Top 5 Must-Watch Anime of 2026

Welcome to NEON, your ultimate hub for everything anime, manga, and pop culture! Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or just starting your anime journey, you’re in the right place. Anime in 2026 is packed with epic adventures, mind-blowing visuals, and unforgettable characters. In this post, we’re counting down the top 5 anime series that you absolutely cannot miss this year. Get ready to grab your popcorn and dive in!

1. Chains of Destiny

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Action / Adventure

Set in a world plagued by curses and dark forces, Chains of Destiny follows a young hero on a mission to save his homeland. The series combines epic battles, deep character arcs, and intricate world-building. Fans are already praising the stunning animation, especially the fight sequences and magical effects.

Why You Should Watch:

Complex characters with personal struggles

Unique magic system with creative battle strategies

Episodes filled with twists that keep you guessing

Fan Tip: Don’t skip the opening and ending sequences—they contain hidden hints about story!

2. Sky Wizards Academy

Genre: Sci-Fi / Comedy / Fantasy

Set in a magical academy where students train to become elite wizards, Sky Wizards Academy blends comedy, action, and heartwarming moments. The interactions between characters are fun, and the story has surprising twists that keep you engaged.

Why You Should Watch:

Relatable characters even in a fantastical setting

Perfect mix of humor and magical action

Episodes that balance adventure and lighthearted school life

Fan Tip: Keep an eye on secondary characters—they often steal the spotlight with unexpected storylines.

3. To Your Eternity

Genre: Adventure / Drama / Fantasy

To Your Eternity tells the story of an immortal being who takes on many forms and experiences the lives, joys, and sorrows of humans. The anime explores deep emotional bonds, friendship, and the meaning of life, making it one of the most touching series in recent years.

Why You Should Watch:

Heartbreaking yet inspiring storyline

Strong character development that grows with each episode

Explores life, loss, and the bonds that connect people

Fan Tip: Keep tissues nearby! Many episodes are emotionally intense and unforgettable.

4. Free! Timeless Medley: The Bond

Genre: Sports / Slice of Life / Drama

Part of the popular Free! anime franchise, this film focuses on the friendships between competitive swimmers and the challenges they face both in and out of the pool. It’s a heartwarming story about loyalty, teamwork, and chasing dreams together.

Why You Should Watch:

Beautiful animation and fluid swimming scenes

Highlights the importance of teamwork and friendship

Engaging character dynamics and personal growth

Fan Tip: Watch it with the other Free! episodes for full context on the characters’ relationships.

5. A Will Eternal (Donghua)

Genre: Adventure / Fantasy / Comedy

Though technically a Chinese donghua, A Will Eternal has gained popularity among anime fans for its humor, adventure, and themes of loyalty, bonds, and perseverance. It follows a young cultivator striving to protect his friends and grow stronger in a magical world.

Why You Should Watch:

Fun, adventurous story with a comedic touch

Strong friendships and loyalty among the characters

Excellent mix of action and lighthearted moments

Fan Tip: Even though it’s a donghua, it’s a great recommendation for fans of shonen-style anime.

These five anime are just the start of an incredible year for anime fans. Whether you’re into dark fantasy, magical adventures, cyberpunk action, or sci-fi comedy, 2026 has something for everyone.

At Manga & More, we’ll keep you updated with:

Episode recaps

Manga reviews

Character deep-dives

Fan theories

Which anime are you most excited about? Or is there a series you think should’ve made the list? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll cover the latest manga releases you need to read right now. Follow NEON for your daily dose of anime, manga, and pop culture!

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