🏆 Anime of the Year 2026 Nominees Are Here — Who Takes the Crown?
The wait is over 👀
The nominees for Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 have officially been announced — and this lineup might be one of the most stacked we’ve ever seen.
From long-awaited finales to emotional masterpieces and breakout hits, this year is a battle between legends and rising stars.
Let’s break down the nominees 👇
⚡ My Hero Academia Final Season
The end of an era.
My Hero Academia reaches its emotional and action-packed conclusion, bringing Deku’s journey full circle. With some of the most intense battles and character payoffs in the series, this final season has fans divided between hype and heartbreak.
Why it could win:
Massive global fanbase, emotional finale, and years of storytelling leading to this moment.
🩸 Takopi’s Original Sin
Don’t let the cute face fool you…
Takopi’s Original Sin shocked everyone with its dark themes, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable moments. It’s one of the boldest anime adaptations in recent memory.
Why it could win:
Raw emotion, unique storytelling, and viral word-of-mouth impact.
🧪 The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Brains over brawn.The Apothecary Diaries returns with more intrigue, palace politics, and Maomao being one of the smartest (and most entertaining) protagonists in anime right now.
Why it could win:
Consistent storytelling, strong character writing, and a growing fanbase.
🗑️ Gachiakuta
One of the most anticipated adaptations finally delivers.Gachiakuta brings its gritty, graffiti-inspired world to life with insane visuals and a raw, rebellious energy that stands out from anything else this year.
Why it could win:
Unique art style, fresh world-building, and high-energy action.
👻 Dan Da Dan Season 2
Dan Da Dan returns even bigger and crazier, blending supernatural action with comedy and romance in a way only it can.
Why it could win:
Insane animation, viral popularity, and nonstop hype moments.
🌅 The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer Hikaru Died delivers a haunting story that blends slice-of-life with psychological horror, creating one of the most atmospheric anime of the year.
Why it could win:
Emotional depth, eerie storytelling, and standout originality.
🏆 Who Should Win Anime of the Year?
This year isn’t just stacked — it’s unpredictable.
- Want a legendary send-off? → My Hero Academia
- Want pure emotional damage? → Takopi
- Want smart storytelling? → Apothecary Diaries
- Want something fresh? → Gachiakuta
- Want hype and chaos? → Dan Da Dan
- Want artsy horror vibes? → Summer Hikaru Died
No matter who wins, anime fans are eating GOOD in 2026 🍜🔥
🛍️ Rep Your Favorite Anime at Shumi
Whether you're rooting for heroes, heartbreak, or horror — we’ve got something for every fan 💥