The Biggest Anime Coming in 2026 – IGN

2025 has been one of the strongest years for anime in ages, building on what is clearly a new Golden Age in the Japanese animation industry. With widening viewership, more access to anime on streaming, and its popularity growing around the globe, there’s more brilliant anime than ever. From the slice-of-life shonen silliness of Sakamoto Days that took Netflix by storm, to the immense success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which opened to 80 million dollars, 2025 was an epic year for some of our favorite series. But that’s a different article (check out our Best Anime Series of 2025 award); instead, we’re here to take a look at our most anticipated anime of 2026 – a year that could potentially top 2025 when it comes to iconic releases and anticipated returns.

Inspired by the massive success and continued cultural impact of anime, 2026 is stacked with unbelievable new series and blockbuster follow-ups, such as: the sophomore season of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the emotionally-driven fantasy quest that got everyone talking; a new take on Ghost in the Shell, one of the most seminal anime of all time from one of the best studios working today; and the highly anticipated debut of Witch Hat Atelier. And that’s just a few examples of the anime that could make 2026 another incredible year.

We’re excited to see which genres blow up, which existential themes stick, and where the future of anime is headed. Who are our favorite creators? Which manga has been selling off the charts? What genre have we not had a hit in for a long time? We’re taking all of that into consideration as we present our list of the anime that we can’t wait to watch in 2026!