As the summer of 2026 approaches, anime enthusiasts are gearing up for a season packed with exciting releases. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, the lineup promises something for every fan. Here's a curated list of some of the most anticipated anime, along with personal commentary and analysis.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Season 3
Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Premiere Date: July 5
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: This series is a delightful romp through the world of polyamory, where a lovelorn protagonist assembles a polycule of unhinged young ladies. It's a refreshing take on the romance genre, offering a unique and modern perspective on relationships. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance humor and heart makes it a standout in the genre.
BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Action
Premiere Date: June 18
Where to Watch: Netflix
Commentary: The second sequel to the beloved JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, this series pits its fighters against the legendary samurai Musashi Miyamoto. It's a thrilling ride that combines the intense action of the JoJo franchise with the historical setting of the samurai era. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it blends the modern and the traditional, creating a unique and captivating narrative.
Black Torch
Studio: 100studio
Genre: Action, Supernatural
Premiere Date: July 4
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: In this series, a teenage shinobi becomes the victim of a cat distribution system and gains supernatural powers. It's a fresh take on the shonen genre, blending action and supernatural elements in a way that feels both familiar and innovative. What many people don't realize is how well the show balances its action sequences with character development, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity
Studio: Pierrot Films
Genre: Action, Supernatural
Premiere Date: June 25 (theatrical premiere), Streaming TBD July 2026
Where to Watch: Hulu/Disney+
Commentary: The finale of Thousand-Year Blood War's final season, this movie brings the epic saga to a climactic end. With additional scenes and action befitting one of the 'big three' of Shonen Jump, it's a must-watch for fans of the series. If you take a step back and think about it, the show's impact on the anime industry cannot be overstated, setting a new standard for action and supernatural anime.
Chainsmoker Cat
Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
Genre: Comedy
Premiere Date: July 3
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: One of two anime from big tobacco about the joys of smoking, this series takes a drag while being a cat girl. It's a lighthearted and humorous take on a potentially controversial topic, offering a unique and entertaining perspective. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle sensitive subjects with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
Clevatess Season 2
Studio: Lay-duce
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Premiere Date: July TBD
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: An undead warrior and her petulant demon lord enroll in a school out of the latter's morbid curiosity to see how the world will play out from his rearing of the future king. It's a dark fantasy series that blends action and humor in a way that feels both refreshing and engaging. One thing that immediately stands out is how well the show balances its serious moments with lighthearted ones, creating a compelling and unique narrative.
The Elusive Samurai Season 2
Studio: CloverWorks
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Premiere Date: July TBD
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A rambunctious prince with a propensity to run away from danger must take back the throne from those who assassinated his family with the help of his trusty group of friends. It's a fun and engaging adventure series that combines humor and action in a way that feels both lighthearted and thrilling. What many people don't realize is how well the show balances its comedic moments with serious ones, creating a compelling and unique narrative.
From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2
Studio: Passione, Hayabusa Film
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Premiere Date: July 8 in Japan, International TBD
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Commentary: A zaddy sword fighter reluctantly takes on the position as the instructor to a squadron of fighters charged with protecting their kingdom from all manner of monsters. It's an action-packed fantasy series that combines humor and heart in a way that feels both refreshing and engaging. If you take a step back and think about it, the show's ability to balance its serious moments with lighthearted ones makes it a compelling and unique narrative.
The Ghost in the Shell
Studio: Science SARU
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Premiere Date: July 7
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Commentary: Science SARU adapts Masamune Shirow's formative cyberpunk manga in the most visually and tonally faithful rendition the series has ever seen. It's a visually stunning and thought-provoking series that explores the themes of identity and technology in a way that feels both relevant and timeless. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Goodbye, Lara
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Premiere Date: July 5
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: An anime reimagining of The Little Mermaid if its titular girlie died and was reincarnated two centuries later in the modern day. It's a heartwarming and romantic series that blends fantasy and reality in a way that feels both enchanting and relatable. What many people don't realize is how well the show balances its fantasy elements with its realistic ones, creating a compelling and unique narrative.
Grand Blue Dreaming Season 3
Studio: Saber Works, Zero-G
Genre: Comedy
Premiere Date: July TBD
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: Local dumbass and his group of fellow college hooligans live it up while catching a wave. It's a lighthearted and humorous series that combines comedy and adventure in a way that feels both refreshing and engaging. One thing that immediately stands out is how well the show balances its serious moments with lighthearted ones, creating a compelling and unique narrative.
Hana-Kimi Season 2
Studio: Signal.MD
Genre: Romance
Premiere Date: July 2
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A girl transfers to an all-boys school (and cross-dresses, naturally) to get closer to her high school crush. It's a heartwarming and romantic series that explores the complexities of love and identity in a way that feels both relatable and engaging. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle sensitive subjects with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
I Want To Love You Till Your Dying Day
Studio: ROLL2
Genre: Fantasy, Yuri
Premiere Date: July TBD
Where to Watch: TBD
Commentary: A pair of orphans raised as child soldiers in a brutal war strike up a romance after a rumor about one of them being a secret weapon in the war effort who cannot die surfaces. It's a heartwarming and romantic series that explores the complexities of love and loss in a way that feels both poignant and engaging. What many people don't realize is how well the show balances its serious moments with lighthearted ones, creating a compelling and unique narrative.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia
Studio: Science SARU
Genre: Drama
Premiere Date: July 4 in Japan
Where to Watch: TBD
Commentary: An indentured Persian woman, whose shrewdness and intellect are on par with Mao Mao from The Apothecary Diaries, plots to destroy the Mongolian empire from the inside using her cunning inside the harem of Genghis Khan’s progeny as they fight over the throne. It's a compelling and engaging drama series that explores the themes of power and identity in a way that feels both thought-provoking and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. Season 2
Studio: J.C.Staff
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Premiere Date: July 4 in Japan, International TBD
Where to Watch: TBD
Commentary: A college graduate struggling to find employment lucks out as an assistant at a magical girl start-up company. It's an action-packed and engaging series that combines fantasy and humor in a way that feels both refreshing and entertaining. What many people don't realize is how well the show balances its serious moments with lighthearted ones, creating a compelling and unique narrative.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3
Studio: Studio Bind
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Premiere Date: July 6
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A NEET gets a second chance at life after dying and reincarnating in a fantasy land as a powerful mage, carrying his past-life baggage and building a new life for himself with his wives (plural). It's an action-packed and engaging series that explores the themes of identity and redemption in a way that feels both thought-provoking and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
My Hero Academia: I Am a Hero Too
Studio: Bones Film
Genre: Action
Premiere Date: August 3, early premiere at Anime Expo
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A My Hero Academia special animated short following everyone’s favorite adopted daughter, Eri. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the themes of identity and heroism in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
One Piece: Heroines
Studio: Toei Animation
Genre: Action
Premiere Date: July 5
Where to Watch: TBD
Commentary: A One Piece spin-off tale about following heroines Nico Robin and Nami on an excursion to a fashion show that takes a turn for the worse. It's an action-packed and engaging series that explores the themes of heroism and fashion in a way that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Studio: Shaft
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Yuri
Premiere Date: August 28
Where to Watch: In theaters
Commentary: Join Homura Akemi back in the psychological horror-ful magical girl world as she picks up the pieces of her life in an alternate universe. It's a compelling and engaging series that explores the themes of identity and redemption in a way that feels both thought-provoking and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Red River
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Genre: Adventure, Romance
Premiere Date: July 7
Where to Watch: TBD
Commentary: After getting her first kiss from her new boyfriend, a schoolgirl is sent back to the ancient Middle East and must escape the clutches of an evil queen with the help of a beautiful prince. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the themes of love and adventure in a way that feels both enchanting and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The Ribbon Hero
Studio: Outline
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Premiere Date: August 8
Where to Watch: Netflix
Commentary: An anime reimagining inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s classic series Princess Knight about a princess arming herself with a sword and a magical ribbon to protect the kind people around her. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the themes of heroism and romance in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
Sekiro: No Defeat
Studio: Qzil.la
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Premiere Date: September 4 in Japan, International TBD
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: An anime adaptation of PlayStation’s blockbuster Soulslike about a shinobi fighting an onslaught of powerful foes while protecting a young boy. It's an action-packed and engaging series that explores the themes of heroism and sacrifice in a way that feels both thought-provoking and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You
Studio: Asahi Production
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Premiere Date: July TBD
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A tired office worker strikes up a romance with a goth store clerk at his local convenience store during their smoke break, unaware that she’s the same woman he’s been crushing on for a minute, out of uniform. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the themes of love and self-discovery in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
Sparks of Tomorrow
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama
Premiere Date: July 5
Where to Watch: Netflix
Commentary: A boy and a girl with tons of baggage between them rekindle their hopes for a technological, steam-powered future while uncovering their world’s secrets. It's a thought-provoking and engaging series that explores the themes of hope and discovery in a way that feels both inspiring and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Tomb Raider King
Studio: Studio Eek
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Premiere Date: July 8
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: In what’s sure to be the first of many anime to be confused with Solo Leveling, an adventurer is sent back in time after nearly dying and treks to acquire relics granting their owners supernatural powers as revenge against his employer before they betray him. It's an action-packed and engaging series that explores the themes of revenge and redemption in a way that feels both thrilling and thought-provoking. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with creativity and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The World Is Dancing
Studio: Cypic
Genre: Drama
Premiere Date: July 2
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: The progeny of a theater troupe finds a new lease on life after coming across a form of dance that not only brings joy to those around him but also helps him confront his own shortcomings. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the themes of self-discovery and joy in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2
Studio: Lapin Track
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Premiere Date: July 5
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A gyaru and her boyfriend continue their whirlwind love story, and their circle of friends is struck by Cupid’s arrow in ways that often eclipse their own romance. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the complexities of love and friendship in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games
Studio: Diomedéa
Genre: Comedy, Yuri
Premiere Date: July 7
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Commentary: A group of prim and proper high school ladies start up a fighting game club where they call each other scrublords and pop off on each other. It's a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the themes of friendship and self-discovery in a way that feels both relatable and entertaining. What this really suggests is that anime can tackle complex themes with humor and creativity, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
As the summer of 2026 approaches, anime enthusiasts have a wealth of exciting releases to look forward to. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, the lineup promises something for every fan. So, mark your calendars, grab your snacks, and get ready for a summer of anime!
