2025 was truly an amazing year for animation. Fans have consistently been able to enjoy numerous high-quality series. Some of the most amazing animated series are back. Things like Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries, or things that just kickedstarted like Lord of the Mysteries, etc.. Of course, everyone's attention will be focused. 2026 Crunchyroll AwardsAnd just as the awards ceremony in 2025 was hot, 2026 will be even more intense. There are quite a few series that could be called animation of the yearBut this series stands out in particular and has the best chance of winning.
Sakamoto Days Season 1
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Main character: Sakamoto
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Number of Episodes: 22
Sakamoto Days Season 1 disappointed many people. Many people find the anime adaptation of Sakamoto Days disappointing. Because the quality and direction of the animation was simply not up to standard and definitely not worthy of the series.
Nevertheless, despite sub-adaptation, The story of Sakamoto Days has many fans invested in it.That alone would be enough to win Crunchyroll's 2026 awards show. It definitely has its drawbacks compared to other series on this list.
Lord of Mystery Season 1
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Main character: Klein Moretti
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Number of Episodes: 13
Lord of Mystery Season 1 was a hit that came out of nowhere. The series launched its first season this year and consists of 13 episodes, with more already on the way.
Lord of the Mysteries will pave the way for Chinese animationAnd more Chinese animations will be able to enter the global market and reach fans around the world. Lord of the Mysteries is definitely making history Becoming the first Chinese animation to win the title of Animation of the Year in 2026.
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release date |
June 28, 2025 |
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studio |
B.CMY Pictures |
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creator |
A squid that loves diving |
Dan Dan Season 2
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Main characters: Momo and Okarun
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Number of episodes: 12
Dan Dan Dan It debuted in 2024 and showed strong performance with its second season this year. Dan Dan Dan Season 2 consists of 12 episodes and continues the supernatural story. New main characters were added, and the story ended with a pretty exciting cliffhanger. Dandadan Season 2 added depth and intensity to an already excellent series that truly captured the hearts of fans and kept them coming back for more. There is a high possibility that it will win the Animation of the Year award next year.
Solo Leveling Season 2
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Main character: Seong Jin-woo
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Number of Episodes: 13
Solo Leveling Season 1 took the title of Animation of the Year 2025.. Fans are already hooked on the series and can't get enough of the fast pace and combat.
Solo Leveling Season 2 aired early this year, and was a greater success than its predecessor. Solo Leveling Season 2 is one of the most rated episodes of the year.Many believe it could be a winner again in 2026.
My Hero Academia Season 8
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Main character: Izuku Midoriya
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Number of Episodes: 13
My Hero Academia Season 8 It's still airing now, and it's no exaggeration to say that in terms of quality, it's the best MHA has ever seen. MHA season 8 will be the last of the seriesAnd fans are preparing to part ways with the iconic superhero series.
MHA Season 8 is the highest-rated episode of the year. Its popularity cannot be underestimated at the moment. Given that this is the end of MHA, fans might vote for MHA to be the best anime of next year.
Apothecary Diaries Season 2
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Main character: Mao Mao
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Number of Episodes: 24
apothecary's diary It has taken over Japan, and its popularity continues to grow around the world. Apothecary Diaries received a very good response with its first seasons in 2023 and 2024, and is back with an even better season this year.
The series' story and characters, along with its incredible world, have captivated fans, and it's so well-received that it could win big at next year's Crunchyroll Awards. while Season 1 of The Apothecary Diaries didn't win the title this year, but it may take the top spot in 2026..
Taco Pea's Original Sin
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Main characters: Tacopi and Shizuka
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Number of episodes: 6
Taco Pea's Original Sin It is a very short animation consisting of a total of 6 episodes. However, even though it only lasted 6 episodes, the scale of the series was large enough to break the Internet. The dark theme disguised as a cute art style intrigued many people.
Takopi's Original Sin is really well positioned. 2026 Animation of the Year Award Winners. After all, it is also One of the highest rated episodes of the year. Takopi's Original Sin win will certainly be a change from the typical winner.
