2025 was a fantastic year for anime fans! Many beloved series returned with new seasons after long breaks, including Spy x Family, One-Punch Man, and My Hero Academia. Several anime also had hugely successful movies, like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, with Demon Slayer even surpassing the box office numbers of some Western films. Plus, a lot of exciting new anime premiered and quickly gained popularity, such as Gachiakuta and Leviathan.
2025 had some fantastic anime, but 2026 looks even better! We’ll see more seasons of beloved shows, plus a bunch of brand-new series that are sure to impress. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming anime debuting in 2026 and why you won’t want to miss them.
6) Sentenced to Be a Hero
Coming in 2026, the dark fantasy series Sentenced to Be a Hero is based on a well-loved light novel that started in 2020. The initial trailer shows stunning animation that perfectly captures the unique and detailed art style of the source material. The series appears to be a refreshing take on fantasy anime, promising to avoid many of the clichés we’ve seen repeatedly lately.
Sentenced to Be a Hero presents a unique take on the idea of heroism: in this world, being labeled a hero is actually the worst possible punishment. Criminals are forced to fight huge monsters as a way to atone for their crimes. The story explores themes of forgiveness and redemption, and the anime aims to capture the complex message of the original light novel while keeping its dark and gritty tone.
5) A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation
The upcoming anime, A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation, is expected to revitalize the Isekai genre, which hasn’t been as popular lately despite ongoing seasons of established shows. Based on a light novel (and a manga adaptation), the series will premiere in January 2026 and stream on Crunchyroll. What sets it apart is its intriguing concept and unique character interactions, featuring an entirely male cast.
The series follows Lizel, a refined nobleman who suddenly finds himself in a completely foreign and challenging world. To help him navigate this strange new place and find a way home, Lizel enlists the help of Gil, a seasoned adventurer, as his guide. A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation promises a lighthearted mix of fantasy, comedy, and a touch of romance, making it a great choice for viewers looking for an enjoyable and not-too-serious show in 2026.
4) Daemons of the Shadow Realm
I’m seriously hyped for Daemons of the Shadow Realm! It’s a new dark fantasy anime coming out in April 2026, and it’s based on a manga by Hiromu Arakawa – you know, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist? That alone tells you it’s going to be amazing in terms of story and characters. Plus, Bones Film – the studio behind some incredible animation – is handling production, and it’s going to stream on Crunchyroll! From what I’ve heard, it’s going to be a really emotional series exploring themes like loss, family, the clash between old and new, and whether or not we really have control over our own lives.
The anime is set in a fantasy world filled with Daemons – powerful, supernatural beings that only a few humans can control. The story follows twin siblings, Yuru and Asa, as they reunite and discover they have the unique ability to control all Daemons. It’s a show that deeply explores the bonds between family, and how long-held traditions can clash with a changing world. If you enjoyed Fullmetal Alchemist, this series is a must-watch, and fans of intricate fantasy anime in general should definitely check it out.
3) Witch Hat Atelier
I’ve been so excited for the Witch Hat Atelier anime, and it feels like forever since fans of the manga first heard it was in the works! We originally thought we’d be waiting until 2025, but the creators wanted to make sure everything was absolutely perfect, so they’re releasing it next year instead. And honestly, the trailer looks incredible – it really captures the beautiful art style of the manga with so much detail. I can’t wait!
Witch Hat Atelier is a fantasy anime about Coco, a young girl determined to learn magic in a world where magical talent is decided at birth. The series explores complex themes like social class, fate, self-discovery, and the responsible use of power. Though it appears cheerful, the show is surprisingly emotional and features some dark undertones in its story and characters. It’s a fantastic anime to look forward to in 2026, and fans are hoping it won’t be delayed any further.
2) Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2
Many fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 next year. While not a brand new series, it continues the story set in the world of the popular Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, which reignited interest in the cyberpunk genre. However, the new season will tell a separate, standalone story, not directly connected to the events of the first season. The brief teaser trailer shows the same striking visual style as the original, promising another visually stunning experience.
Details about the plot and cast of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 are still limited, though it’s currently scheduled to release in 2026. We do know the same writers and animation studio behind the first season are returning. The new season will again be set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077 and feature a fresh story with new characters, focusing on themes of revenge and redemption. Producers have confirmed the season will consist of 10 episodes. For now, fans will have to wait for more details about what Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 will bring.
1) Trigun Stargaze
Most reboots try to improve on the original, but Trigun Stampede, released in 2023, successfully offers a new and enjoyable take on the classic 1990s Trigun anime. One of the biggest changes is the animation – it’s entirely computer-generated in 3D, giving the show a distinctive and fluid look. The reboot also expands on the history of the twin characters, Vash and Knives, revealing more about their shared past and the tragic events that led to their separation.
Following the conclusion of its first season, fans have eagerly awaited the return of Trigun Stargaze. Now, a new trailer has been released, giving a first look at the upcoming season, which is set to premiere in January 2026. This season will be the final chapter in the rebooted Trigun story, bringing the series to a close. Trigun Stargaze will delve deeper into the events of the original Trigun manga, providing a satisfying conclusion to the saga of No Man’s Land and Vash’s team.
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2025-11-26 17:14