Few programming blocks shaped an entire generation of anime fans the way Toonami did. From the late 90s into the early 2000s, Toonami wasn’t just a TV lineup—it was a cultural gateway. It introduced Western audiences to action‑packed storytelling, unforgettable heroes, and the emotional depth of Japanese animation. These ten series didn’t just entertain; they helped define an era. With Toonami trying to make a comeback Let's look at the roots of the Cartoon Network block that aired on Saturday Nights 10. Naruto brought that knuckle-headed ninja right into our living rooms. When Naruto landed on Toonami, it didn’t just join the lineup—it detonated in the middle of our living rooms. This was the moment a whole new generation met the loud, stubborn, endlessly determined ninja who dreamed of becoming Hokage. Toonami framed Naruto’s world of jutsu, rivalries, and emotional backstories with the perfect mix of hype and heart, making every episode feel like an event. Naruto’s early arcs delivered everything Toonami fans craved: high‑energy battles, quirky humor, and surprisingly deep storytelling. But what really stuck was Naruto himself—a kid who refused to quit, even when the whole village turned its back on him. That underdog spirit resonated with fans who tuned in after school, rooting for him as if he were one of their own. In the late 90s and early 2000s anime boom, Naruto didn’t just fit in—it helped define the era. Toonami gave us the gateway, and Naruto kicked it wide open. 9. Zoids: Chaotic Century / New Century Zero Creature based mechs that kicked BUTT When Zoids hit Toonami, it felt like someone mashed together dinosaurs, big cats, dragons, and giant robots—and then cranked the cool factor to eleven. These weren’t just mechs; they were living, breathing metal beasts with personalities, instincts, and enough firepower to level a mountain. Chaotic Century brought the epic, story‑driven side of the franchise. It had political tension, ancient mysteries, and the legendary Liger Zero’s ancestor tearing across the battlefield. Toonami fans got hooked on its world‑building and the sense that every Zoid had a soul. Then New Century Zero rolled in with pure style—arena battles, rivalries, and the Liger Zero swapping armor like it was changing outfits before a fight. It was fast, flashy, and built for hype, the kind of show that made you sprint home after school so you didn’t miss a single match. Together, these two series delivered a perfect one‑two punch: creature‑based mechs that kicked butt and a universe that felt bigger than anything else on TV at the time. Toonami didn’t just air Zoids—it unleashed it. 8. Yu Yu Hakusho The Spirt Detective is Here When Yu Yu Hakusho arrived on Toonami, it felt like the block had just unlocked a whole new power level. This wasn’t your typical after‑school anime—this was a supernatural street‑brawler with attitude, heart, and some of the slickest fights ever aired on cable TV. Toonami introduced us to Yusuke Urameshi, the toughest kid in school who somehow became the Spirit Detective, solving cases that blurred the line between the human world and the demon realm. What made it hit so hard was the balance: raw emotion, sharp humor, and tournament arcs that became instant classics. Yusuke’s Spirit Gun, Kuwabara’s unbreakable loyalty, Hiei’s speed, and Kurama’s elegance—Toonami packaged it all with that signature hype that made every episode feel like a showdown you couldn’t miss. Yu Yu Hakusho didn’t just air on Toonami—it thrived there. It was bold, stylish, and unafraid to get intense, giving fans a supernatural saga that still stands tall today. The Spirit Detective had arrived, and Toonami made sure we were front‑row for every blast, punch, and demon‑realm twist. 7. Sailor Moon - The Magical Girl Craze Begins. When Sailor Moon hit Toonami, it didn’t just introduce a new show—it ignited a movement. This was the moment the magical‑girl genre burst into Western living rooms with cosmic sparkle, heartfelt drama, and a team of heroines who proved that saving the world could be stylish, emotional, and fiercely empowering. Toonami gave Sailor Moon the perfect stage. Between the transformation sequences, the monster‑of‑the‑week battles, and the friendships that felt larger than life, the series became a gateway for countless young fans discovering anime for the first time. Serena and the Sailor Scouts weren’t just characters—they were icons, each bringing their own charm, humor, and strength to the fight against darkness. What made it unforgettable was the blend of romance, comedy, action, and heart, all wrapped in a show that never talked down to its audience. Toonami helped the magical‑girl craze take root, and Sailor Moon stood proudly at the center of it, tiara shining, ready to defend love and justice. 6. The Big O - The Batman of Anime When The Big O rolled onto Toonami, it felt like stepping into a noir‑soaked dream where every shadow hid a mystery and every answer raised new questions. With its towering megadeus, brooding hero, and retro‑futuristic cityscape, the series delivered a vibe unlike anything else on the block. Toonami became the perfect stage for this stylish fusion of detective drama, giant‑robot spectacle, and philosophical intrigue. Roger Smith, Paradigm City’s top negotiator, carried himself with the cool confidence of a classic caped crusader—sharp suit, sharper mind, and a moral compass that never wavered. Paired with the enigmatic android R. Dorothy Wayneright, he navigated a world where memories had vanished and secrets lurked beneath every crumbling skyscraper. And when diplomacy failed, the colossal Big O rose from the depths to settle things with earth‑shaking force. What made it unforgettable on Toonami was its mood: moody jazz, thick atmosphere, and a mystery that pulled you in deeper with every episode. It wasn’t just action—it was style, substance, and storytelling that respected its audience. Toonami didn’t just air The Big O; it showcased a series that felt like anime’s answer to Gotham’s dark knight. 5. Dragonball / Dragonball Z /Dragonball GT- The Anime Defined a Generation When the Dragon Ball franchise hit Toonami, it didn’t just become part of the lineup—it became the heartbeat of an entire era. For countless fans growing up in the late 90s and early 2000s, this series wasn’t just a show; it was a ritual, a cultural moment, and the spark that ignited a lifelong love of anime. Dragon Ball brought us the pure adventure: a young Goku, a world full of strange creatures, martial arts mysticism, and a treasure hunt that felt limitless. Toonami introduced us to the charm, humor, and boundless curiosity that laid the foundation for everything to come. Then Dragon Ball Z arrived and changed the game. This was the series that turned after‑school TV into an adrenaline rush. Planet‑shaking battles, iconic transformations, unforgettable villains—DBZ delivered spectacle and emotion on a scale no other show could match. Toonami’s hype‑filled promos and late‑afternoon marathons made every saga feel like an event you had to be there for. And while Dragon Ball GT took fans into a new era with cosmic adventures and bold reinventions, Toonami gave it the spotlight to stand on its own. Whether it was the return to Goku’s roots or the sleek power of Super Saiyan 4, GT added another layer to a franchise that refused to stop evolving. Across all three series, Toonami didn’t just broadcast Dragon Ball—it amplified it. The block’s energy, music, and attitude turned Goku, Vegeta, and the entire Z‑Fighter crew into legends for a generation. These shows taught us about perseverance, friendship, and pushing past our limits long before we had the words for it. For many fans, Dragon Ball wasn’t just anime—it was the gateway, the blueprint, and the series that defined what epic storytelling could be. 4. Outlaw Star - The Space Western When Outlaw Star blasted onto Toonami, it felt like the block had just opened the throttle on a whole new frontier. This wasn’t just sci‑fi—it was a full‑on space western, complete with outlaw crews, high‑stakes heists, ancient mysteries, and gunfights that could break the sound barrier. Toonami gave the series the perfect launchpad, letting its blend of grit, charm, and cosmic swagger shine. Gene Starwind was the kind of hero Toonami fans instantly latched onto: flawed, fearless, and always in over his head. Paired with the brilliant Jim Hawking, the enigmatic Melfina, and a ship that could out‑maneuver anything in the galaxy, the Outlaw Star crew turned every episode into a wild ride. Whether they were dodging pirates, hunting treasure, or firing off caster shells, the show delivered a sense of adventure that felt limitless. What made Outlaw Star unforgettable on Toonami was its tone—fun, dangerous, stylish, and endlessly imaginative. It had the swagger of a western, the wonder of classic sci‑fi, and the heart of a true underdog story. Toonami didn’t just air Outlaw Star; it helped cement it as one of the defining space epics of the era. 3. Tenchi Muyo! - The Harem anime of anime When Tenchi Muyo! landed on Toonami, it introduced a whole new flavor of anime to Western audiences—one part sci‑fi adventure, one part slice‑of‑life comedy, and one part “how is this poor guy surviving all of this?” chaos. It was the harem anime that set the standard, blending intergalactic drama with everyday awkwardness in a way that felt fresh, funny, and totally unpredictable. Tenchi Masaki was the ultimate accidental hero: a normal kid who suddenly found himself living with alien princesses, space pirates, mad scientists, and cosmic beings who could level a planet. Toonami fans quickly fell in love with the show’s mix of romantic tension, wild personalities, and sci‑fi world‑building that stretched from a quiet Japanese shrine to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. What made Tenchi Muyo! shine on Toonami was its tone. It wasn’t just about who liked Tenchi—it was about the relationships, the humor, and the sense that anything could happen at any moment. One episode could be heartfelt, the next explosive, and the next completely ridiculous in the best way possible. For many viewers, Tenchi Muyo! was their first taste of the harem genre, and it set the bar high. Toonami didn’t just air it—they helped turn it into a cult classic that fans still remember with a smile. 2. InuYasha — The Isekai Anime That Started It All When InuYasha arrived on Toonami, it opened a portal—not just for Kagome, but for every viewer who suddenly found themselves swept into a world of feudal legends, demon battles, and star‑crossed destiny. Long before “isekai” became a genre buzzword, InuYasha showed us how thrilling it could be to tumble into another world and discover adventure waiting on the other side. Kagome’s journey from modern‑day Tokyo to the Sengoku era felt magical, mysterious, and dangerous all at once. And at the center of it stood InuYasha himself—half‑demon, half‑human, all attitude. Their partnership, full of tension, humor, and slow‑burn emotion, became one of Toonami’s most iconic duos. Add in unforgettable allies like Miroku, Sango, and Shippo, plus villains like Naraku who seemed impossible to defeat, and you had a saga that kept fans glued to the screen night after night. What made InuYasha shine on Toonami was its blend of romance, action, folklore, and atmosphere. It wasn’t just about fighting demons—it was about unraveling ancient mysteries, confronting inner demons, and navigating relationships that felt as epic as the battles themselves. The show’s haunting music, sweeping landscapes, and emotional storytelling gave it a tone unlike anything else on the block. For many fans, InuYasha wasn’t just another anime—it was their first taste of isekai, the series that showed how powerful and immersive a journey to another world could be. Toonami didn’t just air it; they turned it into a late‑night legend. HM. Rurouni Kenshin - The Samurai with the Cross shaped Scar! When Rurouni Kenshin arrived on Toonami, it brought something the block didn’t showcase often: a thoughtful, character‑driven samurai drama wrapped in lightning‑fast swordplay and emotional storytelling. Set in Japan’s Meiji era, the series followed Kenshin Himura—a former assassin known as Hitokiri Battōsai—who traded his bloody past for a vow never to kill again. His iconic cross‑shaped scar wasn’t just a design choice; it was a symbol of guilt, redemption, and the weight of a life he was trying to leave behind. Toonami fans connected instantly with Kenshin’s duality. He was gentle, humble, and almost goofy at times—but when danger struck, his reflexes and skill reminded everyone why he was once feared across the nation. Surrounded by a cast of memorable allies—Kaoru, Yahiko, and the ever‑rowdy Sano—the series blended heart, humor, and historical intrigue in a way that felt refreshingly different from the block’s usual high‑octane lineup. What made Rurouni Kenshin shine on Toonami was its balance. The show delivered beautifully choreographed sword fights, but it also explored themes of atonement, peace, and the struggle to change. It wasn’t just about clashing blades—it was about confronting the past and choosing a better path, even when the world refused to let you forget who you were. For many viewers, Kenshin wasn’t just another anime hero—he was a quiet legend. A wandering swordsman with a scarred past, a kind heart, and a promise he fought every day to keep. Toonami gave him the perfect stage, and fans never forgot the samurai with the cross‑shaped scar. 1. Cowboy Bebop - The Bounty Hunters in Space When Cowboy Bebop landed on Toonami, it didn’t just join the lineup—it redefined what anime on television could feel like. This was a series dripping with style, attitude, and mood, a space‑noir western that followed a crew of misfits drifting through the galaxy in search of bounties, answers, and maybe a little redemption. Toonami gave it the perfect late‑night slot, letting its jazz‑soaked atmosphere and mature storytelling hit exactly the way it was meant to. Spike Spiegel became an instant icon: cool, dangerous, and haunted by a past he couldn’t outrun. Jet Black brought the grit, Faye Valentine the chaos, Ed the brilliance, and Ein the charm. Together aboard the Bebop, they turned every episode into a self‑contained adventure—sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always unforgettable. What made Cowboy Bebop stand out on Toonami was its genre‑blending mastery. One night you’d get a western shootout, the next a sci‑fi thriller, the next a quiet character study that stuck with you long after the credits rolled. And with Yoko Kanno’s legendary soundtrack driving every scene, the show didn’t just tell stories—it grooved through them. For many fans, Cowboy Bebop wasn’t just another anime. It was a revelation, a series that proved animation could be cinematic, emotional, and effortlessly cool. Toonami didn’t just air it—they helped cement it as one of the greatest space sagas ever broadcast. Conclusion What are your thoughts on our list. Did we miss anything? let us know in the comments below!

As the year wraps up, one of the biggest disappointments for anime fans is the news that Crunchyroll will be ending its free ad-supported streaming option. This move has shocked many, as Crunchyroll was seen as the go-to platform for watching anime without a subscription. Still, the service offers some free content through its official YouTube channel and a 24/7 anime channel available on platforms like Roku, LG, Vizio, and Pluto TV. There are also several legal, no-cost alternatives for those seeking easy access to anime. Many fans are reluctant to pay for a subscription if most of the content doesn’t appeal to them, so these free streaming sites let them explore and find the option that best matches their preferences. RetroCrush RRetroCrush is the perfect site for an affordable trip down memory lane. For nostalgic fans who see the 90s as anime’s golden age, it offers a huge library of classics, from industry-shaping series like Astro Boy to more modern titles for those wanting to relive the 2010s. You can watch RetroCrush on a web browser or through its app, available on Android, Roku, Fire TV, and other platforms. It’s completely free, supported by ads, and requires no subscription. While the free catalog has its limits, it’s packed with hidden anime gems worth revisiting or discovering for the first time. The Roku Channel While The Roku Channel is a popular choice for streaming in the US, many don’t realize its anime library is also accessible through a web browser. Most titles come with English dubs, perfect for viewers who want to dive right into the story. The selection ranges from beloved shōnen hits like Death Note and Hunter x Hunter to critically acclaimed films like Paprika. Best of all, it’s free with ads that aren’t too distracting, making it a great spot for easy, hassle-free anime binges. Tubi Tubi TV is a free streaming service that’s become popular with anime fans thanks to its huge and varied library. Unlike many platforms, it offers free, ad-supported content not just in the United States and Canada, but also in the United Kingdom and parts of Latin America. While it doesn’t provide simulcast releases like Crunchyroll, anime lovers can still find a wide range of titles. From hidden gems released in recent years, like Tasokare Hotel and Tonbo, to movies and shows from iconic franchises such as Pokémon, Naruto, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, there’s plenty worth checking out on Tubi TV. YouTube Anime fans can enjoy their favorite shows not only on major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll but also through various distributors offering free content on YouTube. Crunchyroll’s channel features a growing library of full episodes, both subbed and dubbed, and sometimes even entire seasons to promote new releases. In the US, Viz Media’s YouTube channel streams hundreds of episodes from its biggest titles, including Sailor Moon, Inuyasha, and the first part of Naruto. Gundam fans are in luck too—the franchise’s official channel regularly uploads complete series, rotating them periodically. REMOW, in partnership with Shueisha, offers full episodes on its “It’s Anime Powered by REMOW” channel, including limited-time anime premieres. For those interested in donghua, Tencent also provides a great selection for Western audiences. While it offers exclusive content for channel members, the Tencent Video Animation channel also features plenty of series with English subtitles. Still, this is just a fraction of the huge selection of legal anime that fans can easily enjoy on YouTube. Pluto TV Pluto TV is a great choice for anyone wanting a free, legal, English-language platform with a mix of newer and older shows. Along with its on-demand library, it features nonstop anime channels, including ones from services like HIDIVE and Crunchyroll that stream 24/7 on a rotating schedule. The live programming is perfect for stumbling upon classic titles, and some channels are dedicated entirely to hits like One Piece and Naruto. Plus, thanks to its partnership with HIDIVE, Pluto TV’s on-demand section includes newer anime too. With such a wide variety, it’s an excellent option for enjoying anime without spending a dime.

As the year wraps up, it’s clear that 2025 was one of the strongest years for anime in ages. From blockbuster shonen hits like Solo Leveling and Dandadan to beloved romances like My Dress-Up Darling and The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, there was something for everyone. Still, the hidden gem of the year was easily Studio ENGI’s Medalist, which charmed audiences worldwide last winter on Hulu and Disney+. Now, after a long wait, Medalist is set to make its comeback this Winter 2026, complete with a brand-new trailer, a release date, and plenty of exciting updates. Medalist Drops New Look at Season 2 Ahead of January 2026 ReleaseThe official X account for Medalist recently dropped a new trailer for season 2, set to premiere on January 24, 2026. It teases several emotional highlights from season 1 and offers a glimpse of Inori in the new season, showing just how much she’s grown. Fans also get a sneak peek at her rivals in the upcoming Chubu Block Tournament, including fresh faces like Yuna Yagi and returning competitors such as Hikaru. Along with the new teaser and release date, the series has unveiled a fresh key visual for season 2, showcasing Inori and all the new characters joining the story. The opening theme, titled "Cold Night" and performed by HANA, has also been revealed and can be heard in the latest trailer. Season 2 of Medalist seems just as promising as the first, offering a special treat for sports anime fans, especially those who loved Yuri on Ice. While it skips the romance, it makes up for it with an incredibly charming lead in Inori and an infectious passion for figure skating. The Winter 2026 season is already stacked with big titles like The Apothecary Diaries, Hell's Paradise, Oshi no Ko, MF Ghost, and Jujutsu Kaisen, all returning with new installments. Still, Medalist’s second season has every chance to steal the spotlight, making now the perfect time to jump in or even revisit the first season.

Fans of the Frieren: Beyond Journey's End anime have reason to celebrate—the wait is finally over. After months of anticipation, TOHO Animation has announced that Season 2 will premiere on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11 PM JST. The news came alongside a 30-second commercial featuring a sneak peek of the new soundtrack composed by Evan Call. On Friday, December 5, 2025, TOHO Animation’s official YouTube channel dropped a new 30-second commercial for *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End* Season 2. While it didn’t showcase any fresh visuals—just a compilation of clips from previous promos—the result was still stunning. What really made it stand out, though, was the new information it revealed. A recent commercial revealed that the first episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 will air on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11 PM JST, as part of the “FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT” block on a nationwide network of 30 Nippon TV stations. It also offered a sneak peek at the new season’s soundtrack, composed by Evan Call, the American composer known for his work on Violet Evergarden, My Happy Marriage, and Muv-Luv Alternative. What to Expect From Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2? As fans may remember, the first season of the anime wrapped up with Serie overseeing the final stage of the Mage Exams. The test was simple—Serie would pass or fail candidates based purely on her intuition. Unfortunately for Frieren, Serie took a dislike to her and failed her, but Fern managed to impress Serie and earned the title of First Class Mage. With a First Class Mage now among them, Frieren’s group was free to travel to the northern lands, and the season ended with them leaving the city to continue their journey. The second season will pick up from there, starting the Continued Northern Travels Arc, where Frieren and her friends are likely to explore new regions, meet fresh faces, battle more demons, and delve deeper into demon lore. Later, during The Golden Land Arc, the story will introduce Macht, one of the Demon King’s Seven Sages of Destruction, giving fans a chance to learn about him and watch Frieren’s group face him in several battles. More details about the upcoming season, including new cast members and characters, will likely be revealed as the release date approaches.

My Hero Academia wraps up its final episode on December 13, 2025, but the anime universe isn’t slowing down. The hit prequel, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, is making its comeback on January 5, 2026, bringing fans back into the action less than nine months after its first season ended. The update comes from the series’ official X account, which dropped a new trailer just a month before season 2’s debut. Fans can expect to see familiar faces like Koichi Haimawari, Pop☆Step, Knuckleduster, and more, along with even more screen time for the main villain, Number 6. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Returns Weeks After Predecessor's FinaleNow It's Your Turn! Even as the final arc airs, with touching moments like the one between Deku and Ochaco, the groundwork for My Hero Academia’s finale is laid out nicely in its prequel. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, staying true to the original, feels like a nostalgic return to its earlier days while still dealing with familiar challenges. Hero society has never been particularly stable, often teetering on the edge of collapse. In Vigilantes, the story dives into the origins of major villains like Stain and early versions of fan favorites such as Shota Aizawa, all while setting up the explosive events unfolding now. And even after the December 13 finale, there’s still plenty more to enjoy in Vigilantes. The first season only covered just under a quarter of Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court’s manga spinoff, wrapping up at chapter #30. Now the anime is heading into the next thrilling arc, keeping the momentum alive. The Osaka Incident and More Are Coming in Season 2School Days Arc Is Imminent My Hero Academia: Vigilantes season 2 is gearing up for its most intense storyline yet with the Sky Egg Arc, set to dominate much of its Winter 2026 return. However, the trailer hints that fans will also take a trip to the past with the School Days Arc, diving into Shota Aizawa’s flashback to his time at U.A. High School. NOTE: The extent to which season 2 will explore Aizawa's past is uncertain, but the trailer's final moments include a glimpse of his younger days including a tease of Oboro Shirakumo, a crucial friend from Aizawa's U.A. days. The close release of the new season of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes right after the original MHA finale helps avoid the feeling of the anime moving on too quickly, almost like back-to-back cours with just a short break in between. With the story diving into major villains and the history tied to O'Clock's legacy, it’ll be exciting to see where things go next.

With the announcement of The Apothecary Diaries season 3, a new seasonal visual has been unveiled. The anime's protagonists, Maomao and Jinshi, are depicted picking and admiring persimmons, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn. The Apothecary Diaries’ Fall Visual Sparks Curiosity for Season 3 In The Apothecary Diaries season 2 finale, Jinshi and Maomao are seen peacefully searching for fresh persimmons, reminding fans of the anime’s upcoming sequel. Although there is no official release date for season 3, it is speculated to premiere in either the Spring or Summer 2026 anime season, likely in April or July. Season 1 was announced in February 2023 and aired from October 2023 to March 2024. Season 2 followed shortly, being announced immediately after and airing from January to July 2025. With a consistent gap of about nine months or three seasons between announcements and releases, season 3 is expected to follow a similar timeline, aiming for a spring 2026 release. The Apothecary Diaries season 3 is expected to adapt volume 5 of the light novel and likely conclude with volume 6, as it might be another two-cour season. This season will kick off with significant political shifts, with Jinshi dropping his pretense and Gyokuyou giving birth to a son, officially making her the empress. Meanwhile, Maomao will discover a potential insect plague and, true to her nature, become entangled in yet another mystery. Below is a table containing the IMDB and MAL ratings for the anime along with platforms where it can be streamed: What are your predictions for The Apothecary Diaries season 3? Will there be any development in Maomao and Jinshi's relationship? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You can watch The Apothecary Diaries anime now streaming on Crunchyroll.