Quick Summary
- Crunchyroll's Ani-May 2026 celebration launches with exclusive merchandise drops and retail takeovers at Hot Topic and Tamashii Nation
- Netflix brings major anime including Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 and Assassination Classroom on May 1; Devil May Cry Season 2 premieres May 12
- New anime figures include Utau Premium Perching Prize Figure, Date A Live V BiCute Pure PVC Statue, and more
- Spring 2026 anime trending chart: Re: Zero Season 4, Witch Hat Atelier, and Hell's Paradise Season 2 dominate fan discussions
- NARUTO Shippuden Volume 4 drops May 25; Summer Wars 4K UHD Deluxe Edition releases May 11
Today's Releases and Recent Drops
Ani-May 2026: Crunchyroll's Epic Global Anime Celebration
If you've been waiting for the perfect time to expand your anime collection, today marks the perfect moment. Crunchyroll's Ani-May 2026 celebration is in full swing, bringing the biggest month-long anime celebration the company has ever organized. The celebration features exclusive merchandise drops across major retailers, with takeovers happening at Hot Topic and Tamashii Nation.
The focus franchises include Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell's Paradise, My Hero Academia, Black Clover, Solo Leveling, and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Whether you're hunting for figures, apparel, or accessories, you'll find something to love. Check out anime figures and merchandise at Hole Heart Hobby Shop to complete your collection.
New Anime Figure Releases for May 2026
May brings an exciting lineup of collectible figures across multiple beloved series:
- Utau Premium Perching Prize Figure ($32.99 USD) and Utau POP UP PARADE Figure ($69.99 USD)
- To Love Ru Darkness Trio-Try-iT PVC Statues featuring Lala Satalin Deviluke and Yui Kotegawa
- Date A Live V BiCute Pure PVC Statue (Tohka Yatogami 23 cm)
- The Quintessential Quintuplets Specials 2 BiCute Dark PVC Statue (Nakano Itsuki 25 cm)
- Goddess of Victory: Nikke Lying Down Big Plush Figure (Rapi 25 cm)
- Atelier Ryza KT model+ Noodle Stopper PVC Statue (Reisalin Stout 14 cm)
Home Video Releases Worth Preordering
NARUTO Shippuden Volume 4 releases May 25, 2026, with pre-orders already open, essential for any Naruto fan building their physical anime library. In the UK, Undead Unluck Part 1 Collector's Edition drops May 18 with early bird pre-orders opening May 7.
The Watchlist: What to Stream Right Now
Netflix's May 2026 Anime Avalanche
May is the biggest month for anime streaming this year. Netflix dropped 7 major anime releases in its May 2026 update. May 1 brought Detective Conan Season 3, Assassination Classroom, and the long-awaited Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 to the platform after a three-year licensing journey. MAPPA's breathtaking animation showcases the tragic and epic Gojo's Past arc.
May 12: Season 2 of Netflix's Devil May Cry anime premieres with eight new episodes. May 25 brings My Dress Up Darling Season 2, continuing the beloved romance and crafting tale. May 17 brings Akane-Banashi, centered on a young woman trained in traditional rakugo storytelling.
Spring 2026 Anime Trending Right Now
Re: Zero Season 4 has taken the top spot on Spring 2026's trending chart, dethroning Witch Hat Atelier. The series generating the most buzz include Witch Hat Atelier (praised for doing "all the things an engaging story should do"), You and I Are Polar Opposites (the romance anime of 2026), and Hell's Paradise Season 2 (which has elevated the franchise to another level). Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game received widespread critical and fan praise.
News and Community Recap
The anime merchandise ecosystem is thriving alongside major 2026 releases. Collectors show no signs of slowing down their purchases, reflecting the passionate fanbase willing to invest in quality collectibles, figures, and apparel.
With so much happening this month, here's how to maximize your collecting experience. Take advantage of Ani-May deals on our full hobby shop collection, where you can find quality figures and merchandise at competitive prices. If you're interested in specific character figures from trending series like Hell's Paradise, Jujutsu Kaisen, or Witch Hat Atelier, now is the perfect time to pre-order before limited editions sell out.
Consider diversifying your collection across prize figures (great value), POP UP PARADE statues (excellent middle ground), and premium BiCute Dark statues (for the ultimate display piece). The anime community is vibrant and engaged right now, and May 2026 offers endless opportunities to celebrate the medium we love.