2026 Anime Premieres: Key Dates and Must-See Series Revealed

The 2026 anime calendar is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a lineup that’s sure to thrill both longtime fans and newcomers. The year kicks off strong in January, as several major series return alongside a host of fresh titles. With so many premieres and ongoing shows, keeping track of every release can be a challenge, especially as schedules often shift and surprise announcements are common. This guide breaks down the biggest releases and what viewers can look forward to throughout the year.

Winter 2026: Blockbuster Returns and New Adventures

January brings a wave of highly anticipated sequels and new stories.

Case Closed: Detective Conan

continues its run, while

Fate/strange Fake

and

Sentenced to Be a Hero

both debut on January 3.

Golden Kamuy Final Season

follows on January 4, and

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

returns for its second season on January 5.

Jujutsu Kaisen

launches its third season on January 8, promising intense action as it adapts the Culling Game arc. Other highlights include

Fire Force

season 3, part 2 (January 9),

Trigun Stargaze

(January 10),

Hell's Paradise

season 2 (January 11),

Oshi no Ko

season 3 (January 14), and

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

season 2 (January 16), which continues the journey of Frieren, Fern, and Stark as they head north.

Spring and Summer: New Arcs and Fan Favorites

Spring 2026 is set to deliver even more excitement.

One Piece: Elbaph Arc

begins in April, focusing on the Straw Hats’ adventure to Elbaph with a planned 26-episode run.

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

returns for its fourth season, and

The Beginning After the End

and

Wistoria: Wand and Sword

both launch their second seasons.

Witch Hat Atelier

also premieres in April, while

Devil May Cry

season 2 arrives on May 12. Summer brings

Black Torch

and

The Detective is Already Dead

season 2 in July, keeping the momentum going through the warmer months.

Fall and Beyond: Anticipated Sequels and Unannounced Dates

As the year winds down, fall 2026 features the third season of

The Apothecary Diaries

in October,

Blue Box

season 2, and a new

The Apothecary Diaries

movie in December. Several major projects are still awaiting official dates, including

Beastars

season 3, part 2,

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War: The Calamity

,

Dr. Stone Science Future

part 3,

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run

,

Sekiro: No Defeat

,

The Ghost in the Shell

, and

Tokyo Revengers: War of the Three Titans

. Additional titles like

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

season 2,

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle 2

,

Haikyuu VS The Little Giant

, and

Vinland Saga

season 3 are also on the horizon, though their release windows remain unconfirmed.

Spotlight on Major Titles and Streaming Platforms

Among the standout series,

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

season 2 continues its acclaimed story on Crunchyroll, following a first season that became a fan favorite.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run

is set to debut on Netflix, bringing a 19th-century cross-country race filled with supernatural twists.

Jujutsu Kaisen

season 3 promises high-stakes battles, while

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

season 2 introduces new heroes and villains.

Sekiro: No Defeat

offers a hand-drawn adaptation of the popular game, and

The Ghost in the Shell

returns to its roots with a new vision from Science Saru. Fans can catch many of these premieres on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, with some offering free trial periods for new viewers.