Top 10 Must-See Announcements from Anime Expo 2026

Anime Expo 2026 was a treasure trove of exciting announcements. With the premiere of the first two episodes of The Ghost in the Shell, a sneak peek at Yoshitaka Amano’s ZAN, and fresh insights into the Star Wars: Visions spin-off The Ninth Jedi, the convention was buzzing with headlines that dominated social media. Add in significant updates for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, Kagurabachi, and Black Clover, and even the most dedicated anime enthusiasts might have left the Los Angeles Convention Center feeling like they only scratched the surface.

That’s the essence of Anime Expo. The biggest franchises tend to overshadow everything else, while smaller premieres, unexpected adaptations, and quirky passion projects quietly make their mark in adjacent panel rooms. Some are helmed by renowned creators taking bold creative risks, while others adapt beloved manga or light novels that have yet to break into the mainstream.

To shine a light on these lesser-known gems, here’s a rundown of the most intriguing new projects unveiled at Anime Expo that deserve more attention. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favorite romance, an ambitious historical drama, or an original series that came out of nowhere, these are the titles to keep on your radar.

One of the internet’s favorite romance manga is finally making its anime debut, yet it somehow flew under the radar at Anime Expo. Sumiko Arai’s breakout yuri series follows high schooler Aya, who develops a crush on a cool record store clerk she assumes is a guy—only to later discover that the clerk is actually her quiet classmate Mitsuki. This charming premise blends awkward romance with a genuine love for music, especially classic rock from legends like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins, and Pink Floyd.

The series is being produced by CloverWorks, a studio known for delivering hits like Spy x Family, Bocchi the Rock!, My Dress-Up Darling, and Wind Breaker. With such a strong track record, The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All is definitely one to watch. If CloverWorks can capture even a fraction of the manga’s unique green-and-black aesthetic and subtle chemistry, it could emerge as one of next year’s standout romances.

The brief teaser shown at Anime Expo, featuring a rock-infused vibe with Nirvana’s “Breed,” makes this series a must-see when it premieres in January 2027. Aniplex even interviewed Dave Grohl, the legendary drummer of Nirvana and founder of the Foo Fighters, as part of the promotional material, so expect a fantastic soundtrack for the series.

Historical anime are a rarity, but historical anime directed by Naoko Yamada are practically unheard of. Known for A Silent Voice, Liz and the Blue Bird, and The Heike Story, Yamada brings her signature emotional depth to Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, adapting Tomato Soup’s acclaimed 2021 manga. Set during the height of the Mongol Empire, the story follows Sitara, who, after being orphaned and sold into slavery, embarks on a quest for revenge against the empire, navigating the treacherous political landscape of the Khan’s harem.

This project reunites Yamada with animation director Abel Góngora, known for his work on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Dandadan, and Star Wars: Visions, making for an exciting collaboration in an already unconventional historical drama. The series premiered its first two episodes at the convention, and they are now available for streaming.

One of Anime Expo’s quieter highlights is not an action series but one that echoes Akane-banshi in its exploration of the origins of Noh theater. The World Is Dancing follows the young Oniyasha, who would eventually become Zeami, a legendary playwright and performer credited with shaping one of Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions.

Instead of treating dance as mere spectacle, the series delves into the reasons behind artistic creation. Directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi and produced by Cygames Pictures, the project stands out for its commitment to authenticity, having enlisted professional Noh performers and choreographers. This unique approach makes it a refreshing addition to the period anime genre, and it’s already available for streaming.

The Apothecary Diaries burst onto the scene with fervent fan support, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about shows of 2023, and its follow-up season that premiered in 2025 only heightened its acclaim. At the helm is director Norihiro Naganuma, who is set to return for The Deceased Empress’ Treasure film and The Apothecary Diaries season 3, both premiering later this year. However, Naganuma has another project that was teased at Anime Expo, which largely went unnoticed.

Jurassic Shadows represents an intriguing shift for the acclaimed storyteller, as the concept of “Ninjas versus dinosaurs” sounds more like a punchline than a serious anime premise. The story revolves around a faction of dinosaurs and secret ninja clans that wage war using an ancient pigment that unlocks prehistoric powers. While it may not be as high-profile as Edgerunners 2 or Kagurabachi, Jurassic Shadows has the potential to be a hit when it releases in the coming years.

Grotesqqque is one of the most captivating projects announced this year. The theatrical anthology film, which debuted its first trailer during the CloverWorks panel at Anime Expo, marks the feature-length directorial debut of Atsushi Nishigori, known for his work on The Idolmaster and Darling in the Franxx. Rather than adapting an existing franchise, Nishigori is crafting an original story, with character designs that embrace exaggerated expressions and surreal imagery hinted at in the early artwork.

While there’s still much to learn about the project, which consists of a trilogy of short films focusing on female characters, that mystery adds to its allure. Anime fans often express frustration over the medium’s reliance on adaptations, but much like WIT Studio’s LONA, Grotesqqque feels like a bold experiment that can only emerge when seasoned creators are given the freedom to innovate. The first trailer showcases the project’s promise, featuring a stunning blend of flat-shaded color palettes reminiscent of popman3580 art, the avant-garde graphic realism of Monogatari, and the “neo-kawaii” character designs that made Nishigori a standout.

Grotesqqque is set to release in Japan on November 6, but a U.S. release date has yet to be announced.

CLAMP’s cherished fantasy classic is finally getting the remake fans have long awaited. Originally published in the early 1990s, Magic Knight Rayearth combines magical girls, giant robots, isekai fantasy, and shoujo romance into a vibrant tale set in the land of Cephiro. It’s a colorful blend of Gundam meets Sailor Moon, and it’s high time for a series revival.

The original anime debuted in 1994 and quickly became a classic, redefining storytelling possibilities for young girls. The influence of Magic Knight Rayearth can still be felt in modern fantasy series, making this revival feel less like nostalgia and more like the return of an overlooked gem. Fans will have to wait until October 7, 2026, to experience this exciting remake.

Whenever director Hiroyuki Imaishi and writer Kazuki Nakashima collaborate on an anime, fans take notice. Together, they’ve created incredible works, including Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and Promare. These series and the feature film are known for their kinetic, over-the-top action that perfectly embodies the Studio Trigger style, and their next project seems poised to continue this legacy.

Imaishi and Nakashima’s fourth collaboration remains largely under wraps, but that only adds to the anticipation. Imaishi’s reputation for explosive visual direction, combined with Nakashima’s knack for crafting stories filled with impossible stakes and larger-than-life characters, promises an epic experience. Even with just a minor tease at Anime Expo, which lacked official screens, trailers, or artwork, a project with this much talent behind it is bound to make waves.

Adapted from Satsuki Nakamura’s popular light novels, Though I Am an Inept Villainess distinguishes itself from other villainess stories by swapping the typical European fantasy setting for one inspired by imperial China. The narrative kicks off when a graceful noblewoman and her frail rival mysteriously switch bodies, forcing them to navigate drastically different lives. This clever twist leans more into palace intrigue than many of its counterparts, and its U.S. premiere at Anime Expo went largely unnoticed.

With its lavish setting and character-driven drama, Though I Am an Inept Villainess has the potential to become one of the more distinctive fantasy series this year, especially judging by its visually stunning trailer. The series will be available on Crunchyroll starting July 12.

Sparks of Tomorrow is an original anime from Kyoto Animation, the legendary studio behind Violet Evergarden. Renowned for its meticulous animation and deeply human storytelling, KyoAni takes its time with projects, making each new release feel like a significant event. This new Netflix original has all the makings of being the next My Happy Marriage.

The series gained traction after securing a competition slot at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival before making its U.S. premiere at Anime Expo. This is a promising sign for a studio whose original works often prioritize emotional depth and exceptional craftsmanship. You can witness the dedication Kyoto Animation poured into the series, as it began streaming exclusively on Netflix on July 5.

Reincarnation stories are common, but Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life offers a fresh twist on the trope. Instead of following an ordinary teenager transported to another world, the series centers on a former Demon King reborn in modern Japan. However, Ryusei Narukami would rather spend his days gaming than return to his old life. This playful premise mixes action with slice-of-life comedy, avoiding a serious take on its fantasy setup.

Crunchyroll hosted an early screening during Anime Expo, but the series was easy to overlook amid the convention’s larger premieres. For fans of laid-back fantasy comedies like The Devil is a Part-Timer! or Konosuba, Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life feels like a hidden gem this year. It will be available on Crunchyroll starting July 11.