The year 2026 is poised to be an monumental period for anime enthusiasts worldwide, packed with long-awaited sequels, grand finales, and exciting new adaptations. Following a record-breaking 2025 that saw films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc earning a staggering $674 million and $117 million respectively, the upcoming year promises to continue this explosive trend.
Blockbuster Sequels and Long-Awaited Returns
The new year kicks off with a bang as several major franchises make their highly anticipated return to screens. Fans have been eagerly marking their calendars for these premieres.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is set for a January 2026 release. After the emotionally devastating events of the Shibuya Incident Arc, the story continues by adapting the Itadori’s Extermination and Perfect Preparation arcs, potentially dipping into the chaotic Culling Game. With Yuji Itadori now branded a criminal and Yuta Okkotsu assigned to execute him, MAPPA studio promises explosive battles and deeper moral complexity.
On January 16, 2026, the critically acclaimed Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End returns for Season 2. This season will adapt the beloved First-Class Mage Exam Arc, continuing the elf mage's poignant journey of introspection and magical discovery as she grapples with outliving her former companions.
Epic Conclusions and Major Adaptations
Several iconic series are scheduled to reach their dramatic conclusions in 2026, while other legendary manga finally receive their anime debut.
Bleach fans will witness the end of an era when Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, the final arc, arrives in the later months of 2026. This conclusion will wrap up the brutal war between Soul Reapers and Quincies, bringing Ichigo Kurosaki's epic story to a close with the stunning animation and emotional payoffs the revival is known for.
In a landmark moment for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure fans, Steel Ball Run makes its anime debut on March 19, 2026. This seventh part follows paraplegic ex-jockey Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli in a deadly cross-country horse race across 19th-century America, featuring the series' signature Stand battles.
The fiery shonen series Fire Force also reaches its conclusion with the Final Season (Part 2) in January 2026, promising to deliver answers about the Evangelist and the story's connection to Soul Eater.
Fresh Stories and Wholesome Comfort
Beyond the action-packed finales, 2026 also offers new stories and returning comfort series.
Following the success of its first two seasons, The Apothecary Diaries is getting a film in December 2026. Written by creator Natsu Hyuga, this big-screen adventure will feature a brand-new story for the clever Maomao to solve using her vast knowledge of medicine and poisons.
For those seeking a gentler watch, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten Season 2 arrives in April 2026, continuing the sweet, slow-burning romance between the class 'angel' Mahiru and her shy neighbour Amane.
The live-action realm expands with One Piece Season 2: Elbaf Arc on March 10, 2026. After the critical success of Netflix's first season, the Straw Hat crew sails to the Viking-inspired land of giants, promising more emotional backstories and new crewmates.
Rounding out the year is a fresh take on a classic. The Ghost in the Shell franchise is being rebooted by Science Saru, the studio behind Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. This new series promises a return to the original manga's more fast-paced, eccentric, and humorous spirit, offering a different tone from previous philosophical adaptations.
With this incredible lineup spanning dark fantasy, emotional journeys, epic conclusions, and wholesome romance, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for anime, potentially setting new records and delighting fans across Nigeria and the globe.
