10 New Anime Coming to Crunchyroll in 2026 You Can’t Miss

Winter 2026 is a season packed with highly anticipated sequels. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and the finale of the reboot, TRIGUN STARGAZE, are among the hottest releases this season. However, viewers shouldn’t overlook the new anime available on Crunchyroll that promise to be just as impactful, or even better, than some of the long-awaited sequels.

Despite not yet having the hype or reputation of major anime franchises, some of Crunchyroll’s new releases coming in the first quarter of 2026 could become the year’s biggest hits. From endearing romances to thrilling horror and fantasies with blood-pumping battles, there’s something for every fan among the best new anime of 2026.

The Demon King’s Daughter Is Too Kind!!

An anime that shares the paternal vibe of titles like Spy x Family, The Demon King’s Daughter Is Too Kind tells the story of a young girl expected to follow in her father’s footsteps, subjugating humans with even greater violence. Yet Do isn’t quite up to the task, as she is full of goodness and brings peace in all directions.

The goal is to teach Do to be a cruel and ruthless ruler, even though the Demon King Ahriman acts like a doting father. The Demon King’s Daughter Is Too Kind is both heartwarming and funny, making it one of those relaxing anime perfect for switching off and enjoying a good laugh at the end of the day.

Tune In to the Midnight Heart

Harem series usually have mixed reception among viewers, but Tune In to the Midnight Heart manages to stand out from the rest by integrating multiple love interests with an overarching mystery similar to Nisekoi. In the anime, Yamabuki was a fan of a radio program that abruptly ended, so he became obsessed with finding out who the voice behind the host, “Apollo,” was.

Yamabuki used every clue he had and ended up joining a broadcasting club in search of Apollo. Each girl has a distinct personality and a dream for which they must develop their voice, and while this makes it entertaining, Tune In to the Midnight Heart‘s biggest trait that has made it such a popular harem series is the intrigue surrounding Apollo’s identity.

Champignon Witch

Champignon Witch feels like a love letter to fantasy fans. The anime has a pastel color palette reminiscent of fairy tale books and beautiful animation that complements its magical atmosphere. The story revolves around Luna, an isolated Black witch who relentlessly faces prejudice and discrimination but is secretly very kind and longs for contact with other people.

Champignon Witch has a fantastical world that breathes magic, with all kinds of creatures, political factions, and hierarchies, but the anime isn’t just sunshine and rainbows. Many dangers lurk in the shadows, and it doesn’t shy away from heartbreaking moments. Champignon Witch manages to be enchanting and tragic, filled with mysteries that will make viewers fall in love with the story.

Tamon’s B-side

Despite Winter 2026 seeing the return of Oshi no Ko with a new season, Tamon’s B-side could give it a run for its money as the best idol anime. Depicting every fan’s dream of working for their favorite idol, Tamon’s B-side explores the true faces of these stars, who often hide their true personalities for fear of public rejection.

With quality animation that does justice to the upbeat dances, plenty of music and funny moments, a strong-willed female protagonist, and nods to idol culture that K-pop fans will especially enjoy, Tamon’s B-side is also ideal for romance fans looking to watch something lighthearted and laugh at the characters’ silly interactions.

Kaya-Chan Isn’t Scary

Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary combines the best of the underrated horror anime Dark Gathering with the charm of One-Punch Man. In the anime, Kaya is a preschool student considered a naughty kid because she’s always getting into trouble, when in reality she can see ghosts and is always saving others.

The anime’s main appeal lies in how Kaya, convinced she’s the best psychic, confronts spirits with her bare fists. With terrifying spirits and intriguing mystery surrounding Kaya’s family situation, Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary is perfect for viewers looking for a disturbing horror atmosphere reminiscent of anime like Mieruko-chan and Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube.

You and I are Polar Opposites

You and I Are Polar Opposites is the romance anime viewers didn’t know they needed. Based on a Jump+ manga, the anime features the blossoming love between a cheerful and flashy girl who takes an interest in her reserved and indifferent classmate.

Despite seeming like a cliché, You and I Are Polar Opposites‘s story is straightforward, which feels especially refreshing compared with other anime rom-coms. Furthermore, its colorful, vibrant animation, its charismatic characters, and its fun, out-of-the-ordinary interactions won’t fail in bringing a smile to any viewer’s face.

Journal With Witch

While slice-of-life stories tend to go unnoticed, Journal with Witch could become the dark horse anime of 2026. Journal with Witch is a heartwarming anime with a slow pace and profound reflections that hit right in the heart, realistically portraying how to overcome grief and move forward despite the circumstances.

The anime tells the story of Makio, who takes in her niece Asa, who has just lost her parents. Although both Makio and Asa have to come to terms with grief, it’s the awkwardness with which they communicate, learn to understand their feelings, and find the strength to live that makes Journal with Witch a must-see anime that will not leave viewers indifferent.

Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table

Fans were craving another death game anime, and Shiboyugi more than delivered. With dazzling animation, a unique aesthetic and a murky atmosphere where blood isn’t the main draw but rather the disturbing scenarios the characters find themselves in, Shiboyugi keeps charming viewers every week.

In Shiboyugi, death games have become an alternative way to make a living. But for the sick entertainment of those who watch, the participants are only beautiful girls. Shiboyugi is full of psychological horror and emotionally charged, shocking moments that will leave viewers with countless questions and eager to see what happens next and connect the threads of the story.

Fate/strange Fake

Fate/strange Fake can be watched even by viewers unfamiliar with the Fate series. The anime brings its own take on the war to obtain the Holy Grail, twisting the traditional rules that fans were used to, which makes it a much more chaotic but equally exciting battle between servants.

Fate/Strange Fake managed to prove the vast potential of the universe of the Fate series while succeeding in blowing away viewers with its spectacular animation that rivals even the quality of an Ufotable production. This makes Fate/strange Fake one of the best Crunchyroll titles in 2026 that is worth following every week.

Sentenced to Be a Hero

Sentenced to Be a Hero was undoubtedly the breakout anime of winter 2026. Not only did it have an hour-long premiere with stunningly detailed animation, but the hype for Sentenced to Be a Hero hasn’t decreased thanks to the way it subverts the hero’s role, giving morally questionable characters the spotlight and presenting a post-apocalyptic world with corrupt rulers.

In Sentenced to Be a Hero, the Demon Blight keeps spreading, corrupting lands and creating grotesque monsters. Even so, on the front lines is a dysfunctional group of criminals in the purest Suicide Squad style. With revenge, conspiracies, and plenty of adrenaline, Sentenced to Be a Hero could surprise viewers and amass incredible popularity in 2026.