Another year is upon us, and 2026's isekai anime lineup needs to bring its A-game to surpass its predecessor. As is customary and mandatory, each season will teleport a few characters to (usually) fantasy worlds, granting them power, riches, harems, and everything else they could ever want. Alternatively, they might end up in a hellscape that punishes the weak, although the odds certainly favor power fantasies.

Although sequels tend to hog the limelight, new isekai anime are a staple of the industry, and we always get a few worthwhile shows that feature OP MCs or villainesses. More than any other genre/theme, isekai loves to play the numbers game and prioritize quantity above quality; that said, the latter is not ignored either, and even trashy anime can be wildly entertaining. Therefore, let's go through every isekai anime announced for 2026.

"New" is the important word, as sequels will not be highlighted individually. That said, they will be mentioned in a section at the end of the article.

Winter 2026 Isekai Anime

Labyrinth (Movie)

  • Japanese Title: Meikyuu no Shiori
  • Studio: SANZIGEN
  • Based On: Original Anime
  • Subgenres: Sci-Fi, Mystery
  • Release Date (Japan): January 1, 2026

While we don't get new isekai anime movies often, 2026 is set to instantly buck this trend. On the very first day of the year, Labyrinth will make its way to cinemas, albeit in Japan. The movie will likely not receive a Western release until a few months later, and that is assuming an official translation is forthcoming. Meikyuu no Shiori's story is fascinating, as it follows a girl who gets trapped in an alternate version of his world within her smartphone. Although mostly sci-fi, the premise could lend itself to horror as well.

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In Order to Love My Most Beloved Brother-In-Law, I'll Live a Long Life!

  • Japanese Title: Saioshi no Gikei wo Mederu Tame, Nagaiki shimasu!
  • Studio: Imagica Infos, Imageworks Studio
  • Based On: Light Novel by Tenma Asahi
  • Subgenres: Boys' Love, Fantasy
  • Start Date: January 6, 2026
  • Where to Watch: N/A

Boys' love isekai anime are basically non-existent; therefore, Winter 2026 having two of them is highly unusual. Sai Oshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaiki Shimasu! Blends isekai, reincarnation, otome game, boys' love, and step-sibling romance to create a blend that will likely only appeal to a select few. The core relationship is between Alba, the reincarnated boy, and Orsis, his step-brother and favorite character from the game. Alba wants to use his knowledge to ensure he gets to grow old with Orsis.

Isekai Office Worker: The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter

  • Japanese Title: Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai
  • Studio: Studio Deen
  • Based On: Light Novel by Yatsuki Wakatsu
  • Subgenres: Boys' Love, Fantasy
  • Start Date: January 6, 2026
  • Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Winter 2026's other boys' love story, Isekai Office Worker is based on a fairly popular light novel, which has already received a solid manga adaptation. While boys' love used to be known for power imbalances and uncomfortable romances, the genre has matured quite a bit in the last few years, and Isekai Office Worker should line up well with this recent trend. Kondou, the eponymous bean counter, is sucked into another world, where he becomes an accountant for royalty. Before long, his thorough work captures the interest of the Knight Captain.

There was a Cute Girl in the Hero's Party, so I Tried Confessing to Her

  • Japanese Title: Yuusha Party ni Kawaii Ko ga Ita node, Kokuhaku shitemita.
  • Studio: Gekkou
  • Based On: Light Novel by Suisei
  • Subgenres: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
  • Start Date: January 6, 2026
  • Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Now, here is an upcoming isekai anime that should be adorable and wholesome. There was a Cute Girl in the Hero's Party, so I Tried Confessing to Her follows Yoki, a guy reincarnated as a demon who is pretty bored with his job in a dungeon. However, one day, he falls instantly in love with a hero priestess, prompting him to not only confess to her but also become an adventurer himself. As he tries to get closer to Cecilia, Yoki gradually begins to experience more of this world. Although leaning into comedy, this show should be an easy recommendation for romance fans.

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation

  • Japanese Title: Odayaka Kizoku no Kyuuka no Susume.
  • Studio: SynergySP
  • Based On: Light Novel by Misaki
  • Subgenres: Adventure, Fantasy, Slice of Life
  • Start Date: January 8, 2026
  • Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

On paper, A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation should be the perfect Winter 2026 isekai anime for people craving a slow-life story about making the most of a strange situation. Lizel has no idea why he is in another world, but he plans to use this opportunity to have a relaxing and unique time. Due to being a nobleman in his original universe, he wants to go in the opposite direction by becoming an adventurer, albeit one who seeks fun rather than glory.

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Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord: Production Magic Turns a Nameless Village into the Strongest Fortified City

  • Japanese Title: Okiraku Ryoushu no Tanoshii Ryouchi Bouei: Seisankei Majutsu de Na mo Naki Mura wo Saikyou no Jousai Toshi ni
  • Studio: NAZ
  • Based On: Light Novel by Sou Akaike
  • Subgenres: Fantasy, Slow-Life
  • Start Date: January 10, 2026
  • Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord goes down the "reincarnated salaryman" route, a concept that receives roughly a dozen representatives per year. As a toddler, Van remembers that he was a salaryman in a previous life, and he uses that experience to earn a reputation as a child genius. However, when he can only use creation magic rather than something attack-oriented, he is abandoned by his family, who leave him with only his maid. Naturally, Van sets out to prove them wrong.

Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing

  • Japanese Title: Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki no Gamer wa Hai Settei no Isekai de Musou suru
  • Studio: Yokohama Animation Lab
  • Based On: Light Novel by Hamuo
  • Subgenres: Fantasy
  • Start Date: January 10, 2026
  • Where to Watch: HIDIVE

Winter 2026 does not have a really huge isekai anime, as all the big sequels are scheduled for Spring; consequently, a newcomer will need to step up and take center stage. At a glance, Hell Mode seems the most likely to be the season's standout isekai anime, at least in the sense that it should attract the most attention. Once again, we have another overpowered protagonist who answers a call for adventure and ends up in a game that promises to never end, and he unlocks the Summoner class. The latter seems to mostly produce cute creatures, although they will probably be fairly deadly.

Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling

  • Japanese Title: Tensei shitara Dragon no Tamago datta
  • Studio: Felix Film, Ga-Crew
  • Based On: Light Novel by Nekoko
  • Subgenres:
  • Start Date: January 10, 2026
  • Where to Watch: HIDIVE

Apparently, Winter 2026 has a thing for isekai overflowing with adorableness, and Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling might just have the genre's cutest MC to date. As implied by the title, the story follows a hero who reincarnates into a new world as a dragon. Obviously, this change comes with a period of adjustment, especially since it will take him a while to become ridiculously powerful. Felix Film and Ga-Crew previously collaborated on The Most Notorious "Talker" Runs the World's Greatest Clan, which was one of the better shows of Fall 2024. Hopefully, this fusion continues to produce results.

The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom

  • Japanese Title: Akuyaku Reijou wa Ringoku no Outaishi ni Dekiai sareru
  • Studio: Studio Deen
  • Based On: Light Novel by Puni-chan
  • Subgenres: Fantasy, Romance
  • Start Date: January 11, 2026
  • Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Every season needs to have one villainess isekai anime, and Winter 2026 is no exception. For better or worse, The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom delivers the exact premise proposed by its title. A villainess realizes she is in an otome game just before the prince dumps her for the heroine; fortunately, another country's prince shows up and declares his love for her. Tiararose sets out to find a new path that does not end with her ruin.

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B.King

  • Chinese Title: Yu Ling Shi
  • Studio: UKA
  • Subgenres: Adventure, Fantasy
  • Start Date: February 2026

With the success of donghua like Lord of Mysteries, Chinese animated series are starting to cross over, and B.King could be the next big hit. Now, the series is not really part of the Winter 2026 lineup, but it will air during the season. The idea has potential, too, as it follows an author who ends up stuck in a world alongside his creations.

Spring 2026 Isekai Anime

The Strongest Job is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser

  • Japanese Title: Saikyou no Shokugyou wa Yuusha demo Kenja demo Naku Kanteishi (Kari) Rashii desu yo?
  • Studio: Studio Flad
  • Based On: Light Novel by Atekichi
  • Subgenres: Comedy, Fantasy
  • Start Date: April 2026

Spring 2025 is defined by sequels, as some of the biggest isekai anime ever will drop their next chapters. Consequently, any new 2026 isekai anime will be fighting an uphill battle for relevance, and we might see fewer shows commit to this season. So far, only The Strongest Job is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser is scheduled for April, and it seems like a fairly typical example of an OP MC story. Hibiki is teleported to a fantasy world, and he quickly realizes that his seemingly weak ability is actually pretty powerful. Also, like so many isekai protagonists before him, his first companion is a female elf.

New 2026 Isekai Anime With No Confirmed Season

Exiled Heavy Knight, Rayearth, & More

A few isekai anime have announced plans to debut in 2026, but they have yet to commit to a specific season. A reboot of a '90s classic, Magic Knight Rayearth is one of the most highly anticipated isekai anime of 2026. Conversely, The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System has been attracting attention for mostly the wrong reasons, which is not that unusual for a GoHands production.

Anime

Japanese Title (Or Alt. Title)

Studio

Based On

An Observation Log of My Fiancée Who Calls Herself a Villainess

Jishou Akuyaku Reijou na Konyakusha no Kansatsu Kiroku.

Ashi Productions

Light Novel by Shiki

The Azure Mountain

Qing Shan

Cloud Art

Web Novel by The Speaking Pork Trotter

The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System

Tsuihou sareta Tensei Juukishi wa Game Chishiki de Musou suru

GoHands

Light Novel by Nekoko

Hello, World

Wo Zai Feitu Shijie Sao Laji

Shenman Entertainment

Web Novel by Xiaobing Li

I'm Actually a Cultivation Bigshot

Nian Fan Chen

TBA

N/A

Magic Knight Rayearth

Magic Knight Rayearth

TBA

Manga by Clamp

2026 Isekai Anime Sequels

Re:Zero, Saga of Tanya, Slime, & More

As exciting as 2026's new isekai anime are, sequels will largely dominate the discourse around the genre, particularly in Spring 2026. Re:Zero, Tensura, Mushoku Tensei, Saga of Tanya the Evil, and Farming Life in Another World should all be producing new seasons in 2026.

Anime

Japanese Title (Or Alt. Title)

Season

Studio

Based On

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea

Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken Movie 2: Soukai no Namida-hen

Movie (February 27, 2026)

8bit

Light Novel by Fuse

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too: Real World

Isekai de Cheat Skill wo Te ni Shita Ore wa, Genjitsu Sekai wo mo Musou Suru: Level Up wa Jinsei wo Kaeta

One-Episode Special (March 2026)

Millepensee

Light Novel by Miku

Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke

Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen - Ryoushu no Youjo

Spring 2026

Wit Studio

Light Novel by Miya Kazuki

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 4th Season

White Fox

Light Novel by Tappei Nagatsuki

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 4

Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken 4th Season

TBC

Light Novel by Fuse

The Beginning After the End Season 2

Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru? Season 2

Studio A-CAT

Web Novel by TurtleMe

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior Season 2

Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu. Season 2

OLM

Light Novel by Tenichi

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 4

Mairimashita! Iruma-kun 4th Season

Bandai Namco Pictures

Manga by Osamu Nishi

Reincarnated as a Sword Season 2

Tensei shitara Ken deshita 2

Fall 2026

C2C

Light Novel by Yuu Tanaka

Farming Life in Another World Season 2

Isekai Nonbiri Nouka 2

TBA

Zero-G

Light Novel by Kinosuke Naito

Lord of Mysteries Special: Prey

Guimi Zhi Zhu Tebie Pian: Liewu

B.CMAY Pictures

Web Novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3

Mushoku Tensei III: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu

Studio Bind

Light Novel by Rifujin na Magonote

Saga of Tanya the Evil II

Youjo Senki II

Nut

Light Novel by Carlo Zen

Sasaki and Peeps Season 2

Sasaki to Pii-chan Season 2

SILVER LINK.

Light Novel by Buncololi

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