Key Highlights from Anime Expo 2026 Every Anime Fan Should Check Out

Anime Expo has solidified its reputation as the ultimate showcase for the anime industry outside Japan, and this year’s event was no different. Over four exhilarating days in Los Angeles, a variety of anime studios, creators, and projects were unveiled, featuring new trailers, the debut of eagerly awaited episodes, and announcements ranging from major sequels to innovative original series.

From the return of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2* to *The Ghost in the Shell* taking a daring new direction, the event was packed with thrilling reveals. If you missed any of the panels, here’s a roundup of the most significant announcements from Anime Expo 2026.

Release date: Fall 2026

Where to watch: Netflix

Producers: CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger

*Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* is back, introducing a fresh cast of characters ready to navigate the harsh realities of Night City. The first episode of *Edgerunners 2* premiered at Anime Expo, giving fans a glimpse into the next chapter of this emotionally charged saga, now told from a new perspective. Early reviews indicate that the series retains its brutal edge, offering intriguing insights into Night City. Expect the series to drop later this Fall.

Release date: July 7, 2026

Where to watch: Prime Video

Producers: Science Saru, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G.

*The Ghost in the Shell* from Science Saru promises an exhilarating experience. Drawing inspiration from the manga, the creators shared their vision for revitalizing the franchise for a new audience, and early reviews are already praising its quality. This hand-drawn series will consist of 10 episodes, with the pilot available for streaming on Prime Video.

Release date: August 5, 2026

Where to watch: Disney Plus and Hulu

Producers: Lucasfilm and Production I.G.

One of the standout episodes from *Star Wars: Visions* is finally getting the sequel it deserves. Directed by Shunsuke Tada and overseen by Kenji Kamiyama, the original creator, attendees at Anime Expo were treated to the first episode, which hints at thrilling new villains and intense swordplay. *Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi* will premiere on August 5 on both Disney Plus and Hulu.

Release date: April 2027

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Producers: Cypic, Shochiku, and CyberAgent

One of the most buzzed-about new anime set to hit Crunchyroll next year stole the spotlight on Day 2 of Anime Expo. In celebration of its ongoing world tour, *Kagurabachi* showcased 20 minutes of its first episode, impressing attendees with dynamic katana action set to a stunning soundtrack. Get ready, *Demon Slayer*, because *Kagurabachi* might just be the anime to beat next year.

Release date: October 2027 (Frieren and Delicious in Dungeon), TBD (Witch Hat Atelier)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll (Frieren and Witch Hat Atelier), Netflix (Delicious in Dungeon)

Producers: Madhouse (Frieren), Bug Films (Witch Hat Atelier), Studio Trigger and Kadokawa (Delicious in Dungeon)

Anime Expo delivered some major surprises, but the reveals from the Big Three fantasy series were highly anticipated. Fans got a sneak peek at *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End* season 3, continuing the poignant adventure that has captured critical acclaim. The long-awaited return of *Delicious in Dungeon* was also confirmed for October 2027, promising more of Studio Trigger’s unique blend of dungeon crawling, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Additionally, *Witch Hat Atelier* season 2 is in the works, though an official release date is still pending.

Release date: 2027

Where to watch: Crunchyroll after global theatrical run

Producers: Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Netmarble, D&C Media, and Kakao Piccoma

The phenomenon that is *Solo Leveling* continues to grow, and Anime Expo showcased its next chapter following two successful seasons. The series is set to make its theatrical debut with a feature-length film titled *Solo Leveling: Beyond the System*. Produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tao Tajima, this project is expected to release sometime in 2027.

Release date: November 6, 2026 (Grotesqqque), January 2027 (The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll after global theatrical run

Producers: CloverWorks and JOEN

CloverWorks unveiled its ambitious new original film *Grotesqqque* alongside a rock-infused adaptation of *The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All*, showcasing the studio’s impressive range that has made it a staple in the anime industry. With a lineup that includes continuations of fan-favorite series like *My Dress-Up Darling* season 3 and *Bocchi the Rock!* season 2, CloverWorks is generating significant excitement.

Release date: November 6, 2026 (Devil’s Crest), 2027 (Blade & Bastard)

Where to watch: Prime Video (Devil’s Crest), HIDIVE (Blade & Bastard)

Producers: Production I.G. (Devil’s Crest), Xingfu (Blade & Bastard)

Warner Bros. Japan celebrated 15 years of anime production at Anime Expo, while also focusing on future projects. Attendees got a glimpse of upcoming titles like *Devil’s Crest* and *Blade & Bastard*, along with updates on *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run* and the highly anticipated new *Fist of the North Star* anime. *Devil’s Crest* is set to premiere on Prime Video in November, while *Blade & Bastard* is scheduled for 2027.

Release date: Spring 2027

Where to watch: TBA

Producers: WIT Studio

Although *LONA* (Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis) was announced prior to Anime Expo, it dominated the WIT Studio panel as their next major series. Studio president George Wada also introduced the Tokyo Anime Next festival, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and awarding anime in Japan, organized in collaboration with the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The inaugural event is set to take place in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district from October 30 to November 2.

Release date: TBA

Where to watch: TBA

Producers: Studio Trigger

While *Edgerunners 2* took center stage, Studio Trigger also hinted at another project marking the fourth collaboration between Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima, known for *Kill la Kill* and *Gurren Lagann*. This duo has become synonymous with some of the most inventive and explosive original works in anime, and their latest reunion has fans buzzing with anticipation for what they will create next after 2019’s *Promare*.