Winter 2026 brings a variety of exciting viewing options for fans of anime. Amidst the many genres available, this season's drama category stands out with stories that prioritize emotional depth, psychological mystery, and dynamic relationships between characters.
For those of you looking for strong narratives and complex character development, here is a list of 9 drama anime scheduled to air in Winter 2026.
9. DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR Animation with ENHYPEN
DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR Animation with ENHYPEN (DARK MOON -Kuro no Tsuki: Tsuki no Saidan-) is an adaptation of a popular webtoon in collaboration with a K-Pop idol group. The story is set in Riverfield, a location where two rival schools contain students who turn out to be vampires and a vampire. werewolf. The situation between these two camps changes drastically with the arrival of a mysterious new student named Sooha.
Sooha's presence not only attracts the attention of popular students from both schools, but also coincides with a series of horrific incidents that begin to shake the city. The anime blends elements of school romance with supernatural mystery and thriller. The audience will be invited to dive into the characters' pasts that are slowly revealed, changing their perception of the world they live in.
8. 2nd Season Medalist
Medalist 2nd Season continues the emotional journey of Inori Yuitsuka and her trainer, Tsukasa Akeuraji. This anime highlights the world of figure skating with an in-depth focus on the mental aspect and the athletes' struggle to achieve their dreams. After the events of Season 1, Inori and Tsukasa are now targeting a higher stage, beyond local and regional competitions.
This season will see Inori's development in the face of tougher junior competition. Tsukasa, who sees his youthful dreams come to life through Inori, continues to push his protégé to reach her full potential. The narrative in Season 2 promises more complicated routines, tough new rivals, and big steps towards their ultimate goal: Olympic Gold Medal.
7. The Case Book of Arne
The Case Book of Arne (Arne no Jikenbo) presents a detective story with nuances gothic with a strong sense of humor. The story centers on the unique partnership between Arne Neuntöte, a vampire detective, and Lynn Reinweiss, a nobleman's daughter who has a special interest in the world of vampires. The two come together to solve complex murder cases that often involve elements beyond reason.
The main dynamic in this series lies in the different backgrounds of the two main characters. Arne uses his supernatural abilities, while Lynn brings her human perspective and noble status. Together, they face bloody mysteries that test their wits and courage in uncovering the truth behind each case.
6. A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans
A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans (Jingai Kyoushitsu no Ningengirai Kyoushi) takes the premise of a teacher who hates humans. Rei Hitoma, a misanthrope with a traumatized past, accepts a job at a mountain school in search of peace. However, she soon realizes that the school is a special institution for demi-human like mermaids and werewolves who want to learn to be human.
This anime is not about reincarnation into another world, but rather a unique school life drama. Rei is tasked with teaching her students about the intricacies of human life, an ironic task for someone who avoids social interaction. Through this teaching process, Rei slowly relearns the meaning of humanity from students who struggle to understand her.
5. The Holy Grail of Eris
The Holy Grail of Eris (Eris no Seihai) combines noble drama with elements of mystery and the supernatural. Constance Grail is a sincere yet naive noble girl. Her fate takes a turn for the worse when she loses her fiancé and is accused of theft. In a desperate situation, she meets the ghost of Scarlett Castiel, a noblewoman who was executed ten years ago for her crimes.
Constance accepts Scarlett's offer, who then possesses her. The partnership aims to save Constance from a terrible fate while also seeking revenge against Scarlett's enemies. The anime showcases Constance's transformation as she slowly becomes more astute under Scarlett's influence, as well as the revelation of a dark conspiracy that has been buried for a decade.
4. Wash It All Away
Wash It All Away (Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka) offers a quieter yet heartfelt drama set in the seaside resort town of Atami. The story centers on Wakana Kinme, a young woman who manages the business of laundry named “Kinme Cleaning”. Although she has built a peaceful and friendly life with the locals over the past two years, Wakana lives with no memory of her past.
This anime brings out the emotional side through Wakana's interactions with her customers. For Wakana, her job is not just to clean the stains on clothes, but also to care for the precious memories attached to them. Behind the soothing atmosphere lies the mystery of who Wakana really is and what happened to him before he arrived in Atami, making this series a warm and intriguing watch.
3. Journal with Witch
Journal with witch (Ikoku Nikki) offers a drama story slice of life which is realistic and touching. The story focuses on Makio Kodai, a reclusive 35-year-old novelist, and his 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi. Their lives intersect after Makio decides to take care of Asa who has recently lost both his parents.
This impulsive decision brings its own challenges for Makio who is not used to living with other people. The anime depicts their daily dynamics, where Makio learns to adapt to her new role, while Asa tries to understand his aunt who has a unique personality. The story explores themes of grief, adaptation, and how two individuals from different generations build a new family relationship.
2. Champignon Witch
Champignon Witch (Champignon no Majo) is a fantasy story that highlights the themes of isolation and prejudice. Luna is a witch who lives in the dark forest and is feared by the townspeople. She is nicknamed the “Mushroom Witch” because poisonous mushrooms grow wherever she steps, a condition that makes her never feel the warmth of those around her.
Despite often receiving cold treatment, Luna begins to feel compassion for others. The anime follows Luna's emotional journey in facing people's fears and her attempts to connect with the outside world. The story promises to be a magical adventure filled with melancholy nuances about love and the search for self-acceptance.
1. OSHI NO KO Season 3
OSHI NO KO Season 3 continues the story behind the glittering entertainment industry full of intrigue. The story still centers on Aquamarine Hoshino, who has memories of her previous life as doctor Gorou Amemiya. Her ultimate goal remains the same: uncover the truth and the mastermind behind the murder of her mother, legendary idol Ai Hoshino.
After building on the foundations of the story in previous seasons, Season 3 is predicted to present a more intense conflict. The visual teasers that have been released indicate a more serious atmosphere as Aqua gets closer to her revenge target. Viewers can look forward to darker plot developments and answers to the big mystery that has surrounded the series since the beginning.
