The winter anime season kicks off 2026 with new and familiar titles that could overwhelm even the most dedicated anime fan. As usual, the lineup is full of more than 50 anime of various genres, competing for the audience's attention. It takes so much time to try out each anime, so it's best to know which ones are really worth it.
Fans already have clear favorites, such as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Frieren season 2but that's not a surprise at all. These titles are the expected headliners of the 2026 winter season, but the same goes for these 10/10 anime. That said, it's best to start playing these shows and enjoy every episode!
Where to watch anime winter 2026: Roundup of all streaming platforms
Complete guide to where to watch Winter 2026 anime, with complete streaming lineups from Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE, Hulu, Amazon and more.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
Welcome to Culling Games
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is an adaptation of Culling Games and every shonen anime fan is pretty excited and excited. Studio MAPPA is returning for a third season, so it's safe to assume that the animation will be top-notch, especially the fight scenes that take place during the Culling Games.
It wouldn't be a surprise if JJK Season 3 surpasses its previous season or any other show in the 2026 winter season in just 12 episodes. After all, fans are very consistent in showing their support for Yuji Itadori and the other wizards. It's time to join the bandwagon and watch the events of the Culling Games unfold leading up to the unsealing of Gojo Satoru!
Frieren season 2
The search for Aureola continues
For anime fans who want to slow it down this winter season, Frieren Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch. Our house elf mage Frieren embarks on a new adventure with Fern and Stark after spending most of his time trying to pass the First Class Mage Exam organized by the Series in the first season.
It's the best time to catch up with Frieren as the main group continues on their way to Aureole where the deceased rests. Look forward to Frierene's new friends, enemies and a unique magical grimoire in her growing collection. Not to mention, enjoy Frierena's memories with the Hero Party, especially with Himmel!
Oshi no Ko season 3
It's time to pay attention to Ruby Hoshino
Doga Kobo returns with Oshi no Ko Season 3, two years after the second season. Anime fans are still excited to see new episodes, despite the controversial ending of the manga series of the same name written by Aka Akasaka.
While the first two seasons Oshi no Ko Oshi no Ko, Season 3, which mostly delved into Aqua Hoshino's investigation surrounding the people in Ai's life, pushes Ruby into the spotlight. It's time for him to avenge his idol and his mother's death, while Aqua continues to make a fresh start in life.
Doomed to be a hero
The story of a hero and his goddess
Doomed to be a hero Studio Kai is the breakout hit of the winter season of 2026. The pilot episode delivered cinematic visuals and a compelling story that impressed audiences around the world. No one was prepared to see Xylo Forbartz defeat an army of monsters in style, much less defeat a demon king with a sassy goddess in the very first episode.
Fans are now comparing Doomed to be a hero to the popular isekai anime Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnation without workbecause the visuals resemble each other. Perhaps the most obvious difference is the lack of ecchi elements Doomed to be a hero which fans are more than happy to exchange for a more serious, high-stakes plot.
Diary With a witch
The healing journey begins
The experience of the 2026 winter season will not be complete without a cozy, wholesome and warm anime that is perfect for Friday night viewing. Diary With a witchproduced by Studio Shuka, is a josei anime that revolves around the everyday relationship between an aunt and her niece. The premise is simple and easy to understand, while the visuals are aesthetically pleasing.
While Diary With a witch lacks the same intensity as the other anime on this list, the show thrives on its relatability, impact, and depiction of sadness, insecurities, and other internal struggles. Watching just one episode is enough to lift your spirits and make you feel grateful.
Infernal paradise season 2
Gabimar's search for death continues
Studio MAPPA Hell's paradise Season 2 also headlines the 2026 winter season Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. It's a high-octane anime that offers a visual feast, from Gabimaru's fight scenes to the vivid backdrops of Shinsenkyo Island.
Fans are excited to join Gabimaru for his remaining time on Shinsenkyo Island along with his executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri and other ex-convicts. New enemies await Gabimaru and his crew that will push them to their limits. Death is almost guaranteed in Shinsenkyo, but Gabimaru won't stop until he meets his wife again.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
Welcome to the newest villain in the MHA universe
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2 moves forward after Knuckleduster's unexpected disappearance with the vigilant work of Koichi Haimawari and Kazuho Haneyama. Unfortunately, they didn't catch those responsible for creating and distributing the Ideo Trigger, even after defeating Kuin Hachisuka in Season 1.
While MHA: Vigilant not as popular as Kohei Horikoshi's original MHA series, the spin-off promises an enjoyable story with great and well-written characters. Remember that Koichi and Izuku are not alike and excel in completely different areas of heroism.
Fate/Strange Fake
Welcome to New Sabre
Fate/strange Fake is the newest addition to the game Fate franchise, so fan support is almost always guaranteed. An anime adaptation has been long overdue, and the sky-high expectations are finally being met thanks to A-1 Pictures, the same studio that produced the Fate/strange Fake-Whispers of Dawn.
In Fate/strange Fake, a new saber was summoned just in time for the latest Holy Grail War. This is the first time the Holy Grail War takes place in America, so the anime opens the door for a wider scale of destruction.
Chained soldier season 2
Guilty Pleasure anime winter season
Guilty pleasure anime keeps the bad vibes away on a daily basis, at least for most fans. This winter season of 2026, Passione and Hayabusa Film have teamed up to produce A handcuffed soldier Season 2, much to the delight of fantasy, harem, and ecchi anime fans.
A handcuffed soldier is about beautiful uniformed girls fighting monsters with their unique abilities. Then there is our main character, Yuuki Wakura, who enjoys all the love and attention from the girls. Don't worry, Yuuki is not useless at all despite his average appearance.
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