As we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026, the New Year season invites us to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to new beginnings. What better way to embrace this spirit than by diving into anime that evoke themes of renewal, family bonds, festive joy, and personal growth? This curated list of 15 anime series and films draws from recommendations across various sources, focusing on those with New Year-specific episodes, celebratory elements like fireworks and sunrises, or uplifting narratives that resonate with the holiday vibe. Each entry includes a spoiler-free overview, key details, and why it’s an ideal watch for ringing in the new year. Whether you’re binge-watching a series or enjoying a standalone film, these picks offer a mix of heartwarming, comedic, and thoughtful stories to enhance your festivities.
1. Fireworks (Uchiage Hanabi, Shita kara Miru ka? Yoko kara Miru ka?)
This 2017 anime film follows a group of teenagers in a coastal town who discover a mysterious orb that allows them to rewind time. Amidst summer festivals and budding romance, the story explores choices, regrets, and the fleeting nature of moments. Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and produced by Shaft, it runs for about 90 minutes and blends romance, drama, and sci-fi elements. Perfect for New Year because it culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display, symbolizing wishes and new starts—much like countdown celebrations. According to anime recommendations, the film’s emotional fireworks scene makes it a great pick for holiday viewing.
2. Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko)
Makoto Shinkai’s 2019 film tells the tale of a runaway teen in Tokyo who meets a girl with the power to control the weather. Amidst endless rain, their connection leads to profound decisions about sacrifice and hope. Produced by CoMix Wave Films, it’s a 112-minute visual masterpiece in the romance and fantasy genres. It’s ideal for New Year due to its poignant fireworks scene watched in isolation, evoking reflection on personal relationships and brighter futures ahead. Sources highlight its emotional depth and fireworks as aligning with New Year’s sentiments.
3. Tokyo Godfathers
Satoshi Kon’s 2003 film is a heartfelt comedy-drama about three homeless individuals—a former drag queen, a runaway teen, and an alcoholic—who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and embark on a quest to reunite her with her parents. Running 92 minutes from Studio Madhouse, it mixes adventure, mystery, and slice-of-life. Though set around Christmas, its themes of redemption, found family, and miracles extend perfectly to New Year resolutions and fresh starts, as noted in holiday anime lists.
4. Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
This romance series (2009-2011, with seasons) centers on Sawako Kuronuma, a shy high school girl misunderstood due to her resemblance to a horror character, who gradually opens up through friendships and love. Produced by Production I.G., it spans 38 episodes across two seasons in the shojo genre. The New Year episode in season one, involving shrine visits and fortunes, captures emotional growth and budding romance—ideal for reflecting on personal connections as the year turns. CBR notes its shrine scene as a highlight for holiday episodes.
5. Fruits Basket
Natsuki Takaya’s beloved series (2019 reboot) follows orphan Tohru Honda, who lives with the cursed Sohma family, whose members transform into zodiac animals when stressed or hugged by the opposite sex. TMS Entertainment’s adaptation runs 63 episodes over three seasons, blending romance, drama, and supernatural elements. The “A Solitary New Year” episode emphasizes cleaning, family gatherings, and watching the sunrise, promoting themes of healing and unity perfect for New Year’s introspection.
6. March Comes in Like a Lion (Sangatsu no Lion)
This slice-of-life drama (2016-2018) portrays professional shogi player Rei Kiriyama’s struggles with loneliness, depression, and growth, aided by a supportive family of sisters. Shaft’s production covers 44 episodes in two seasons. Episode 11, “The Old Year / The New Year,” directly tackles transitioning years, making it a thoughtful watch for personal reflection and renewal during the holidays.
7. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
A comedic fantasy (2017, with seasons) about office worker Kobayashi who drunkenly invites dragon Tohru to live with her as a maid, leading to chaotic yet heartwarming interspecies adventures. Kyoto Animation handles the 26+ episodes. The “Year End, New Year!” episode features mochi pounding, kimonos, and shrine visits, capturing festive traditions and found family bonds ideal for New Year’s cheer.
8. Cardcaptor Sakura
CLAMP’s magical girl classic (1998-2000) follows young Sakura Kinomoto as she captures escaped magical cards with friends and guardians. Produced by Madhouse, it spans 70 episodes. The “Sakura’s Strange Fortune” episode involves a New Year’s festival and enchanted dreams, blending adventure and whimsy for a lighthearted start to the year.
9. Hayate the Combat Butler (Hayate no Gotoku!)
This comedy series (2007-2013, multiple seasons) features debt-ridden teen Hayate becoming a butler for a wealthy heiress, leading to absurd mishaps. SynergySP and others produced over 100 episodes. Episodes like “New Year’s Food Is Also Good” include beach dates and sunrises, evoking pre-New Year romance and fun.
10. Himouto! Umaru-chan
A slice-of-life comedy (2015) about perfect student Umaru who turns into a lazy otaku at home, frustrating her brother. Doga Kobo’s 12 episodes plus OVAs mix humor and sibling dynamics. Episode 8 covers New Year’s Eve gatherings, perfect for relaxed, funny holiday viewing.
11. K-On!
Kyoto Animation’s music comedy (2009-2010) follows high school girls forming a light music club, focusing on friendship and band antics over two seasons (39 episodes). Its laid-back vibe and group activities align with New Year’s casual gatherings, as suggested in additional recommendations.
12. My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
Kohei Horikoshi’s superhero epic (2016-ongoing) depicts Izuku Midoriya’s journey to become a hero in a quirk-filled world. Bones’ production exceeds 150 episodes. With themes of perseverance and heroism, it’s great for New Year resolutions; included in holiday lists for its motivational energy.
13. Glasslip
P.A. Works’ 2014 slice-of-life (13 episodes) explores high schoolers’ summer, friendships, and subtle romances in a glassblowing town. Episode 12’s fireworks scene adds a festive touch, symbolizing transient beauty and new perspectives for the year ahead.
14. Just Because!
Pine Jam’s 2017 drama (12 episodes) reunites high school seniors for emotional confessions and closures in their final semester. The “Full Swing” episode’s shrine visit and heartfelt moments make it suited for New Year’s themes of letting go and moving forward.
15. Bakuon!!
TMS Entertainment’s 2016 comedy (12 episodes) follows girls in a motorcycle club, blending humor and road trips. Episode 8’s “Winter Break!” sunrise watch after a party captures the essence of welcoming the new year with friends and adventure.
These selections offer a diverse range of moods—from uplifting comedies to introspective dramas—ensuring something for every New Year’s gathering. Stream them on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Funimation, and let the stories inspire your own resolutions for 2026!
ALSO READ: Winter 2026 Anime Ignition: The Top 10 Series Fans Can’t Wait to Binge
Hello, I am a huge anime fan with a decent experience in writing articles regarding the anime industry.
