Anime News Network Names the Worst Anime of Spring 2026
The list reflects a consensus on which high-profile or long-running series failed to meet expectations this season, with Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 5 and Liar Game singled out for specific storytelling and adaptation flaws.
Key Facts
- Anime News Network published its editorial team's ranking of the nine worst anime of spring 2026 on June 26.
- Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 5 ranked ninth, with critics citing stagnant character development and lack of narrative impact.
- Liar Game ranked eighth, described as a disappointing adaptation of a 1990s manga.
Reporting from 1 source: Anime News Network.
Anime News Network's editorial team ranked the nine worst anime of spring 2026. Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 5 took the ninth spot, with the review criticizing its stagnant character development and lack of narrative impact. Liar Game ranked eighth, disappointing as a long-awaited adaptation.
Anime News Network published its editorial team's ranking of the nine worst anime of spring 2026 on June 26. The list includes Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 5 at number nine and Liar Game at number eight, with the full lineup covering series that the editors found lacking in story, character, or production quality.
- Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 5: Ranked 9th; criticized for stagnant character development and lack of narrative impact despite major reveals.
- Liar Game: Ranked 8th; described as a disappointing adaptation of a '90s manga with a lengthy shelf life.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Anime News Network The Worst Anime of Spring 2026