Most Anticipated Anime Recommendations 2026, Featuring DAEMONS OF THE SHADOW REALM from the Creator of FULL METAL ALCHEMIST

Kapanlagi.com - The year 2026 is predicted to be an extraordinary year for anime fans around the world. Several major series and popular sequels will return, while highly anticipated adaptations of manga and manhwa are also set to hit the screens.

Fan enthusiasm is reaching new heights with numerous announcements promising stunning visual quality, deep storylines, and richer character development.

From long-awaited sequels to new projects that have the potential to become phenomena, 2026 will offer a variety of genres that satisfy the tastes of all audiences.

Leading animation studios have prepared masterpiece works that will amaze audiences, making this year one of the most epic in anime history. Let's take a look at some of the most anticipated anime recommendations for 2026!

1. JUJUTSU KAISEN SEASON 3

The action of Yuji Itadori in JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3 that is awaited

The third season of "Jujutsu Kaisen" is one of the most anticipated, scheduled to air in January 2026. This season will adapt the "Culling Game" arc from the manga, which is known for its action-packed scenes and intense conflicts.

Many fans believe that this season could be one of the high points of the series, both in terms of story and visuals, with animation expected to be among the best.

Just a spoiler, the Culling Game arc features one-on-one battles between old and new characters. The excitement could rival that of the legendary tournament arc in Yu Yu Hakusho.

2. FRIEREN BEYOND JOURNEY'S END

Frieren beyond journey's end season 2

The return of "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" for its second season is also highly anticipated, predicted to be released in January 2026. This anime has captivated audiences with its deep story, beautiful visuals, and strong emotional tones in its first season.

The second season will continue Frieren and her friends' journey to Aureole in the Continued Northern Travels Arc, exploring more of Frieren's past and her interactions, as well as answering unresolved mysteries.

From the trailer alone, it is clear that Frieren, Stark (the axe wielder), and Fern (with purple hair) will enter a phase of even closer friendship. The three will increasingly discover the meaning of their encounters with one another.

3. JOJO BIZZARE'S ADVENTURE: STEEL BALL RUN

The American vibe will be strongly felt in STEEL BALL RUN

The anime adaptation of the seventh part of the manga "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure," titled "Steel Ball Run," has been confirmed to air in 2026 and will be available exclusively on Netflix.

This arc is set in the United States in the 1890s and follows Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli in a cross-continental horse race. "Steel Ball Run" is widely regarded as one of the best arcs in the "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" series due to its unique setting and fantastic characters, making it highly anticipated by fans.

4. OSHI NO KO SEASON 3

The third season of "Oshi no Ko" will continue Aqua and Ruby's efforts to uncover the truth behind their mother Ai Hoshino's death while navigating the entertainment world.

This season is scheduled to air in January 2026 and will delve into the intrigues of the entertainment industry as well as the development of the main characters. With an increasingly complex storyline and a focus on the darker side of the idol world, "Oshi no Ko" Season 3 is expected to continue to captivate viewers with its intense drama.

5. DAEMONS OF THE SHADOW REALM

As a serious contender in 2026, "Daemons of the Shadow Realm" grabs attention because it is written by Hiromu Arakawa, the author of "Fullmetal Alchemist," and produced by Studio Bones.

This dark fantasy anime is scheduled to air in April 2026 and will be available on Crunchyroll. With Arakawa's reputation for building complex stories and strong characters, along with the high-quality adaptation from Studio Bones, many fans predict this anime could be a major hit.

Still featuring a blonde-haired character, Daemons of the Shadow Realms tells the story of twin characters Yuru (blonde hair) and Asa (black-haired girl) who are destined to possess great powers related to Tsugai (a kind of protective spirit). Their existence triggers a great battle and also a conspiracy.

6. DEATH STRANDING ISOLATION

The presence of Hideo Kojima was the highlight of the early presentation session. The maestro of games, famous for the espionage thriller METAL GEAR SOLID, will be forging a promising collaboration through the anime DEATH STRANDING ISOLATION (working title).

Adapted from the hugely popular post-apocalyptic action-adventure game series of the same name, this anime will take place in the same world but with a new adventure.

"As you know, the game Death Stranding is very interactive and has a large fanbase. This time I want to share the uniqueness of this story with those who have never played the game. Especially in the concept of animation, I can present something different," said Hideo.

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