IGN has published its round-up of anime worth watching in the Summer 2026 season, highlighting new and returning series available across streaming platforms including Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Hulu and Netflix. The list spans a wide range of genres and tones, from returning heavyweights such as the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War finale and Ghost in the Shell, to smaller original productions, reflecting the breadth of choice on offer to anime fans this season.

Among the twelve titles featured are Sparks of Tomorrow (Netflix), an alternate-history steampunk romance from Kyoto Animation; The World Is Dancing (HIDIVE), a visually striking period drama set in 14th-century Japan; the wholesome slice-of-life Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Crunchyroll); the divisive comedy Chainsmoker Cat (Netflix); and the school comedy Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games (Crunchyroll). The article, written by Mike Mamon and updated on 20 July 2026, notes that all listed titles are currently available to watch unless stated otherwise.