I don't remember the last time a season had this much going on at once. JoJo is back, Edgerunners got a sequel, Black Clover came back after years, and that's before you even get to the stuff people are sleeping on. If you're trying to figure out the best anime of fall 2026 and where to actually watch it, here's my list. No order, just what I think is worth your time.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run
Netflix | new episodes Fridays
Steel Ball Run is the part of JoJo a lot of manga readers swear is the best one and it's finally animated. A horse race across America that turns into something way bigger. The 2nd and 3rd Stage dropped weekly on Netflix starting September 25, so you can catch up right now.
Start here if: you've ever said "the manga is better" about JoJo.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2
Netflix | 10 episodes, out since October 20
The first one wrecked everybody. This is a brand new standalone story in Night City with a new crew, so you don't need to have played Cyberpunk 2077 or seen season one. Ten episodes, binge it in a weekend.
Start here if: you want something you can finish by Sunday.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3
Crunchyroll | since October 2
Maomao is back solving poison mysteries in the palace and the Jinshi situation is finally moving. In a poll of Japanese fans this was the most recommended show of the season.
Start here if: you like your anime with a mystery every episode.
Black Clover Season 2
Crunchyroll | October 2026
Asta is back. Black Clover went off the air for years and fans never let it go, and Studio Pierrot finally brought it back. If you were there for the original run, this is the comeback you were waiting on.
Start here if: you grew up on shonen and want that feeling back.
Blue Box Season 2
Netflix | since October 4
A sports romance that people slept on in season one. Badminton, basketball, and a love story that actually takes its time.
Start here if: you want something lighter between the heavy hitters.
Firefly Wedding
Crunchyroll | since October 9
The new one on the list. Meiji era Japan, a rich girl and the assassin sent to kill her end up in a fake marriage that stops being fake. David Production made it, and it was the second most recommended show of the season in that same fan poll.
Start here if: you want romance with some actual danger in it.
Honorable mentions
- Tokyo Revengers Season 4
- Ranma 1/2
- Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, a remake of the first arc
If you want more to watch after these, my list of the anime arcs that defined a generation is a good next stop, and if you haven't seen it yet, here's 15 Black anime characters you should know.
What's on your watchlist this season? Put me on in the CXM Discord.
Your call
Did I get this ranking right?
In this story
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