Within the past 7 months of 2026, HIDIVE has expanded its anime library with several new shows. While some are returning sequels to major franchises, the platform has also simulcast plenty of brand-new anime throughout the winter, spring, and ongoing summer 2026 seasons. So, if you’re looking to start something new, you have plenty of options to choose from.
To make your decision easier, here we’ve ranked the 10 best anime released on HIDIVE so far in 2026. The entries are ordered from #10 to #1 based on the overall quality of their storytelling, narrative, and plot. So, let’s dive right in.
10. Kirio Fanclub
Who doesn’t love a good slice-of-life comedy? Especially if it’s a show like Kirio Fanclub, which also features plenty of hilarious moments, making it an even more enjoyable watch. The plot basically introduces us to two high school girls who are obsessed with one guy, but instead of taking a serious romance route, it thrives on its character interactions and comedy. However, since there’s little drama and no long-term plot, we had to place Kirio Fanclub at the bottom of the list.
9. Farming Life In Another World Season 2
In terms of plot, Farming Life in Another World already had more to offer. After all, it’s an isekai, so there is solid worldbuilding with new places to explore, which is capable of getting you really invested. In Season 2, the series further introduces new races, politics, and even new relationships between the characters. That said, most conflicts in the anime still get resolved rather quickly without developing into a long-running plot. That’s why it’s only ranked 9th here.
8. The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World
Whenever an anime offers episodic storytelling, you immediately know that it has many ideas to explore. And The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World is no exception. Essentially, it tells the story of a thirty-something lady who gets isekai’d as a saintess, but instead of joining the royal court, she embarks on a cozy food and travel journey with her hidden camping van. But again, the lack of a bigger overarching plot ranks it only 8th on the list.
7. Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling
With another creative spin on the isekai genre, Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling literally shows what the title suggests. After getting reincarnated, the MC starts his journey in this new world as a weak dragon hatchling. However, the series’ survival-focused storytelling really makes for a gripping watch, which is exactly why it is ranked 7th on the list. But then again, the plot mostly follows standard RPG mechanics and a familiar narrative, which is not all that new in the genre.
6. Chained Soldier Season 2
Following Season 1, fans already had high expectations for Chained Soldier Season 2. The anime blends action, power fantasy, and good old ecchi tropes really well. This season also goes further by exploring more of the Mato World and the Demon’s Defense Forces. Thus, as you can guess, lore fans will really enjoy this season. Plus, of course, the fan service keeps a big portion of the anime’s appeal alive. Still, in terms of plot, it only ranks 6th as it cannot beat the highs of others above it.
5. The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior Season 2
The villainess subgenre in isekai has always had a good track record, and the 2nd season of The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior solidifies it. In fact, this season goes beyond the typical villainess formula and truly turns the narrative into an all-around engaging story. The MC doesn’t just build her own reverse harem, but also steps up to save everyone else from major kingdom-wide crises. That is why it secures a place in the top 5 of this list.
4. HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing
The title of the anime already explains the plot to some extent. But, surprisingly, even among modern isekai, HELL MODE feels refreshingly engaging as it doesn’t instantly make the protagonist overpowered. Instead, as he had been a hardcore gamer in his previous life, he puts those skills to use in this isekai world and earns his powers the hard way. The series also offers a clear goal for the MC. With both seasons of the anime released in 2026, it easily secures the 4th spot on this list.
3. The World Is Dancing
With breathtaking animation and incredible soundtracks, The World Is Dancing is set to deliver one of the year’s most emotionally driven stories. Although the season has only just started airing, its narrative has already proven itself worthy of a spot in the top 4. Set in 14th-century Japan, the series explores the value of the performing arts, especially dance, through the protagonist’s perspective. The plot itself is refreshingly unique compared to most modern anime shows.
2. Petals of Reincarnation
Petals of Reincarnation has been an absolute feast. Much credit must be given to both the creator and the studio for boldly incorporating many historical figures from the real world into the narrative. Along with Newton, Einstein, and Da Vinci, it even features Caesar and many other notable figures. The plot is also filled with high-octane action, an interesting power system, and multiple plot twists that will keep you guessing. Thus, among all the new HIDIVE anime in 2026, Petals of Reincarnation is one of the best and deserves the 2nd spot.
1. Oshi No Ko Season 3
While both of its previous seasons were already great, Oshi no Ko took its storyline to another level with Season 3. What this third season delivered is arguably worthy of being an Anime of the Year contender, which is why it easily secured the #1 spot on this list. The way it portrayed the entertainment industry, along with the mystery behind Ai’s death and many other long-anticipated series revelations, makes Oshi no Ko Season 3 truly deserve all the praise it has received.
| ANIME TITLE | RELEASE DATE | MAL SCORE (as of July 26, 2026) |
| Kirio Fanclub | April 3, 2026 | 7.17/10 |
| Farming Life In Another World Season 2 | April 6, 2026 | 7.28/10 |
| The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World | July 6, 2026 | 6.63/10 |
| Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling | January 10, 2026 | 6.42/10 |
| Chained Soldier Season 2 | January 8, 2026 | 7.45/10 |
| The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior Season 2 | April 7, 2026 | 6.91/10 |
| HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing | Season 1: January 10, 2026 Season 2: July 4, 2026 | Season 1: 7.20/10 Season 2: 7.26/10 |
| The World Is Dancing | June 29, 2026 | 7.47/10 |
| Petals of Reincarnation | April 3, 2026 | 6.06/10 |
| Oshi No Ko Season 3 | January 14, 2026 | 8.69/10 |
While HIDIVE hasn’t released many anime in 2026 so far, these 10 titles are undoubtedly the best. So let us know how satisfied you are with our ranking. Also, feel free to share your thoughts with us and other fellow weebs in the comments.
