October is shaping up to be an exciting month for anime lovers, with a lineup that spans intense sports dramas, thrilling isekai adventures and long-awaited sequels. Fan favourites like Blue Lock and Re: Zero are set to return, while Bleach will continue its epic saga. Add to that the quirky supernatural antics of Dan Da Dan, and there’s plenty to keep viewers hooked. Here are 10 anime series you cannot miss this month.
Re: Zero Season 3
When Re: Zero came out in 2016, it left a mark with its handling of PTSD and its subversion of tropes. The show follows Subaru Natsuki, a young man who is transported to a fantasy world where he discovers he can rewind time upon his death. The third season will cover two arcs — Attack Arc and Counterattack Arc — with Subaru and his half-elf friend Emile tackling new challenges, even as the latter vies for the throne of the kingdom of Lugnica.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Release date: October 2
Blue Box
Adapted from Kouji Miura’s manga, Ao no Hako, Blue Box follows high schooler Taiki Inomata pursuing his passion for badminton while navigating his feelings for Chinatsu Kano, the star basketball player of his school. When Chinatsu moves in with Taiki, after her parents leave Japan to work abroad, he understands his own emotions and sports ambitions better through their shared moments.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: October 3
Dan Da Dan
Dan Da Dan follows high school students Momo Ayase and Okarun, who have opposing beliefs about ghosts and aliens. As they set out to prove each other wrong, they find themselves caught up in supernatural adventures when they discover that their school is haunted. As they face paranormal threats, they develop superpowers and even fall in love. With its thrilling occult battles, romance, and a captivating blend of humour and horror, Dan Da Dan is a must-watch this month.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: October 4
Blue Lock Season 2
Blue Lock revolutionised the sports anime genre with its battle royale-like format when it came out in 2022. Its touch of realism by featuring football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Müller and Mbappé especially appealed to fans. The series follows high-schooler Isagi Yoichi who enters a radical training programme organised by the Japan Football Association to become the world's top striker. In Season 2, the Blue Lock team will face off against Japan’s U-20 squad.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Release date: October 5
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3
The final arc in the Bleach franchise focuses on the long-awaited conflict between the Soul Reapers and Quincy, a group of powerful humans led by Yhwach. The arc begins with the sudden attack of the Quincy on Soul Society, threatening to annihilate the Soul Reapers and their way of life. The third part of the arc will showcase the ultimate showdown between the two factions, further revealing the extent of Yhwach’s manipulative powers.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Release date: October 5
Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga (Season 4)
The upcoming instalment of Blue Exorcist will see Rin Okumura, a half-demon exorcist, and his friends returning to True Cross Academy after defeating the Impure King. In this season, they embark on a new adventure to take down Lucifer of the Illuminati, who declares war to merge the human and demon realms and resurrect Satan.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Release date: October 5
Ranma ½
Directed by One Piece director Konosuke Uda, Ranma ½ promises a fresh take on the original 1980s classic. With updated animation and fresh storytelling, it promises to appeal to both longtime and new viewers. The story follows the misadventures of the martial artist Ranma Saotome who finds himself engaged to Akane Tendo, the third daughter of the Tendo dojo, as part of an arranged marriage. However, their relationship is complicated by a curse, which transforms Ranma into a girl when splashed with cold water only to revert to his male form after getting doused in hot water.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: October 6
Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7
Based on Yuki Midorikawa’s manga of the same name, Natsume’s Book of Friends is returning for a seventh season with its heartwarming slice-of-life moments. It follows Takashi Natsume, a high school student who can see youkai (supernatural beings) after he inherits a book from his late grandmother that contains the names of spirits she had bound to her service. The series, originally released in 2008, ran for a total of six seasons, with two films released in 2018 and 2021.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Release date: October 7
Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions Season 2
Season 2 of the mystery-crime thriller anime follows the genius detective Ron, who lost his licence due to a “fatal flaw” at the BLUE academy. His luck changes when he teams up with Totomaru Ishiki, a member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, as they tackle challenging cases together. This season will unravel the mystery of the notorious M. Family, which is connected to Ron’s troubled past. As he investigates dangerous cases, Ron must confront the dark legacy tied to his future.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Release date: October 7
Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima is an exciting new instalment in the Dragon Ball franchise. It features a fresh storyline where Goku and his friends are transformed into children and must navigate a world filled with new challenges and enemies. The upcoming series will have 20 episodes, each running for 40 minutes, with the first episode lasting 10 minutes longer.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Release date: October 11
