Kadokawa has greenlit a brand-new Higurashi: When They Cry TV anime, announced June 21, 2026 during a livestreamed 20th-anniversary special for the original series. Studio DEEN returns to animate it, and the core voice cast is back — Sōichirō Hoshi as Keiichi, Mai Nakahara as Rena, Satsuki Yukino as Mion/Shion. The tagline: "Welcome back, everyone." If that pulled you in, here's where to actually start the horror franchise — because the watch order matters more than usual here.
Quick answer
According to SenpaiRanks, the entry point is the original Higurashi: When They Cry (2006, Studio DEEN, 26 episodes), which holds a 7.78 on both the Consensus and Quality axes. Kadokawa announced a new TV anime on June 21, 2026, with Studio DEEN returning and the original cast reprising their roles; a release window wasn't given. The visual novel by Ryukishi07 / 07th Expansion launched at Comiket in 2002, and the franchise spans the 2006 original, Kai (2007), and the GOU/*SOTSU* reboot (2020–2021).
The watch order that actually works
Higurashi is built on repeating arcs, so order is everything. Start with the 2006 original (Question Arcs), then Kai / Solutions (2007, Answer Arcs) — those two together are the complete classic story. The GOU (2020) and SOTSU (2021) reboot is a sequel-trap that only lands if you've seen the original first. Don't start with GOU no matter what a thumbnail tells you. Full catalog and per-region streaming live on the ranking page.
How it ranks
Higurashi is a slow-burn psychological horror that splits audiences, which is exactly where the dual-axis is useful. It sits at 7.78 Consensus and 7.78 Quality on SenpaiRanks — solid, not divisive, with the Quality axis confirming the writing earns its reputation rather than coasting on shock value. Seen it? Rate it and push your read into the ranking. For more summer horror and thrillers, our what to watch this summer hub has the season's slate.
Why now
The announcement landed on the 20th anniversary of the first TV anime, which is the kind of milestone studios build relaunches around. With DEEN and the original cast both returning, this reads as a back-to-roots project rather than another spin-off. For a sense of how this season is shaping up overall, the best summer 2026 anime ranking is the place to look.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where can I watch Higurashi: When They Cry?
A: The 2006 original and its sequels stream on the major anime platforms by region. Check the ranking page for current availability.
Q: What is the correct Higurashi watch order?
A: Start with the 2006 original (Question Arcs), then Kai (2007, Answer Arcs). The GOU (2020) and SOTSU (2021) reboot comes after the original.
Q: What is the new Higurashi anime?
A: Kadokawa announced a new TV anime on June 21, 2026, with Studio DEEN returning and the original voice cast reprising their roles. No release window was given.
Q: Is Higurashi: When They Cry good?
A: Yes — the 2006 original holds a 7.78 on both the Consensus and Quality axes on SenpaiRanks.
Q: Who created Higurashi?
A: The visual novel was created by Ryukishi07 under the doujin circle 07th Expansion, first released at Comiket in 2002.