After the brilliant success of Solo Leveling, what big names will be needed next year to take the throne?
Solo Leveling Part 2 is predicted to be the biggest hit in 2025. Therefore, 2026 will need truly epic masterpieces to be able to match the attraction and coverage it creates. Let’s take a look at the potential anime series that promise to “cause a storm” next year.
1. Frieren: Beyond The Journey’s End season 2 (Winter 2026)
Set to kick off 2026 perfectly, Frieren: Beyond The Journey’s End will soon return to screens, delivering another great blend of “slow-life” fantasy, exquisite world-building and jaw-dropping action. Season 1 set the bar incredibly high, being hailed not only as Madhouse’s strongest anime in about a decade, but also as one of the best series of all time.
The anime only covers about half of Kanehito Yamada’s ongoing manga, so the sequel has more than enough content to produce another full season. If it lives up to expectations, Frieren season 2 will be the biggest anime of 2026. It might even be the best.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 (Winter 2026)
Jujutsu Kaisen is a special case. Although this shonen series has become globally famous since 2020, studio MAPPA always prioritizes quality and avoids releasing it in a rush. Similar to previous seasons, part 3 (high possibility) will debut after a 2.5 year hiatus. This period of time not only helps MAPPA produce its best, but also makes fans yearn for Yuji’s return.
Season 3 will adapt the Itadori’s Extermination and Perfect Preparation Arcs arc, then begin the Culling Game arc. Whether Culling Game ends this season will depend on the number of episodes.
3. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity (2026)
A decade ago, the Bleach anime seemed to be forever unfinished. Then, in 2022, Pierrot resurrected the once-giant, bringing Ichigo back to the center of the spotlight, ensuring his return was one of the greatest comeback stories in anime history.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has been phenomenal so far, especially in terms of animation. You can claim this is the pinnacle of current anime action without needing to argue. The Calamity will bring Bleach to an end, giving the anime the ending it deserves.
4. The Ghost in the Shell (2026)
While new Ghost in the Shell projects are not uncommon, this upcoming release seems to be a special case that, if done well, could rival Stand Alone Complex as the franchise’s classic series.
The most interesting part of this project is the Science Saru studio, which created one of the best anime of the past two years, Dandadan, along with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020). If nothing changes, The Ghost in the Shell will have extraordinary visuals, and the key art images show a fresh art style that fits well with the cyberpunk setting.
5. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run (2026)
Although a release date has yet to be confirmed, Netflix has announced that Steel Ball Run (Part 7) will be released in 2026, which is welcome news for most people. Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is full of incredible arcs, but part 7 is often considered one of the best, thanks to its unique setting and great cast of characters. Steel Ball Run is watchable even if someone hasn’t seen every previous installment (though it’s still worth watching them all because they’re all great).
6. Tokyo Revengers: Three Deities Arc (2026)
Tokyo Revengers’ reputation has declined significantly on Western online platforms, with the sequels receiving mixed reviews. However, the franchise is extremely popular in Japan, so the upcoming installment will be one of the biggest anime of 2026 in the country. The story is also entering its final saga, which includes two arcs: Three Deities and Kanto Manji.
The 2026 release is named after the Three Deities arc, but it will need to include the Bonten arc (which takes place before the final saga) before reaching the Three Deities. Therefore, Tokyo Revengers may need another season to cover the entire Kanto Manji arc (which spans more than 40 manga chapters).
7. Black Clover season 2 (2026)
Considering that this anime was initially laughed at, Black Clover’s “revenge” is amazing. By the end of its 170-episode run, it had comfortably become one of the best modern fighting shonen anime. The adaptation was delayed because it was close to catching up with the manga, leading to a hiatus that lasted about five years.
Finally, the wait will end in 2026, when Asta and the Black Bulls will return, including at least the Spade Kingdom Raid arc. Out of sight, out of mind, Black Clover is currently more popular than during its original broadcast.
8. Elected (2026)
Eleceed is a pretty big name in the manhwa industry, and Son Je-ho’s webtoon has been producing high-quality content since 2018. The story follows an extremely odd couple as a boy with electrochemical abilities Jiwoo teams up with Kayden, a man trapped in the body of a cat.
They work together as an independent unit trying to make a positive impact in the world, while also dealing with Awakeners who have not-so-good intentions. Humor is a big part of Eleceed’s formula for success.
