Anime news: Upcoming 2025 releases, shows to look out for in early 2026

AnimeAnime newsAnime slate
Written By Aidan Leo

A list of exciting anime is set to release in late 2025, with plenty of lively returning shows slated for early 2026.

The end-of-year slate comprises a horde of new shows and films, with 2026 already a year of highly anticipated releases for fans.

Film News Blitz’s Aidan Leo presents a list of notable anime you can expect over the upcoming months.

September and October releases

The gripping final arc of the Demon Slayer manga is set for a September 12 release. The definitive film adaptation is titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle.

Furthermore, the highly touted Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will hit our screens on October 29.

Along with huge series releases, namely My Hero Academia season eight (October 4, 2025), One Punch Man season three (October 2025), Spy x Family season three (October 2025).

Mammoth 2026 returning shows

2026 might be the most highly contested ‘Anime of the Year’ shortlist yet.

January is the most thrilling month of confirmed release dates so far, with Fire Force season three (part two), 2025’s Anime of the Year nominee Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season two, Hell’s Paradise season two, and the long-awaited return of Jujutsu Kaisen season three all set to dominate the airwaves over the course of 2026.

Also, the esteemed and highly regarded anime and ‘Big Three’ representative - Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is back for one final time, with part four set to be the most revered and cherished conclusion to a two-decade-long story.

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One Piece season 21 continues

The iconic, pioneering anime continues its adaptation of the manga’s Egghead arc. 

The recent episode, titled "Reliable Reinforcements! Dorry and Brogy Arrive!" dropped on August 24 on Crunchyroll, and August 31 on Netflix, with weekly episodes set to release over the next few months.

One Piece’s Netflix release dates:

Episode 1,142 - September 14

Episode 1,143 - September 21

Episode 1,144 - September 28

Episode 1,145 - October 5

Episode 1,146 - October 12

Episode 1,147 - October 19

Episode 1,148 - October 26

Episode 1,149 - November 2

Episode 1,150 - November 9

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Aidan Leo

Aidan Leo is a passionate, expressive and bold writer who although makes use of unnecessarily extensive vocabulary at times, he more than makes up for it with his enthusiasm and love for cinema. 

Whether it be the intensity and social commentary of classics like A Few Good Men and Fight Club, or the joyous and slightly controversial hilarity of Step Brothers and The Heat, he loves them all. 

His other passions include sports, photography/videography, food, fashion, music, and anime.

As Matthew McConaughey’s David says in Dazed and Confused, “The older you do get, the more rules they’re gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin’ man. L-I-V-I-N.” A quote Aidan prides himself on and one he looks to, to continue following his dreams and passions. 

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