ABEMA's 2026 ranking reveals the most-watched anime among Japanese teens, with some of the surprising picks.
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SUMMARY
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If you want to know what is actually working in anime right now, do not look at critics or charts – just look at what teens are watching. That is exactly what ABEMA did. They gathered data from January 1 to March 10 of this year (2026). tracking both live streams and on-demand views. Here is what is currently dominating among Japanese teens – (via AbemaTV).
| Ranking | Anime Name | IMDb Rating (as of April 8, 2026) | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jujutsu Kaisen | 8.5 / 10 | Crunchyroll |
| 2 | Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | 8.9 / 10 | Crunchyroll |
| 3 | Oshi no Ko | 8.3 / 10 | Netflix |
| 4 | Gintama | 8.7 / 10 | Crunchyroll |
| 5 | The Apothecary Diaries | 8.6 / 10 | Crunchyroll |
Yeah, a mix of new hits and older favorites – which already says a lot.
5 The Apothecary Diaries Has Long Standing Popularity
Starting from the bottom of the list, we have The Apothecary Diaries with a huge teen audience engagement following the recent Season 2 release. This historical drama series captures the journey of Maomao through the palace environment.
The show provides a mix of medical, political, and personal drama. The show probably made it onto this list due to its kind of complex storytelling rather than just action scenes.
4 Gintama Proves Good Humor Still Wins
It is really impressive how Gintama has managed to take the number four position in this list. It shows that great stories will always be in demand, even many years after they originally aired. The series was able to remain relevant to today’s teens with its unique combination of humor, satire, and unexpected touching storylines.
Also, Gintoki Sakata is one of the most beloved anime characters of all time. Not gonna lie, the series’ continued popularity proves that today’s youth are not only watching the newest anime shows but are also continuing to enjoy their favorite older series.
3 Oshi no Ko Holds Strong with Its Dark Industry Representation
Next is Oshi no Ko – the show exposes viewers to the dark side of the entertainment industry. This one is not exactly an easy watch. The key issues that are covered in this show include fame, exploitation, identity, and revenge.
The reason why Oshi No Ko is currently one of the most talked-about anime shows is due to how closely related it is to our lives as teens, especially with all the new technology and social media that we use every day.
2 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Continues Its Emotional Journey
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is ranked 2nd for its wide appeal as one of the most emotional anime series in recent years. Unlike many of the more traditional fantasy anime series, it provides a more reflective view of what happens after the journey ends.
The pacing is slow, and the overall tone is emotional. However, that is exactly why it also works. Frieren’s journey also reflects how young people think nowadays – the slow understanding of humans and human emotions related to the challenges faced by today’s teens.
1 Jujutsu Kaisen Dominates Among Teen Viewers
And yeah, no surprise here – Jujutsu Kaisen takes the top spot. The series is consistently delivering nonstop intense storytelling – one groundbreaking episode after another, and some of the most high-quality fight scenes ever put on screen.
What is more interesting is that characters such as Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori are now seen as cultural icons by teens because of their layered personalities. Also, it is not only about the fast-paced action scenes – the series also deals with the universal struggle of discovering who we are, coping with grief, and figuring out the purpose of our lives.
ABEMA Teen Ranking is not simply about popularity – it indicates the shift in audience habits. While Jujutsu Kaisen remains a top action title with an established following, it is very clear that there is also a significant rise in viewers who are looking for more complex and emotional stories, such as Frieren and Oshi no Ko.
Gintama‘s presence on the list shows that humor and history still matter. The success of The Apothecary Diaries proves that character-based stories are also capable of succeeding. To sum things up, Japanese teens in 2026 are not restricting themselves to just one genre, but rather experimenting with various types of storytelling, from action-filled combat to slower and reflective journeys to narratives that deal with social issues.
Which anime is #1 right now?
Jujutsu Kaisen.
Which newer shows are dominating?
Frieren and Oshi no Ko.
Do older anime still matter?
Yeah – Gintama being here proves that.
Also, honestly, it is kind of refreshing to see such a mix instead of just one type of show dominating everything. Let us know your favorite anime from this list and if you think it should be number one, in the comments below!
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