by Fan-Voted “Lupin the Third Best Selection” to Air in October 2026
One of Japan’s most beloved anime franchises, Lupin the Third, is celebrating a major milestone in 2026. To mark the 55th anniversary of the television anime’s debut, a massive fan-voting project has officially begun, allowing viewers to choose their favorite episodes from across the franchise’s long history.
The special initiative, titled “Lupin the Third Best Selection,” launched on June 10, 2026, and invites fans from around the world to vote for the episodes they believe best represent the legendary gentleman thief and his unforgettable adventures.
The winning episodes will be broadcast on Nippon Television and affiliated networks beginning in October 2026, giving longtime fans and newcomers alike the opportunity to revisit some of the greatest moments in anime history.
Celebrating 55 Years of an Anime Legend
Created by Monkey Punch, Lupin the Third first aired on Japanese television in 1971 and quickly became one of the country’s most influential and enduring anime franchises.
Over the decades, the series has evolved through multiple television installments, theatrical films, television specials, OVAs, manga adaptations, and crossover projects. Despite these changes, the adventures of master thief Lupin and his companions have remained a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture.
The franchise’s unique blend of action, comedy, mystery, and international espionage has allowed it to remain popular across multiple generations of anime fans.
The 55th-anniversary project serves as both a celebration of the series’ legacy and a tribute to the fans who have supported it for more than five decades.
Largest Popularity Poll in Franchise History
What makes this anniversary event particularly special is its unprecedented scale.
The voting campaign includes 316 episodes spanning nearly the entire television anime history of the franchise.
Fans can cast their votes from episodes featured in:
- Lupin the Third Part I
- Lupin the Third Part II
- Lupin the Third Part III
- Lupin the Third Part 4
- Lupin the Third Part 5
- Lupin the Third Part 6
- LUPIN the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine
This makes it the largest episode-ranking project ever conducted for the franchise.
Whether fans prefer the classic adventures of the 1970s, the stylish action of the 1980s, or the modern storytelling of recent installments, every era of Lupin the Third is represented.
How the Voting Works
Voting is now open through the official Lupin the Third Best Selection website.
Fans are encouraged to revisit their favorite episodes, rediscover hidden gems, and support the stories that left the biggest impact on them.
The results will determine which episodes are selected for the special television broadcast scheduled for October.
According to the organizers, updates regarding rankings, promotional events, and broadcast details will be released regularly through official Lupin the Third channels and social media accounts in the months leading up to the anniversary broadcast.
A Perfect Opportunity for New Fans
For anime fans who have never watched Lupin the Third, the voting campaign offers an ideal entry point into the franchise.
Because the selected episodes will be chosen directly by fans, the final lineup is expected to feature many of the most memorable stories, iconic action sequences, and beloved character moments from the series’ extensive history.
The franchise follows Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of the famous fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Alongside his trusted companions, Lupin embarks on daring heists and globe-trotting adventures while constantly evading the relentless pursuit of Inspector Zenigata.
Key characters include:
- Lupin III
- Daisuke Jigen
- Goemon Ishikawa XIII
- Fujiko Mine
- Koichi Zenigata
Together, these characters have become some of the most recognizable figures in anime history.
Streaming Availability
Fans interested in participating in the vote can revisit eligible episodes through various streaming platforms, including Hulu and other services where the series is currently available.
With hundreds of episodes spanning more than five decades, viewers have plenty of opportunities to explore different eras of the franchise before casting their votes.
Many anime fans consider certain episodes from Part I, Part II, and The Woman Called Fujiko Mine among the franchise’s finest achievements, while newer viewers often praise the modern storytelling found in Part 5 and Part 6.
The popularity poll may ultimately reveal which era of Lupin the Third resonates most strongly with today’s audience.
Why the 55th Anniversary Matters
Few anime franchises can claim a legacy as long-lasting as Lupin the Third.
Since its television debut in 1971, the series has influenced countless creators and helped shape the action-adventure genre within anime. Its distinctive mix of stylish storytelling, charismatic characters, and globe-spanning escapades has enabled it to remain relevant through changing generations and industry trends.
The 55th-anniversary project is more than just a celebration—it is a reflection of the franchise’s remarkable ability to evolve while staying true to the spirit that made it famous.
Looking Ahead to October 2026
As voting continues throughout the summer, anticipation is building among fans eager to see which episodes will earn a place in the final “Lupin the Third Best Selection.”
Will classic episodes from the original 1971 series dominate the rankings? Could modern entries from Part 5 or Part 6 surprise longtime fans? Or will fan-favorite stories featuring Fujiko Mine, Jigen, Goemon, and Zenigata claim the top spots?
The answers will be revealed when the special anniversary broadcast begins in October 2026.
For anime enthusiasts, the event promises to be both a nostalgic celebration of one of Japan’s greatest franchises and a perfect introduction for newcomers looking to discover why Lupin the Third has remained a cultural icon for more than half a century.
