We’ve reached the end of 2025, and the ongoing Fall 2025 anime season is set to wrap up this year. Looking back, 2025 has been a memorable year with both anime movies and series capturing the hearts of millions of fans. With a new year approaching soon, plenty of anime series are set to be released next in the upcoming winter 2026 season. Based on the release schedule, the beginning season, Winter 2026, is expected to be the best season of 2026. So, we have gone through hundreds of anime releasing next season, and here are our best picks for the Winter 2026 anime lineup.
10. Trigun Stargaze
- Release Date: January 10, 2026
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
- Studio: Orange
Trigun is one of the beloved classic anime from the 90s that remains dear to many fans around the world. After more than two decades, a reimagined version of the Trigun anime titled ‘Trigun Stampede’ was released in 2023. Although this version had a different vibe, it ultimately became loved by the Trigun fandom.
Now, after two years, the new Trigun anime is returning with a second season titled ‘Trigun Stargaze’ and will resume the adventures of the gunslinger Vash Stampede in No Man’s Land. The second season is confirmed to take place after 2.5 years following the Lost July Incident. This time, the entire fate of human lives is in Vash’s hands, so look forward to a high-stakes season in this winter 2026 anime.
9. Mayonaka Heart Tune
- Release Date: January 6, 2026
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Where to Stream: TBA
- Studio: Gekkou
The rom-com genre might be brimming with the usual plotlines lately, but Mayonaka Heart Tune is set to make an exciting entry to this genre with its unique story. A radio host named Apollo, and her voice was the safe haven for our hero, Arisu Yamabuki. Unfortunately, the host ended her show abruptly one day, prompting Arisu to embark on a quest to discover the face behind the voice.
Now Arisu, who has joined a broadcasting club in his high school, runs into four other girls, and could one of them be his favorite Apollo? Join Arisu in his journey to find his favorite hose in an amazing rom-com anime. We are sure that Mayonaka Heart Tune will become one of the best romance anime after its debut.
8. Medalist Season 2
- Release Date: January 25, 2026
- Genre: Drama, Sports
- Where to Stream: Disney+ Hulu
- Studio: ENGI
When you take a look at the sports anime that came out in 2025, Medalist made a strong debut and immediately caught the attention of sports drama fans. It’s about the tale of Tsukasa Akeuraji and Inori Yuitsuka. Tsukasa didn’t get to achieve his dream of becoming a professional solo figure skater. Therefore, he becomes a coach and decides to guide the young mind to fulfill her dream of getting a medal in the Olympics.
Although this may sound like a cliché sports story, this will surely leave you emotional and rooting for the characters. Studios ENGI were praised for their incredible 3D animation in the first season. Now Tsukasa and Inori are returning to pursue their goal of becoming medalists in season 2. Those who are looking forward to a riveting and beautiful sports drama, Medalist is one of the most anticipated Winter 2026 anime
7. Fate/strange Fake
- Release Date: January 3, 2026
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
The Fate anime is one of the longest-running anime franchises in history. There are so many anime series, OVAs, and movies to watch, and the latest installment in this franchise is Fate/strange Fake. Fate/strange Fake is an adaptation of a light novel of the same name and is a spin-off entry in the Fate franchise.
While most of the Fate series is produced by Ufotable studios, the upcoming Fate/strange Fake is done by A-1 Pictures. So, the Fate fandom will finally have something new to celebrate after a long wait at the start of 2026. Meanwhile, if you are a newcomer, you can check out our Fate series watch order to dive into the Typemoon universe.
6. Fire Force Season 3 Part 2
- Release Date: January 10, 2026
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
- Studio: David Production
Fire Force, one of the wildly popular shonen anime, is officially ending with the third season. The first cour of Fire Force season 3 aired in Spring 2025 season, and the second cour is scheduled to release in the Winter 2026 season. Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 will kick off from the Asakusa Showdown arc, and the fate of Tokyo is in the hands of Benimaru.
Only 6 more arcs (85 chapters) are left to be adapted in the Fire Force source material. If you still haven’t watched the Fire Force anime yet, what are you waiting for? Binge-watch Shinra Kusakabe’s adventures with his Fire Force now to gear up for the epic finale of one of the best modern shonen series of our times.
5. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
- Release Date: January 5, 2026
- Genre: Action
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
- Studio: Bones Film
The superhero sensation, My Hero Academia, has concluded this year with its eighth season after running successfully for a decade. If you are sad that your favorite supes show has ended, I’ve just got the right anime for you. In fact, it is the spin-off series, MHA: Vigilantes, which is set in the same universe and views the world through the lens of vigilantes, as the title suggests.
The first season of Vigilantes was released earlier this year in the Spring 2025 season. Although the Vigilantes isn’t the work of MHA author Kohei Horikoshi, it was a hit among MHA fans. It’s not even a year since the debut season ended, but My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is premiering in the Winter 2026 anime season. So get ready to see the Crawler, Knuckleduster, and Pop Step in action again, along with some of our favorite MHA heroes, in the second season.
4. Oshi No Ko Season 3
- Release Date: January 14, 2026
- Genre: Drama
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
- Studio: Doga Kobo
The Gen-Z favorite Oshi no Ko anime still has a long way to go before its end. Aka Akasaka’s idol-based reincarnation drama has been a tremendous success so far, with the previous two seasons ranking among the highest-rated works. Oshi no Ko’s third season takes place six months after the release of the Pop In 2 and focuses on the rise of Aqua, Akane, Ruby, and more.
If you have been following the Oshi no Ko series, then you are aware that the mystery of the death of those two characters hasn’t been solved yet. So, as we move on to the next phase of the story, let’s hope we get a bit closer to the truth. Main Stay and Scandal arcs are the arcs that are expected to be covered in Oshi no Ko Season 3. Thus, the Winter 2026 anime is about to get colorful and thrilling with the arrival of Oshi no Ko.
3. Hell’s Paradise Season 2
- Release Date: January 11, 2026
- Genre: Supernatural, Action, Adventure
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
- Studio: MAPPA Studios
MAPPA Studios’ brilliant adaptation of the dark fantasy and supernatural manga by Yuji Kaku caught everyone’s attention when it was released in 2023. Following the immense success of the debut season, a second season of Hell’s Paradise was imminent. But due to MAPPA’s busy schedule of adapting multiple titles, Hell’s Paradise was postponed. Finally, Hell’s Paradise season 2 is now slated to release in the Winter 2026 anime season alongside Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3.
Hell’s Paradise features a treasure hunt-esque story where criminals (with an impending death sentence) are sent to the Shinsekyo island to find and bring back the Elixir of Life. Gabimaru, the protagonist, also embarks on this quest but soon finds himself surrounded by otherworldly and deadly creatures on the island. This life-threatening quest is far from over in the series, so pack your bags to head back to Shinsekyo with Gabimaru and Sagiri this winter.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
- Release Date: January 16, 2026
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
- Studio: Madhouse
Every other anime releasing in winter 2026 should bow before Frieren as the highest-rated anime of all time is coming with a second season after nearly two years. The first season of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is only the beginning of Frieren’s adventure with her party. Frieren’s journey to Aureole continues as Fern has become a First-Class Mage in the story.
As they embark on their journey, a lot of detours are on the cards, as we know. This time, their path is full of dangers and beauty that will reshape the party’s lives. The newly released trailer for Frieren Season 2 promises a wonderful season with the same quality and spirit as the debut season. So, brace yourself for Frieren Season 2, which also has the potential to become the highest-rated series.
1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1
- Release Date: January 9, 2026
- Genre: Action, Supernatural
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
- Studio: MAPPA Studios
Hell’s Paradise Season 2 isn’t the only anime made by MAPPA that’s scheduled to release in the Winter 2026 season. Jujutsu Kaisen, the most popular anime on the planet, is coming back stronger than ever with the Culling Games arc. Following the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is packed with the aftermath events, such as Yuji vs Yuta, Maki’s awakening, and the beginning of the Culling Games orchestrated by Kenjaku.
JJK Season 3 is split into two cours, with the first cour releasing in the winter 2026 anime season, and the release date for the second cour will be announced later on. A JJK compilation movie has already been released, featuring the first two episodes of the third season. The raving reactions to this movie suggest that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 can become the best anime of the 2026 winter season. So, you are clearly missing out on the finest modern shonen action if you aren’t watching Jujutsu Kaisen.
The winter 2026 anime season is poised to set the bar very high, making it incredibly hard for the other future seasons to surpass it in 2026. 2026 is about to kick off with a bang with all these excellent anime adaptations airing all at once. That said, what is your favorite pick for the Winter 2026 anime season? Let us know in the comments below.
