The 2026 Olympics’ Biggest Winner Wants You to Binge These 5 Top-Trending Anime ASAP

4 hours ago 8

Published Feb 20, 2026, 1:00 PM EST

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Fresh off a historic gold-medal performance at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Team USA figure skating champion Alysa Liu is celebrating in the most Gen-Z way possible, by shouting out her favorite anime. In a post-victory interview, the Olympic star swapped podium talk for plot twists, revealing the five series she can’t stop thinking about.

Her list, via an interview with Overtimewbb, blends blockbuster shōnen hits with darker, genre-bending classics, proving that she is more than a casual viewer. From modern supernatural thrillers to psychologically intense magical girl dramas, Liu’s picks show serious range. If you are looking for your next binge, the 2026 Olympics’ biggest winner has you covered.

Alysa Liu likes Blockbuster Shōnen With Bite

Liu kicked things off with two of the most dominant action anime of the last decade, listing Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Both series have become cultural phenomena, blending slick animation with emotionally complex characters. For Liu, they are must-watch staples that define the current anime moment.

Jujutsu Kaisen delivers high-stakes sorcery battles and devastating character arcs, constantly raising the bar for modern shōnen storytelling. With new episodes from the Culling Game arc rolling out in 2026, it is currently feeding fans. Liu’s endorsement only reinforces its grip on the anime community, especially among viewers who crave stylish action with genuine emotional weight.

Meanwhile, Chainsaw Man offers something grittier and stranger. Liu highlighted her excitement over new manga chapters, showing that she is not just an anime-only fan. Created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the series thrives on chaos, dark humor, and existential angst, making it one of the boldest mainstream hits in recent memory.

The Olympic Gold Medalist likes Anime with Dark Morality and Cult Classics

Liu’s third pick dives straight into controversy with Attack on Titan. The epic saga of war, freedom, and moral ambiguity remains one of anime’s most debated stories. Liu did not shy away from the discourse either, openly suggesting that Eren’s extreme actions were understandable, which is a take guaranteed to spark arguments among fans.

Beyond its shocking twists, Attack on Titan redefined what mainstream anime could tackle, confronting political violence and generational trauma head-on. Liu’s defense of Eren underscores how deeply the series invites viewers to question right and wrong. It is not just action and titans; it is a philosophical gut punch wrapped in apocalyptic drama.

Balancing that intensity, Liu also praised Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Soul Eater. Madoka Magica famously deconstructs the magical girl genre, luring viewers in with pastel charm before plunging into tragedy. Soul Eater, on the other hand, mixes gothic aesthetics with kinetic action, following students who partner with human weapons to battle supernatural threats. Together, they showcase Liu’s appreciation for stylish storytelling that takes big creative swings.

From blood-soaked demon hunters to tragic magical contracts, Alysa Liu’s watchlist is anything but predictable. Her picks reflect anime’s vast emotional spectrum that can be wild, heartbreaking, and endlessly inventive. When the medals are handed out and the Olympic spotlight fades, she will likely be catching up on new episodes. And now, so should you.

The Olympic Rings

Location Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Dates Fri, Feb 6, 2026 to Sun, Feb 22, 2026

Website

https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026

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