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan
- Why it’s hyped: Original anime from Aniplex, animated by A-1 Pictures & Psyde Kick, centered on a circus and its performers. Vikipedi
- Premiere: 2026. Vikipedi
- What to expect: A visually rich, emotionally evocative story about performance, dreams, and the bonds formed under the big top.
9. Ghost in the Shell (New Adaptation)
- Why it’s hyped: A brand-new adaptation by Science Saru, bringing a fresh, stylized look to Motoko Kusanagi’s world. Polygon+1
- Premiere: 2026. Polygon
- What to expect: Cyberpunk action, philosophical stakes, and a modern retelling with a potentially more vibrant and experimental animation style.
10. Tetsuryō! Meet with Tetsudō Musume
- Why it’s hyped: A completely original anime based on the “Tetsudō Musume” franchise (train-girl anthropomorphized characters), focusing on four university students traveling railway lines. Vikipedi
- Premiere: 2026. Vikipedi
- What to expect: Slice-of-life charm, travel adventures, and a unique concept that blends rail enthusiasm with character-driven storytelling.
Why 2026 Looks So Promising
- Diverse genres: From high-octane action (Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise) to emotional fantasy (Frieren) and historical drama (Apothecary Diaries, Inherit the Winds).
- Big-name studios: MAPPA, Science Saru, A-1 Pictures, Aniplex — they’re all involved in major titles.
- Original vs Sequel Mix: There’s a good balance of new IPs and continuing stories, giving something for long-term fans and newcomers alike.
