10 Highly Anticipated Anime Series Set For Release In 2026

Anime fans have so much to celebrate in 2026.

This year brings back beloved series with new seasons and introduces fresh stories that promise to captivate audiences worldwide.

From action-packed adventures to heartfelt dramas, these upcoming releases showcase the incredible diversity and creativity that make anime such a powerful medium.

Disclaimer: Information in this article reflects publicly announced release windows and premiere dates available at time of writing.

Schedules can shift due to production or broadcast changes, and availability may vary by region and streaming service.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1

Sorcerers across Japan prepare for the most dangerous battle royale ever created in this thrilling continuation.

JUJUTSU KAISEN is currently slated to return in early 2026 with the beginning of the Culling Game storyline.

Fans have waited eagerly to see their favorite characters face impossible odds in this high-stakes tournament.

Expect intense action sequences, shocking plot twists, and emotional moments that will leave viewers breathless after every episode.

2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2

An elven mage continues her journey through a world where time moves differently for immortals than for humans.

Frieren’s quiet adventures explore what it means to form connections when you outlive everyone you meet.

This season promises more beautiful storytelling about friendship, memory, and understanding the fleeting nature of mortal lives.

Viewers will discover why sometimes the smallest moments create the most lasting impressions on our hearts.

3. Oshi No Ko Season 3

Entertainment industry secrets and dark mysteries continue to unfold in this gripping drama about fame and identity.

The story follows characters navigating the challenging world of showbiz while uncovering truths about their past lives.

Maybe you’ll find yourself questioning what really happens behind the glamorous facade of celebrity culture.

This season digs deeper into themes of revenge, ambition, and the price people pay for stardom in modern Japan.

4. Re: Zero − Starting Life In Another World Season 4

Subaru’s ability to return from death keeps him trapped in an endless cycle of trying to save those he loves.

Season 4 is currently planned for a 2026 release, following its official announcement and teaser materials.

Each reset teaches valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the strength needed to keep fighting when everything seems hopeless.

Prepare for emotional rollercoasters that will make you appreciate every small victory along Subaru’s difficult path.

5. Witch Hat Atelier

Dedication and practice are revealed as the true sources of magic to a young girl who discovers that these powers are learned rather than inherited.

Witchcraft becomes the focus of Coco’s journey after she witnesses a traveling mage create wonders using intricate drawings.

Creativity, hard work, and the joy of mastering a craft through patient study are celebrated throughout this beautifully animated series.

Enchanting visuals bring to life a magical system that stands apart from anything previously seen in fantasy anime.

6. Fire Force Season 3 Part 2

Firefighters with pyrokinetic abilities continue their mission to stop human combustion and uncover the truth behind the flames.

Part 2 is expected to continue in 2026 as the series approaches its conclusion.

Shinra and his team face their toughest battles yet against enemies who threaten to engulf the entire world in fire.

Spectacular animation brings blazing fight scenes to life with intensity that’ll have you feeling the heat through your screen.

7. Dr. Stone: Science Future Part 3

Rebuilding civilization from the stone age requires equal parts scientific knowledge and creative problem-solving.

Senku and his friends continue using chemistry, physics, and engineering to bring modern technology back to a petrified world.

Cour 3 is expected to premiere in 2026.

Every episode transforms complex scientific concepts into exciting adventures that make learning feel like the coolest thing ever.

8. One Piece: Elbaph Arc

The legendary island of giants, a place shrouded in mystery and ancient lore, is finally reached by Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.

The long-anticipated Elbaph Arc is expected to begin in 2026.

Revelations about the history of the world and a closer path to the ultimate treasure are promised by this new arc.

Surprises that keep millions of fans hooked worldwide every single week continue to be delivered by One Piece after decades of adventure.

9. MF Ghost Season 3

Street racing returns with high-speed action as drivers compete in dangerous mountain passes across Japan.

Created by the same mind behind Initial D, this series combines cutting-edge cars with thrilling downhill battles.

Kanata Rivington continues proving his skills behind the wheel while uncovering secrets about his mentor’s past.

Gearheads will appreciate the technical details and realistic driving techniques that make every race feel authentically intense and pulse-pounding.

Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2026.

10. The Ghost In The Shell

Cyberpunk returns to its roots with a brand new adaptation of the groundbreaking manga by Masamune Shirow.

Science Saru brings fresh animation style to the story of Major Kusanagi, a cyborg officer fighting cybercrime in a futuristic world.

Questions about consciousness, identity, and what makes us human drive this philosophical action series.

Longtime fans and newcomers alike will appreciate this modern take on a classic that defined an entire genre decades ago.