The Crunchyroll Awards are always highly anticipated by fans. These awards happen once a year and cover anime series from the previous year. The most prestigious award of all is, expectedly, the title of Anime of the Year. As fans might be aware already, the winner of The Anime of the Year 2025, Solo Leveling, was a controversial pick, but things might be even more heated in 2026 as some amazing contenders have already shown up.
Say Goodbye To Solo Leveling Season 3, And Welcome 3 Better Returning Anime
Solo Leveling season 3 is in a shaky position. These other series will have far better returns.
Nominees have yet to be decided, but these shows have a chance not only to get nominated but to win this title.
Sakamoto Days Season 1
Underwhelming Animation, But A Great Story
Sakamoto Days
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- January 11, 2025
- Studio
- TMS Entertainment
- Creator
- Yuto Suzuki
Sakamoto Days season 1 kick-started in 2025, and many were highly anticipating it. Its manga was popular even before the anime. Sadly, the anime adaptation, compared to other series from 2025, was underwhelming, to say the least.
However, what it lacks in anime quality, it makes up for in story and characters. Sakamoto Days still has a decent shot at winning 2026’s Anime of the Year award.
Solo Leveling Season 2
An Action-Packed Anime
Solo Leveling
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- January 7, 2024
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Creator
- Chugong
Solo Leveling season 1 was the anime that clinched the title of Anime of the Year in 2025, and this was a huge achievement, especially seeing the tough competition it had behind it. Solo Leveling 2 premiered in 2025, and it was an even bigger hit than Season 1 with its peak, the Jeju arc.
If there’s one anime that fans are betting will win in 2026, it’s Solo Leveling. Two wins in a row would definitely be a big victory for Solo Leveling and manhwa-based anime in general.
Dandadan Season 2
Alien and Supernatural Series That Keeps Getting Better
Dandadan
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- September 13, 2024
- Studio
- Science Saru
- Creator
- Yukinobu Tatsu
Dandadan has proven to be one of the biggest up-and-coming anime series. Dandadan season 1 was a hit, and fans fell in love even more with what Season 2 had to offer this year, so much so that the eager wait for Season 3 has already begun. Dandadan’s loss in 2025 at the Crunchyroll Awards was unfortunate, but it definitely has one of the highest chances of being nominated and winning the 2026 Anime of the Year.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
The Highest Rated Anime of 2025
The Apothecary Diaries
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- October 22, 2023
- Studio
- OLM, TOHO animation STUDIO
- Creator
- Natsu Hyūga
Currently, the highest-rated anime of 2025, at least on MAL, is none other than The Apothecary Diaries Season 2. This new season was very well received, and many even prefer it to the first season of the series. The Apothecary Diaries was nominated in 2025 for the title but didn’t win. 2026 could be the year it finally manages to clinch the award. That said, beating Solo Leveling won't be easy.
Takopi’s Original Sin
A Short Anime That Left Many Shocked
Takopi's Original Sin
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- June 28, 2025
- Studio
- Enishiya
- Creator(s)
- Taizan 5
Takopi’s Original Sin is a short anime series, but it left viewers captivated with just six episodes. The series looks cutesy on the surface, but in reality, it’s quite grim and depressing as it deals with some serious topics. This anime was one of the best-rated this year, and many believe it has one of the biggest chances of winning the title of Anime of the Year in 2026.
Solo Leveling Is Over, But These Anime Will Fulfill Your Cravings
Solo Leveling season 2 ended, but these other anime series will fill the gap for fans.
My Hero Academia Season 8
The Finale of a Legendary Franchise
My Hero Academia
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- April 2, 2016
- Studio
- Bones
- Creator
- Kōhei Horikoshi
My Hero Academia is coming to a conclusion soon. Its manga ended last year, in 2024, and the anime is following suit now as it adapts the last chunk of the story. Fans are understandably devastated, but the final stretch will still be enjoyable to watch, and the release date for it is approaching. It will drop in October, and fans will get to enjoy a short season with incredible action. Crowning MHA 2026’s Anime of the Year would be a great farewell for the series.
Lord of the Mysteries Season 1
Put Donghua on Fans’ Radars
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Release Date |
June 28, 2025 |
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Studio |
B.CMay Pictures |
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Creator |
Cuttlefish That Loves Diving |
Lord of the Mysteries is an anime that premiered in late June of 2025, and it quickly became one of the most mainstream Donghua series ever. Just like To Be Hero X, it became people’s first introduction to Donghua, and it doesn't come as a surprise to see fans hooked. After a strong start, fans can’t wait to see what else this story has in store for them. If Lord of the Mysteries is nominated for the Crunchyroll Awards, it could become the first Donghua to win this title.
Gachiakuta Season 1
A Fresh Series With Darker Elements
Gachiakuta
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- July 6, 2025
- Studio
- Bones Film
- Creator(s)
- Kei Urana
Gachiakuta season 1 started not too long ago, and it is safe to say that fans are already hooked on it. Gachiakuta was a series that, as a manga, flew under the radar of many fans, but now, it’s become one of Crunchyroll’s most popular anime this year.
The unique style and darker story elements have caught the attention of viewers, and there’s still much to look forward to as the anime is still ongoing.