2026’s Hottest Anime Premieres: Dates, Details, and Must-Watch Picks
From Frieren to Jujutsu Kaisen, 2026 is packed with new anime seasons and fresh releases. Discover the full calendar, key highlights, and what’s set to hit screens next year.
Anime fans are in for a treat in 2026, with a packed line-up of fresh series and returning favourites. The year kicks off with a bang in January, as new instalments of much-loved shows and a handful of anticipated debuts land on screens. While release dates can shift without warning and some titles might pop up unexpectedly, there’s already a solid calendar of what’s coming up, so punters can plan their viewing well ahead.
Among the first to drop are the next chapters of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Jujutsu Kaisen, both set to air in January. But that’s just the start—there are heaps more on the way, including sequels, new arcs, and a few surprises. Whether you’re keen on action, adventure, or a bit of supernatural drama, there’s something for everyone in the mix.
What’s Coming in Each Season
The winter schedule is already looking busy. Case Closed: Detective Conan continues its long run, while Fate/strange Fake and Sentenced to Be a Hero both premiere on 3 January. Golden Kamuy wraps up with its final season on 4 January, and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes returns for a second season the very next day. Jujutsu Kaisen follows on 8 January, with Fire Force and Trigun Stargaze close behind. Hell’s Paradise and Oshi no Ko also return mid-month, and Frieren resumes her journey on 16 January.
Spring brings a fresh batch, with One Piece: Elbaph Arc and Re:Zero both launching in April. The Beginning After the End and Wistoria: Wand and Sword also get new seasons, while Witch Hat Atelier makes its debut. Devil May Cry is back for a second round in May.
Big Names and New Faces
Summer’s not slacking off either. Black Torch and The Detective is Already Dead are both set for July. Come autumn, The Apothecary Diaries returns for a third season in October, with a film adaptation following in December. Blue Box also gets a second season in the latter part of the year.
Some titles are still waiting on confirmed dates, but they’re already making waves. Beastars continues with a new part, Bleach brings another chapter, and Dr. Stone is back for more science-fuelled adventures. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run is set to take viewers on a wild ride, while Sekiro: No Defeat promises a hand-drawn adaptation of the popular game. The Ghost in the Shell returns to its roots, and Tokyo Revengers gears up for a new arc.
Highlights and Where to Watch
Among the standouts, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End continues the travels of Frieren, Fern, and Stark as they head north. The first season was a massive hit, topping the charts for anime ratings. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run takes the action to a 19th-century horse race, packed with intrigue and the supernatural. Jujutsu Kaisen adapts the Culling Game arc, promising plenty of intense battles. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes sees the vigilantes striking out on their own, facing new heroes and villains.
One Piece: Elbaph Arc slows things down with 26 episodes, focusing on the Straw Hats’ journey to Elbaph. Sekiro: No Defeat is shaping up to be a memorable experience, with a fully hand-drawn style. The Ghost in the Shell heads back to the original manga’s mind-bending world. Most of these shows will be available on major streaming platforms, with some offering free trials for new viewers.