Best Anime of 2026: Top-Rated Shows This Year

With 2026 half over, we've already seen some incredible anime. From emotional sequels to stunning new adaptations, here are the highest-rated shows of the year according to AniList user scores.

Quick Summary

• Top Score: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 and Re:ZERO Season 4 share the lead with 88.
• Newcomers: Witch Hat Atelier (86) and Fate/strange Fake (83) prove new series can compete.
• Genre diversity: Fantasy, drama, and psychological thrillers dominate the top 10.

Top 10 Best Anime of 2026

Rank	Title	Score	Genre
1	Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2	88	Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
2	Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4	88	Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Psychological, Romance
3	Witch Hat Atelier	86	Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
4	JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1	86	Action, Drama, Supernatural
5	【OSHI NO KO】Season 3	86	Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural
6	Steel Ball Run JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 1st STAGE	88* (special)	Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Sports, Supernatural
7	Fate/strange Fake	83	Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
8	Medalist Season 2	83	Drama, Psychological, Sports
9	Dorohedoro Season 2	83	Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
10	Hell's Paradise Season 2	82	Action, Adventure, Mystery, Supernatural

Note: The JoJo special is a single episode, but still highly rated. For series with multiple episodes, the top regular series are Frieren and Re:ZERO.

Honorable Mentions

• Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 – 82
• Golden Kamuy Final Season – 82
• Sentenced to Be a Hero – 81
• Classroom of the Elite 4th Season – 78
• The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie – 78

What Makes Them Great?

• Frieren continues to deliver heartfelt storytelling and breathtaking animation.
• Re:ZERO raises the stakes with emotional depth and complex plot twists.
• Witch Hat Atelier impresses with its gorgeous art and unique magic system.
• Jujutsu Kaisen delivers non-stop action and dark themes.
• Oshi no Ko keeps viewers guessing with its psychological drama.

Final Thoughts

If you haven't watched these yet, they are the must-see anime of 2026. As the year continues, more shows may climb the ranks, but for now, these are the cream of the crop.