[Annecy 2026] Netflix Highlights Their Anime Slate

Netflix now has so much animation at Annecy International Animation Film Festival that it has to be split across multiple presentations. So, as well as its main panel, the streamer also has one dedicated to anime. The Netflix Anime Studio Focus highlighted the best in Japanese (and Japanese-inspired) animation.

Highlights include Wit Studio's The One Piece, a new adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's best-selling manga; The Ribbon Hero, director Yuki Igarashi's reimagining of Osamu Tezuka's classic Princess Knight and Sparks Of Tomorrow sees the beloved Kyoto Animation adapt Hiroshi Yuki's novel. The showcase also features anime-inspired animation with the second season of the Emmy-winning Blue Eye Samurai and Bass X Machina from creator LeSean Thomas and Executive Producer Bryan Tyree Henry.

Netflix brings anime to members in over 190 countries and regions in up to 34 languages. More than 50% of Netflix users regularly watch anime, and in 2025 alone, anime titles were viewed more than 1.5 billion times. Netflix says "As anime continues to resonate with audiences around the world, Netflix remains committed to bringing bold stories and visionary creators to fans everywhere through an expanding slate of series and films."

Details on the previewed series and films are below.

THE RIBBON HERO

Release date: August 8, 2026

LOGLINE: Yuki Igarashi, regarded as one of the industry’s most versatile animators, directs the film. He first drew wide attention for the sophisticated animation he handled alone as key animator on the ending sequence of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1. His directorial debut, Star Wars: Visions - Lop & Ochō, received high praise in Japan and abroad for its delicate storytelling and dynamic action scenes. THE RIBBON HERO marks Igarashi’s first time directing a feature-length film.

Bringing together a team of highly skilled creators, the film depicts the story of a lone hero who chooses to defy a harsh destiny, set in a delicately crafted world and brought to life through polished action.

BASS X MACHINA 

Release date:  November 3, 2026

Synopsis:  In a lawless Steampunk West overrun by brutal outlaws, machines, and supernatural terrors, a father is forced to become judge, jury, and executioner—knowing that every act of justice meant to protect his family may ultimately cost him the very people he’s fighting to save.

BLUE EYE SAMURAI Season 2

Release date: Coming Soon

Logline: In Season 2, Mizu’s bloody quest continues in London, where she faces new friends, old foes, and her own demons. In Japan, Akemi and Taigen navigate Edo Castle under a dangerous new Shogun, while Ringo searches for new purpose.

FOOL NIGHT

Release date: 2026

Synopsis: Transfloration— a technology that implants seeds into the bodies of those near death, transforming them into plants. It is the desperate measure humanity has chosen to ensure its survival. In a distant future where thick clouds cover the sky, trapping Earth in constant winter and night, most of the planet’s vegetation has withered away. Facing a serious oxygen shortage, humanity has built a society that relies on the meager amount of oxygen provided by Transfloration. A young man, Toshiro Kamiya, lives in poverty and works hard to pay taxes, cover living expenses, and afford medication for his mentally ill mother.  However, the cruel reality around him gradually eats away at his hope. 

In this dark world full of despair, he chooses the path of the “Spiriflor” — the plants that humans transform into.

SPARKS OF TOMORROW

Release date: July 5, 2026

Synopsis: In an alternate version of the early 20th century where technological progress evolved along a different path shaped by steam power, Kyoto is blanketed in constant smoke. A boy, hardened by the loss of his brother, grows distrustful after their shared dream of an “Age of Electricity” is cut short. A deeply devout girl hides her dreams and regrets for her deceased mother deep within her heart. When the two cross paths, they set about exploring the secrets of the 20th Century Electrical Catalog, a glimpse into the future they long for. Together, they must confront their pasts and carve a path toward the future they once believed in.

THE ONE PIECE 

Release date: February 2027

Synopsis: Produced by WIT Studio, THE ONE PIECE is a brand new anime adaptation starting from the very beginning of the original manga’s East Blue saga. Separate from the TV anime series that has charged full speed ahead over the course of more than 25 years, this series taps into the expressive potential of modern technology to offer a familiar yet fresh take on the adventures of Luffy. 

[source]