Best Anime on Crunchyroll 2026: The Ultimate Streaming Guide

Crunchyroll is THE destination for anime streaming in 2026. After absorbing Funimation’s library, it’s become the one-stop shop for almost everything you want to watch. With thousands of titles available—from seasonal simulcasts to classic series—finding where to start can be overwhelming.

This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the absolute best anime you should be watching on Crunchyroll right now, from the hottest current series to essential classics every fan should experience.

Our Top Picks

1. Solo Leveling

Episodes: 24+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: The power fantasy phenomenon that broke the internet. Stunning A-1 Pictures animation brings Sung Jinwoo’s rise from weakest hunter to shadow monarch to life. If you want the biggest current anime with incredible action, this is it.

2. Jujutsu Kaisen

Episodes: 48+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Horror
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: MAPPA’s dark supernatural action masterpiece. Curse users fight terrifying curses with creative abilities and spectacular animation. It’s consistently one of the best-looking anime being produced, with a story that keeps escalating in intensity.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Episodes: 55+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Historical
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: The anime that redefined production values. Ufotable’s animation is jaw-dropping, and Tanjiro’s journey to save his sister while slaying demons remains compelling. The Hashira Training arc and upcoming finale make this essential viewing.

4. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Episodes: 28+ (ongoing)
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: The quiet masterpiece that swept 2024-2025. An immortal elf processes lifetimes of memories in this meditative, beautiful exploration of time and connection. It’s unlike typical fantasy anime—contemplative but never boring.

5. My Hero Academia

Episodes: 150+ (final season airing)
Genre: Action, Superhero, School
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: The superhero academy anime is reaching its conclusion in 2026. Whether you’ve followed from the start or need to catch up, now’s the time to see Deku’s journey to becoming the greatest hero reach its climax.

6. One Piece

Episodes: 1100+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: Yes, it’s long. Yes, it’s worth it. The current Egghead arc features some of One Piece’s best content ever, with improved animation and pacing. The live-action success brought new fans, and Crunchyroll has the entire journey available.

7. Spy x Family

Episodes: 37+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Slice of Life
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: A spy, an assassin, and a telepath form a fake family—wholesome chaos ensues. It’s funny, heartwarming, and accessible to literally anyone. Perfect for watching with non-anime fans or when you need something lighter.

8. Chainsaw Man

Episodes: 12+ (Season 2 coming)
Genre: Action, Horror, Dark Comedy
Status: Complete Season 1
Why Watch: Wild, bloody, and surprisingly emotional. Denji’s journey as a devil hunter who IS part chainsaw devil is unlike anything else. MAPPA’s animation is gorgeous, and the story only gets crazier. Get ready for Season 2.

9. Kaiju No. 8

Episodes: 12+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: An underdog gains monster powers and rises through the defense force ranks. It’s got spectacular action, likeable characters, and captures that shonen spirit perfectly. One of 2024’s biggest new hits.

10. Oshi no Ko

Episodes: 24+ (ongoing)
Genre: Drama, Supernatural, Music
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: An idol dies and is reborn as her own son. What follows is a dark exploration of the entertainment industry, fame, and revenge. That first episode is legendary, and the story only deepens from there.

11. The Eminence in Shadow

Episodes: 32+ (ongoing)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: Power fantasy meets parody gold. Cid wants to be an overpowered mastermind and accidentally becomes one. Incredible action, hilarious comedy, and a protagonist who’s simultaneously cringe and awesome.

12. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Episodes: 47+ (ongoing)
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
Status: Simulcast
Why Watch: The “grandfather of isekai” adapted with movie-quality animation. Rudeus’s journey from reincarnation to becoming a legendary mage is epic in scope. The world-building is incredible, and the production values are top-tier.

13. Bocchi the Rock!

Episodes: 12 (Season 2 announced)
Genre: Comedy, Music, Slice of Life
Status: Complete Season 1
Why Watch: A socially anxious guitarist joins a band. CloverWorks went absolutely wild with creative visual gags and experimental animation. It’s hilarious, relatable, and genuinely heartwarming. Surprise hit that earned every bit of its acclaim.

14. Mob Psycho 100

Episodes: 37 (Complete)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Status: Complete
Why Watch: The complete story of an overpowered psychic who just wants to be normal. Incredible animation, heartfelt storytelling, and a perfect ending. One of the best anime of the 2010s-2020s, fully available.

Quick Comparison Table

How We Chose

Our criteria for the best Crunchyroll anime in 2026:

Currently Streaming: Everything listed is available on Crunchyroll in 2026. We focused on titles you can watch right now.

Quality and Popularity: A mix of critically acclaimed series and fan favorites. These represent the best of what Crunchyroll offers.

Variety: Different genres and styles so there’s something for everyone—action, comedy, drama, fantasy, and more.

Current Relevance: Emphasis on ongoing series and recent hits alongside essential completed shows.

Accessibility: Series that work for newcomers while also satisfying longtime anime fans.

Start Your Journey

For current hype: Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer are the biggest shows right now.

For catching up: My Hero Academia and One Piece are reaching crucial moments—perfect time to jump in.

For something complete: Mob Psycho 100 offers a finished, satisfying story you can binge immediately.

For comedy: Spy x Family and Bocchi the Rock! deliver laughs with heart.

For something different: Frieren and Oshi no Ko offer unique experiences that stand apart from typical anime.

Crunchyroll’s library is unmatched in 2026. Whether you’re a new anime fan or a seasoned veteran, these recommendations represent the best the platform has to offer.