2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for anime. Some of these titles are brand-new releases, while others are highly anticipated returns of well-known series. In any case, all the titles on this list represent the best of what we’ve seen so far.
In this ranking, I’ve gathered the five anime that have impressed and entertained me the most so far, and that I highly recommend to all fans. If you’re looking for something new to watch, you’ll find some of the most promising series of the year right here.
5. Kill Blue
Author: Tadatoshi Fujimaki | Studio: CUE | Genre: Action, School, Comedy, Battle Shonen | Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Prime Video
Kill Blue tells the story of Jūzō Ōgami, a professional hitman in his forties who is experienced and feared in his line of work. However, he is suddenly stung by a chemical wasp (eat your heart out, Spider-Man!), causing him to regress to his teenage years.
Forced to go back to school, he finds himself living a second adolescence… but with the mind and experience of an adult. Amid absurd situations, action, and comedic moments, he will have to adapt to a new life that is completely out of the ordinary.
Personally, I found some similarities to Ranma ½, which is definitely not a bad thing.
⚡ Wₐᵣₙᵢₙg! ⚡
Boomer jokes incoming.
4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime 4
Author: Fuse | Studio: 8-bit | Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai | Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
The famous isekai returns with its fourth installment: here, Rimuru continues to manage his kingdom while playing innocent… even though he has become decidedly “OP” by now.
Between crazy dungeons, political conspiracies, decidedly dangerous little girls, and increasingly unpredictable subjects, our hero will have to face anyone who threatens the magnificent (and absolutely “democratic”) city of magical beasts: the splendid Tempest.
An isekai with very funny tones that also knows how to be gritty and dramatic.
⚡ Wₐᵣₙᵢₙg! ⚡
You might get “absorbed” by that way too cute creature.
3. Oshi no Ko 3
Author: Aka Akasaka | Studio: Doga Kobo | Genre: Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Entertainment Industry | Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Anime Generation (Prime Video)
Oshi no Ko 3 continues to push its story forward with increasingly intense mysteries and intrigues. Siblings Aqua and Ruby hide a dark secret: amidst the glittering lights and the dark sides of the star system, the series once again manages to blend drama and plot twists very effectively.
This season focuses more on the emotional side and the consequences of the characters’ choices, keeping your attention high episode after episode. A true psychological whirlwind that entertained me immensely, despite my initial prejudices against this genre of stories.
⚡ Wₐᵣₙᵢₙg! ⚡
You might end up sucked into the dark side of showbiz.
2. Daemons of the Shadow Realm
Author: Hiromu Arakawa | Studio: Bones | Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Battle Shonen | Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Apple TV
Daemons of the Shadow Realm takes us into a dark world full of mysteries, where the boundary between humans and demonic creatures is getting thinner and thinner. Between battles, supernatural powers, and hidden secrets, the series builds a dark and very intense atmosphere.
The protagonists are the twins Yuru and Asa: the former born at night, the latter born during the day. The two find themselves involved in events bigger than them, amidst unstable alliances and increasingly dangerous threats, in a world where trust is a rare luxury.
To make everything even more fascinating, there are the Tsugai (the Daemons), powerful supernatural creatures that manifest in pairs. While normal human masters usually manage to control only one at a time, Yuru will find himself having to manage a truly lethal pair of spiritual twins, giving life to unique and strategic clashes.
A dark fantasy full of battles and dangerous situations where lowering your guard is already a fundamental mistake. I’ve just started watching this anime and it’s pleasantly intriguing me.
⚡ Wₐᵣₙᵢₙg! ⚡
Watch out for those stone-hearted friends. In the darkness of alliances, no one is truly trustworthy.
1. Classroom of the Elite 4
Author: Shōgo Kinugasa | Studio: Lerche | Genre: Drama, Psychological, School | Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
Classroom of the Elite 4 continues to immerse us in the famous school where nothing is as it seems and every student plays a mental game against the others. Between strategies, manipulations, and psychological games, the series maintains its cold and calculating style.
The protagonist, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, will have to face even more dangerous and fierce students. In this new season, the dynamics between classes become even more complex, with unstable alliances and highly calculated moves, where even the slightest mistake can cost you dearly.
A school psychological thriller where trusting others is a luxury… and probably a strategic mistake too. Perhaps my favorite anime of this genre, highly recommended.
⚡ Wₐᵣₙᵢₙg! ⚡
Possible addiction to strategic apathy.
In conclusion
This is my selection of the five titles that have impressed me the most so far. Obviously, it’s a personal ranking, and new series could arrive in the coming months, ready to change everything.
⚡ Wₐᵣₙᵢₙg! ⚡
High risk of sleepless nights and uncontrolled binge-watching.
And you? What anime would you add to this list?
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