As we gear up for the thrilling anime scene in 2026, fans can’t wait for a fresh wave of engaging stories, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable characters. The year ahead is shaping up to showcase a wide variety of genres and themes, ranging from action-packed escapades to touching dramas. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting to explore the wonders of anime, 2026 promises a treasure trove of captivating series that will enchant viewers around the globe. In this piece, we’ll dive into the top selections that are bound to leave a mark, emphasizing the special features that make each one a must-see. Check out these top 10 anime of 2026 that you definitely shouldn’t miss, each offering a unique mix of storytelling and animation that will surely stick with you.

Mayonaka Heart Tune centers around Arisu Yamabuki, a high school sophomore on a quest to find a mysterious radio host named Apollo, whose soothing voice kept him company during lonely nights. After Apollo abruptly stops broadcasting, Arisu decides to join his school’s broadcasting club in hopes of tracking her down. Along the way, he meets four girls who share dreams of working in voice acting. The story delves into their aspirations and Arisu’s journey to discover Apollo’s true identity. Currently, the manga has been collected into seven volumes, and an anime adaptation is set to premiere in 2026. The anime is expected to have around 12 episodes, each lasting between 23 to 25 minutes, and will likely be available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll or Funimation once it’s out.

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You and I Are Polar Opposites tells the story of Miyu Suzuki, an energetic high school girl, and her reserved classmate, Yusuke Tani. Even though they couldn’t be more different, Suzuki finds herself crushing on Tani and bravely asks him to walk home with her. This sparks an unexpected journey as they begin dating. The series dives into their growing relationship, highlighting how they deal with their differences and improve their communication skills. It has 12 episodes, each lasting between 23 to 25 minutes. You can catch it on Crunchyroll.

MF Ghost Season 3 is set to drop in 2026, picking up the thrilling ride of Kanata Rivington as he races in the MFG and searches for his dad. The new season will likely continue right from the cliffhanger of Season 2, where Kanata faced challenges during the Peninsula Manazuru race because of an elbow injury. Each season has had 12 episodes so far. You can catch the anime streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Ani-One Asia ULTRA. The total runtime for the season will vary based on episode length, which is usually around 22-24 minutes each, just like the earlier seasons.

Ghost in the Shell TV anime series is set to premiere in 2026, brought to life by Science SARU. It stars Major Motoko Kusanagi and follows Section 9 as they navigate intricate cybercrimes. This anime is part of a bigger celebration, which includes a detailed exhibition in Tokyo highlighting the franchise’s 30-year legacy. You can probably catch the series on multiple streaming platforms, such as Crunchyroll.

Mission: Yozakura Family Season 2 picks up the tale of Taiyo Asano, a reserved high schooler who only feels comfortable around his childhood friend, Mutsumi Yozakura. Mutsumi comes from a family of spies, and her overly protective brother Kyoichiro sees Taiyo as a potential threat. To keep Mutsumi safe, Taiyo ties the knot with her and becomes part of the spy family, all while digging into the mysteries surrounding his own family’s demise and honing his spy skills. This season features 24 episodes and can be streamed on platforms like Hulu and Disney+. It promises to deliver more of the exciting mix of spy action and romantic comedy that fans loved in the first season.

Oshi no Ko Season 3 is set to dive into the Mainstay, Scandal, and maybe even the Movie Arcs from the manga, giving us a closer look at Ruby Hoshino’s journey and revealing more family secrets. The storyline will tackle some darker themes and bring in new characters like Shun and Mimi Yoshizumi. There will be a total of 13 episodes, each running about 23 to 25 minutes. Fans can look forward to streaming Oshi no Ko on platforms like HIDIVE, and in some areas, it might also be accessible on Netflix with a VPN or Hulu in the US.

Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 is set to wrap up the anime, probably covering the last arcs of the manga and bringing the story to its peak. This part will likely explore what happens after the Obi’s Rescue arc and dive into the Final Pillar arc, leading up to an epic showdown with the White-Clad and the Evangelist. We can expect around 12 episodes in this season, with each episode running for about 23 minutes. Fans can catch Fire Force Season 3 on streaming services like Crunchyroll.

Frieren Season 2 picks up with the elven mage Frieren and her friends as they head north to Aureole, the destination for all souls, hoping to connect with her late friend Himmel. The season features 24 episodes, each lasting around 23-25 minutes. Fans can catch Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End on different streaming services that provide anime, but keep in mind that availability might differ based on regional licensing.

Hell’s Paradise Season 2 takes us back to Japan’s Edo period, following Gabimaru and Yamada Asaemon Sagiri as they brave the dangerous island of Shinsenkyo in their quest for the elixir of life. This season is set to explore the Hōrai arc, packed with intense battles, unexpected betrayals, and shocking revelations that will challenge the characters like never before. With 14 episodes in total, that’s one more than the first season, fans can catch all the action on Crunchyroll.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is a key storyline that follows Yuji Itadori and his friends as they take on a brutal battle royale set up by Kenjaku. This arc covers chapters 159-221 of the manga and is expected to be part of Season 3 of the anime, which will likely have a similar number of episodes as the earlier seasons, around 23-24. Each episode usually runs for about 22 to 25 minutes. The new season is projected to debut in mid to late 2026, although an official release date hasn’t been announced yet. The Culling Games bring in fresh characters and intricate rules, setting the stage for thrilling fights and heartbreaking moments. In the meantime, fans can catch up on previous seasons and the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie on Crunchyroll.

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