2025 has been an amazing year for anime fans with the return of exciting shows like Solo Leveling, Dandadan, and many others. It also introduced fresh titles such as Sakamoto Days and Witch Watch. But if you think this year is thrilling, wait until you see what 2026 has in store.
The first season alone brought us Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise, and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. Yet, the best is yet to come because 2026 promises to be packed with some of the most exciting shows ever.
Unfortunately, amid the hype around mainstream anime series, several highly promising shows are being overlooked. With Jujutsu Kaisen and others dominating fan discussions, hardly anyone is talking about these ten series that truly deserve more spotlight.
1. Daemons of the Shadow Realm
Based on the acclaimed manga by the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, this upcoming fantasy action anime follows twin brothers Yuru and Asa. Their fate was sealed from birth, but when armed attackers massacre the adults in their village, Yuru uncovers a shocking truth about his sister. He embarks on a mission to reclaim his inheritance and save the world from destruction.
2. Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia
This upcoming anime from Science SARU, the studio behind Dandadan, is set in the 13th century Mongol Empire. The story revolves around palace politics in the Khan’s harem, where intelligence is prized as beauty. Fatima, a Persian woman with unmatched medical and scientific knowledge, seeks a stage to showcase her skills and ends up under the influence of a powerful woman who helps her overturn the world.
3. Marriagetoxin
One of the best romantic series in Weekly Shonen Jump, Marriagetoxin is packed with intense action, compelling characters, and adorable moments. It follows Hikaru Gero, a man from a centuries-old assassin clan. Despite his unmatched skills, his social life is nonexistent. Forced into marriage by his family, he stages a fake proposal to his target, Mei Kinosaki, a notorious marriage scammer, to save her life.
4. Akane-banashi
Based on an underrated Weekly Shonen Jump series, this story centers on the traditional Japanese storytelling art of Rakugo. In a male-dominated Rakugo world, high schooler Akane Osaki is determined to rise not only to fulfill a childhood dream but also to uncover the truth behind her father’s expulsion years ago. Her father was once one of the most respected Rakugo performers before being suddenly expelled just before reaching the prestigious shin’uchi rank.
5. Eleceed
Adapted from one of the most popular action manhwa of all time, Eleceed is set to premiere in 2026. The story follows Jiwoo, a kind-hearted young man who uses lightning-fast reflexes to save an injured cat. The cat turns out to be Kayden, a legendary and powerful Awakener who begins teaching Jiwoo how to harness his abilities and gain electric powers.
6. Sparks of Tomorrow
This visually stunning historical anime from Kyoto Animation is set in an alternate early 20th century where Kyoto is shrouded in soot, smoke, and steam following rapid steam power development. The story follows Kihachi Sakamoto, grieving the loss of his brother. A fateful encounter with Inaoko Momonkawa, a spiritual girl with her own struggles, drives him to challenge the wrongs of this new era.
7. L’etoile de Paris en fleur
This upcoming film by veteran animators from One Piece and Studio Ghibli follows the journey of two young girls in early 20th century Paris who refuse to give up on their dreams despite hardships. Fujiko dreams of becoming a painter while Chizuru is an ambitious ballet dancer. Together, they strive to pursue their dreams and awaken hope for tomorrow in everyone’s hearts.
8. Journal the Witch
Based on the acclaimed manga by Tomoko Yamashita, the story follows 35-year-old novelist Makio Koudai, who has long been estranged from her sister Minori due to their differences. Makio struggles to grieve after Minori and her husband die suddenly in a car accident. Her life takes a major turn when she meets Minori’s 15-year-old daughter, who has no other relatives willing to care for her.
9. You and I Are Polar Opposites
The world can never have enough romantic comedies, and You and I Are Polar Opposites is a fresh addition. The series follows Yuusuke Tani, who sits next to Miyu Suzuki, a popular and cheerful girl. Their interactions are brief and mostly limited to Miyu’s random questions, which Yuusuke often responds to with indifference. However, these simple exchanges gradually develop into something deeper.
10. Kill Blue
Written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, this story blends thrilling spy action with school comedy. Juuzou Oogami, a 40-year-old assassin with unmatched skills working for a secret organization, is transformed into a 16-year-old boy after a failed mission. To find out why and how to reverse it, Juuzou must pose as a high school student while trying to maintain his youthful appearance.