So Anime Expo 2026 is coming this July, and it looks like it is becoming one of the biggest anime events of this year. Alongside discussion panels and exciting fan events, Crunchyroll is also planning early screenings for several upcoming anime series, many of which are expected to stream later on Crunchyroll (via Crunchyroll).
The lineup features several sequels, such as Gachiakuta Season 2, You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, etc. Apart from that, it contains new long-awaited anime adaptations such as Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, Overgeared, and many more. In this article, we’ll list all the anime series featured in Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo 2026 lineup.
1 The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System
Among all the new fantasy titles that are receiving an early screening, The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System stands out the most. Crunchyroll is planning the early screening on July 2, 2026, with the first three episodes.
The story of the anime also looks interesting – it centers on a protagonist who initially gets rejected for supposedly being a useless class. However, Elymas eventually understands the true potential of his class, which immediately creates a strong underdog narrative. Fans of RPGs know that some of the strongest builds are often overlooked at first. Thus, here too the story stands out for this gaming angle and could help the series stand out from many other fantasy anime releasing this year.
2 Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life
At first, Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life may appear like another typical reincarnation story. However, the story blends Demon King and reincarnation and gives it a unique angle compared to other similar titles.
According to the official website, Crunchyroll is planning to offer the early screening of episode 1 on July 2, 2026. The early preview gives it a mix of comedy and emotional feel, while also making it an interesting upcoming anime to watch.
3 Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2
The first season of Skeleton Knight in Another World already connected well with the fans, especially because of Arc’s lovable personality and the show’s lighthearted approach to adventure.
Season 2 now has the opportunity to expand the world further while preserving the charm that made the original season enjoyable. Crunchyroll announced an Anime Expo screening of episode 1 on July 2, 2026, where we will be able to get a hint about the quality of the upcoming season.
4 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3
Few modern isekai series carry expectations as high as Mushoku Tensei. Over the years, the franchise has established itself as one of the genre’s most influential titles.
What continues to make the series compelling is its emphasis on character growth. Viewers who followed Rudeus through some of his most difficult personal struggles know that the emotional moments often leave a stronger impression than the action scenes themselves.
5 Victoria of Many Faces
Victoria of Many Faces introduces a former spy attempting to rebuild her life, which immediately separates it from many traditional fantasy stories.
Watching a character move beyond their past while still carrying the lessons and scars from previous experiences often create some of the most compelling emotional arcs. And now, as per the Anime Expo 2026 website, Crunchyroll is planning to release the early episode preview of the series on July 2, 2026.
6 Sasaki and Peeps Season 2
Sasaki and Peeps is a very anticipated comeback of 2026. The show mixes office life with fantasy and supernatural adventures.
Season 2’s episode 1 is planned to get an early screening by Crunchyroll on July 2, 2026. The show’s biggest strength has always been how effortlessly it balances absurd situations with everyday problems. Season 2 looks set to continue that formula while introducing even more chaos into Sasaki’s already messy life.
7 Overgeared
Overgeared comes with a good amount of buzz due to its already popular source material. Its story follows a struggling gamer, Youngwoo, whose fate starts to change dramatically.
The trailers have already generated interest thanks to their game-inspired action and flashy visuals. The actual appeal of the show goes beyond just normal power scaling. Fans might enjoy the series because Youngwoo’s success comes from persistence rather than instant talent, which gives his journey one of the most satisfying feelings in recent fantasy anime.
8 Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2
The return of Tanya Degurechaff is one of the biggest highlights of Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo 2026 lineup.
If you have seen season 1, then you might remember the intensity of Tanya’s battlefield strategies and the constant conflict between her pragmatism. Season 2 may finally bring one of anime’s most unique antiheroes back into the spotlight once again.
9 The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat Season 2
Compared to the other isekai protagonists, this anime focuses more on preparation rather than simply overpowering the opponent with raw powers.
This strategic approach actually helped the series to stand out among the already crowded genre. As Season 2 is now coming in July, it has the chance to further explore those things that made it so entertaining in the first place.
10 Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is probably the most anticipated anime adaptation of the summer of 2026. It provides something very rare – a mature and grounded romance.
Rather than all those supernatural powers, the story’s charm comes from the normal day-to-day, realistic conversations. Crunchyroll is planning to offer the early screening of episode 1, and among all the grand fantasy adventures, fans can expect something refreshing from the series while finding meaning in everyday moments.
11 Gachiakuta Season 2
Season 1 of Gachiakuta really exploded and won a lot of anime awards last year. The dark and emotionally heavy series came with some amazing fighting moments and a relatable story, which instantly made it a fan favorite.
Rudo from the anime Gachiakuta. | Credit: Bones FilmAlthough Anime Expo attendees will only receive a first look at Season 2, the excitement surrounding Gachiakuta remains undeniable. If the upcoming season continues building on the strengths of Season 1, it could again become one of the biggest action anime of the year.
12 You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2
Romantic comedies usually have the tendency to become overdramatic or unrealistic; however, You and I Are Polar Opposites is different. The main couple, Suzuki and Tani, feel so relatable; their chemistry really connected well with the audience in season 1. The series has always balanced humor and sincerity particularly well.
Even the other couples were interesting to watch. Just after season 1’s ending, season 2 was already announced for July 2026. Fans who became attached to Suzuki and Tani, who revived the old-school romance in rom-coms, will likely be eager to see how their relationship will develop further in the upcoming season.
13 The Apothecary Diaries Season 3
When you think about any popular anime title, what comes to your mind first? Probably a shonen show having a lot of action like One Piece, Naruto, and so on. The Apothecary Diaries changes that perception completely. It does not have any major action moments; instead, it focuses mostly on mystery, suspense, political drama, and medicine.
And obviously, who can forget about Maomao? She is probably one of the most unique female protagonists. Her chemistry with Jinshi in the story became another huge attraction for the fans, especially during season 2. All of this has contributed to its steady word-of-mouth growth. It felt like every few weeks, another viewer was discovering the show and asking why nobody had recommended it sooner.
14 I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand
Aside from the title, the story of this anime seems really interesting as it focuses on what happens after the battle is won rather than a hero’s rise.
The idea sounds unique. And we may get to see more about the anime after the early episode screening by Crunchyroll during Anime Expo.
15 A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2
Time-travel stories usually work based on how well they deal with consequences. And A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special handles this really well.
Season 1 was good, and from the early preview teaser, it appears that Season 2 will show more alternate outcomes and tough choices.
16 The Villager of Level 999
The Villager of Level 999 actually uses one of the most entertaining ideas of the fantasy genre – turning a seemingly weak character into a powerful force.
The contrast between Kouji’s humble class and extraordinary strength might provide a special interest among the audience. Thus, if you are looking to enjoy a fun power fantasy title this summer, then The Villager of Level 999 might just offer you that.
17 Clevatess Season 2
Dark fantasy remains one of anime’s most popular genres, and Clevatess has steadily built a reputation within that space.
The series thrives when it explores morally complex situations rather than simple battles between good and evil. That complexity is likely one of the reasons fans are eager for its second season.
18 Hana-Kimi
Few stories blend romance, comedy, and mistaken identity as well as Hana-Kimi. Season 1 did exceptionally well, and now with Season 2 is already in production, Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo might provide more updates about the next season.
The premise has remained beloved for years because it creates endless opportunities for both heartfelt moments and hilarious misunderstandings.
19 Firefly Wedding
Firefly Wedding is one of the most exciting new adaptations in Crunchyroll’s lineup.
The show perfectly combines romance with danger and psychological tension, which makes it stand out among the usual romantic stories. From the preview teaser itself, it appears that the relationship between Satoko and Shinpei is likely to be one of the biggest talking points once the anime begins airing.
20 The Ogre’s Bride
Fantasy romance is getting really popular lately, and The Ogre’s Bride fits right in at the perfect time.
According to the early story preview, Yuzu had a rough start in life. However, then she unexpectedly connects with a powerful ayakashi. This sets up a story focused on acceptance, belonging, and self-worth.
21 The Oblivious Saint Can’t Contain Her Power
Comedy with fantasy continues to work well in recent years, and The Oblivious Saint Can’t Contain Her Power particularly stands out in this genre.
In fantasy anime, overpowered main characters are not new; however, the show still finds a way to make it entertaining by making the character not aware of just how special they actually are. And this comedic potential alone makes this premiere worth watching on July 4, 2026.
22 Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship!
At anime conventions, sci-fi doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, making Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! stand out on Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo lineup. It’s about Satou Takahiro, who wakes up in his favourite gaming world.
The show combines sci-fi action with gaming elements, which makes it different from the other fantasy and isekai titles at the event. Crunchyroll will show the first two episodes at the event, and those who enjoy starships, exploration, and futuristic combat may find this one particularly interesting.
Here is the quick overview of all the anime coming on Crunchyroll –
| The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System | July 2, 2026 | Episodes 1-3 |
| Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2 | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 | July 2, 2026 | Episodes 1-2 |
| Victoria of Many Faces | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Sasaki and Peeps Season 2 | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Overgeared | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat Season 2 | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You | July 2, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Gachiakuta Season 2 | July 3, 2026 | Exclusive First Look and New Footage Preview |
| You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2 | July 3, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 | July 3, 2026 | Special Guest Panel |
| I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand | July 4, 2026 | Episodes 1-2 |
| A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2 | July 4, 2026 | Episodes 1-2 |
| The Villager of Level 999 | July 4, 2026 | Episodes 1-2 |
| Clevatess Season 2 | July 4, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| Hana-Kimi Season 2 | July 4, 2026 | Special Panel and Live Performance |
| Firefly Wedding | July 4, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| The Ogre’s Bride | July 4, 2026 | Episode 1 |
| The Oblivious Saint Can’t Contain Her Power | July 4, 2026 | Episodes 1-2 |
| Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! | July 4, 2026 | Episodes 1-2 |
Now the big question – Which of these Anime Expo 2026 premieres are you most excited to add to your watchlist? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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