Should you watch Fire Force in 2026? Reason why the explosive anime is still winning over new fans years after its debut

Some anime lose momentum after the hype dies down, but Fire Force continues pulling in new viewers years after its debut. Originally released in 2019 by David Production, the series blends chaotic action, emotional storytelling, stylish visuals, and supernatural mystery into one explosive package.


Even people who skipped it during its original run are now asking whether it is finally time to start watching. The short answer is yes. While the anime has flaws, especially in its fan service moments, Fire Force remains one of the most entertaining modern shonen series for fans who love intense fights, strong worldbuilding, and memorable characters.

At first glance, Fire Force may look like another loud action anime filled with overpowered heroes and flashy battles. But the series quickly separates itself through its unusual concept and atmosphere. The story takes place in a world where people randomly burst into flames and transform into destructive monsters known as Infernals.

To stop these disasters, special firefighting squads called the Fire Force are sent to defeat the victims and investigate the mystery behind the spontaneous combustions. The anime mixes firefighting themes with supernatural powers, religious symbolism, conspiracy plots, and emotional trauma. That combination gives the series a unique identity compared to many other battle shonen titles.

Many viewers online have praised how creative the world feels. One user on X said the anime “turned firefighters into one of the coolest concepts in anime history.” Another fan wrote that the mix of horror, comedy, and action “should not work together but somehow absolutely does.”


The heart of Fire Force is Shinra Kusakabe, a young pyrokinetic who joins Company 8 after losing his family in a mysterious fire years earlier. Shinra can ignite flames from his feet, allowing him to launch through the air at incredible speed during battles. Despite his intimidating grin and awkward social presence, he genuinely wants to become a hero.

What makes Shinra compelling is how human he feels beneath the flashy action scenes. He carries guilt over his family tragedy and constantly struggles against people who see him as dangerous or cursed. His emotional journey gives the anime weight beyond explosions and spectacle.

Fans have especially connected with his determination and vulnerability. One viewer on Reddit described Shinra as “one of the most underrated shonen protagonists because he actually feels emotionally broken at times instead of unrealistically perfect.”

Even with Shinra leading the story, Arthur Boyle often becomes the standout character for many viewers. Arthur sees himself as a legendary knight despite acting like a complete idiot most of the time. His delusions create some of the funniest moments in the series, especially when he confidently says absurd things with total seriousness.


The contrast between Arthur’s goofy personality and his actual combat strength makes him incredibly entertaining. His plasma sword fights are among the best animated moments in the anime, and his chemistry with Shinra gives the series much of its comedic energy.

Across social media, Arthur has developed a huge fan following. Many fans call him “the king of anime himbos,” while others say his scenes are impossible to predict because “he somehow becomes stronger through pure delusion.”

One of the biggest reasons Fire Force still stands out is its presentation. David Production delivers some stunning fire effects throughout the series, making every battle feel intense and cinematic. The movement, lighting, and explosions often look spectacular even by modern anime standards.

The sound design deserves equal praise. Explosions hit with incredible force, footsteps feel heavy, and moments of silence are used effectively to build tension. Combined with the dramatic soundtrack, the anime creates an atmosphere that feels energetic and dangerous at the same time.


The opening themes also became hugely popular among anime fans. “Inferno” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE is still considered one of the most iconic anime openings of the late 2010s. Many viewers continue revisiting the opening years later because of its music and visuals.

Despite its strengths, Fire Force is not flawless. The biggest criticism surrounding the anime involves its fan service, particularly scenes involving Tamaki Kotatsu. Many viewers feel these moments interrupt emotional scenes or serious fights, hurting the pacing and tone.

Some new viewers have even dropped the series because they found the fan service distracting. Others argue the anime would be remembered even more positively without constantly forcing comedic moments into dramatic situations.

Still, many longtime fans believe the stronger story arcs eventually outweigh those frustrations. As the mystery surrounding the world deepens, the anime becomes darker, more emotional, and much more ambitious than its early episodes initially suggest.

One of Fire Force’s greatest surprises is how layered the worldbuilding becomes over time. What starts as a monster fighting story slowly transforms into a larger mystery involving religion, corruption, science, and hidden agendas within the Fire Force companies themselves.


The different companies each have their own beliefs and methods, creating tension between squads that are supposedly working toward the same goal. Some groups are compassionate toward Infernal victims, while others treat extermination as routine business. That moral conflict adds emotional complexity to the series.

The anime also gradually reveals shocking truths about spontaneous combustion and the state of the world itself. Many fans who initially watched only for action later admitted they became invested in the conspiracy storyline.

If you enjoy battle shonen anime with stylish fights, emotional backstories, strong worldbuilding, and unforgettable characters, then Fire Force is absolutely worth watching in 2026. The anime delivers exciting action while slowly building a much larger mystery beneath the surface. Shinra, Arthur, Maki, Obi, and the rest of Company 8 form a cast that becomes easy to root for over time.

The series does have flaws, especially with its handling of fan service, but its strengths often overpower those weaker moments. With the franchise continuing to stay relevant through new seasons and renewed fan discussions online, there has rarely been a better time to finally jump into the flames.