This year will be one of the greatest seasons in anime history.

2025 was one of the greatest years for anime, delivering many hits, including Takopi’s Original Sin, My Hero Academia Final Season, Lord of Mysteries, Gachiakuta, and To Be Hero X.

Building on last year’s success, 2026’s anime lineup looks even stronger. This column will break down each series fans are most excited about.

Sentenced to Be a Hero, written by Rocket Shokai and illustrated by MEPHISTO (Release Date: Jan. 3, 2026 on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, and Roku Channel)

This dark and action-packed story follows a fearless, loyal, and bitter-humored former elite knight, Xylo Forbartz, who is blamed for the death of a goddess and disobeying orders from the Holy Knights.

In this world, criminals are sentenced to a twisted sense of heroism where they are forced into endless labor, grueling missions, and constant risks to their lives.

At the same time, in this dark world, the people are forced to fight against a powerful force called the Demon Blight that turns anything it reaches into a monster. These monsters are grotesque, mutated, and under the control of the Demon King. Despite his sentence, Xylo pushes on and aims to get revenge on the people who condemned him and killed the goddess.

The anime also features unique, amazing animation by Studio Kai.

This series teaches that heroism is sometimes characterized by painful sacrifice and effort, by diving into themes of forced duty, identity loss, and manipulation through power. Most of the time, being a hero is seen as something admirable, but in Sentenced to Be a Hero, it’s a death sentence.

Fate/strange Fake, written by Ryōgo Narita and illustrated by Shizuki Morii (Release Date: Jan. 3, 2026, on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, and Disney+)

Fate/strange Fake is a spin-off of the broader Fate series, primarily owned by TYPE-MOON.

The basis of the Fate series is a divine battle royale called the Holy Grail War, where a group of volunteers or random people, known as masters, summon historical or mythological figures set into different fighter classes, known as servants, to battle each other. The winner receives the Holy Grail, a magical artifact that can grant wishes.

Fate/strange Fake is about a pseudo-Holy Grail War staged in Snowfield, Nevada. The story mainly follows Ayaka Sajyou, the master of the true saber-class servant, who is Richard I (Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy). However, Fate/strange Fake, along with the rest of the Fate series, establishes multiple perspectives of the servants through the respective Holy Grail Wars.

This installation in the Fate series also pertains to the viewpoints of the false archer-class servant Gilgamesh, the false lancer-class servant Enkidu, and a boy named Flat Escardos, who is the master of the false berserker-class servant Jack the Ripper.

The Fate series is especially known for its amazing sound effects and outstanding animation by animation studio Ufotable. Ufotable is better known for animating Demon Slayer, which won Best Animation at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. However, Fate/strange Fake is animated by A-1 Pictures, yet it’s still top-notch.

Saint Paul’s sophomore, Gunnar Shope, has kept up with each of the Fate series. “Like most installments, Fate/strange Fake is an exciting tale that blends multiple stories of real heroes into unique perspectives. Although it can get very confusing, it is very fun,” Shope said.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2, written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court (Release Date: Jan. 5, 2026, on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, and Apple TV)

My Hero Academia Vigilantes is a spin-off series set in the same universe as the original My Hero Academia, written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi.

In this world, 80% of the population is born with bizarre abilities or traits known as quirks. Over time, some people sought to use their quirks for good or evil, leading to heroes and villains becoming significant figures in society.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes follows a college boy named Koichi Haimawari, whose story takes place before that of the original series. Unfortunately, he was born with an underwhelming ability, allowing him to slide around on all fours, which he can only use to perform everyday good deeds. Eventually, though, he meets Knuckleduster and Pop Step, two vigilantes, or people who fight crime without proper authority, who train him and let him join them as vigilantes.

Season 2 primarily covers the tragic pasts of fan-favorite characters Shota Aizawa and Hizashi Yamada from the original series.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes explores the gray area between criminals and heroes and teaches that heroism is defined by the desire to do good.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami (Release Date: Jan. 8, 2026 on Crunchyroll)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Japan is the epicenter of a negative force called cursed energy, born of negative thoughts and emotions. Further, cursed energy gives way to uncanny, violent monsters known as cursed spirits. Simultaneously, humans born with high enough cursed energy are granted cursed techniques that range from abilities such as summoning shadow beasts to spatial manipulation.

The story follows a young high schooler named Yuji Itadori, who consumes a cursed object to protect his friends from a cursed spirit, only to find out it is an ancient finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, the strongest and most malevolent sorcerer in history. After consuming the finger, his body becomes a vessel for Sukuna’s soul, yet Yuji is able to contain him.

Following the incident, Itadori is sentenced to execution by the higher-ups in jujutsu society. However, it becomes postponed after he vows to consume the rest of Sukuna’s fingers first so that the world may be fully rid of Sukuna’s presence after he dies.

Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen focuses on the Culling Games Arc, where jujutsu sorcerers and non-sorcerers, either given cursed techniques or becoming vessels for ancient sorcerers, are forced into colonies within Japan to fight to the death.

Jujutsu Kaisen is also greatly known for its animation by Mappa Studios and has been directed by Sunghoo Park (Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1) and Shōta Goshozono (Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3).

Fire Force Season 3 Part 2, written and illustrated by Atsushi Ohkubo (Release Date: Jan. 9, 2026, on Crunchyroll and Hulu)

The concept of spontaneous human combustion, a phenomenon where someone’s body will catch on fire without any explanation, is not an uncommon occurrence in Fire Force. However, in this series, when spontaneous human combustion occurs, the victims turn into flaming monsters called infernals. In response, Special Fire Force companies, composed of people with pyrokinetic abilities, are tasked with eliminating these infernals and putting their souls to rest.

Shinra Kusakabe is a boy joining the Special Fire Force Division 8, who suffered the traumatic past of being blamed for the spontaneous human combustion of his mother and the “death” of his baby brother. Shinra, however, believes his brother is still alive and aims to find him, while also uncovering the secrets behind spontaneous human combustion.

This season concludes Fire Force, covering Company 8’s attempt to stop the Evangelists, cultists aiming to bring back a world-ending apocalypse called the Cataclysm.

Fire Force has great action and animation by David Production, and some of the deepest, most fleshed-out lore in anime. There are many surprising plot twists and connections between even some of the most minute details in the series.

Oshi no Ko Season 3, written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari (Release Date: Jan. 14, 2026 on Crunchyroll and HIDIVE)

Oshi no Ko is a murder-mystery drama following a doctor and his patient, who are reborn as the twin children, Aqua and Ruby, of a famous idol (Japanese pop singer) named Ai Hoshino. Following the murder of Ai by a stalker, Aqua and Ruby decide to secretly investigate behind each other’s backs, within the pop entertainment world, to find their mother’s killer, whom they believe is their biological father.

Season 3 of Oshi no Ko will cover the Mainstay Arc, where Ruby’s popularity as an up-and-coming idol increases through a web variety show, and Aqua continues searching for his father’s identity. In addition, the Scandal Arc will be covered, where Aqua must help protect a major ally from the consequences of a scandal trap set by a rival.

The show isn’t just a murder mystery; it makes powerful points about many issues in the entertainment industry. Oshi no Ko sheds light on themes of revenge, stardom, media exploitation and its impacts, and even pressure on child actors.

Saint Paul’s sophomore Bradley Cheralla is a fan of Oshi no Ko. “Oshi no Ko is, in my opinion, the best murder mystery show out there. The plots build crazy suspense, and you never know what’s going to happen next. Additionally, it has very great animation and art,” Cheralla stated.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe (Release Date: Jan. 16, 2026, on Crunchyroll and Apple TV)

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End depicts a magical post-fantasy world influenced by German folklore. This series follows Frieren, a long-lived elf mage, formerly part of a legendary party of heroes whom she has outlived due to her race. As she traverses the land, she meets new partners, apprentice mage Fern and young warrior Stark, along her journey, and tries to grapple with her understanding of human mortality and her connection to her past partners.

Season 2 will cover the Continued Northern Travels Arc, where Frieren, Fern, and Stark travel through the Northern Plateau, a dangerous, high-elevation, and monster-infested region in the Northern Lands.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has some of the best animation of the decade by the renowned Studio Madhouse. Additionally, the series won several awards, including animation of the year and best sound artists at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025, and best director (Keiichiro Saito), best drama, and best background art at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025.

The character-driven writing and development in this story are among the best in anime. It uses the curse of Frieren’s long lifespan and her regret over her ignorance of human companionship to teach us the importance of valuing the things we have and the people we know.

Saint Paul’s sophomore Bradley Cheralla recently watched the series and is up to date with season 2. “I’ve seen a lot of anime, but Frieren really stands out from everything I’ve seen. She wishes she had tried to learn more about her past partners, but as she travels, she realizes she hardly knew anything about them. The story and animation of Frieren is top tier, making it a must-watch for anyone,” Cheralla said.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run, written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki (March 19, 2026, on Netflix)

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a unique anime, split into nine interconnected parts. The show tells the story of the Joestar family’s bloodline and their bizarre fates. From fighting vampires in 1880s England to reforming the mob in 2001 Italy, this is one of the most diverse and beloved anime of all time.

Steel Ball Run, the seventh installment of the series, is set in the United States in 1890, following a paraplegic horse jockey named Johnny Joestar who joins the transcontinental Steel Ball Run horse race to win a $50 million prize. However, everything changes for Johnny when he meets a strange man named Gyro Zeppeli, who temporarily gives Johnny the ability to walk again with a mysterious technique called spin. After experiencing this, Johnny decides to join up with Gyro in the race to learn more about spin.

Further, after passing through an extremely dangerous zone called the Devil’s Palm and fusing with the arm of a mysterious, saintly corpse, Johnny gains a stand, a physical manifestation of one’s fighting spirit, that allows him to utilize the energy of spin. As he and Gyro continue their race across the U.S., they begin to uncover the mystery of the corpse and the connection to the 23rd president of the United States, Funny Valentine.

Steel Ball Run is currently the 2nd-highest-rated manga (the “comic” book form of an anime, typically used to adapt its animated version) of all time, with a rating of 9.33/10 according to MyAnimeList.net. Further, Steel Ball Run reached number one on MyAnimeList, the largest website for global anime rankings, earning a 9.54/10, but was shortly thereafter review-bombed to second place by salty anime fans.

Of the Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure series, it is truly a masterpiece. The complex characters, beautiful art, emotional storytelling, and mature narrative come together to make this an amazing work.

Dr. Stone Science Future Season 4 Part 3, written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi (Release Date: April 2, 2026, on Crunchyroll)

3,700 years after a mysterious flash of light petrifies all of humanity in stone, a high school genius by the name of Senku Ishigami awakens. After learning how to break the petrification, Senku builds the Kingdom of Science and sets out to rebuild humanity and civilization through science.

In his quest to rebuild everything, Senku faces massive conflicts, including opposition to rebuilding humanity and the modern world, from characters like Tsukasa Shishio, and the very goal of finding what caused the petrification in the first place.

This part of Dr. Stone will conclude the story, covering the New Stone World Arc as the Kingdom of Science’s final expedition to the moon seeks to discover the secret behind the elusive petrification event.

Dr. Stone is there to help us realize how great humanity can be, especially in our persistence, potential, and scientific growth throughout our time on Earth.

Saint Paul’s sophomore Gunnar Shope is a big fan of Dr. Stone as well. “Dr. Stone will always be a franchise close to my heart. It is unique with its story, setting, and characters. I will be saddened when it is over, as this is the last season, but it has been a fantastic ride with its science. As someone who has read the manga, no one will be disappointed,” Shope stated.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm, written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa (Release Date: April 4, 2026, on Crunchyroll)

Daemons of the Shadow Realm takes place in a dark fantasy world where certain humans can summon daemons, which are supernatural guardians bonded to masters in pairs.

The story follows Yuru and Asa, teenage twin brothers and sisters separated at birth, who are daemon masters. They are targeted and caught in a dark, violent power struggle between two clans seeking to harness the daemons’ power. The twins must find a way to reunite while surviving the age-old opposition.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm explores deep themes, including moral ambiguity, family bonds, and the cost of acquiring power. The writing focuses on action-heavy conflicts and in-depth world-building to highlight Yuru and Asa’s twin dynamic.

The series is expected to be one of the best anime of this year, along with having great animation by Studio BONES. Studio Bones is also responsible for animating My Hero Academia, Gachiakuta, Mob Psycho 100, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which was made by the same author as Daemons of the Shadow Realm and is considered by many to be the greatest anime of all time.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm is undoubtedly going to be one of the best anime this year.

One Piece: Elbaf Arc, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda (Release Date: April 5, 2026, on Crunchyroll and Netflix)

One Piece is another anime widely considered the greatest ever, and it is also one of the longest-running series of all time. It began in 1999 and currently has 1,155 episodes, 15 movies, 13 TV specials, 10+ OVAs and featurettes, and multiple crossover specials.

One Piece takes place on a water-dominated planet, dotted with smaller, independent islands rather than large continents. The planet is divided by the Red Line, a massive ring-shaped landmass, and the Grand Line, a dangerous sea route. What truly characterizes the world, however, is the conflict between pirates and the totalitarian World Government.

This anime follows a boy named Monkey D. Luffy and the adventures of his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they pursue their respective dreams, Luffy’s being the seemingly impossible task of becoming the Pirate King and finding the elusive treasure called the One Piece. After eating a certain devil fruit, which is a fruit that gives special abilities in exchange for the ability to swim, Luffy gains the ability to stretch and manipulate his body like rubber.

Throughout their adventures, Luffy’s crew must overcome extremely powerful enemies, scary monsters, full-on wars, and the profoundly corrupt World Government. Still, Luffy has become one of the most inspiring main characters of all time through his dedication to his dream and his ability to overcome any adversary, while also being a very likable character in general.

Additionally, One Piece has some of the best, most unique, and most appealing animation from Toei Animation.

The Elbaf Arc will cover the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey to the Elbaf Kingdom, where the crew reunites with multiple old allies and continues to face high-stakes conflicts with the World Government.

Despite its slow pacing, One Piece is definitely a worthwhile anime to check out for its amazing narrative, action, characters, and adventure.

Witch Hat Atelier, written and illustrated by Kamome Shirahama (Release Date: April 6, 2026, on Crunchyroll and Netflix)

The setting of Witch Hat Atelier is a beautiful, highly detailed, high-fantasy world where magic is woven into many parts of daily life. The manga’s artwork is often described as immensely intricate and breathtaking.

This anime will follow Coco, a young girl who wishes to be a witch, although only those born as witches can be one, accidentally turns her mother to stone, and is sent to be taught as an apprentice under a male witch named Qifrey. Qifrey owns an atelier (workshop/studio owned by an artist/designer) and is a member of the Pointed Cap Witches, who use their magic to protect humanity, and are opposed by the Brimmed Hats, who use forbidden, body-altering magic.

As Qifrey mentors Coco, they face the desire to understand forbidden magic, the way to rescue Coco’s mother from petrification, and must protect each other from the Brimmed Hats.

This series teaches that skills can be learned and mastered by almost anyone, not just those who are gifted, and emphasizes that perseverance and hard work are the true keys to those skills. In addition, it explores themes of responsibility and ethical use of power.

Witch Hat Atelier is widely considered to be a masterpiece of modern fantasy and is loved by almost every reader.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4, written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shinichirou Otsuka (Release Date: April 8, 2026, on Crunchyroll)

Subaru Natsuki is a regular high school boy living a regular life, until one day, he’s suddenly translocated into a strange fantasy world where he meets a silver-haired half-elf. After she saves him from being mugged, he decides to help her recover a stolen item. When Subaru finally reaches the warehouse of the thief, the building is pitch black and desecrated, and before he can do anything, he is killed.

However, he wakes up at the same place and time he was at when he first entered the world. Eventually, Subaru realizes he has been cursed with Return by Death, which brings him back in time to a set checkpoint every time he dies. Throughout the series, Subaru is forced to overcome an array of brutal obstacles, deaths, and dark fates, such as murderous maids, evil witch cults, ancient magical spirits, and vicious monsters.

Despite all of this, Subaru continues to push onward to protect and forge bonds with the people he grows to care for while also trying to figure out how to escape his curse, making him one of the most determined characters out there. The story still manages to uphold happy moments that will make you smile, even through everything Subaru experiences.

Season 4 of Re:Zero will cover the Corridor of Memories Arc and Desert Tower Arc, two of the most hyped parts of the series, known for their intense mystery and psychological elements.

Re:Zero is widely considered the greatest anime in its genre (Isekai, where the main character is reincarnated into another world, often a fantasy one).

Wistoria: Wand and Sword Season 2, written by Fujino Omori and illustrated by Toshi Aoi (Release Date: April 12, 2026, on Crunchyroll and Netflix)

In a world where magic is supreme, a boy named Will Serfort, who attends a magic academy, can’t use any. To fulfill a promise to his prodigious childhood friend, Will must climb the ranks using his swordsmanship and physical strength.

Wistoria: Wand and Sword is one of the best underdog stories, often compared to the likes of Black Clover (featured later in this article), and the action is amazing.

In addition, Wistoria: Wand and Sword has top-tier animation by Bandai Namco Pictures and Actas, according to Screenrant and several Reddit users.

Season 2 of the series will continue Will’s quest, focusing on his final exams, tower ascension, and the mysteries surrounding his power.

Wistoria: Wand and Sword is a great watch if you’re a fan of underdog stories and a main character with immense perseverance and deep friendships.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, written and illustrated by Tite Kubo (Release Date: July 2026 on Hulu and Disney+)

This is the final part of the series, finally concluding this legendary anime that began in 2004.

Ichigo Kurosaki seems like a normal high schooler, except he can see and interact with spirits. Ichigo only has one wish: to have the strength to protect his friends and family.

Fatefully, one night, Ichigo meets a strange lady named Rukia Kuchiki, who turns out to be a soul reaper. Soul reapers are spirit swordsmen and women who travel to the World of the Living to guide lost souls to the Soul Society and to slay and purify monstrous, corrupted souls called hollows. When a hollow attacks Ichigo’s house, Rukia is injured and transfers her abilities to Ichigo, turning him into a substitute soul reaper.

As Ichigo adjusts to his duties as a substitute soul reaper, Rukia also joins him at his school, forming bonds with his friends and classmates. Things suddenly shift when two powerful soul reapers, Renji Abarai and Rukia’s stepbrother, Byakuya Kuchiki, take her back to the Soul Society for the crime of transferring her power to a human. After Ichigo is easily beaten by the two, he undergoes intense training and heads to the Soul Society to save his friend.

It’s only then that a shocking, traitorous plot begins to unfold within the Soul Society’s Gotei 13, an ensemble of 13 large groups of Soul Reapers serving different purposes. These 13 groups are each led by extremely powerful soul reaper captains, one of them being Byakuya.

In 2022, 11 years after the original series finished airing, Thousand-Year Blood War, the final arc of Bleach, received an animated adaptation split into four cours (parts). The fourth cour, releasing this year, will cover the end of the war between the quincies and soul reapers and the final confrontation between Ichigo and Yhwach (pronounced “Yoo-ha-baha”). Furthermore, cour four is said to have over 50% anime-original content, including longer battles, deeper lore, a more definitive ending, and even a new, never-before-seen character.

Ichigo is different from many anime main characters. Most characters have large, grandiose, and unrealistic goals that many people can’t relate to. On the other hand, Ichigo is more down-to-earth; all he wants is the power to protect his friends and loved ones.

The themes go even deeper than that, though. In Bleach, a soul reaper only unlocks their true potential after learning the full name of their sword, mirroring a journey of learning one’s self-growth and acceptance. Ichigo embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance of the dark nature of his blade to protect the people he loves.

The conflicts and amazing villains in Bleach do a perfect job of summarizing his struggle to do so, yet his drive to protect everyone, no matter what it takes.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino (Release Date: Oct. 2026 on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu)

In the fictional Country of Li, heavily inspired by Imperial China, the Tang and Ming Dynasties, a young and brilliant apothecary (someone who makes and sells medicine/drugs) named Maomao is kidnapped and forced into indentured servitude in the Royal Capital of Li. While she serves as a maid, she uses her medicinal expertise to cure various, almost supernatural, illnesses. As a result, she attracts the attention of an influential and prodigious man named Jinshi, who serves as the male deuteragonist.

While she works, Maomao faces conspiratorial mysteries of murder attempts and a misogynistic system where the workers compete with each other and are treated as disposable. The series masterfully explores its historical aspects and suspense as it delves into the difficulties she faces within the kingdom.

Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries will cover a diplomatic mission involving a locust plague, a new antagonist called the “White Lady”, and will further the complex relationship between Maomao and Jinshi.

The Apothecary Diaries is a massively loved series thanks to its beautiful setting, unique characters, the constantly climaxing plot, and the complexity of the world as a whole. It teaches us that critical and intelligent thinking is one of the greatest strengths that a person can have.

Black Clover Season 2, written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata (Release Date: Oct. 2026 on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+)

Black Clover is a fantasy world in which one’s social status and career potential are determined almost entirely by one’s magic power. Furthermore, when someone turns 15, they are eligible to receive a magic spell book called a grimoire, in order to utilize their magic properly. In the clover kingdom, grimoires are typically attributed with a three-leaf clover, with each leaf representing faith, hope, and love.

The story follows two orphaned young boys: Asta and Yuno. Asta is a loud, ambitious young boy who, despite having no magic whatsoever, never gives up, while Yuno is quiet but almost equally ambitious. When the time comes for them, Asta receives no grimoire, and Yuno receives an extremely rare grimoire with a fourth leaf, representing good luck. However, after an altercation following the grimoire ceremony, Asta receives an unprecedented grimoire containing a fifth leaf, granting him the ability to cancel out magic with a mysterious dark sword.

Asta and Yuno forge an even stronger bond, vowing to become each other’s rivals in a race to become the Wizard King.

Season 2 will primarily cover the Spade Kingdom Raid Arc, in which the Magic Knights launch a counter-attack to save two of their captains. Additionally, the season is likely to include the Black Clover finale.

The first part of Black Clover featured many scenes with great animation, yet it failed to consistently maintain that quality. Along with the new season, Studio Pierrot will upgrade animation quality across the board, aiming for a film-level production standard.

Black Clover is one of the most inspirational anime out there. It teaches many lessons, but especially pushes you to work hard and never give up on your dreams.

Kaiju No. 8 Final Chapter, written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto (Release Date: Late 2026 on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Disney+, and Roku Channel)

In a world where kaiju (titanic monsters like Godzilla) attack Japan, only the Defense Force, consisting of powerful anti-kaiju-equipped soldiers, can stop them. For an aspiring 32-year-old kaiju corpse cleaner named Kafka Hibino, his dream of joining the defense force seems far away. One night, while recovering in a hospital with his partner, Reno Ichikawa, a strange bug-like kaiju enters his room and then his body, forcibly giving him the ability to transform into an insanely powerful humanoid kaiju.

After Kafka escapes the chaos following his transformation, he manages to keep it a secret and tries to join the Defense Force with Reno, in a final attempt to fulfill his promise to his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, who is the Captain of the Third Division at this point. He promised her that they would both eventually join the Defense Force, fight alongside each other, and eradicate all kaiju to protect humanity.

The final chapter of Kaiju No. 8 will cover the end of the final war between Kafka as Kaiju No. 8 and the even stronger Kaiju No. 9.

Kaiju No. 8 is one of the best modern shonen (action anime/manga) currently in the industry. Kafka is another great main character representing hard work and dedication. Further, the animation work by Production I.G and Studio Khara is fantastic, and the series utilizes the kaiju to forge a unique and interesting power system for the Defense Force.

Chainsaw Man: International Assassins Arc, written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto (Release Date: Late 2026 on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google TV, and Vudu)

In Chainsaw Man, devils, grotesque monsters representing humanity’s fears, are the leading cause of death for humanity. Around the world, devil-hunting organizations led by Public Safety Devil Hunters are tasked with the extremely dangerous job of hunting these devils down.

The story follows an orphaned boy named Denji, who, after the loss of his parents as a child, is passed on his father’s debt to the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). After befriending the weak and injured chainsaw devil, Pochita, he makes a deal with it so that he can hunt devils to pay off his debt. When Denji and Pochita are one day backstabbed by the Yakuza, Pochita gives Denji his heart so that Denji may survive, consequently giving him the ability to turn into a half-man, half-chainsaw hybrid.

Afterward, Denji is met by the leader of Tokyo Public Safety’s Special Division 4 experimental unit, Makima. She gives him the option to die as a devil or join the devil hunters. In desire for a “basic, comfortable” life where he has good food, a real bed to sleep in, and someone to love, he joins the devil hunters without hesitation.

The International Assassins Arc is likely going to cover the end of part one of Chainsaw Man. Within this season, elite assassins from China, America, and Germany will attempt to steal Denji’s chainsaw heart, followed by the dark secrets behind Makima and Denji’s confrontation with her.

Denji is one of the best and most tragic main characters in anime. He’s a lonely and traumatized boy who has never grown up with basic human necessities or privilege, and is suddenly given the chance to have those. However, even after receiving this life he yearned for, he finds that the things he wanted weren’t as glorious as he had envisioned, and maybe that he was better off dreaming about them.

Chainsaw Man is widely regarded as one of the best newer anime. On top of having amazing animation and fight scenes by Mappa Studios, and having released one of the best movies of 2025, it is one of the best-written series. Both the first season and the recent movie had incredibly emotional moments, and it’s only going to get harsher from here on.

Shangri-La Frontier Season 3, written as a web novel by Katarina and illustrated as a manga by Ryosuke Fuji (Release Date: Late 2026 on Crunchyroll and Hulu)

Shangri-La Frontier is a state-of-the-art virtual reality game, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the world. For the skilled, no-life, trash-game-player Rakuro Hizutome, a good VR game is a completely new experience for him.

One day, Rakuro mans up and decides to give the game a try. Rakuro gives himself the username “Sunraku” and dresses his character in a bird mask. When he starts, he is immediately amazed by the game’s quality and mechanics.

The anime follows Rakuro as he gains new allies, explores the secrets of Shangri-La Frontier and its lore, and improves his in-game strength and skill so he can hunt the Seven Colossi, which are seven legendary monsters that very few players have faced.

Season 3 of Shangri-La Frontier will finish both the GGC Tournament Arc and the battle against Ctarnidd of the Abyss, one of the monsters of the Seven Colossi.

Like Re:Zero, Shangri-La Frontier is part of the isekai genre and one of the best. It has great animation by Studio C2C, amazing world-building and lore, suspenseful action, and enjoyable characters.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Screenrant