With San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) just around the corner, this is a great time to feature some of the most anticipated Anime that have yet to come out in the fall 2025 or winter 2025 to 2026 release cycles. All of the shows that make this list will undoubtably be mentioned at SDCC, even if it’s only a sneak preview.
A couple disclaimers about this list. 1) While a few of the release dates are known, not every Anime has a release date yet, therefore this list will not include any release dates. 2) All of the Anime on this list are great in their own right, but this list is based on what I anticipate will be the best – number one being the best of the best and going down from there. Here’s the list:
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Season two
Season one of this show is currently the highest rated Anime of all time. It will be tough to top season one, but if season two is anywhere near as great, fans are in for a major treat. Season one of Frieren is a must-watch for anyone who hasn’t so that you are ready for season two when it drops. - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle
The Demon Slayer franchise is one of the most popular in the Anime industry and this Demon Slayer movie is likely the end of the epic story that has unfolded over the past decade. It is one of the few Anime movies that will be available to watch in theaters all around the US. If you are unable to catch it in theaters, it will likely be available on multiple streaming platforms several months after it leaves theaters. - Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part four – The Calamity
The Bleach series has been coming out for over two decades with hundreds of episodes. Blood War is the final season that has been broken into parts and part four could be the final part. If you have the time, this series is well worth catching up on to be ready for the release of part four of the Thousand-Year Blood War. - Oshi no Ko – Season three
This murder mystery drama mixed with idol genre Anime is perhaps the most unique show on this list. The first two seasons made this genre mis-mash of a show great, but season three is where it gets serious. What was once a light-hearted idol Anime with dark undertones, in season three, will be a dark murder mystery with light-hearted undertones. If that interests you, check it out. - Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World – Season four
This show is the reason why the Isekai genre (being reborn in another world) is so popular today. Hundreds of Anime have come out to try and copy this show, but few with great success like this series. What is interesting about this show is that it is unclear where the season four will take the viewers, but one this is clear – it will be good. - Black Clover – Season two
Black Clover season one got mixed reviews but boasted over 100 episodes, meaning it did very well with certain audiences. After over five years of no new news, season two of this is finally on the way. Black Clover is not for everyone, but if you are interested in a show with longevity, it could be worth checking out. - Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Over a decade has gone by since that last Madoka Magica show was released, and many fans lost hope that this movie, the conclusion of the series, would ever come out. This movie probably will not be in theaters in the US and will go directly to streaming services. This franchise takes an already niche genre, Magical Girls, and makes it more niche by adding exceedingly abstract and dark storytelling – this is why it’s the last Anime on the list.
In summary, many of these Anime movies/shows have been anticipated for years or even over a decade. This is what makes the update coming 2025 to 2026 Anime release cycles so special. It will be exciting to hear about all of these shows at SDCC 2025. If there is a movie or show that you think I missed, please comment it below!
