7 New Anime Streaming on Crunchyroll You Won’t Want to Miss (Feb 2026)

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Published Jan 24, 2026, 7:50 PM EST

Emedo Ashibeze is a tenured journalist and critic specializing in the entertainment industry. Before joining ScreenRant in 2025. he wrote for several major publications, including GameRant. 

The year 2026 is on course to be an exhilarating one for anime fans on Crunchyroll. The platform steadily delivers a strong mix of new shows and highly anticipated favorites, with something for everyone. From sequels fans have been waiting for to brand-new series, the platform's lineup is exciting and caters to every taste.

Whether it be for fast action, deep mysteries, or heartfelt romance, everyone is set to be well catered to throughout the year. With popular franchises returning and fresh ideas debuting, Crunchyroll boasts some exciting titles that could easily become among the year’s most-watched highlights.

Although the platform is well packed with a plethora of shows already, there are a couple of titles viewers won't want to miss in the coming months. In this list is a highlight of 7 must-watch anime newly streaming on Crunchyroll. These series will deliver strong stories, memorable characters, and standout moments you definitely won’t want to skip.

Trigun Stargaze

Trigun Stargaze anime image (1)

The iconic space western returns in full force with Trigun Stargaze. Vash the Stampede is back on the screens in a bold new adaptation that mixes classic gunfights with breathtaking visual flair. Studio Orange, building on their reputation, delivers striking visuals that highlight both the harsh desert of No Man’s Land and the chaotic intensity of each gunfight.

The story highlights philosophical themes such as peace, choice, and redemption, using Vash as a medium to convey these complexities while maintaining Trigun’s mix of dark humour and heartbreak. It feels welcoming to new viewers, with an easy entry point into the iconic world, and longtime fans will appreciate the fresh take on their beloved characters.

With returning voice actors in the English dub, the emotions hit even harder with nuance. From Vash’s playful banter to the weight of his inner turmoil, every plot is unique and authentic. Trigun Stargaze tells a powerful story that honours the original, making every episode feel meaningful and nostalgic.

Fate/Strange Fake

True Saber stands facing away from the camera, his red cape draping him, while he stands atop a bus in a city, while a blue spotlight shines down on him from above.

The long-awaited entry for fans of the Fate series has finally arrived. Set in Snowfield, a fictional city in the U.S., it introduces a twisted version of the epochal Holy Grail War. Expectedly, A-1 Pictures delivers jaw-dropping animation, with explosive battles that are intense, fast, and visually impressive.

The series stands out due to its relentless unpredictability. The roster of servants features famous historical figures and bold new characters with strong personalities. Shifting alliances, betrayal, power struggles, and sharp dialogue keep every interaction tense and unpredictable.

Its story rewards careful viewers with mysteries, connections, and revelations. The series slowly unfolds like a layered puzzle. Emotional scenes are elevated by exceptional voice acting, making every primary choice feel heavy and world-changing. Fate/Strange Fake isn’t just another grail war. It’s a thrilling masterpiece that explores bold new territories and leaves you craving for a new episode.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

The Apothecary Diaries poster image showing Maomao and Jinshi in front of the palace, with the sun shining through

After her journey back to the Imperial Palace after the events of Season 1, Maomao returns in Season 2 to solve even more palace mysteries. The story continues, with Maomao using her deep knowledge of poisons to survive dangerous court politics while aiding Concubine Gyokuyou during her second pregnancy.

This season builds on Maomao’s relationship with the enigmatic Jinshi, adding subtle romance without taking focus away from the mysteries or trademark detachments. Each Investigation uncovers deeper secrets of corruption in the palace, from threats to concubines to hidden plots, blending careful investigation with moments of real danger.

Side characters also get richer development, making the story feel fuller and more engaging with more backstories. The English subtitles do a great job of preserving the cultural nuances, puns, and herbal terminologies, ensuring the dialogue is performed well. Overall, season 2 blends historical intrigue, medical expertise, and understated romance that define the predecessor.

Zenshu

Natsuko in episode 1

Directed by Mitsue Yamazaki and written by Kimik Ueno, Zenshu is one of MAPPA's most creative originals. The series follows a talented animator and director, Natsuko Hirose, who suffers from food poisoning and wakes up in her favourite childhood anime, where she must use her animation knowledge to navigate and change the story.

The series makes playful references to classic anime and numerous genres throughout, from famous films to magical girl archetypes. Understanding of storytelling plays a pivotal role in her survival in this fictional world. The MAPPA studio delivers epic animation that shifts styles to reflect the type of show referenced at that moment.

The voicing adds more spice to it as the cast mix and yet balance comedy with honest emotion, capturing the protagonist’s love for animation. The series will be enjoyable, as fans will spot the references while new audiences will appreciate its unique storyline.

Honey Lemon Soda

Honey Lemon Soda group shot

Romance blossoms beautifully in this shoujo adaptation. The story follows Uka Ishimori, a shy girl who transfers schools after being bullied, and meets Kai Miura, a kind and popular boy who melts the walls built up around her heart. The animation uses soft colours and light to show Uka slowly gaining confidence.

The series portrays trauma and healing with a realism that most anime don’t. It handles healing. Uka’s recovery feels natural, never glossing over the pain and pretending healing is easy, and Kai is more than just a perfect crush, who has his own struggles and insecurities too. Their bond grows naturally and feels genuine.

Its intricate visual details help express emotions without overdoing it. Bright scenes reflect joy, while darker tones show fear and doubt. Supporting characters add real depth to the central romance, making this a warm and emotional watch for romance fans. Honey Lemon Soda is an irresistible, heartwarming gem.

Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse

 Birth Verse

Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse is a fast-paced supernatural action reimagining of the traditional Japanese series set in the backdrop of modern Tokyo. The protagonist is a young, inexperienced onmyoji who uses ancient spiritual techniques to fight vengeful spirits threatening the city. The animation studio makes spellcasting feel powerful and visually exciting, which is both authentic and powerfully cinematic.

The story builds a hidden world of spiritual warriors living alongside everyday society. Battles mix martial art choreography with magic, keeping fights precise, strategic, and intense. The main character's growth from beginner to skilled fighter was natural and grounded.

The character designs blend elegant traditional Japanese clothing with modern flair, giving the show a unique look. While the soundtrack mixes traditional instruments with a contemporary sound, making this a fresh pick for fans of supernatural anime. This show delivers a distinctive experience that stands out from typical shonen fare.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Finale Cover

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2 returns to the hero world of My Hero Academia. Following Koichi Haimawari and other unlicensed vigilantes as they fight crime to protect Naruhata’s streets from rising threats while staying out of the spotlight. The series keeps the spirit of My Hero Academia but explores a darker, grayer version of hero society.

The show focuses on regular people with small powers doing their best to help others when the official system fails to protect them. Fights rely more on teamwork and smart thinking than raw strength, which makes them feel grounded and real.

This season also questions the flaws in the official hero system, who the system protects, and why vigilantes exist at all. With strong animation, solid action, and emotional depth, making it rewarding for both fans and new viewers, Vigilantes Season 2 delivers street-level heroism and mind-blowing storytelling that elevates the MHA verse.

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Release Date April 7, 2025

Network Tokyo MX, BS Nippon TV

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Shuichiro Umeda

    Koichi Haimawari / The Crawler (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Ikumi Hasegawa

    Kazuho Haneyama / Pop☆Step (voice)

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