7 Anime That Could Win Anime of the Year 2026

2025 has been an absolutely incredible year for anime, with fans getting to enjoy a plethora of high-quality series on a consistent basis. Some of the most incredible anime series either made a comeback, like Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries, or just kickstarted, like Lord of the Mysteries. Naturally, all eyes will be on the Crunchyroll Awards for 2026, and just like 2025’s awards were heated, 2026 will be even more intense. There are quite a few series that could be worthy of being called Anime of the Year, but these series especially stand out and have the best chance at winning.

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Sakamoto Days Season 1

• Main Character: Sakamoto
• Number of Episodes: 22

Sakamoto Days Season 1 disappointed many. Many believe Sakamoto Days’s anime adaptation was a let-down, as the quality of animation and direction was simply not up to the mark, and certainly not what the series deserved.

Nevertheless, even with its subpar adaptation, Sakamoto Days’s story has many fans invested, and that alone could make it prevail in Crunchyroll’s 2026 Awards. It’s definitely at a disadvantage compared to the other series on this list.

Lord of the Mysteries Season 1

• Main Character: Klein Moretti
• Number of Episodes: 13

Lord of the Mysteries Season 1 was a hit that came out of nowhere. The series got its first season this year, featuring 13 episodes, and more content is already on the way.

Lord of the Mysteries will pave the way for Chinese anime, and more Chinese anime will be able to hit the global market and reach fans from all over the world. Lord of the Mysteries could definitely make history and become the first Chinese anime in 2026 to win the title of Anime of the Year.

Dandadan Season 2

• Main Character: Momo and Okarun
• Number of Episodes: 12

Dandadan debuted in 2024, and has returned strong this year with its second season. Dandadan season 2 featured 12 episodes, with its paranormal story continuing on. New main cast characters have been added, and the story ended on quite an exciting cliffhanger. Dandadan Season 2 took an already brilliant series and added more depth and intensity to it, truly gripping the fans and making sure they come back for more. Its chances at next year's Anime of the Year Awards are also strong.

Solo Leveling Season 2

• Main Character: Sung Jinwoo
• Number of Episodes: 13

Solo Leveling Season 1 was the big winner of the title of Anime of the Year in 2025. Fans are already hooked on this series and can’t get enough of its fast pace and battles.

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Solo Leveling Season 2 aired earlier this year, and it was an even bigger success than what came before it. Solo Leveling Season 2 has one of the highest-rated episodes of the year, and many believe it could be the winner again in 2026.

My Hero Academia Season 8

• Main Character: Izuku Midoriya
• Number of Episodes: 13

My Hero Academia Season 8 is currently still airing, and it is safe to say that in terms of quality, this is the best that MHA has ever looked. MHA season 8 will be the finale of the series, and fans are getting ready to part ways with this iconic superhero series.

MHA Season 8 has the highest-rated episode of the year already, and its popularity cannot be understated at the moment. Given that this is the end for MHA, fans might vote for it to be the best anime next year.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

• Main Character: Maomao
• Number of Episodes: 24

The Apothecary Diaries has taken over Japan, and its popularity worldwide continues to grow as well. The Apothecary Diaries got a very good reception with its first season in 2023 and 2024, and it returned with an even better season this year.

The series’s story and characters, along with the incredible worldbuilding have gripped the fans, and given how highly rated it is, it could win big at the Crunchyroll Awards next year. While The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 didn’t win the title this year, it could come out on top in 2026.

Takopi’s Original Sin

• Main Character: Takopi and Shizuka
• Number of Episodes: 6

Takopi’s Original Sin is a very short anime, featuring a total of 6 episodes. However, even with just 6 episodes, the series was big enough to break the internet. Its dark themes disguised by its cute art style really intrigued many.

Takopi’s Original Sin has really placed itself in a very good spot to come out as the winner of the Anime of the Year award for 2026. After all, it also has one of the highest-rated episodes of the year. Takopi’s Original Sin winning would definitely be a change from the usual winners.