9 10/10 Winter 2026 Anime You Need To Watch

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The new winter anime season of 2026 is starting strong, with a huge number of both new and returning shows. With over 50 different anime vying for viewers, it can be tough to decide what to watch. To make the most of your time, it’s helpful to know which series are really worth checking out.

Fans are already excited about upcoming anime like Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Frieren Season 2, which were highly anticipated. These shows, along with others, are expected to be highlights of the winter 2026 season. It’s a good idea to start watching them now and enjoy every episode!

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3

Welcome to the Culling Games

Fans are eagerly anticipating Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen, which will cover the Culling Games story arc. With Studio MAPPA returning as the animation studio, viewers can expect high-quality animation, particularly during the action-packed fight scenes of the Culling Games.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is predicted to be a huge hit, potentially surpassing its previous season and other shows in early 2026, even with only 12 episodes. The show has a dedicated fanbase who consistently support the characters like Yuji Itadori. Now’s the perfect time to start watching and see the intense Culling Games arc, which will ultimately lead to the return of Gojo Satoru!

Frieren Season 2

The Quest for Aureole Continues

If you’re an anime fan looking for a captivating but relaxed watch this winter, Frieren Season 2 is looking promising. Following the events of the first season, where Frieren, Fern, and Stark focused on passing a challenging mage exam, the series now follows the elf mage Frieren on a brand new journey.

Now’s a great time to dive into the story of Frieren and her companions as they travel towards Aureole, the final resting place for the departed. Expect to meet new characters – both friends and foes – and discover the fascinating magical books Frieren is collecting. Plus, you’ll get to see more of Frieren’s cherished memories with the Hero Party, particularly her time with Himmel!

Oshi no Ko Season 3

It’s Time to Give the Spotlight to Ruby Hoshino

Two years after its second season, Oshi no Ko is coming back for a third season, produced by Doga Kobo. Despite a divisive ending to the original manga by Aka Akasaka, anime fans are eagerly awaiting the new episodes.

The first two seasons of Oshi no Ko focused on Aqua Hoshino’s investigation into the people connected to Ai. Now, Season 3 is shifting the focus to Ruby, who is determined to avenge her mother’s death while Aqua tries to build a new life for himself.

Sentenced to Be a Hero

The Tale of the Hero and His Goddess

Studio Kai’s new series, Sentenced to Be a Hero, quickly became a popular hit this past winter. The first episode wowed audiences with its stunning visuals and engaging storyline. Viewers were especially surprised to see Xylo Forbartz not only defeat a monster army, but also a Demon King – all with a bit of help from a playful goddess – in the very first episode.

Viewers are noticing similarities between the anime Sentenced to Be a Hero and the well-known Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, particularly in their visual style. One key difference is that Sentenced to Be a Hero doesn’t include suggestive content, which many fans appreciate in exchange for a more intense and dramatic storyline.

Journal With Witch

A Healing Journey Begins

For a relaxing and enjoyable winter evening, you’ll want an anime that feels warm and comforting. Journal With Witch, created by Studio Shuka, is a gentle story about the everyday bond between an aunt and her niece. It’s a simple, heartwarming premise with beautiful visuals.

Although Journal With Witch isn’t as emotionally charged as some other anime, it stands out for how relatable it is and how powerfully it portrays difficult feelings like grief and self-doubt. Even just one episode can be uplifting and remind you to appreciate the good things in life.

Hell’s Paradise Season 2

Gabimaru’s Death Quest Continues

MAPPA’s Hell’s Paradise Season 2 is set to be a major anime release in Winter 2026, along with Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. The show is visually stunning and action-packed, with exciting fight scenes featuring Gabimaru and beautifully detailed environments on the island of Shinsenkyo.

Viewers are eagerly anticipating the continuation of Gabimaru’s journey on the deadly island of Shinsenkyo, alongside his executioner, Sagiri, and the other prisoners. They’ll face tough new opponents that will test their strength and skills. While survival on Shinsenkyo is unlikely, Gabimaru is determined to keep fighting, hoping to reunite with his wife.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2

Welcome the Newest Villain of the MHA Universe

Season 2 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes continues the story of Koichi Haimawari and Kazuho Haneyama as they fight crime after the sudden vanishing of Knuckleduster. Despite taking down Kuin Hachisuka in the previous season, they still haven’t found out who created and spread the dangerous Ideo Trigger.

Even though MHA: Vigilantes isn’t as well-known as the main My Hero Academia series, it still offers a compelling story with fantastic characters. Just keep in mind that Koichi and Izuku are different heroes who shine in their own unique ways.

Fate/strange Fake

Welcome the New Saber

As a long-time follower of the Fate series, I wasn’t surprised by the excitement surrounding Fate/strange Fake. Fans have been eagerly awaiting an anime adaptation for a while, and it seems those expectations are finally being delivered. A-1 Pictures, who also created Fate/strange Fake—Whispers of Dawn, is handling the animation, which is fantastic news.

I’ve been following the events unfolding in Fate/strange Fake, and it’s pretty interesting. A new Saber has appeared right as a Holy Grail War is about to begin. What makes this one different is that it’s the first time a war of this kind is happening in America, which seems like it’s going to lead to a lot more chaos and destruction than usual.

Chained Soldier Season 2

Guilty Pleasure Anime of the Winter Season

Many anime fans enjoy indulging in shows they know aren’t ‘high art,’ and it often helps lift their spirits. This winter, in 2026, Passione and Hayabusa Film collaborated to create the second season of Chained Soldier, which is great news for those who enjoy fantasy, harem, and ecchi anime.

Chained Soldier features a group of attractive, uniformed women battling monsters using their special skills. The story centers around Yuuki Wakura, who finds himself the object of affection for these women. Although he doesn’t look like much, Yuuki is far from helpless.

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2026-01-16 21:48