Looking forward, 2026’s anime roster is already stacked. A slew of exciting announcements at Shueisha’s Jump Festa heightened anticipation, but there’s so much more. Here are 20 titles worth looking forward to, in order of release. Expect lesser-known debuts, high-stakes sequels, and beloved returning franchises. No matter what you’re partial to, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
20
Sentenced to Be a Hero
Release date: Jan. 3
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004 is a mega-popular light novel franchise making its anime debut in 2026. While the Sentenced to Be a Hero anime was initially slated for an Oct. 2025 release, it was eventually pushed back to Jan. 2026. In this dark fantasy world, being a hero isn’t a badge of honor, but a punishment, as the chosen ones have to fight at the front lines against the demon king’s army. Death isn’t a way out either, as those sentenced can be revived at any point. When these unwitting heroes decide to change the world as they know it, unexpected chaos ensues.
19
Fate/strange Fake
Release date: Jan. 3
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
The Fate saga is vast and sprawling, so it’s understandable if you haven’t heard of Fate/strange Fake and its ongoing anime adaptation. A special Whispers of the Dawn prologue and a premiere episode were released in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and we can expect a brand-new episode at the start of 2026. Fate/strange Fake tackles the franchise lore in unexpectedly interesting ways, with the violent Holy Grail War positioned front and center. As expected, Mages and their Heroic Spirits clash to control the Grail, which is much easier said than done when it comes at the cost of innumerable lives and collective sanity.
18
Hana-Kimi
Release date: Jan. 4
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Fans of Hisaya Nakajo’s Hana-Kimi, prepare to rejoice, as the beloved rom-com manga is getting its first-ever anime adaptation in 2026. In Hana-Kimi, Mizuki Ashiya develops an attraction to high jump competitor Izumi Sano during a track and field broadcast on TV. Although Mizuki resides in the U.S., her fascination with Izumi compels her to transfer schools to Japan. The only problem: Izumi attends an all-boys school, which is why Mizuki has to disguise herself to be able to get admission. This premise might sound bonkers at first, but the manga is a great blend of teen angst and humor, which can potentially yield a promising adaptation.
17
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes season 2
Release date: Jan. 5
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes takes place five years before the events of the My Hero Academia anime, and follows Quirk user Koichi Haimawari, who isn’t a licensed hero. But that doesn’t stop Koichi from lending a hand to those in need, includingstreet performer Kazuho Haneyama. The vigilante Knuckleduster recruits the duo, and thus Koichi finds out that even without a license or a powerful Quirk, it’s still possible to be a hero. While this prequel spin-off is set in the same world as the main series, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offers a fresh take on such a beloved franchise.
16
Jujutsu Kaisen season 3: The Culling Game Part 1
Release date: Jan. 8
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Jujutsu Kaisen closed out its second season with the deadly aftermath of the Shibuya incident, but the future ahead isn’t looking too hopeful for everyone involved. Season 3 of the MAPPA series will mostly tackle the Culling Game storyline, but is also expected to explore the Perfect Preparation and Itadori’s Extermination arcs from Gege Akutami’s eponymous manga. Those who’ve seen Jujutsu Kaisen: Extinction — the compilation film that recaps the Shibuya incident and offers a glimpse into the Culling Game arc — already have an idea about what’s to come, but the stakes are higher (and more dangerous) than ever.
15
Trigun Stargaze
Release date: Jan. 10
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Set two years after Trigun Stampede, Trigun Stargaze will see senior journalist Meryl continue her search for Vash the Stampede, accompanied by Milly, but the two also have to contend with Millions Knives’ men conspiring behind the scenes. Trigun Stargaze offers an intriguing turning point for the now-amnesiac Vash, who has assumed a new identity to navigate an existence that doesn’t have much at stake. Of course, all of that is going to change soon, as Vash needs to take on the mantle of the Humanoid Typhoon while still holding on to the lessons learned over the years.
14
Hell’s Paradise season 2
Release date: Jan. 11
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A teaser trailer for the second season of Hell’s Paradise was released in September, in which Yuki Kaji’s dark fantasy series highlights the never-ending dangers of the mystical island Shinsenkyo. The series debuted two years ago, commencing the tale of Gabimaru the Hollow, who sets out on a quest to seek out the Elixir of Immortality. The undertones aren’t traditionally heroic, as Gabimaru and his allies are slated for execution, which adds a frenetic urgency to the mission at hand. Season 2 has been hyped up as a chaotic ordeal, as Gabimaru and the others are closer to coveting the elixir than ever before.
13
Oshi no Ko season 3
Release date: Jan. 14
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Oshi no Ko sports a bonkers premise. A doctor, Gorou Amamiya, is reincarnated as Aqua, the son of his patient Ai Hoshino, and his fraternal twin sister, Ruby Hoshino, also turns out to be the reincarnation of a recently deceased patient. All of this is convoluted (and fun) enough, but the series takes a twisty turn when it morphs into a supernatural murder mystery with thriller elements. Season 3 will continue the tale of Aqua and Ruby, who have now grown to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, just like their mother, Ai.
12
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End season 2
Release date: Jan. 16
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Season 2 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will kick off the Continued Northern Travels Arc, in which Frieren’s party will traverse through the Northern Plateau. This journey is obviously marked with dangers, and they’re a long way from reaching Aureole, or The Land Where Souls Rest. Frieren’s curiosity about mortality might’ve set her on this path, but she and her party need to contend with corporeal threats throughout their journey, along with the uneven ravages of time. It’s reasonable to expect stellar storytelling from season 2 as well, as the anime’s first installment has set a considerably high standard for everyone fond of this fantastical world.
11
Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
Release date: Jan. 22
Where to watch: Netflix
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! isn’t based on a light novel or manga, but a 1000-year-old Japanese folktale about a princess from the moon. This anime film has innumerable precedents due to its celebrated source material (including Sailor Moon!), but Cosmic Princess Kaguya! could still impress us with a moving story and stunning animation. Acclaimed animator Shingo Yamashita is helming this film, which is set in the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi.
