Must-Watch Summer 2026 Anime Series: Ranked by Hype & Reviews

Summer 2026 is still months away, but a few titles have officially announced “Summer” or “July 2026” windows. Lineups can shift, so treat this as a snapshot of upcoming anime.

Here’s a watchlist-style ranking of upcoming anime, based on hype now and the “review track record” of earlier seasons or source material.

1) BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4: The Calamity (July 2026)

This is the big appointment show. Crunchyroll reported the final part is set for a 2026 premiere, with “The Calamity” as the title for Part 4. The earlier TYBW anime has scored very high on AniList, which suggests this upcoming anime chapter won’t be a random dip in quality. Best for: anime fight scenes and endgame stakes.

2) The Elusive Samurai Season 2 (July 2026)

Season 2 has a July 2026 broadcast window, per Crunchyroll’s report tied to its reveal and visual. Season 1’s AniList average score sits in the high 70s, and the manga has award cred too, which gives this sequel a solid “reviews” backbone. Best for: fast chases, tactical mind games, and a historical vibe that feels fun.

3) BLACK TORCH (July 2026)

Crunchyroll has this set for July 2026 and shared a trailer and visual. The “reviews” angle mostly comes from the manga: it made the ALA’s YALSA teen graphic novel picks, and Anime News Network reviewed Volume 1 positively (with notes). Best for: a good magic anime mood, with spirits, powers, and brawls.

4) The Detective Is Already Dead Season 2 (July 2026)

Crunchyroll says Season 2 will air in July 2026.  Season 1’s AniList average score is substantially lower than the strong hits. So why rank it? Hype can be messy. If you liked the cast and want a second chance at the premise, this upcoming anime sequel is worth a peek.

5) Red River (Summer 2026)

Crunchyroll says the classic shojo series is getting a TV anime adaptation and is planned for a Summer 2026 broadcast. This is the “new but trusted” pick. Anime with romance, risk, and time-slip drama will make you weep if it succeeds.

6) Sparks of Tomorrow (Kyoto Animation, July 2026)

Kyoto Animation’s next TV series premieres in July 2026, and that alone fuels hype. If you like emotion mixed with craft, this could be the sleeper hit and might be the anime that will make you cry pick of the season.

Conclusion

If you only have time for one, start with upcoming anime that already has a proven fan base: Bleach’s final TYBW chapter. Then mix in Elusive Samurai for sharp action, Black Torch for supernatural flavor, and Red River when you want drama with heart. If you’re chasing anime characters with wings, the confirmed Summer 2026 headliners so far lean more swords-and-spirits than angelic designs. Watch late-season trailers for that vibe.