2025 was an amazing year for anime. Some of the biggest new hits have been released as well as the return of some established series. But as it stands, Winter 2026 may be even better. The 2026 winter anime season has already started and it looks incredibly exciting for anime fans.
Frieren season 2 release date officially confirmed
The Frieren Season 2 release date has just been revealed.
Since the beginning, some big anime series are returning. Movies like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Jujutsu Kaisen are returning, while new series are also starting like The Darwin Incident.. Fans absolutely can't wait to get into it, as this could be one of the busiest anime seasons in quite some time.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2
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Release date: January 16, 2026
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Number of episodes: 10
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an anime series that first started in 2023 with its first anime season. She was instantly loved by fans all over the world. The series follows the story of a main character named Frieren, who is a long-lived elf. While he starts out more nonchalant and less considerate of the time he spends with others, the death of the hero Himmel changes that. Frieren sets out on a journey to reunite with Himmel.
Frieren and her adventures return in winter 2026. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 is one of the most anticipated releases and will start on January 16, 2026.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
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Release date: January 9, 2026
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Number of episodes: 26
The number one most anticipated anime release of winter 2026 and possibly the entire year as a whole is none other than Jujutsu Kaisen. Jujutsu Kaisen has already had two fantastic seasons, with the last one coming out in 2023. Jujutsu Kaisen is officially back with Season 3which marked the beginning of the long-awaited Culling Game arc.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a story about wizards and their battles against cursed spirits. In Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, the strongest in the world, Gojo Satoru, was sealed away. Fans can't wait to see what happens in the Culling Game. Fortunately for fans, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 already started on January 9, 2026with not one but two back-to-back episodes.
My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2
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Release date: January 5, 2026
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Number of episodes: 13
My Hero Academia's the main anime series ended in 2025 with the complete release of season 8. With no new episodes to look forward to for the original anime, fans turned their attention to the My Hero Academia spin-off called Vigilantes.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a prequel to the MHA series. Instead of Deku, the series follows the story of Koichi. The first season of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes was released in 2025, and its second season was one of the first releases in the winter of 2026. My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 is already underway and started on January 5, 2026. This season will be shorter and will have a total of 13 episodes.
Fire Force Season 3 Part 2
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Release date: January 9, 2026
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Number of episodes: 12 (anticipated)
Fire Force follows the story of Shinra and the strange phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion. The series has proven to be one of the most popular new anime series. Most fans started watching it because of their love of Soul Eater, but quite a few fans also love the series for what it is. unfortunately, Fire Force is now nearing its end. The final season of the story has already started and fans know that the first course of the season aired from April 5 to June 21, 2025.
Now the series has returned in the winter of 2026 for its second and final course. With the release of the second volume, Fire Force will be closed as an anime, and fans are excited to see how this ending holds up. Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 premiered on January 9, 2026, and although it is not completely confirmed, it should have a total of 12 episodes.
Oshi No Ko Season 3
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Release date: January 14, 2026
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Number of episodes: 11
Oshi No Ko is an exciting anime series that exploded overnight when it first dropped its anime in 2023. Since then Oshi No Ko received a second season and now a third season is on its way, set to premiere on January 14, 2026. Oshi No Ko Season 3 could be one of the last seasons of the show. After all, the manga is already over. In this regard, many are excited to see how the story will unfold.
The biggest Shonen anime announced for 2026
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Oshi No Ko follows the story of reincarnated twins Aqua and Ruby as they try to uncover the truth behind their mother's murder. Oshi No Ko Season 3 will continue this exciting story with 11 new episodes.
Space Princess Kaguya!
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Release date: January 22, 2026
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Running time: 143 minutes
While most anime fans look forward to new anime seasons, upcoming anime movies should not be left out. The hottest new anime movie coming out in winter 2026 is none other than Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
Space Princess Kaguya! is an exciting new project that reimagines the story of the bamboo cutter, one of Japan's most famous folk tales. This anime movie is released on January 22, 2026, but fans will unfortunately not be able to watch it in theaters. This film will immediately appear on the Netflix streaming platform. Running for over 2 hours, fans can look forward to entertaining viewing as well as great music.
The Darwin Incident
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Release date: January 7, 2026
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Number of episodes: to be specified
The Darwin Incident is easily one of the latest anime winter 2026 releases that has already wowed fans. The Darwin Incident began airing its first anime season on January 7, 2026. The plot of the series caught the attention of many, because Charlie, the main character, is quite strange. He is half human, half chimpanzee, also known as “man”. Charlie has been raised by humans for years, but his life is about to take a huge turn after he catches the attention of ALA.
While fans know The Darwin Incident is already out, how many episodes it will have is still unclear. The studio is to determine this in the coming weeks.
Infernal paradise season 2
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Release date: January 11, 2026
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Number of episodes: to be specified
Hell's paradise is a phenomenal series that is long overdue for an anime sequel. In 2023, Hell's Paradise finally got an anime, and its first season was released with 13 episodes through MAPPA studio. Due to the immense quality, fans immediately fell in love with this story. Since then, fans have been patiently waiting for the second season and it will definitely be one of the best releases of Winter 2026.
Season 2 of Hell's Paradise premieres on January 11, 2026and the number of episodes is not clear at this time. Since Season 1 had 13 episodes, fans can expect a similarly short run for Season 2. Hell's Paradise follows Gabimaru the Hollow. He cannot be executed, instead he is sent on a mission to retrieve the Elixir of Life.
