Witch Hat Atelier has claimed the top spot in Anime News Network's viewer rankings for Spring 2026, based on scores accumulated through May 19. The series, which focuses on a young girl's journey into the world of magic, has resonated strongly with audiences voting across the platform.

Following closely behind, Dorohedoro and Akane-banashi secured the second and third positions respectively. Dorohedoro's dark fantasy setting and stylized animation continue to draw viewers, while Akane-banashi, a series centered on rakugo storytelling, has built a dedicated fanbase throughout the season.

The rankings also reveal several other standouts competing for viewer attention. Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun landed in fourth place, with Re:ZERO returning to capture fifth position. Both series demonstrate the continued appetite for expansive world-building and complex narratives.

Other notable entries in the top 15 include An Observation Log of My Fiancée, Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3, and the quirky premise of Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon—showing the diversity of Spring 2026's offerings. Established franchises like Classroom of the Elite and One Piece maintain strong positions despite being later in their respective seasons.

According to ANN's methodology, these cumulative rankings factor in scores from all previous weeks of each series. As the season progresses toward its conclusion, the rankings are expected to solidify further, giving a clearer picture of which shows viewers ultimately favored.

The variety in the top rankings—from fantasy adventures to romance comedies to isekai stories—reflects a season that's delivering across multiple genres. With several series still ongoing, viewers continue casting their votes weekly, so these standings may shift before Spring 2026 officially concludes.