Discover the 15 best anime of 2026 so far, which have been ranked by the views, popularity, and fan response of each one.
2026 has been a year full of anime releases. While some popular series returned with new seasons, others, such as Witch Hat Atelier and Daemons of the Shadow Realm, won viewers over with their unique storylines. With so many anime releasing this year, which ones have stood out the most? Let’s find out with the listicle.
Note: This is a popularity-based list, considering views, fan response, and the attention each anime has received in 2026. It is not an official industry ranking.
The 15 Best Anime of 2026 So Far
| Rank | Anime | Why It Ranked Here |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | The Darwin Incident | Its unusual premise and heavier themes helped it reach a wider audience. |
| 14 | Akane-Banashi | Its focus on rakugo gives it a clear identity in a crowded anime season. |
| 13 | You and I Are Polar Opposites | A straightforward romance that found attention through its fresh approach to the genre. |
| 12 | Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun | Its unusual setting helped it become one of 2026’s surprise hits. |
| 11 | Dorohedoro Season 2 | A six-year wait only increased interest in the series’ strange and violent world. |
| 10 | Hell’s Paradise Season 2 | Its return brought back a dedicated audience with more action and story development. |
| 9 | Medalist Season 2 | Strong character drama and competition have kept this sports anime popular with fans. |
| 8 | [OSHI NO KO] Season 3 | The third season has maintained the franchise’s strong following and online attention. |
| 7 | Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 | Subaru’s latest struggles have kept the series firmly in the spotlight. |
| 6 | Daemons of the Shadow Realm | Hiromu Arakawa’s new series quickly found an audience and remained visible throughout the year. |
| 5 | BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity | Bleach’s final arc continues to draw a large and loyal audience. |
| 4 | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run | The long-awaited adaptation generated enormous interest as soon as it arrived. |
| 3 | Witch Hat Atelier | One of the year’s strongest new shows, helped by its distinctive fantasy world and visuals. |
| 2 | Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 | A major comeback that has stayed near the top in viewing and fan rankings. |
| 1 | Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 | The year’s biggest hit so far, with huge viewership and constant fan interest. |
U-NEXT’s first-half viewing figures put Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 ahead of Frieren Season 2, supporting their positions at the top of this list. Witch Hat Atelier and Steel Ball Run have been among the year’s biggest new attractions, while Daemons of the Shadow Realm and Nippon Sangoku have also built strong audiences alongside established franchises. There is still plenty of anime left to arrive in 2026, so the order could change before the year ends. So, does this list include your favorite anime of 2026? If not, let us know your pick in the comments below.
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