Sequels, adaptations and surprises: Upcoming 2026 anime line-up we are counting down to

As we approach the end of 2025, the exciting 2026 lineup of upcoming movies and series is the only thing keeping the spirits of anime lovers high. It’s no longer a genre — it’s a coping mechanism and free therapy to avoid the existential dread and misery of the living. While calling everyday life ‘misery’ may be an exaggeration, that is how it feels once the credit rolls and you’re no longer fighting demons, finding the sacred treasure or levelling up your powers. If you thought your watchlist couldn’t get any more unhinged, wait till you see the lineup for next year.

Expect a suitcase full of sequels, long-awaited adaptations and bold originals that will become your new favourite binge-worthy titles. These anime will take over your plans, sleep and sanity, all at the same time. But beware of the teaser and trailer drops. Once you finish watching the minute-long clip, you’ll find yourself binging the previous seasons at 2:00 am. However, the upcoming titles deserve to be obsessed over.

The upcoming 2026 anime movies and series lineup is fearless, to say the least. There’s bone-crunching action, heart-fluttering romance, hair-raising sorcery and symbolism that will send you spirally down the YouTube conspiracy rabbit hole. Buckle up, anime lovers! The anime era of 2026 is about to be a wild ride.

Upcoming anime in 2026 that are worth the hype

This story first appeared here.

1 /8

Release date: 8 January 2026
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Synopsis: The third season of the crowd-favourite anime will adapt the Cullin Game arc. It will follow the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident, where Kenjaku awakened several non-sorcerers. With Gojo exiled from Jujutsu society and Yuji sentenced to death, the third season will introduce new powerful sorcerers while Yuji navigates the deadly game to free Satoru Gojo from the Prison Realm.

2 /8

Release date: To be announced
Cast: Tanya Degurechaff, Visha and Erich
Where to watch: To be announced

Synopsis: The second season will follow Tanya Degurechaff’s 203rd Battalion fighting desperate battles against multiple foes in an alternate WWI-esque world. She navigates the harsh realities of war while trying to leave the chaos behind her. She will also battle with her past salaryman self as she grows a tough skin from all adversities.

3 /8

Release date: 5 January 2026
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Synopsis: The second season of the popular anime series will follow the School Days arc. It will follow Aizawa, Hizashi Yamada (Present Mic), and Oboro Shirakumo, navigating struggles and challenges in U.A. High School. The new season will introduce larger and stronger threats while the heroes try to conquer their fears and tame them.

4 /8

Release date: 11 January 2026
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Synopsis: Follow Gabimaru and Sagiri on the second leg of their quest for the Elixir of Life on the mysterious island. The upcoming season will not only introduce new adventures but also bring forth powerful foes, including the formidable Lord Tensen. There will be new revelations about the island’s history as the characters’ limits will be tested with each new challenge.

5 /8

Release date: Winter or Spring 2026
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Synopsis: The final arc will follow Senku and the Kingdom of Science joining hands with former rival Dr. Xeno to build a spaceship to journey to the Moon. They will also go up against the mysterious Why-man. They must work together and cross all obstacles to revive all of humanity by reversing death itself.

6 /8

Release date: To be announced
Cast: Miyuki Sawashiro, Hiroshi Kamiya and Atsumi Tanezaki

Synopsis: The upcoming third and final film in the Mononoke movie trilogy follows the Medicine Seller’s story in the imperial women’s quarters. The new movie will focus on the powerful Snake God (Hebigami) mononoke. The Medicine Seller must discover the vengeful spirit’s origin. He might also find hints of a link to characters like Lady Yukio and the imperial succession.

7 /8

Release date: April 2026
Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Synopsis: The fourth season will dive deep into the Slothifula Kingdom by exploring themes of betrayal, major threats and deeper love, including intense challenges for Subaru and Emilia. There will be grisly battles, strong character development, power struggles and more.

8 /8

Release date: To be announced
Director: Hiroshi Nishikiori

Synopsis: Adaptation of the popular 2018 webtoon by Jeho Son, follows a kind high schooler, Jiwoo, an independent awakener. He partners up with Kayden, an undercover agent disguised as a fat cat. Together, they must fight off an evil force trying to rule over the world. However, they must first learn to tolerate each other.