20 Anime to Watch Before They Return with a New Season

New anime to watch is always a hot topic, especially when it comes to new shows and recommendations for anime newcomers. Considering the sheer number of anime titles being produced every year these days, the sheer number can be quite intimidating, especially for newcomers. However, quite a few of these works are sequels to existing works. With that in mind, we’ve come up with 20 anime that everyone should check out in anticipation of their upcoming sequels!

Hell's Paradise

Hell's Paradise – Anime Trailer

Studio MAPPA's latest big-name project is shaping up to be one of the hottest new action anime of 2023, and the story just keeps getting better. While Hell's Paradise Season 2 doesn't have an official release date yet, fans can catch up on the series in the meantime by streaming the entirety of Season 1 on both Crunchyroll and Netflix.

Re:Zero – Getting Life in Another World

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World – Anime Trailer (Director's Cut Version)

Possibly the biggest name in the isekai-fantasy genre to date, the upcoming season of Re:Zero is one of the most anticipated anime seasons to return in Fall 2024. Re:Zero Season 3 is scheduled to release in October 2024 with studio White Fox returning to handle animation production. All episodes of Re:Zero are available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Best Movies Re:Zero Season 3 Pre-release Watch Order is as follows:

Director's Cut Season 1 Episodes 1-6Memory Snow Season 1 Director's Cut Season 7-13Frozen Bond Season 2

Dr. Stone

Dr. Stone – Anime Trailer

Unfortunately, the beloved sci-fi shounen anime is coming to an end, which means now is the perfect time to catch up before the final season! Dr. Stone: Science Future (Season 4) does not currently have a release date. Fans can watch all current episodes of Dr. Stone on Crunchyroll. Each season is labeled as: Dr. Stone (Season 1), Dr. Stone: Stone Wars (Season 2), Dr. Stone: Ryusui Special (watched between Season 2 and Season 3), and Dr. Stone: New World (Season 3).

Bisco

Sabikui Bisco – Anime Trailer

The action-packed adventure of Sabikui Bisco is finally back and it’s an underrated anime to watch! Sabikui Bisco Season 2 was announced for July 2023 but no official release date has been announced yet. Studio OZ is returning to produce the anime series. All 12 current episodes of Sabikui Bisco are now available on Crunchyroll.

Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling – Anime Trailer

I think it needs no introduction here. One of the most popular anime of 2024 has received a Season 2 announcement right after the end of its first season. Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow does not have a release date yet. Studio A-1 Pictures will return to produce the sequel. All 12 episodes of Solo Leveling Season 1 are now available on Crunchyroll.

Ace of the Diamond

Ace of the Diamond – Anime Trailer

It’s been four years since the last season of Ace of Diamonds ended, and our prayers have been answered! Ace of the Diamond: Act II (Zoku-hen) was announced for May 2024, but an official release date has yet to be revealed. This will be the longest “catch-up” on this list, as Season 1 had 75 episodes, Season 2 had 51 episodes, and Season 3 (titled “Act II”) had 52 episodes, all of which are currently available on Crunchyroll. So if you’re looking for some quality sports anime from Production I.G. and Madhouse, look no further!

Wind Breaker

Wind Breaker – Anime Trailer

CloverWorks' latest anime was a huge hit in Spring 2024, and they quickly announced a sequel. Wind Breaker Season 2 is scheduled to premiere in Winter 2025. All 13 episodes of Wind Breaker Season 1 are now available on Crunchyroll. The anime came in 2nd place in Anime Corner's Spring 2024 Anime Awards, winning Best Action, Best Soundtrack, Best Voice Cast, and Best Character Design.

Trigun Stampede

Trigun Stampede – Anime Trailer

The latest release from the acclaimed Studio Orange has been known for some of the most beautiful CGI animation in recent history, with even the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers referencing it right from the start of their 2023 release schedule video. There's no release date yet for the follow-up project Trigun Stargaze, so now's the perfect time to catch up on this new (and fantastic) take on an original classic! Trigun Stampede is definitely a great anime to watch. Luckily, it's available on Crunchyroll now. (Note*: Original English voice actor Johnny Yong Bosch reprised his role as Vash from the original 1998 series!)

Blue Lock

Blue Lock – Animated Movie Trailer

The hit soccer anime hit the big screen in 2022, and now a new season is coming this fall! Blue Lock Season 2 is scheduled to release on October 5, 2024, with studio 8bit returning to handle animation. All episodes of Blue Lock's first season are now available to watch on Crunchyroll.

My Happy Marriage

My Happy Marriage – Animated Movie Trailer

One of the most beautifully produced anime of 2023, thanks to studio Kinema Citrus, is returning for a second season! My Happy Marriage Season 2 has yet to announce a release date, so now is the perfect time to watch this fantastic fantasy romance anime! All episodes of the first season of My Happy Marriage are now available on Netflix.

Drug preparation diary

The Pharmacy Diary – Animated Trailer

One of the highest rated anime ever on fan sites and one of the most popular sites of the past year is gearing up for another season. Apothecary Diary Season 2 is set to release sometime in 2025. In the meantime, do yourself a huge favor and catch up on all 24 episodes of Season 1 now available on Crunchyroll!

Call of the Night

Call of the Night – Animated Movie Trailer

Surprisingly to most, Call of the Night became a trend after its series debut thanks to its beautiful color scheme surrounding the story’s nightlife setting. Now, the late-night adventure drug is back for a new season! Call of the Night Season 2 doesn’t have a release date yet, so now is the best time to watch all 13 episodes of Season 1 on HIDIVE!

Golden Kamuy

Golden Kamuy – Anime Trailer

You may have seen the memes, and yes, this series is just as engaging. But Golden Kamuy is more than just awkwardly hilarious moments. The historical action is entering its final season! All seasons are currently available on Crunchyroll, but they are simply listed by episode (1-49). So if you're looking for humor and action set during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), binge-watch! Golden Kamuy: Saishuushou (Season 5) does not currently have a release date.

Aharen-san and Hakarenai

Aharen-san wa Hakarenai – Anime Trailer

A nice change of pace from all the others here, the first season of Felix Film’s Aharen–san is a perfect anime to watch right now if you’re looking for a lighthearted, slice-of-life anime with comedic moments and popular anime references here and there. Aharen-San Season 2 has just been announced but currently has no release date. So catch up now with all 12 episodes of Season 1 available now on Crunchyroll.

Fire Force

Fire Force – Anime Trailer

It's finally happening, Fire Force fans. After nearly five years, Fire Force Season 3 will begin airing in April 2025 with David Production returning to produce the anime. But if you're new to the series and don't mind some intense action, iconic sound design, and the occasional recurring fan service, you can watch both seasons (48 episodes) available on Crunchyroll. (Also, if you like the English dub, I can't recommend Fire Force enough.)

Sk8 the Infinity

Sk8 The Infinity – Anime Trailer

Bringing back fond memories of the iconic Rocket Power anime series, the first season of Sk8, animated by studio BONES, is a perfect watch if you're looking for something completely different from the other anime on this list. Sk8 Season 2 doesn't have a release date yet, so now's the perfect time to catch up on the 12 episodes of Season 1 on Crunchyroll. An OVA for the series is also currently in the works.

Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin (2023) – Anime Trailer

Before everyone loses their minds over this suggestion, check out the Rurouni Kenshin anime that isn't stuffed full of mangaka's pockets. The first season of the reboot was done brilliantly by the production team at studio LIDENFILMS. Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Arc (Season 2) will begin airing in October 2024 and is a great suggestion if you're into historical action series. Since this is the longest part of the story, now is the perfect time to start watching the anime. The entire first season (24 episodes) is now available on Crunchyroll.

Spy x Family

Spy x Family – Anime Trailer

Arguably the most popular anime of 2020, Spy x Family is riding a wave of success that shows no signs of slowing down. The award-winning action comedy from CloverWorks and WIT Studio is gearing up for a new season following the recent release of Spy x Family CODE: White. So if you're looking for an anime that you can even watch with your parents, look no further. Spy x Family Season 3 currently has no release date. Crunchyroll is streaming the first two seasons (37 episodes) of Spy x Family. No announcement has been made as to when the series will debut on streaming platforms.

One Punch Man

One Punch Man – Anime Trailer

The most anticipated return of the entire list, One Punch Man Season 3 is in the works with studio JC Staff returning to produce the animation. No release date has been announced for One Punch Man Season 3 yet. The first two seasons are available on Netflix and Hulu if you want a fun, action-packed series to talk about with your anime friends since they've probably already seen it.

Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 – Anime Trailer

If you're new to anime, Kaiju No. 8 is a great series to catch up on if you need something to discuss with friends and fans online! The first season was released in the spring and could be a strong contender for anime of the year. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 has been announced and is scheduled to release in 2025. All 12 episodes from the first season, produced by Production I.G., are available to watch on Crunchyroll.