Spring 2026 might be the most stacked anime season in years. We’re talking JoJo’s Steel Ball Run, Frieren Season 2, Dr. Stone’s final arc, Hell’s Paradise Season 2, and a whole lot more. If you’re an anime fan, your watchlist is about to overflow.
Here are the 10 most anticipated anime of spring 2026, ranked by hype and potential. Let’s get into it.
1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run
This is it. The one JoJo fans have been waiting for since forever. Steel Ball Run adapts what many consider the best JoJo part — a cross-country horse race through 1890s America filled with Stands, Steel Balls, and some of Araki’s finest storytelling.
Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli’s dynamic is arguably the best duo in the entire franchise. The shift to a new universe with a completely different tone gives this part a unique feel compared to previous JoJo entries.
Netflix is handling global distribution, and if the animation quality matches the manga’s legendary art, we’re looking at a contender for anime of the year. March can’t come soon enough.
Where to watch: Netflix
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
For newcomers to JoJo, you technically don’t need to watch previous parts to enjoy Steel Ball Run — it’s set in a separate universe. But the experience is richer if you’ve seen at least Parts 1-3 to understand the franchise’s DNA. Either way, this is the most anticipated anime spring 2026 has to offer.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
Frieren Season 1 was a masterpiece — a slow, contemplative journey that somehow made an overpowered elf mage the most relatable character in anime. Season 2 has massive expectations to live up to, and early previews suggest Madhouse is delivering again.
The first season earned near-universal praise for its beautiful animation, thoughtful pacing, and emotionally devastating moments wrapped in a cozy fantasy package. If Season 2 maintains that quality while pushing deeper into the First-Class Mage Exam arc, it’ll dominate the spring season.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
3. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Season 4
Bleach’s comeback has been nothing short of spectacular. Studio Pierrot has been absolutely cooking with the TYBW adaptation, delivering movie-quality animation in a weekly format. Season 4 continues the war against the Quincy, and manga readers know some of the craziest fights are still ahead.
The Sternritter battles are going to be insane. If you haven’t caught up on Bleach yet, now is the time — this final arc is elevating the series to heights it never reached in its original run.
Where to watch: Hulu / Disney+
4. One Piece — Elbaf Arc
The Straw Hats finally reach Elbaf, the land of warriors that’s been teased since Little Garden. For One Piece fans, this is a dream come true — especially for Usopp, whose entire character arc has been building toward this island.
Toei Animation has been on a roll with the post-Wano animation quality, and Elbaf is shaping up to be another visually stunning arc. The spring 2026 anime season wouldn’t be complete without One Piece delivering its next legendary saga.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix
5. Hell’s Paradise Season 2
Hell’s Paradise Season 1 set up one of the most intriguing fantasy worlds in recent anime. The combination of Edo-period aesthetics, body horror, and genuine mystery made it stand out in a crowded season. Season 2 dives deeper into the island’s secrets and the conflicts between the condemned criminals and their executioners.
MAPPA is handling production again, and given their track record, the action sequences should be spectacular. The manga’s art during these arcs is some of the most beautiful in modern manga — if MAPPA translates that faithfully, we’re in for a treat.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy
The island of Kotaku is one of the most creative settings in recent anime — a place where Japanese mythology gets twisted through a body horror lens. The mystery of what the island actually is drives the plot forward, and Season 2 starts answering those questions in deeply satisfying ways.
6. Dr. Stone: Science Future (Final Season Part 3)
Senku’s journey to rebuild civilization reaches its conclusion. Dr. Stone has been one of the most consistently enjoyable shonen series of the past few years, combining genuine science education with hype moments and lovable characters.
The final stretch of the manga has some of the most ambitious plot developments in the series, and seeing them animated will be emotional for long-time fans. If you love science, adventure, and a protagonist who’s actually smart, Dr. Stone’s finale is a must-watch this spring.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
7. Wistoria: Wand and Sword Season 2
Wistoria surprised everyone in its first season. What looked like a generic fantasy turned out to be a genuinely engaging underdog story with gorgeous fight choreography. Season 2 builds on that foundation with higher stakes and more developed characters.
The action sequences in Season 1 were produced by Bandai Namco Pictures with some incredible sakuga moments. If they maintain that level, Wistoria could become one of the standout action anime of 2026. Don’t sleep on this one.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
8. Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4
Bookworm is the isekai for people who are tired of generic isekai. Myne’s journey from a book-obsessed commoner to a figure of political significance continues, and the political intrigue only gets deeper from here.
The appeal of Bookworm has always been its worldbuilding and character depth rather than flashy action. If you want an anime that respects your intelligence while telling a genuinely compelling story, this is your show. Season 4 covers some of the most dramatic developments in the light novel.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
9. Fire Force: Final Season
Fire Force’s final season wraps up Atsushi Ohkubo’s fiery (pun intended) battle manga. The series has always been visually stunning — David Production knows how to animate flames like nobody else — and the final arc brings everything full circle.
The connections between Fire Force and Soul Eater that manga readers have been hyping are finally going to be explored in anime form. Even if you fell off Fire Force midway through, the finale might be worth coming back for.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
10. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
JJK remains one of the biggest anime in the world, and Season 3 continues the Culling Game arc. MAPPA’s animation has been controversial (production issues, staff burnout), but when they deliver, they deliver hard.
The Culling Game features some of the most creative fights in modern shonen, with new characters and returning favorites getting spotlight moments. Whether you think JJK peaked at Shibuya or believe the best is yet to come, Season 3 is appointment viewing.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Genre: Action, Supernatural
The Culling Game introduces a battle royale structure that keeps the pacing tight and the tension high. New sorcerers bring fresh fighting styles, and familiar characters get power-ups that manga readers have been dying to see animated. Love it or hate it, JJK isn’t going anywhere.
How to Keep Up With Spring 2026
Honestly? You can’t watch everything. Here’s our tier list to help you prioritize:
Must-watch tier: Steel Ball Run, Frieren S2, Bleach TYBW S4
Highly recommended: One Piece Elbaf, Hell’s Paradise S2, Dr. Stone Final
Worth your time: Wistoria S2, Bookworm S4, Fire Force Final, JJK S3
The spring 2026 anime season is genuinely special. Multiple franchises are hitting their peak arcs simultaneously, which rarely happens. Whether you’re a shonen fan, an isekai enjoyer, or someone who prefers slower storytelling, there’s something here for you.
Grab your snacks, queue up your streaming apps, and enjoy what might be the best anime season of the decade.
If you’re looking for anime to watch spring 2026, start with the must-watch tier and work your way down. Even the “worth your time” tier has shows that would headline any normal season — that’s how loaded spring 2026 is. 🔥
FAQ
When does spring 2026 anime season start?
Most new anime spring 2026 shows begin airing in early April, with some premiering in late March. Steel Ball Run hits Netflix in March.
Where can I watch these anime?
Crunchyroll has the majority. Netflix has Steel Ball Run exclusively. Bleach is on Hulu/Disney+. Check MyAnimeList for the full spring chart.
Which anime should I watch first?
If you can only pick one: Steel Ball Run if you’re a JoJo fan, Frieren S2 if you want quality storytelling, or Bleach TYBW if you want pure hype. You really can’t go wrong this season.
Are there any new anime (not sequels) worth watching in spring 2026?
Wistoria is the standout among newer franchises — only one season in and already building a strong following. The spring 2026 anime season is sequel-heavy, but keep an eye on the full spring chart for original projects that fly under the radar.