Spring has always been anime’s season of renewal—both literally and figuratively. As cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, studios unleash their most ambitious projects, and Spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked seasons we’ve seen in years. From highly anticipated sequels to fresh new adaptations that could become the next big thing, there’s genuinely something for everyone this season.
Whether you’re a battle shonen devotee, a romance enthusiast, or someone who thrives on psychological thrillers, Spring 2026 has you covered. We’ve sifted through the massive lineup to bring you the definitive guide on what to watch, what might surprise you, and where to stream everything.
Let’s dive into the anime that should absolutely be on your radar this spring.
The Heavy Hitters: Can’t-Miss Sequels
My Hero Academia: Final Arc Part 2
The conclusion we’ve been building toward for nearly a decade continues this spring. After Part 1 left us with our jaws on the floor, Part 2 promises to deliver the climactic battles that will define Deku’s legacy. Studio Bones is pulling out all the stops for this final stretch, and early previews suggest animation quality that rivals their movie productions.
- Episodes: 13 (cour 2 of final arc)
- What to Expect: All Might’s fate, Deku vs. Shigaraki conclusion, emotional farewells
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Should You Watch: If you’ve made it this far, you’re not stopping now
Spy x Family Season 3
The Forger family returns for more wholesome chaos. Season 3 is adapting the cruise ship arc, which manga readers know is an absolute banger—mixing the spy thriller elements we love with some of the series’ most emotionally resonant moments. Anya continues her quest for Stella stars while Yor gets to showcase why she’s the most dangerous mother in anime.
- Episodes: 12-13
- What to Expect: Cruise ship mission, Yor action sequences, Bond predictions
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Why It Matters: Peak wholesome entertainment with actual plot progression
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc Part 1
Ufotable does it again. The Infinity Castle Arc begins its adaptation, and if you thought Entertainment District and Swordsmith Village looked good, you haven’t seen anything yet. This arc is essentially non-stop action as the Demon Slayer Corps launches their final assault on Muzan’s stronghold. The dimensional shifting castle setting gives Ufotable unlimited creative freedom, and they’re taking full advantage.
- Episodes: 12-13 (Part 1 of arc)
- What to Expect: Hashira battles, Muzan confrontation begins, heartbreak
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Animation Hype Level: Off the charts
Vinland Saga Season 3
The farm arc is over, and it’s time for war—or rather, it’s time for Thorfinn to prevent war through the most peaceful means possible. Season 3 adapts the Baltic Sea War arc, which puts our protagonist’s newfound philosophy to its ultimate test. MAPPA continues to deliver stunning historical accuracy alongside visceral action sequences.
- Episodes: 24 (split-cour confirmed)
- What to Expect: Thorfinn as a leader, new allies, old enemies
- Streaming: Crunchyroll / Netflix
- Tone Shift: More action than Season 2, but still deeply philosophical
Fresh Blood: New Series to Watch
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
Technically a sequel, but Season 1 only scratched the surface of this monster-hunting phenomenon. Season 2 dives deep into Kafka’s struggles to control his kaiju form while the Defense Force faces threats that make Season 1’s monsters look like warm-ups. Production I.G continues to deliver explosive action sequences that showcase why this series was one of 2024’s biggest hits.
- Episodes: 12-13
- What to Expect: New kaiju threats, Kafka development, Defense Force drama
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- New Viewer Friendly: Catch up on Season 1 first—it’s only 12 episodes
Sakamoto Days
The former legendary hitman who retired to run a convenience store finally gets his anime adaptation, and it’s everything we hoped for. TMS Entertainment is handling the action-comedy, and early previews show they understand the assignment: fluid combat choreography with impeccable comedic timing. Sakamoto’s silent badassery translated perfectly to animation.
- Episodes: Split-cour (12 + 12)
- What to Expect: Creative action scenes, found family vibes, hilarious situations
- Streaming: Netflix
- Sleeper Hit Potential: This could be Spring’s breakout star
Witch Hat Atelier
Finally! The beloved manga about a girl who discovers magic isn’t innate but learned gets its anime adaptation courtesy of BUG FILMS. The gorgeous, intricate art style of the manga seemed impossible to animate, but early trailers suggest they’ve found a way to capture the magic. This is a slower-paced fantasy that rewards patience with some of the most creative worldbuilding in modern manga.
- Episodes: 12
- What to Expect: Cozy magic school vibes, beautiful animation, darker undertones
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- For Fans Of: Made in Abyss, Frieren, artistic fantasy
Kagurabachi
The breakout Shonen Jump hit that took the internet by storm (with varying degrees of irony) is getting the anime treatment faster than expected. This dark action series about a swordsmith’s son seeking revenge has genuine substance beneath the memes. Studio to be confirmed, but the source material provides plenty of stylish action to work with.
- Episodes: 12-13
- What to Expect: Revenge plot, supernatural swords, intense battles
- Streaming: TBA (likely Crunchyroll)
- Meme Status: Started ironic, became genuine appreciation
Hidden Gems: What You Might Miss
Hoshi Furu Yoru ni Kimi wo Omou (Under the Starry Night)
A romance series that’s flown under the radar but deserves attention. Based on a acclaimed novel, this series explores grief, healing, and unexpected connections with a maturity rarely seen in anime romance. Think “Your Name” meets “A Silent Voice” in terms of emotional depth.
- Episodes: 12
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Sleep on This At Your Own Risk: Could be the emotional knockout of the season
Choujin X
Sui Ishida returns to the world of superpowered beings with his spiritual successor to Tokyo Ghoul. Choujin X has a more whimsical tone but maintains that signature body horror and psychological depth. The manga’s irregular release schedule made it hard to follow, but now anime-only viewers get to experience it properly.
- Episodes: 12
- What to Expect: Bizarre powers, identity themes, incredible art direction
- Streaming: TBA
- For Tokyo Ghoul Fans: Yes, but also very different
Unnamed Memory Season 2
Season 1 was a solid fantasy romance that flew under most radars. Season 2 continues the story of the witch queen and her king, diving deeper into political intrigue and their unique relationship dynamic. If you slept on Season 1, now’s the time to catch up.
- Episodes: 12
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Underrated Factor: High—this deserves more attention
Quality Assurance in Another World
A unique isekai that asks: what if someone’s job was to find bugs in fantasy worlds? Haga is a “debugger” who enters game-like worlds to identify glitches before launch, and his latest assignment is full of problems. It’s a clever meta-commentary on isekai tropes wrapped in a genuinely engaging mystery.
- Episodes: 12
- Streaming: TBA
- Isekai Fatigue Cure: This one’s actually different
Sequels vs. New Shows: The Spring 2026 Balance
This season heavily favors sequels, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The returning shows are heavy hitters that have earned their spots:
Major Sequels This Season:
- My Hero Academia: Final Arc Part 2
- Spy x Family Season 3
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc
- Vinland Saga Season 3
- Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
- Mushoku Tensei Season 3
Promising New Adaptations:
- Sakamoto Days
- Witch Hat Atelier
- Kagurabachi
- Quality Assurance in Another World
The ratio is roughly 60/40 in favor of sequels, which means if you’ve been keeping up with anime, you’re eating well. For newcomers, shows like Sakamoto Days and Witch Hat Atelier offer perfect entry points that don’t require homework.
Streaming Availability Breakdown
Crunchyroll Dominance:
- My Hero Academia: Final Arc
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
- Spy x Family Season 3
- Vinland Saga Season 3
- Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
- Witch Hat Atelier
Netflix Exclusives:
- Sakamoto Days
- Vinland Saga Season 3 (shared)
Still TBA:
- Kagurabachi
- Choujin X
- Quality Assurance in Another World
Pro tip: Crunchyroll remains the essential subscription for anime fans in 2026. Netflix has stepped up their game with faster releases, but the bulk of seasonal anime still lands on Crunchyroll first.
What We’re Most Excited About
Look, every show on this list has merit, but if we’re being honest about what’s keeping us up at night:
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is going to break the internet. Ufotable plus the most action-packed arc in the manga? We’re not ready, but we’re so ready.
Sakamoto Days has sleeper hit written all over it. The manga is phenomenal, Netflix is pushing it hard, and it has that perfect balance of action and comedy that creates massive fanbases.
Witch Hat Atelier is for those of us craving something different—a slower, artistic, genuinely magical experience that proves anime can be cozy and profound simultaneously.
And honestly? My Hero Academia ending hits different. We’ve grown up with these characters, and seeing their story conclude is going to be emotional regardless of how you feel about recent arcs.
Conclusion
Spring 2026 isn’t just a good season—it’s a statement. Between conclusions to decade-long journeys, exciting new adaptations, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, there’s no excuse to say “there’s nothing good to watch.”
Our recommendation? Don’t try to watch everything. Pick 3-4 shows that genuinely excite you and commit to them. Seasonal anime is a marathon, not a sprint, and burnout is real.
For watch order guides on any returning series, check out our comprehensive guides—especially helpful for jumping into Demon Slayer or Vinland Saga if you need a refresher.
Spring is here. The anime is plentiful. Let’s go.
Related: Demon Slayer Watch Order Guide
| Vinland Saga Watch Order | My Hero Academia Complete Watch Order |