Anime Expo 2026 was a whirlwind of massive reveals. From the premiere of The Ghost in the Shell episodes to the striking visuals of Yoshitaka Amano’s ZAN and the latest updates on Star Wars: Visions — The Ninth Jedi, the convention floor was buzzing with high-profile headlines. With significant news dropping for heavy hitters like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, Kagurabachi, and Black Clover, it was all too easy for even the most devoted fans to feel like they were only catching the tip of the iceberg.
That is simply the reality of an event as sprawling as Anime Expo. While massive franchises command the spotlight, a wealth of hidden gems—unexpected adaptations, indie passion projects, and creative risks—often debut in the quieter corners of the venue. Whether these titles are helmed by auteur directors or are breathing new life into underappreciated manga, they deserve a spot on your radar.
To ensure you don’t miss out, we’ve curated a list of the most compelling announcements that slipped under the radar. Whether you crave a poignant historical drama, an unconventional romance, or a bold original series, these projects represent the hidden potential of the coming season.
10
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All
One of the internet’s most beloved romance manga is finally receiving the anime treatment, yet it curiously flew under the radar at Anime Expo. Sumiko Arai’s breakout yuri hit centers on Aya, a high schooler who finds herself infatuated with a cool record store clerk, only to discover that the “guy” she’s crushing on is actually her reserved classmate, Mitsuki. It’s a delightful, nuanced premise that blends coming-of-age anxiety with an infectious passion for classic rock—think Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and the Smashing Pumpkins.
The series is in the capable hands of CloverWorks, the studio behind modern staples like Spy x Family and Bocchi the Rock!. If the studio manages to replicate the manga’s moody, high-contrast aesthetic and authentic interpersonal chemistry, this could easily be the sleeper romance hit of 2027. With Aniplex even bringing in Dave Grohl for promotional buzz, the series promises a stellar soundtrack to match its visual flair.
9
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia
Historical anime are a rarity in the current landscape, especially when directed by a visionary like Naoko Yamada. Known for the emotional depth of A Silent Voice and The Heike Story, Yamada brings her signature delicate touch to Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, an adaptation of Tomato Soup’s acclaimed manga. Set during the peak of the Mongol Empire, the narrative follows Sitara, an orphaned girl forced into servitude who embarks on a treacherous quest for vengeance within the dangerous political confines of the Khan’s harem.
The project pairs Yamada with animation director Abel Góngora, whose eclectic portfolio—including Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and Dandadan—promises a unique visual experience. It is a bold, atypical pairing for a historical drama, making it one of the most intriguing revelations to emerge from the convention.
8
The World Is Dancing
Steering away from the typical action-heavy lineup, The World Is Dancing emerged as a quiet triumph. The series explores the origins of Noh theater, tracking the young Oniyasha—the man who would become the legendary playwright Zeami. Much like Akane-banashi, it turns a centuries-old performance art into a gripping character study.
Director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi and CygamesPictures have gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity, collaborating with professional Noh performers to capture the gravity and beauty of the dance. It is a refreshingly sophisticated period piece that prioritizes the artist’s soul over mere spectacle.
7
Jurassic Shadows
Director Norihiro Naganuma, the mastermind behind The Apothecary Diaries, is taking a wild creative detour with Jurassic Shadows. While “ninjas fighting dinosaurs” might sound like a B-movie punchline, Naganuma’s pedigree suggests something far more refined. The premise involves warring ninja clans and ancient dinosaur sects utilizing a mystical pigment that grants them prehistoric power. It’s a ludicrous, high-concept premise that, in the right hands, could become an absolute cult favorite.
6
Grotesqqque
Grotesqqque is arguably the most mysterious and visually striking announcement of the year. This theatrical anthology marks the feature-film debut of director Atsushi Nishigori (The Idolmaster, Darling in the Franxx). Moving away from franchise work, Nishigori is crafting an original, surreal vision defined by expressive character designs and avant-garde imagery.
The anthology, which focuses on various female protagonists, feels like a breath of fresh air in an industry often reliant on existing IP. With its blend of “neo-kawaii” aesthetics and sharp, flat-shaded color palettes, it represents the kind of artistic gamble that makes animation so vital.
5
Magic Knight Rayearth
CLAMP’s seminal 90s fantasy is finally returning in a long-awaited remake. Magic Knight Rayearth remains a genre-bending masterpiece, seamlessly merging magical girl tropes, mecha battles, and isekai exploration. More than just a nostalgia trip, this revival serves as a reminder of the series’ profound influence on modern fantasy. Seeing these iconic characters reimagined for a contemporary audience is one of the most anticipated events on the 2026 calendar.
4
Studio Trigger Untitled Project
Anytime the duo of director Hiroyuki Imaishi and writer Kazuki Nakashima announce a new collaboration, the animation world stops to watch. Having defined a generation of kinetic, over-the-top action with Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and Promare, this mysterious fourth project is already shrouded in immense hype. Details remain scarce, but given the pair’s track record for delivering high-stakes, breathless storytelling, this remains a must-watch title in the making.
3
Though I Am an Inept Villainess
This adaptation of Satsuki Nakamura’s popular light novel injects much-needed variety into the “villainess” subgenre by pivoting to an imperial Chinese-inspired setting. The story follows a graceful noblewoman and her frail rival who find themselves trapped in each other’s bodies. It’s a clever, intrigue-heavy spin on the standard body-swap trope that promises more substance than your average fantasy series.
2
Sparks of Tomorrow
Kyoto Animation rarely misses, and their original Netflix series, Sparks of Tomorrow, is already being hailed as a potential masterpiece. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship and ability to pull at heartstrings, KyoAni has treated this project with the same level of care as Violet Evergarden. Following its festival run at Annecy, it is clear this is an emotionally resonant work of art that stands apart from the typical seasonal churn.
1
Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life
Reincarnation stories have become common, but this series offers a genuinely fun twist: a former Demon King is reborn in modern Japan and has absolutely no desire to return to his dark past—he’d much rather just play video games. Balancing supernatural action with grounded, slice-of-life comedy, it feels like the spiritual successor to The Devil is a Part-Timer!. It’s a charming, self-aware sleeper hit that deserves a spot in your queue.
Source: Polygon
