Akutami’s Beloved Dark Fantasy Is on Top of Crunchyroll’s Top 10 Most-Watched Anime of the Week List Once Again

The streaming landscape for Japanese animation continues to evolve as seasonal premieres compete for attention against established powerhouses. Crunchyroll’s current viewership rankings reflect a diverse mix of dark fantasy, unconventional “isekai” adventures, and long-running shonen hits that dominate global trends. From the highly anticipated returns of fan-favorite heroes to the debut of unique light novel adaptations, these titles represent the most popular choices for audiences this week.

‘DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR’ (2026)

The story follows seven young men at Decelis Academy who share a mysterious past and special supernatural abilities. When a new student named Sooha arrives, the group finds themselves drawn into an ancient conflict involving vampires and werewolves. This series is a collaboration with the K-pop group ENHYPEN and expands upon the lore established in their existing webtoons and music videos. The narrative blends urban fantasy with high school drama and suspenseful action sequences as the characters protect their new friend.

‘Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord’ (2026)

Van is a young noble who is banished to a barren borderland after being deemed talentless by his high-ranking family. Despite the harsh conditions, he uses his unique “Production Magic” to transform the wasteland into a thriving and comfortable settlement. The series focuses on his optimistic approach to leadership and his ability to attract skilled allies to his cause. As his territory grows, he must defend his people from external threats while maintaining a peaceful, slow-paced life.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–)

In a world where hunters must battle monsters in mysterious dungeons, Sung Jinwoo is known as the weakest of them all. After a near-fatal incident in a double dungeon, he is chosen by a mysterious program called the System to become its sole player. This ability allows him to level up his strength and skills in a way no other hunter can replicate. The series tracks his transformation from a struggling E-rank hunter into a powerful warrior capable of altering the fate of humanity.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–)

Special Fire Force Company 8 investigates the phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion, where people transform into living infernos known as Infernals. Shinra Kusakabe joins the team to achieve his dream of becoming a hero and to solve the mystery of the fire that killed his family years ago. The team must battle rogue pyrokinetics and shadowy organizations that seek to cause another global cataclysm. The show is praised for its high-octane animation and creative power system based entirely on the manipulation of heat and flames.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023–)

Gabimaru the Hollow is an elite ninja on death row who is offered a full pardon if he can retrieve the Elixir of Life from a legendary island. He travels to the mysterious Shinkuraku alongside his assigned executioner, Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, and a group of dangerous convicts. The island is inhabited by nightmarish creatures and divine beings that test the limits of the protagonists’ physical and mental strength. This dark fantasy series explores themes of redemption and survival amidst a beautifully haunting environment.

‘ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword!’ (2026)

Flum Apricot is a young woman who is unceremoniously kicked out of the hero’s party because her stats are perceived as worthless. After being sold into slavery by a former ally, she discovers a cursed sword that interacts with her unique constitution to grant her immense power. She begins a new life of survival and exploration alongside her companion, Milkit, while seeking revenge against those who betrayed her. The story subverts traditional fantasy tropes by focusing on a protagonist who finds strength in what was once considered her greatest weakness.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–)

After the hero’s party defeats the Demon King, the elf mage Frieren must navigate a world that is rapidly changing as her human companions age and pass away. She embarks on a new quest to understand the human heart and reconnect with the memories of the friends she once took for granted. The narrative focuses on her journey toward the land where souls rest, accompanied by a new generation of mages. This series offers a contemplative and emotional look at the passage of time and the legacy of legendary adventures.

‘Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None’ (2026)

The narrative centers on a protagonist who possesses a wide variety of minor skills rather than a single specialized combat class. After being dismissed by high-level adventurers who value raw power over versatility, the main character uses his diverse toolkit to solve problems that others cannot. He eventually forms his own group where every member’s unique utility is respected and utilized to its full potential. The show highlights the importance of strategy and resourcefulness in a world governed by rigid RPG-style mechanics.

‘Sentenced to Be a Hero’ (2026)

In this dark fantasy setting, being a hero is a form of penal servitude reserved for the most dangerous criminals in society. Hyllo is a convict forced to lead the Penal Hero Unit 9004 into high-stakes battles against the forces of the Demon King. These heroes are treated as expendable assets and must survive the front lines to slowly earn their freedom from the state. The series explores the gritty reality of a world that weaponizes its outcasts to maintain a fragile peace.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

Yuji Itadori enters the dangerous world of Jujutsu Sorcerers after consuming a legendary cursed object to protect his friends. He must work alongside classmates Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki to exorcise lethal Curses that threaten human society. The series follows their intense training at Tokyo Jujutsu High under the guidance of the world’s most powerful sorcerer, Satoru Gojo. With its high-stakes battles and dark supernatural themes, the show has become a major cornerstone of modern shonen animation.

Tell us which of these trending anime series has been your favorite to stream this week in the comments.