Jujutsu Kaisen is definitely one of the biggest highlights of the 2026 winter anime season. Fans have been waiting a long time for the Culling Game arc and are clearly hungry for more Jujutsu Kaisen contents; though as usual the ending of the manga sparked a lot of debate. And as usual, Studio MAPPA maintains high animation quality.
Still, there are other great titles airing this season. And at the same time JJK is a powerhouse, there are few other series that match or even surpass it, at least in some respects, be it the quality of writing, pacing, or even animation. Whatever you're looking for, there are sure to be many great streaming options out there right now. Here is a list of shows that are not only a quality alternative to JJK, but also perfect “catches” for fans.
Crunchyroll Simulcast Schedule (March 9 – March 15)
Here's a look at when you can catch all your favorite Winter 2026 anime this week on Crunchyroll.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2
Sequel to the 2025 anime
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Premiere date |
January 16, 2026 |
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Where to watch |
Crunchyroll |
Frieren is very different from Jujutsu Kaisen in terms of vibes and storytelling, but it's undeniably one of the best shonen anime airing this season. While the first few episodes may have left some a little frustrated, the new season is on a high note with fans.
Food is a time of joy, not stress, and we're all here for the same reason
This arc called “The Divine Revolt” is considered one of the best, so this season was highly anticipated. While the directional choices and additions may divide opinion among fans, the animation quality remains top notch and the pacing is still great. With its unique atmosphere, Frieren season 2 is a great option to watch this season.
Oshi no Ko season 3
One of the best story arcs
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Premiere date |
January 14, 2026 |
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Where to watch |
Crunchyroll, HIDIVE |
Oshi no Ko is also one of the highlights of the winter anime season 2026. While some fans may still be disappointed with the ending of the manga, this part of the story is still the highlight of the story and the overall quality of the adaptation remains good.
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Match the critics' averages
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Again, this is not a shonen battle, but it can still attract many Jujutsu fans who will appreciate how Oshi no Ko can handle drama and suspense. Also, while Doga Kobo probably won't change the ending of the story, it's likely that with good animation and good music, even disappointed fans can enjoy the following story developments.
Fate/Strange Fake (Full Series)
A parody of fate turned into a serious record
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Premiere date |
January 3, 2026 |
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Where to watch |
Crunchyroll |
Fate is a long-running franchise with many sequels and spinoffs, so many people don't know which are the best items to start with. Fate/Strange Fake is a great series where you can get to know Fate universe as it requires no prior knowledge of the franchise. Weird/fake actually started as an April Fool's joke with the title Fake/state night and later turned into a real, official story.
The story is essentially set in a “what if” scenario. Fate/night stay. After the prologue, the entire anime series is now airing. It's one of the best anime this season, featuring a great plot and solid action; many JJK fans will definitely enjoy his vibes.
Fire Force Season 3 Part 2
The Final Arc of the Anime
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Premiere date |
January 10, 2026 |
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Where to watch |
Crunchyroll |
Fire Force now it's heading towards its conclusion and the action is better than ever. Season 3 will complete the adaptation of the manga (and the ending, for those who haven't read the manga, contains a surprise for both Fire Force and Soul Eater fans). The latest episodes have been great and the best is yet to come.
The animation is produced by David Production studio (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), so fans can be sure that it will definitely be worth checking out. Episode 8 was particularly brilliant, with directional choices taking the source material to a whole new level.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
The Lives of 'Criminal Heroes'
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Premiere date |
January 5, 2026 |
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Where to watch |
Crunchyroll |
Although My Hero Academia: Vigilantes doesn't have to be as dark as Jujutsu Kaisenshows the “other side”. My Hero Academia's universe, exploring the lives of those who use their powers to help others, even if it means becoming criminals (since only licensed heroes can use their quirks in public). It also takes a more grounded approach to the lore of the series and expands the world in interesting ways.
Despite Koichi becoming a Vigilante primarily due to his kind and helpful personality, the story also features many characters who have very personal reasons for being out on the streets helping destroy baddies. And this arc also covers a lot of intense events from the original manga, so it's a great watch for some Jujutsu fans who would like to get inside My Hero Academia but I don't really like the original series. MHA: Vigilant takes place in the same universe, but in some ways is even more interesting than the main story.
Jujutsu Kaisen
- Release date
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October 3, 2020
- Network
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TBS, MBS, CBC, Tulip Television, BSN, tys, NBC, HBC, RKK, i-Television, SBS, IBC, BSS, MRO, OBS, TUF, RSK, TUY, tbc, RKB, SBC, KUTV, RBC, UTY, RCC, MRT, atv, MBC
- directors
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Ryohei Takeshita, Masataka Akai, Chie Nishizawa, Daisuke Tsukushi, Tomomi Kamiya, Kakushi Ifuku, Ken Takahashi
- Writers
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Hiroshi Seko
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Yuichi Nakamura
Satoru Gojo
