Best Anime of 2026

2026 delivered an exceptional lineup of anime, blending long-awaited sequels, bold adaptations, and dazzling originals. Our picks celebrate titles that pushed boundaries in storytelling, animation, and emotional depth, chosen based on critical reception, fan enthusiasm, and cultural impact. From heart-wrenching dramas to adrenaline-fueled battles, this year proved anime's limitless potential to captivate global audiences.

Our top pickRe:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4

1. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4
★ 90 · Action, Adventure
Re:ZERO Season 4 masterfully escalates Subaru's torment with breathtaking animation and psychological depth, cementing its status as isekai's crown jewel through relentless tension and character growth.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
2. STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 1st STAGE
★ 88 · Action, Adventure
STEEL BALL RUN bursts onto screens with JoJo's signature flair, blending horse racing with supernatural battles in a visually stunning adaptation of Hirohiko Araki's beloved manga arc.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
★ 88 · Adventure, Drama
Frieren's second season deepens its melancholic exploration of immortality with exquisite world-building and quiet moments that resonate long after the credits roll.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
4. Journal with Witch
★ 87 · Drama, Slice of Life
Journal with Witch casts a gentle spell with its tender portrayal of witchcraft in modern life, finding magic in everyday struggles and triumphs.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
5. 【OSHI NO KO】Season 3
★ 86 · Drama, Mystery
OSHI NO KO Season 3 delivers shocking idol industry revelations with razor-sharp social commentary, proving this dark horse still has teeth.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
6. JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1
★ 86 · Action, Drama
JUJUTSU KAISEN's Culling Game arc unleashes breathtaking sakuga as sorcerers collide in a deadly tournament, raising stakes while deepening lore.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
7. Witch Hat Atelier
★ 86 · Adventure, Drama
Witch Hat Atelier enchants with its vibrant magic system and coming-of-age tale, where every spell feels hand-drawn with loving care.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
8. Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
★ 84 · Action, Comedy
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! rockets through genres with infectious energy, blending idol antics with intergalactic warfare in a kaleidoscopic spectacle.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
9. Love Through A Prism
★ 84 · Drama, Romance
Love Through A Prism refracts romance through innovative storytelling lenses, crafting intimate drama from light's metaphorical possibilities.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
10. NIPPON SANGOKU: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun
★ 84 · Action, Drama
NIPPON SANGOKU reimagines feudal Japan with mecha-scale ambition, where warring states clash in visually inventive sci-fi battles.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
11. Dorohedoro Season 2
★ 83 · Action, Adventure
Dorohedoro Season 2 doubles down on grotesque charm, mixing visceral action with dark humor in its gloriously messy underworld.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube
12. Medalist Season 2
★ 83 · Drama, Psychological
Medalist Season 2 lands triple axels of emotional intensity, portraying figure skating's beauty and brutality with equal precision.
Watch on: Crunchyroll · Netflix · YouTube