Top 20 Most Anticipated Anime of 2026

It’s going to be a great year for anime lovers! We can look forward to the continuation of popular series, brand new shows based on manga and light novels, and several anime films hitting theaters. The teams behind these shows are revealing exciting previews, like artwork, trailers, and who’s voicing the characters. At the same time, studios are finalizing where and when the shows will air in Japan and around the world.

Here are twenty movie and TV titles currently slated for release in 2026. For each one, we’ll cover the key details-the original source material, the studio or production company behind it, the main storyline or focus, the format it will be in, and how and when it’s expected to be released in both Japan and other countries.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–)

This series continues the story from the manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, starting right after the events of the first season’s journey through the north. It still airs weekly in Japan, and the original main actors and crew are back to ensure the show feels consistent with what came before.

The show will be released internationally using the same simulcast method as the first season, meaning it will become available in multiple regions around the same time. Plans for home video releases and catalog distribution will be revealed after it airs. Details about the musicproduction and any songs connected to the show will be announced nearer the broadcast date.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

The upcoming episodes of the TV show will adapt the ‘Culling Game’ arc from Gege Akutami’s manga. The story picks up after the events of Shibuya, and features both familiar characters and new faces introduced specifically for this storyline.

Japanese television broadcasts are still limited to a national network. However, international viewers can stream the show through our usual partners. To coincide with the show’s release, we’re also launching related products-including books, character songs, and collaborative merchandise.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–)

Okay, so the final episodes really dive into some later chapters of Atsushi Ohkubo’s manga, ‘En’en no Shōbōtai’. As a long-time viewer, I can tell you that David Production, the studio behind the animation, hasn’t missed a beat. They’ve expertly continued to build on the fantastic visual style we’ve come to expect from the previous seasons. It’s a real treat for fans, seeing that consistent quality.

TV broadcasts in Japan will air on a late-night anime block that was used before, and special advance screening events are being organized for some episodes. Internationally, the show will be released with simulcast and dubbed versions, following the usual pattern of a staggered release.

‘Oshi no Ko’ (2023–)

The latest season brings to life the next significant story arc from the manga created by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari. Doga Kobo is back as the animation studio, maintaining the familiar character designs and artistic style that were hallmarks of the previous seasons.

The show continues to air weekly in Japan, with streaming available internationally at the same time. Music from the series-including opening and ending themes, as well as character-specific tracks-is often released with special, limited-edition discs after each season.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023–)

The follow-up to the story continues Yuji Kaku’s thrilling survival-action narrative, expanding from the first island challenges into larger schemes involving the Shogunate and Tensen. The key creative team remains the same, maintaining the show’s signature action animation and vibrant color style.

We’re continuing to release content simultaneously in North America and Europe, and we’ll be adding subtitles and dubbed audio tracks gradually. Physical home-video releases will feature versions without the opening/ending themes, commentary from the production staff, and materials detailing the show’s settings.

‘Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend’ (2026)

This movie is based on the ‘Dear Friend’ book from Hajime Kamoshida’s series of light novels. It follows the pattern of recent films in the franchise, focusing on one story arc per movie, and maintains the visual style created by CloverWorks.

The film will be released initially in Japan’s cinemas, then shown in a limited number of theaters internationally. After that, it will become available for streaming and on Blu-ray. To build excitement before the release, advance tickets, theater merchandise, and reprints of the original novel will be sold.

‘Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi’ (2026)

Kinema Citrus is back with a new movie continuing the dark-fantasy story from Akihito Tsukushi. This film goes further than what’s been shown in the TV series and previous movies, and features the same talented music and sound teams.

The film will first be released in theaters, with special showings and screenings planned in key cities. After that, it will be shown internationally following appearances at film festivals and a few exclusive events. Finally, it will become available to stream and purchase on digital platforms and as a physical disc.

‘Marriagetoxin’ (2026–)

The television series, based on the Jump+ manga created by Joumyaku (writer) and Mizuki Yoda (artist), tells the story of an assassin from a long line of killers who is on a quest to find real love. The team behind the show has launched official social media accounts and shared some early teasers and information about the staff involved.

The show will air late at night in Japan, and it will be available worldwide through popular anime streaming services. To promote the release, there will be special editions including multiple volumes, as well as radio programs featuring the voice cast.

‘Witch Hat Atelier’ (2026–)

The highly acclaimed fantasy series by Kamome Shirahama is finally coming to television. The show will cover the initial training period and the intricate magic system of the world, with a special focus on the detailed costume design and skillful craftsmanship that are key parts of what makes the manga unique.

The show airs at different times of the year in Japan, and is promoted with beautiful artbook-style materials, like exhibitions and special merchandise. It will be available for streaming worldwide on the same day as its Japanese release, with subtitles in many languages. Dubbed versions will be added shortly after the initial release.

‘The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie’ (2026)

After two successful seasons on television, Norio Sakurai’s romantic comedy is now coming to the big screen. The film adapts a well-loved story arc from the original manga and further develops the relationship between the main characters, building on what viewers saw on TV.

The movie will premiere in Japan, followed by releases in certain international markets. To build excitement, a soundtrack, extra manga chapters as gifts, and special items sold only at theaters will be available. Later, the film will become available on streaming services and for purchase on home video.

‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising-‘ (2026)

The upcoming ‘Madoka Magica’ movie picks up where the previous stories left off, continuing the plot established by Magica Quartet. Studio Shaft is once again handling the distinctive visuals and symbolic designs. The new film’s story builds directly on the events of the earlier movies, ensuring a seamless experience for fans of the series.

The film will first be shown in select theaters across the country, starting with special premium screenings. After that, it will be released in theaters internationally. To promote the film, there will also be limited-edition pamphlets, displays at exhibitions, and music related to the movie.

‘THE GHOST IN THE SHELL’ (2026–)

A fresh TV show is building upon the cyber-punk world first created in Masamune Shirow’s original manga. The series follows Section 9 as they continue to investigate crimes involving networks and dangers to public safety, all set in the not-too-distant future.

The new production continues the existing visual style-featuring military-style equipment, technology integrated with the human body, and city landscapes. It will be available for streaming globally, initially with subtitles in multiple languages, followed by versions with translated audio.

‘Fate/strange Fake’ (2024–)

I’m so excited that Ryohgo Narita’s Fate spinoff is getting a full TV series! It started with some special programming, and now we get a whole season. The story takes place in the U.S., and it’s a False Holy Grail War – which sounds amazing. What really grabs me is that it has a totally different group of Masters and Servants, and it’s not set in Fuyuki like some of the other Fate stories. It’s a fresh take on the world!

The show adheres to the typical seasonal release schedule used in Japan. To showcase the diverse characters, related products like music, art books, and themed cafes are launched around the time the show first airs. This helps to maximize the impact and reach of the entire cast and creative works. You can find more information here.

‘Ronin Warriors: Gaiden’ (1989–)

The well-known story of armored heroes is back on TV with a new series based on ‘Yoroiden Samurai Troopers’. The show combines familiar aspects – like the iconic armor and team dynamic – with updated visual designs.

The show will air during a popular late-night time slot. To boost the relaunch, we’re also releasing commemorative merchandise, special collection box sets, and planning collaborations with brands known for robots and action content.

‘Go for It, Nakamura-kun!!’ (2026–)

The BL slice-of-life manga by Syundei is now an animated television series, centering on a timid high school student trying to connect with the person he likes. The series, like the original manga, focuses on humor and relatable moments between characters in a school setting.

In Japan, episodes are released each week and quickly made available with subtitles internationally. To connect with existing fans, the series also features companion content like drama CDs, small events, and partnerships with bookstores, all released around the same time as the episodes air.

‘Diary of a Strange Land’ (2026–)

Tomoko Yamashita’s critically acclaimed manga is being adapted for television. The show will center around the daily lives of a novelist and her niece as they live together. The adaptation promises a focus on subtle, character-focused stories and realistic home environments.

The show will initially be released as a single part, with the possibility of more to come depending on how quickly it’s watched. It will be available internationally with subtitles, and a physical copy, including written essays, will be released later.

‘Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling’ (2026–)

This isekai series, adapted from novels by Nekoko and Naji Yanagida, is now a TV show. It centers around a main character who is reborn as a dragon and develops within a world that functions like a game. The design of the creatures and how they level up closely follow the progression systems described in the original books.

The show is designed as a fantasy-action series intended for weekly broadcast. International distribution will include the option for simulcast – releasing episodes at the same time globally – and a plan to offer dubbed versions shortly after the original episodes premiere.

‘Suikoden: The Anime’ (2026–)

This popular role-playing game is being adapted for television, reimagining the story of the Dunan Unification War. The show will focus on the 108 Stars of Destiny, the magical runes, and the complex political alliances within the world. To fit the TV format, the game’s sprawling, multi-path story has been broken down into arcs that will air over several cours.

The game’s music and visual style closely resemble the original, echoing its themes and menu layouts. Versions released outside of the initial region feature subtitles in multiple languages, and later special editions come with a selection of music from the soundtrack and collectible art cards.

‘ That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Tears of the Azure Sea’ (2026)

This movie adds a new chapter to the ‘Slime’ franchise, presenting a fresh story that fits within the established series timeline, as overseen by the creators. The character designs stay true to the look of the TV show, which was produced by 8bit.

The film begins in Japan and will then be shown in select international cinemas. To support the release, there will be extra content for fans of the original light novels, merchandise available at the theaters, and a soundtrack released alongside the film’s theatrical run.

‘Liberated from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart’ (2026)

I’m really excited to see a new installment in the world of ‘Expelled from Paradise’! It’s bringing back that awesome mix of sci-fi action and exploring what cyber-society could look like. What’s even better is that the people who made the first film are involved, so it should feel just as good as the original. They’re really working to keep the same look and feel we all loved. I can’t wait to see what they’ve created – it’s a continuation of everything that made the first one so special. You can find more information on their official website.

The film will first be shown in theaters nationwide, then at film festivals around the world, before becoming widely available. Home video releases will feature behind-the-scenes footage and interviews detailing how the film was made using digital technology. More information will be available soon.

Share your own must-watch picks for 2026 in the comments—what titles are you most excited to see?

Read More

2025-10-02 14:15