With just a few weeks left until the 2026 winter anime season kicks off, it's clear that it's going to be one to remember. When it comes to new anime releases, winter seasons tend to offer a strong lineup, providing a good balance of sequels and brand new shows. Just take a look at winter 2025who had The Apothecary's Diaries Season 2, Solo leveling Season 2 and Sakamoto Daysand you will have an idea. But winter 2026 surpasses this.
With over 57 shows set to air in Winter 2026, it's rare to see multiple sequels to some of the most anticipated shows premiering in the same season. New episodes will be at the top of the list for many fans. Freeze: Beyond Journey's End, Jujutsu Kaisen, Oshi no KoAnd Fire power.
At the same time, winter 2026 will bring with it an exciting lineup of first seasons spanning different genres. Condemned to be a hero is a brand new fantasy show with a large fan base waiting to see their favorite light novel get an anime version. Tune in to Midnight Heart it's a typical harem high school romance, while In the clear moonlit twilight is a more intimate, romantic part of life that you might want to delve into. There's even a brand new Fate anime waiting for us.
With so many options—and let's be honest, there aren't many free hours to watch all the shows we want—it's hard to choose. While there are likely hidden gems in this long list of new shows, we've picked eight Winter 2026 anime that you should definitely add to your list and check out when the season starts.
8
Freeze: Beyond Journey's End, Season 2
Release date: January 16
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Freeze: Beyond Journey's EndThe first season captured our attention with the visually impressive and emotionally striking story of the elf mage Friren, who begins a new adventure after witnessing time and mortality claim her old friends. Season 2 promises more of what we love Freeze: A rewarding experience for characters discovering the beauty of the world around them.
The main cast of Freeren, Fern and Stark return along with familiar faces from previous seasons, but we can expect new characters to be introduced as well. In the trailers already released, we can see that “training” will be a big theme this season – let's hope Freeren learns to stay away from the Mimics!
7
Jujutsu Kaisen: Qualifying Game Part 1
Release date: January 8
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Season three Jujutsu Kaisen going to become That shonen show winter 2026. If you've been following this story so far, you're probably wondering what's going to happen next. After the unthinkable happened and the most powerful man in the world, Satoro Gojo, found himself trapped by Geto, the future of humanity was in the hands of his student.
In a land plagued by the dangers of cursed spirits, jujutsu sorcerers must gather their forces and try to turn the tide. But before Itadori can do anything, he will have to face Yuta Okkotsua senior jujutsu sorcerer and the strongest among Gojo's students. PSA: You might want to watch Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and learn more about Utah before the new season airs!
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6
Oshi no Ko season 3
Release date: January 14
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
While Aqua's point of view guided the show as he investigated his mother's murder, the series' third season Oshi no Ko seeks to bring attention to her sister Ruby Hoshino. From what we've seen in the promotional trailer for this new season, the core cast of characters will still be present and the current media landscape will remain the backdrop for the new storyline. However, it's time to see a new side of Ruby's personality.
In previous seasons, Ruby was portrayed as less mature than her brother. She, like her mother, focused on becoming an idol, unaware of Aqua's plans. However, in Oshi no Ko In the third season, it seems that the playful idol has her own plans, which she will carry out by any means necessary. As she says at the end of the Season 3 trailer, “In this world… you can't be popular by being honest and straightforward.”
5
In the clear moonlit twilight
Release date: January 11
Where to watch: to be announced later
2025 was a good year for romance anime with series like The fragrant flower blooms with dignity And My dear dress up Season 2, but 2026 will be a great start on that front with In the clear moonlit twilight. Adapted from Mika Yamamori's manga of the same name, this is a high school love story that will warm your heart even on the coldest winter days.
In the clear moonlit twilight tells the story of Yoi Takiguchi, a girl who, with her short black hair and boyish looks, makes all the girls at school swoon over her. Because of this, she is called “prince”. The stern prince begins to realize the effect she has on others when she meets Kohaku Ichimura—and can we blame her? He has gray hair, pierced ears and a bad boy with a good heart image that makes him irresistible. But above all, he is the only one who actually sees Yoi for who she truly is. With clean visuals and colors that evoke the inner turmoil of the characters. In the clear moonlit twilight has everything to be one of the most beautiful shows to watch this season.
4
Ikoku Nikki
Release date: January 4 (Japan)
Where to watch: to be announced later
Based on the manga by Tomoko Yamashita, which has not yet received an official English translation, although fans know it as “Journal with a witch“—, Ikoku Nikki The story follows 35-year-old writer Makio Kudai, who becomes the guardian of her 15-year-old niece Asa Takumi after the girl's parents die in a car accident. Although they belong to the same family, they are not close – mainly due to Makio's difficult relationship with her sister, Asa's mother. After her death, both women seek understanding and strength to move on.
This is a story of loss, but it is also a story of how you can find the support you need from the most unexpected people, even if they have always been there. The emotional weight of the narrative is supported by the series' simple character designs, which provide a clear framework for the character's feelings to be expressed without exaggeration. If you want to start the year slow and reflect on the importance of those around you, Ikoku Nikki this is an excellent choice.
3
Hell's Paradise Season 2
Release date: January 11 (Japan)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Although the first season Hell's paradise It may have been a little lacking in action, but it created one of the most intriguing settings, mixing Japan's Edo period with the supernatural. The story centers on a group of criminals sent to the dangerous island of Shinsenkyo, filled with giant monsters, to find the elixir of life. Hell's paradise perfect for those looking for a show with action and mystery, but at a slower pace than other shonen shows such as Jujutsu Kaisen. IN Hell's paradise In the second season, we will definitely learn more about the secrets of the “paradise” island.
Although only a few characters from the first season have survived their arrival on the island, a new group is about to hit the Shinsenkyo. However, this time visitors seem to have more goals than just finding the famous elixir of life. Meanwhile, the story continues to follow Gabimaru the Hollow, a powerful shinobi capable of bringing death to his enemies through fire. In addition to all the dangers on the island, such as the Seven Lords of Tensen, Gabimaru will also have to face another battle: remembering his reason to live and fight.
2
Condemned to be a hero
Release date: to be announced later
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
In recent years, we've seen a lot of anime shows subverting concepts and genres. Condemned to be a hero follows this trend. In this series, becoming a hero is not something people strive for, but a punishment. People marked as such are forced to fight against the Demon Lords, losing even the right to die as they are resurrected to continue fighting. Xylo Vorbartz, the main character of the series, becomes one of these heroes after he is accused of murdering a goddess. However, he eventually finds a way to change his life by making a pact with another goddess.
Although a fantasy world with goddesses and magic is a common setting, Condemned to be a hero it's a brand new title with strong production values that put it alongside the big names of the season. The animation looks amazing in the trailer, and we have every reason to expect a great show since it's directed by veteran Hiroyuki Takashima, who worked on One piece, Man with a chainsawAnd Mushoku Tensei.
1
Space Princess Kaguya!
Release date: January 22
Where to watch: Netflix
The only anime film on this list. Space Princess Kaguya! is sure to provide an outstanding experience. Princess Kaguya is a classic figure of Japanese folklore, originating from a traditional tale. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter . The Netflix original production pairs Kaguya, the princess from the moon, with Iroha, a high school girl in modern-day Japan. It's a fresh take on the traditional tale with vibrant visuals and a stunning modern setting.
Another key point of this production is that Space Princess Kaguya! there are songs written by six Vocaloid producers. You may think you're unfamiliar with Vocaloid, but you've probably seen Hatsune Miku at least once. Some of the biggest names in the vocaloid scene, such as 40mP and HoneyWorks, have provided the music that will bring this new version of one of Japan's oldest tales to life.
