Fall 2020 brought some major excitement with some fantastic shows, such as Jujutsu Kaisen, The Wandering Witch and after some delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Anime of Winter 2021 seeks to bring some real heavy hitters. Here at Anime Corner, we list some of the most anticipated releases. With so many big names, there’s no way to include all the great options. Let us know what other shows you’re excited for!
Attack on Titan: The Final Season
(Premiered Dec. 7th)
As we all know, season 4 was scheduled for October 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the release to Winter 2021 instead. Fortunately, the wait is over as Attack on Titan is back and commanding attention. Makes sense for one of the best-selling manga of all time with more than 100 million copies sold. Season 3 brought us the confrontation with the beast titan and exposed the secrets of the basement. Eren and the team finally discovered what his father had sealed away. The truth of the Titans and the city across the sea shocked Eren and friends to the core.
Unfortunately, Wit Studio does not return after animating seasons 1-3. Instead, MAPPA will finish the anime’s final season. Funimation describes season 4 as such. “It’s been four years since the Scout Regiment reached the shoreline. Their fate, along with the people of Paradis, will be determined at last”. Watch on Funimation, Crunchyroll.
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Season 2 Part 2)
(Premiering Jan 6th)
Season 2 of Re:Zero begins in fall 2020 after a 4-year break from season 1. Subaru, Emilia, and Rem returned after taking on the Witches Cult. However new threats await as Subaru needs to save Rem after her existence is devoured by Lye the archbishop of gluttony. After meeting Echidna the Witch of Greed, as well as the other Witches of Sin. Subaru tries to flee the sanctuary to help stop Elsa’s attack at the Mansion.
A fan-favorite show, this anime is on top of most people’s list already. Based on the light novel series written by Nagatsuki Tappei and illustrated by Ootsuka Shinichirou. Available on Crunchyroll
The Quentesential Quintuplets Season 2
(Premiering Jan 8th)
Fuutarou and our favorite set of 5 sisters are back! The Quintessential Quintuplets returns as the wild girls still need help in the classroom. And who else but the best tutor can take on the job. Last season not only showed Fuutarou will seemingly marry one of the listed sisters. He also may have known one in the past.
A slice of life anime that many are excited for, be ready for more absolute chaos in this family in season 2. Based on the manga by Negi Haruba. The anime is available on Funimation and Crunchyroll.
The Promised Neverland (2nd Season)
(Premiering Jan 8th)
Arguably the most anticipated anime of winter 2021. The Promised Neverland second season will show Emma, Ray, and company, against the world. Following their daring escape from the meat farm called an “orphanage”. Only armed with the knowledge left by Norman, the kids have to adjust to the reality outside of the orphanage and take on new threats. Meeting new mysterious ‘allies’ named Sonju and Mujika, the kids take off to freedom.
Based on the best-selling manga by Kaiu Shirai. The series is one of the most successful of the 2010s, with over 25 million copies sold. The anime was well received so the excitement is high for season 2. Available on Funimation, Crunchyroll.
Dr. Stone: Stone Wars
(Premiering Jan 14th)
The battle between Brain and Brawn has arrived. Dr. Stone: Stone Wars is set over 3,000 years in the future. After evolving Kohaku’s village with science and the help of Chrome, the winter is here. He could only make so much, but Senku prepares to take on Tsukasa’s army with the tools he and the team of science made. Who comes out on top in a battle to determine the survival of the fittest? Let’s find out in the upcoming second season of the series.
Based on the manga written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by the South Korean artist Boichi. The first season was one of the fan favorites when it premiered, so Stone Wars has a lot to live up to. You can watch on Crunchyroll and Funimation
Log Horizon Season 3
(Premiering Jan 13th)
Log Horizon makes a return, as one of the higher-rated video game based isekai anime. The last episode of season 2 premiered in 2015, so season 3, Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table, is greatly welcomed. Shiroe and the company continue the story as tension grows. Nobility fights for power, and a new monster has emerged. This creates tension as the Round Table begins to crack under the pressure.
Based on the light novel series written by Mamare Touno and illustrated by Kazuhiro Hara. This season is highly anticipated and brought to the screen by Studio Deen. Available on Funimation and Crunchyroll
Horimiya
(Premiering Jan 10th)
A high school story like no other. Horimiya, is about a pair of high school students. Though her parents are often away from home due to work, Kyouko Hori is a well known academic prodigy. What’s more, she has to look after her younger brother and do the housework. This leaves her with no social life. Meanwhile, Izumi Miyamura is a teen perceived as moody, and a loser. However, despite his tattoos and piercings. He is a kind person who’s really bad at studying. As if by fate, Hori and Miyamura run into each other. Being able to show a side most people don’t see the pair begin a beautiful friendship.
This series is courtesy of Cloverworks. Based on the web manga by HERO, and will be available on Funimation. Fun fact a live-action adaptation film and series are also set to release in February 2021.
World Trigger (2nd Season)
(Premiering Jan 10th)
After a 5 year hiatus, one of the most underrated anime returns. World Trigger tells how Mikado City was once ravaged by Monsters called “‘Neighbors’ and the only defense for humanity comes from the National Defense Agency, or ‘Border’, who took Neighbor technology called ‘Triggers”‘. Giving humans the ability to used energy called Trion and use it as a weapon. 4 years later and humanity has adjusted to the neighbors as the norm. Yuma Kuga is actually a ‘neighbor’ that looks like a human. Given a Trigger by his late father he goes to Mikado City to join the’Border. While hiding his Origins, With the help of his friend Osamu Mikumo and his squad, Yuma takes on any threat to defend his friends.
Quick heads up If you haven’t started already there is a slight climb. Season 1 has 73 episodes, but don’t worry, there’s still some time to catch up. All available on Crunchyroll and brought to you by Toei Animation. Based on the manga by Daisuke Ashihara.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
(Premiering Jan 11th)
Jobless Reincarnation is the story of a 34-year-old homeless man struck by a truck. What’s more, he is reincarnated into a magical world as a newborn, Rudeus Greyrat. Rudeus however gets to keep the knowledge of his previous life. Reborn with amazing magical powers, and the mind of an adult. Rudeus grows in this alternate world, and he vows to make good on his second chance at life. Small detail though, he’s a pervert.
Brought to you by Studio Bind. Based on the Rifujin na Magonote light novel, available on Funimation.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season 2
Another unfortunate case of delays due to Covid-19. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 2 was set for October 2020. However, the series return was moved to January of 2021. Last airing in 2018, Rimuru Tempest faces a different challenge now. The tempest federation comes under threat. As enemies begin to target Rimuru, he faces the true responsibility of running a nation. As the most powerful individual, it’s up to him to protect what he built.
Based on the light novel by Fuse. 8bit studios brings the series to the animated screen. Available on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Alright, there are some of your options for the Anime of Winter 2021. Which one are you most excited about? What do you think will happen in these shows? Lets us know what you think of this season!
With fall 2020 ending check out the results of the weekly fan votes here.
Descriptions and Imaging courtesy of Crunchyroll & Funimation
