5 Best Fantasy Series We’re Excited About In 2026, Ranked

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As 2025 comes to a close, anime fans are buzzing about the year’s biggest moments. There’s been a lot of discussion about which shows, movies, and announcements stood out, and a few titles really dominated the conversation. 2025 was a huge year for anime, especially with the successful theatrical releases of Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man, which both surpassed the box office performance of many Western films.

After a fantastic 2025 for anime, fans are already looking forward to what 2026 will bring. The upcoming year promises a solid lineup of returning favorites and exciting new series. Science fiction and fantasy genres are expected to be particularly strong, and this list highlights what we believe are the best fantasy anime to watch out for in 2026.

5) Sentenced to Be a Hero

The dark fantasy anime series, Sentenced to Be a Hero, is scheduled to premiere in January 2026. It’s based on a popular light novel and is being produced by Studio Kai, the team behind the upcoming series Snowball Earth. The trailer shows off impressive animation and a distinctive art style that perfectly matches the dark fantasy world of the original manga. The story centers around a unique premise: criminals are sentenced to become heroes as a form of punishment and a chance to make amends. It explores complex themes like forgiveness, unfairness in society, selflessness, and the blurry boundary between right and wrong.

4)Witch Hat Atelier

Fans are eagerly awaiting the anime adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier, originally planned for 2025 but now scheduled to premiere in April 2026 on Crunchyroll worldwide. The delay was made to ensure the highest quality animation. The series, beloved by manga readers, is praised for its beautiful artwork, detailed world, and inventive magic system. The story follows a young girl determined to learn magic, even though tradition dictates only those born with magical abilities can practice it. Witch Hat Atelier explores themes of knowledge, individuality, creativity, and the potential pitfalls of power.

3) Jujutsu Kaisen

Since its release in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen has become a hugely popular and critically acclaimed anime, quickly establishing itself as a modern classic. Though not brand new, anticipation for its third season is incredibly high, with a release planned for early January 2026. Before the full season airs, a movie, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, will come out in 2025, featuring the first two episodes of the new season’s storyline. The upcoming season will adapt the “Culling Game Arc” from the manga, introducing many new characters fans are eager to see animated. Viewers can expect even more exciting fights, intense drama, and significant character growth.

2) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Despite being well-regarded as part of Shonen Jump’s ‘Dark Trio’ alongside hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku doesn’t get the attention it deserves. This anime truly shines with its original story, beautiful world, exciting fights, and compelling characters. Season two is scheduled to premiere in January 2026, almost three years after the first season, and will adapt the highly anticipated “Lord Tensen Arc” and “Hōrai Arc” from the manga. If you enjoy dark fantasy anime with a historical backdrop, Hell’s Paradise is definitely worth checking out.

1) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has quickly become a very popular fantasy anime. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the second season, which is set to premiere in January 2026 – two years after the first season aired in 2023. The new season will likely adapt the “Golden Land Arc” from the original manga, and may be a bit shorter than the first. The series follows the elf mage Frieren as she travels the land after defeating the Demon King, exploring themes of time, loss, friendship, and the value of human connection.

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2025-12-26 22:22