by ABEMA has released its Weekly Anime Rankings for the week of February 16, revealing a major shake-up in viewer favorites. Regular chart-toppers Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End were absent this week because neither series aired a new episode during the ranking period. Their absence opened the door for several rising fantasy titles to claim the spotlight.
As a result, the rankings highlight a strong trend: isekai, reincarnation, and kingdom-building anime continue to dominate viewer interest this winter season.
Major Changes in This Week’s Rankings
This week saw dramatic movement across the board. Noble Reincarnation: Gaining the Strongest Power from a Blessed Birth, which ranked fourth last week, surged to No. 1 for the first time. Close behind, The Magician Kunon Can See climbed from fifth to second place, signaling growing popularity among fantasy fans.
Another notable newcomer is The Easygoing Lord’s Fun Defence of His Territory, which entered the top five for the first time. Its blend of strategy, magic, and lighthearted storytelling appears to be resonating strongly with viewers.
Overall, the rankings suggest that audiences are eager for fresh fantasy adventures while flagship titles are on break.
ABEMA Weekly Anime Ranking Week of February 16
1st Place Noble Reincarnation: Gaining the Strongest Power from a Blessed Birth
This isekai fantasy follows a protagonist reborn into nobility with extraordinary abilities from birth. Combining political intrigue, power growth, and court drama, the series appeals to fans who enjoy strategic storytelling alongside action. Its rise to the top suggests increasing word-of-mouth buzz and engagement.
Why it’s trending:
- Strong power-fantasy elements
- Royal politics and world-building
- Fast character progression
2nd Place The Magician Kunon Can See
Climbing steadily in popularity, this series centers on a uniquely gifted magician with enhanced perception abilities. The show balances mystery, magical combat, and character drama, making it accessible even for viewers new to fantasy anime.
Highlights:
- Unique magic system
- Emotional character arcs
- Suspenseful storytelling
3rd Place The Easygoing Lord’s Fun Defence of His Territory
Making its first appearance in the top five, this anime blends city-building strategy with slice-of-life humor. The protagonist transforms an insignificant village into a powerful fortress city using production-based magic.
What makes it stand out:
- Kingdom-building narrative
- Creative use of magic for infrastructure
- Relaxed, feel-good tone
4th Place My Favorite Child
A dramatic series exploring fame, identity, and relationships, this title offers a break from the fantasy-heavy lineup. Its strong emotional storytelling and character focus have helped it maintain steady popularity.
Best for viewers who enjoy:
- Drama and psychological themes
- Entertainment industry stories
- Character-driven plots
5th Place The Jack of All Trades, Master of None, Kicked Out of the Hero’s Party
This familiar yet engaging fantasy trope follows a versatile adventurer dismissed from the hero’s group who must forge a new path. Blending humor, action, and redemption themes, it appeals to fans of underdog stories.
Key appeal points:
- Classic “exiled hero” premise
- Balanced comedy and action
- Gradual character growth
Why These Rankings Matter
ABEMA’s weekly charts reflect real-time streaming popularity in Japan, making them a useful indicator of emerging hits. This week’s results show that when blockbuster titles pause, mid-tier series can quickly gain visibility and new fans.
Notably, the dominance of fantasy and reincarnation themes underscores the continued strength of the isekai genre in 2026. However, the presence of a drama title like My Favorite Child suggests viewers still crave variety.
What Should You Watch Next?
If you’ve already caught up with Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren, this week’s rankings offer several beginner-friendly options:
- For epic fantasy fans: Noble Reincarnation
- For mystery and magic lovers: The Magician Kunon Can See
- For relaxed strategy vibes: The Easygoing Lord’s Fun Defence of His Territory
- For emotional drama: My Favorite Child
- For classic adventure tropes: The Jack of All Trades, Master of None
Final Thoughts
The February 16 ABEMA rankings highlight a dynamic winter anime season filled with fresh contenders. With major titles temporarily absent, new series are stepping forward and capturing audience attention. Whether you prefer high-stakes fantasy, strategic world-building, or character-driven drama, this week’s lineup offers something worth adding to your watchlist.
As the season progresses and top franchises return, it will be interesting to see which of these rising shows can maintain their momentum.
