Anime is more popular than ever in the U.S., and for 2026 the schedule is packed with both fresh adaptations and returning favorites. Streaming platforms and studios have confirmed dozens of new series and films for 2026, with early details already out.
Netflix says nearly half of its 200 million-plus global subscribers watch anime, and box office hits keep breaking records, according to Anime Corner. “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” opened to a massive $70 million weekend in U.S. theaters and has earned more than $555 million worldwide, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Studios are racing to greenlight major sequels and original titles. Science SARU announced a new “Ghost in the Shell” anime for 2026, according to Animation Magazine. While Hypebeast reports that Crunchyroll and BONES revealed that “Daemons of the Shadow Realm” will debut next year. With so many releases coming, fans can expect a packed calendar of premieres and long-awaited returns. Here’s a look at what’s dropping in 2026.
“Ghost in the Shell”
Studio Science SARU’s new TV anime, “Ghost in the Shell,” is set to premiere in 2026. The series marks the directorial debut of Toma “Mokochan” Kimura, with a screenplay by acclaimed author Enjō Tō. Original manga creator Masamune Shirow described the project as “the first installment of a second generation” of “Ghost in the Shell.” “The original manga is quite old, so I ask for your understanding on that point (sorry!),” he told Animation Magazine. “That said, I sincerely hope this will once again be an enjoyable visual experience in some form.”
“Daemons of the Shadow Realm”
Bones is adapting Hiromu Arakawa’s fantasy manga “Daemons of the Shadow Realm” in 2026. The main Japanese cast is already set — Kenshō Ono as Yūru and Yume Miyamoto as Asa, among others. According to Hypebeast, Crunchyroll has confirmed it will stream internationally.
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” – Season 2
Madhouse is returning for the sequel of this award-winning fantasy series. All the original Japanese voice actors are back, and Crunchyroll will simulcast it worldwide starting Jan. 16, 2026, according to Hypebeast.
“Blue Lock” – Season 3
Soccer anime fans can look forward to another season of “Blue Lock.” Creators announced at the Egoist Festa 2025 that Season 3 is officially confirmed for Summer 2026. The manga’s writer Muneyuki Kaneshiro excitedly urged fans to wait patiently. “The sequel has been decided!!! We did it… Thank you, Egoist production team…!” Kaneshiro said in a statement to Anime Mojo. “Both Isagi and we are starting fresh from here! We’ll be going all out with ego, with eyes spinning and tongues drooling, so kneel down and wait for it!!”
“MARRIAGETOXIN”
BONES is adapting Ryo Sumiyoshi’s action-romance manga about an assassin and a con artist, aiming for a 2026 release. Motonobu Hori directs, with character design by Kohei Tokuoka. Haruki Ishiya — Rampo Edogawa in “Bungo Stray Dogs” — and Shion Wakayama will play the leads. “I’ve been a huge fan of this series, eagerly awaiting each weekly update on Shonen Jump+. So when I heard I’d been chosen to play the lead role, I was so thrilled that I literally jumped up and yelled, ‘Yes!!’ It’s an absolute honor to contribute to a story I love so much,” Ishiya said in a press release.
Which 2026 anime release are you most excited to watch? Let us know!
