A new ranking released spotlights seven major anime sequels fans can still expect for the rest of 2026, organized by their level of anticipation. The year is already halfway over and has delivered multiple solid seasons and original series — yet these recurring franchises are expected to keep the conversation going throughout the summer and fall.
2026 has already been a great year for the industry. Many franchises returned with new episodes that dominated discussions. The winter and spring seasons brought exciting sequels, and now the summer and fall calendars are set to feature more of the same — stories that are ending, others returning after long hiatuses, and some simply continuing their successful momentum.
This isn’t just about more episodes. It’s about narrative payoffs, returns from the wilderness, and franchises riding immense momentum.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You — Season 3
This romantic comedy has stood out as one of the wildest releases in recent years. The first two seasons followed Rentaro as he gradually added girlfriends to his growing group, reaching eleven so far. The upcoming season is already teasing five more girls.
It operates on a frequency of pure, unadulterated chaos — less a romantic comedy and more a logistical marvel. Rentaro is already managing eleven partners with the grace of a juggler on a unicycle. The anticipation here isn’t for subtlety, but for the next creative escalation in a show that has made escalating absurdity its core craft. The Rentaro Family’s chaos and fun will only continue to grow unpredictably.
From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman — Season 2
The series didn’t make the biggest splash at debut, but it has built a solid fan base thanks to its unique approach. It centers on an older-than-usual protagonist — a man pushing forty — who turns out to be a humble swordsman responsible for training some of the kingdom’s most powerful warriors.
Despite expectations, he often doubts his own abilities. However, he proves time and time again that he really is as skilled as everyone claims, winning through genuine combat skill. The balance between his doubts and his true strength makes for a very entertaining watch. Season two promises to keep that dynamic alive — the reluctant master who wins through skill, not bluster.
Clevatess — Season 2
The first season made a strong impression last year by diving straight into a dark fantasy world, beginning with the brutal defeat of a group of heroes. It introduced a survivor transformed into a zombie-like servant for the powerful being known as Clevatess.
The story followed this dark figure as he watched a young prince decide if humanity deserved to survive, all while offering intense battles against other dark forces. The second season is pivoting to a magical academy setting — a classic trope recontextualized within that same grim reality. This strategic shift should bring fresh developments and new types of conflicts.
Tokyo Revengers — War of the Three Titans Arc
This marks the beginning of the end for the long-running franchise — the last major arc. The story picks up with Takemichi traveling back in time once again after discovering that his current vision of the future leaves Mikey unhappy.
Determined to create the best possible outcome for everyone, he embarks on what could be his final series of time-based adventures. The weight of expectation is heavy; fans aren’t just looking for another arc, but for a conclusion that feels earned after all the loops and sacrifices. Fans hope the series can deliver a satisfying conclusion after everything that has happened.
The Apothecary Diaries — Season 3
A masterclass in steady, intelligent world-building. The series has grown steadily in popularity since its debut. Maomao has already uncovered major scandals and conspiracies within the palace, and the new season is expected to bring even greater mysteries and intrigues.
The anticipation for season three stems from trust — the audience trusts the writing to deliver compelling mysteries. Coupled with a theatrical film in Japan this December, the franchise is executing a textbook strategy of deepening engagement across multiple formats. Fans will have plenty of new content to enjoy through the end of the year and into 2027.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War — The Calamity
This is the fourth and final season of the revived series, bringing the entire Bleach anime franchise to a close after a decade of waiting for the finale. The previous three seasons have raised expectations through the roof, especially with the intense battles and narrative developments they delivered.
This isn’t just another season — it’s the definitive ending to a shonen titan. The pressure is immense. The focus now is on how the final episodes will handle the climactic confrontations and whether the conclusion can meet the high standard set before it. Can it stick the landing? That’s the single question fuelling all the hype.
Black Clover — Season 2
Sitting at the top of the ranking is Black Clover Season 2. After almost five years since the first season ended, fans have been eagerly awaiting the series’ return to television.
Its return is a cultural event for its fanbase. The new season picks up the story right where it left off, and since the original manga has already concluded, the anime now has a clear and complete roadmap to follow without the pressure of unfinished source material. If the creative team stays the same, audiences can expect a solid sequel that finally gives the series the proper ending it deserves.
The Bigger Picture
It’s a lineup that tells a story about the industry’s health — balancing niche charm with blockbuster finales and long-awaited revivals.
- Ending arcs like Bleach and Tokyo Revengers carry the weight of decades of fandom.
- Comeback stories like Black Clover prove that hiatuses can amplify demand.
- Consistent growers like The Apothecary Diaries show that trust built over time is its own form of hype.
- Creative wildcards like 100 Girlfriends and Clevatess keep the landscape unpredictable.
Which of these seven sequels are you most looking forward to seeing before the year ends?
In an era of endless sequels, what ultimately makes a continuation feel essential rather than merely obligatory?
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