Even though we are still halfway through the year, U-Next already has the list of the best anime of 2026. “Jujutsu Kaisen” was one of the first titles of the year and without a doubt, one of the most anticipated. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the third seasonwhich adapts the first part of the Culling Game arc, leads this ranking prepared by one of the largest streaming and digital distribution platforms in Japan. But what other popular series appear on the list?
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For this U-Next ranking, it considered data collected between January 1 and June 8, 2026, and measured total viewers within the app rather than critical reception and/or impact on social media. Therefore, despite receiving good reviews and ratings, “Re:Zero” and “Witch Hat Atelier” do not appear in the ranking.
While the first place is held by the third season of “Jujutsu Kaisen”, the second place belongs to the second installment of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”, which although it did not include a traditional main conflict, remained one of the favorites of the Japanese audience.
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” was renewed for a third season, which will adapt the acclaimed Golden Land arc, focusing on the character of Macht, one of the powerful Seven Sages (Photo: Madhouse)
THESE ARE THE BEST ANIME OF THE FIRST SEMESTER OF 2026
- Jujutsu Kaisen – Season 3: Culling Game Arc
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Season 2
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – Season 4
- The Jack-of-All-Trades Kicked Out of the Hero’s Party
- Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power
- Oshi no Ko – Season 3
- Nihon Sanguoku
- Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord
- Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing
- Daemons of the Shadow Realm
The fourth season of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” premiered on April 3, 2026, and follows Demon Lord Rimuru Tempest’s efforts to create a peaceful alliance between humans and monsters. Although Tempest prospers, she faces opposition from figures such as Granville and Maribel Rozzo. This franchise remains one of anime’s biggest isekai hits, ranking at number three.
The fourth season of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”, which is based on the light novel series written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah, takes third place in this ranking (Photo: 8-Bit)
“Oshi no Ko”, an anime based on the manga of the same name written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, is also part of this list with its third season, which focuses on the “scandal” arc, the evolution of Kana’s career, and the growing revenge plans of Aqua and Ruby.
Although the first places are occupied by well-known series with a large number of followers, U-Next users also gave the opportunity to new productions such as “The Jack-of-All-Trades Kicked Out of the Hero’s Party”, “Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power” and “Daemons of the Shadow Realm”.
“Daemons of the Shadow Realm“(“Yomi no Tsugai”) is a fantasy and mystery story that follows the twins Yuru and Asa, known as “the children who separate the day and the night.” They fight to reunite and dominate powerful supernatural beings called Tsugai (daemons). This anime premiered in April 2026 and received good ratings.
Some have compared the intensity and plot twist of the first chapter of “Daemons of the Shadow Realm” with the impact generated by the beginning of “Attack on Titan” (Photo: Bones Film)
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