The anime horizon from mid-July 2025 through 2026 is brimming with electrifying sequels, daring adaptations, and bold originals.
With studios like Science Saru, Pierrot, Bones, and CloverWorks pushing creative boundaries, this period promises a vibrant mix of genres, from supernatural chaos to heartfelt romance and gritty action. Below is a curated list of eight highly anticipated anime series set to premiere between mid-July 2025 and 2026, each poised to leave a mark on the anime world.
1. Sakamoto Days Season 1, Part 2
Premiere Date: July 14, 2025
Platform: Netflix
Why It’s Hyped: Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days has already won over shonen fans with its mix of explosive action and lighthearted comedy. Part 2 of the first season escalates the stakes with a three-way showdown between Taro Sakamoto’s crew, The Order, and the villainous X (Slur). TMS Entertainment’s slick animation ensures this retired hitman’s return to the battlefield will be a visual treat, making it a summer 2025 highlight.
2. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
Premiere Date: July 19, 2025
Platform: Crunchyroll
Why It’s Hyped: Kaiju No. 8 captivated audiences in 2024 with Kafka Hibino’s transformation into a kaiju-fighting hero. Season 2, animated by Production I.G., dives deeper into Kafka’s struggle to master his monstrous powers while facing new kaiju threats alongside the Japan Defense Force. With upgraded animation and a focus on team dynamics, this shonen powerhouse is set to dominate summer 2025 with its thrilling battles and heartfelt moments.
3. My Hero Academia Season 8
Premiere Date: October 2025
Platform: Crunchyroll
Why It’s Hyped: The final season of My Hero Academia brings Deku Midoriya’s journey to its epic conclusion. Studio Bones delivers high-stakes battles as heroes face off against Shigaraki and the villains in a climactic war. With its emotional depth and bombastic action, this finale is set to be a defining moment for shonen anime, wrapping up a decade-long saga of heroism and sacrifice.
4. One-Punch Man Season 3
Premiere Date: October 2025
Platform: TBD
Why It’s Hyped: Saitama, the hero who defeats any foe with a single punch, returns after a long wait. Season 3, animated by J.C. Staff, dives into the Monster Association arc, promising intense battles and Garou’s rise as a formidable antagonist. With its blend of satire, action, and character growth, One-Punch Man remains a cultural phenomenon, eagerly awaited by fans for its chaotic energy.
5. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
Premiere Date: 2026 (TBD)
Platform: Crunchyroll
Why It’s Hyped: Madhouse’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stunned audiences with its introspective take on fantasy, following immortal elf Frieren as she reflects on life and loss. Season 2 continues her journey with Fern and Stark, exploring new adventures and emotional depths. Its breathtaking visuals and unique pacing make it one of 2026’s most anticipated series, building on its status as a critical darling.
6. Black Clover Season 2
Premiere Date: 2026 (TBD)
Platform: TBD
Why It’s Hyped: After a prolonged hiatus, Black Clover returns with Studio Pierrot’s signature high-energy animation. Asta’s quest to become the Wizard King intensifies as he faces new magical challenges. With its sprawling battles and underdog spirit, this shonen classic is poised to reclaim its place among 2026’s heavyweights, delivering the action-packed spectacle fans have been craving.
7. Witch Hat Atelier
Premiere Date: 2025 (TBD)
Platform: Crunchyroll
Why It’s Hyped: Based on Kamome Shirahama’s critically acclaimed manga, Witch Hat Atelier offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre. The story follows Coco, a girl without innate magical abilities, as she pursues her dream of becoming a witch in a world that gatekeeps magic. With stunning world-building and a whimsical yet grounded narrative, this adaptation by Bug Films is expected to deliver breathtaking visuals and emotional depth.
8. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity
Premiere Date: 2026
Platform: Hulu, Disney+
Why It’s Hyped: The fourth and final cour of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, The Calamity, concludes Tite Kubo’s iconic manga arc with Ichigo Kurosaki’s ultimate battle against the Quincy King Yhwach. Studio Pierrot’s Pierrot Films delivers breathtaking animation, expanding the manga with new content, including enhanced fights and a potentially revised ending overseen by Kubo himself. Covering the final 25 chapters from chapter 662, expect epic clashes with Sternritters Askin Nakk Le Vaar and Gerard Valkyrie, alongside Ichigo’s new Hollowfication form. Fans are buzzing for this finale due to its high production values, Kubo’s involvement in fixing the manga’s rushed ending, and the promise of a satisfying closure to a beloved shonen classic.
Why Mid-July 2025 to 2026 Is a Golden Era for Anime
From the chaotic brilliance of Dandadan to the emotional finale of My Hero Academia and the reflective beauty of Frieren, this period offers a diverse lineup that caters to every anime fan. Whether you’re drawn to the horror-tinged The Summer Hikaru Died or the action-packed Kaiju No. 8, these series promise unforgettable stories and stunning visuals. Stay tuned to Crunchyroll, Netflix, and other platforms for a year of anime excellence.
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