Anime movies have evolved far beyond “extended episodes” or non-canon cash grabs. In 2026, theatrical anime represents some of the medium’s most ambitious storytelling and stunning animation. Studios save their best work for the big screen, and this year’s lineup proves that anime cinema deserves a spot alongside any Hollywood production.
From franchise films delivering long-awaited arcs to original masterpieces pushing creative boundaries, 2026 is a banner year for anime movies. Whether you’re catching them in theaters or waiting for streaming, here’s your complete guide to the anime films that matter this year.
Already Released (January – February 2026)
Look Back (Wide International Release)
Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama | Studio: Studio Durian
Originally released in Japan in 2024, Look Back finally received its wide international theatrical release in January 2026. This adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga is a meditation on creativity, friendship, and loss that had audiences openly weeping in theaters.
Following two girls who bond over manga creation, Look Back packs more emotional weight into 58 minutes than most series manage in multiple seasons. Fujimoto’s signature blend of melancholy and hope translates beautifully to animation, with a visual style that shifts to match the emotional register.
- Runtime: 58 minutes
- Box Office: $47M worldwide (theatrical run)
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll (streaming February 2026)
- Verdict: Essential viewing for anyone who creates anything
Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (Continued Run)
Director: Shunsuke Ishikawa | Studio: 8bit
The Blue Lock prequel film focusing on enigmatic genius Nagi and his partnership with Reo continues its extended run into early 2026. Following its massive success in late 2025, Episode Nagi proved that sports anime can absolutely work in theatrical format.
The film explores how the laid-back Nagi discovered his passion for soccer through Reo’s persistence, adding emotional depth to characters who were initially mysterious in the main series. The match sequences are elevated beyond the TV anime’s already impressive standards.
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Box Office: $127M worldwide
- Where to Watch: Theatrical (extended run), streaming TBA
- Verdict: A must for Blue Lock fans; newcomers should watch Season 1 first
Spring 2026 Releases (March – May)
Haikyuu!! The Movie: The Promised Land
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
| Studio: Production I.G |
Release: March 2026
The continuation of the Haikyuu theatrical films, The Promised Land picks up after The Dumpster Battle’s emotional cliffhanger. Following Hinata and Kageyama’s post-high school journeys, this film delivers on years of character development while maintaining the series’ heart.
Production I.G continues to prove why they’re the masters of sports animation. The volleyball sequences are more fluid and dynamic than ever, but it’s the quiet character moments that hit hardest. Have tissues ready.
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Box Office: $89M (and counting, still in theaters)
- Where to Watch: Theatrical (currently playing)
- Verdict: Peak Haikyuu. The culmination of everything the series built.
My Hero Academia: ULTRA FINAL
Director: Kenji Nagasaki
| Studio: Bones |
Release: April 2026
The final My Hero Academia movie releases alongside the TV anime’s conclusion, offering an extended epilogue to the main series. While details are being kept under wraps to avoid spoilers, this film promises to give fans the closure they need after a decade with these characters.
Early screenings in Japan report that ULTRA FINAL functions as both a celebration of the franchise and an emotional farewell. Expect callbacks, cameos, and more than a few tears.
- Runtime: 120 minutes
- Box Office: Releases April 28, 2026
- Where to Watch: Theatrical, streaming expected Fall 2026
- Verdict: The goodbye MHA fans deserve
Spy x Family Code: White (Extended Cut)
Director: Takashi Katagiri
| Studio: Wit Studio x CloverWorks |
Release: March 2026
The 2024 Spy x Family film returns to theaters with an extended cut featuring 15 minutes of additional footage. The new scenes expand the Forger family’s mission and include a substantial new action sequence for Yor that fans have been demanding.
If you missed Code: White in its original run, this extended version is the definitive way to experience it. If you already saw it, the additional content justifies a return trip.
- Runtime: 125 minutes (extended from 110)
- Where to Watch: Limited theatrical, Crunchyroll (original cut)
- Verdict: The best version of an already excellent film
Summer 2026 Releases (June – August)
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
Director: Ryū Nakayama
| Studio: MAPPA |
Release: July 2026 (Japan)
The most anticipated anime movie of the year. MAPPA adapts the Bomb Devil arc as a theatrical film, giving this fan-favorite storyline the production values it deserves. Reze, the mysterious girl who enters Denji’s life, becomes one of the series’ most memorable characters—and her arc is pure Fujimoto at his best.
Expect romance, tragedy, explosive action, and the emotional devastation that Chainsaw Man is famous for. The TV anime’s style elevated to movie budget animation means we’re in for something special.
- Runtime: Estimated 100-110 minutes
- Box Office: Releases July 2026 (Japan), September 2026 (International)
- Where to Watch: Theatrical, streaming likely late 2026
- Verdict: This is the one. Clear your schedule.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – The Movie
Director: Keiichiro Saito
| Studio: Madhouse |
Release: August 2026
Details remain scarce, but a Frieren theatrical film is confirmed for summer 2026. Given Season 2’s concurrent run, this could be a side story or an adaptation of content beyond the current anime timeline.
What we know: Madhouse is maintaining the contemplative beauty that made the series a phenomenon, and the theatrical format allows for even more breathtaking landscape animation. Frieren on the big screen is going to be something magical.
- Runtime: TBA
- Where to Watch: Theatrical
- Verdict: High anticipation based on the series’ quality
Detective Conan: Movie 29
Director: TBA
| Studio: TMS Entertainment |
Release: April 2026 (Japan), August 2026 (International)
The annual Detective Conan film continues the franchise’s theatrical dominance in Japan. While Conan movies have historically had limited international presence, recent entries have seen expanded global releases. Expect elaborate mysteries, spectacular action set pieces, and Conan doing impossible skateboard stunts.
- Runtime: Estimated 110 minutes
- Box Office: Typically $100M+ in Japan alone
- Where to Watch: Theatrical (limited international), streaming TBA
- Verdict: A reliable franchise delivering what fans expect
Fall 2026 Releases (September – December)
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc – Part 1 (Compilation)
Director: Haruo Sotozaki
| Studio: Ufotable |
Release: October 2026
Ufotable’s theatrical compilation of the Infinity Castle Arc’s first half. While the arc airs as a TV series, this compilation promises additional scenes and enhanced animation for key battles. Ufotable’s track record with compilations (see: Mugen Train) suggests this will be the definitive way to experience the arc.
- Runtime: Estimated 120+ minutes
- Where to Watch: Theatrical
- Verdict: Essential for Demon Slayer completionists
One Piece Film: Red (Re-Release with New Footage)
Director: Gorō Taniguchi
| Studio: Toei Animation |
Release: November 2026
To celebrate One Piece’s continued dominance, Film: Red returns to theaters with new footage and songs. The highest-grossing One Piece film ever gets the anniversary treatment, perfect for fans who missed the theatrical experience or want to relive the Uta phenomenon.
- Runtime: 135 minutes (extended)
- Where to Watch: Limited theatrical, Crunchyroll (original)
- Verdict: A victory lap for one of anime’s biggest films
Your Name (10th Anniversary)
Director: Makoto Shinkai
| Studio: CoMix Wave Films |
Release: Late 2026
Hard to believe it’s been ten years, but Makoto Shinkai’s genre-redefining masterpiece returns to theaters for its anniversary. Whether you’ve seen it dozens of times or somehow missed it entirely, experiencing Your Name theatrically is special.
The film that brought anime to mainstream Western audiences holds up beautifully, and new viewers get to experience what all the fuss was about.
- Runtime: 106 minutes
- Where to Watch: Limited theatrical anniversary run
- Verdict: A modern classic. See it on the biggest screen possible.
Box Office Performance: The Numbers Story
Anime theatrical performance continues to strengthen globally:
Top Anime Films by 2026 Worldwide Gross:
Pending Releases with High Expectations:
- Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc (projected $150M+)
- My Hero Academia: ULTRA FINAL (projected $80-100M)
- Frieren: The Movie (projected $60-80M)
The trend is clear: anime movies are no longer niche theatrical events. They’re competing with—and often outperforming—traditional Hollywood releases.
Where to Watch: Theatrical vs. Streaming
Still in Theaters (February 2026):
- Haikyuu!! The Promised Land
- Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (extended run)
- Look Back (limited screenings)
Coming to Streaming Soon:
- Look Back → Crunchyroll (February 2026)
- Blue Lock: Episode Nagi → Crunchyroll (Spring 2026)
- Spy x Family Code: White Extended → Crunchyroll (TBA)
Pro Tip: Crunchyroll typically gets theatrical films 3-6 months after their theatrical run. For franchise films (Demon Slayer, MHA), expect them on streaming before the next season/arc begins.
What We’re Most Excited About
For Pure Entertainment: Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. MAPPA’s theatrical budget on one of the best arcs in modern manga? Yes please.
For Emotional Devastation: My Hero Academia: ULTRA FINAL. Saying goodbye to a decade-long journey.
For Artistic Beauty: Frieren: The Movie. Madhouse’s gorgeous visuals on the big screen will be meditative.
For Sports Hype: Haikyuu!! The Promised Land is currently in theaters and delivering everything fans wanted.
For Nostalgia: Your Name’s 10th anniversary. Sometimes you want to feel things.
Conclusion
2026 is a reminder that anime cinema has evolved into its own art form. These aren’t just “anime movies”—they’re genuinely excellent films that happen to be animated. The gap between theatrical anime and TV anime production values continues to widen, making theatrical experiences increasingly special.
Whether you’re a franchise devotee following your favorite series to the big screen or someone seeking original stories, 2026’s anime films have you covered. Check local theater listings, mark your calendars, and prepare for some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant films of the year.
The theater experience matters for these films. The communal reaction to a Demon Slayer battle sequence or the collective tears during Look Back’s climax—that’s something streaming can’t replicate. If you have the option, see these in theaters. You won’t regret it.
Related: Most Anticipated Anime 2026
| Chainsaw Man Watch Order | Demon Slayer Watch Order |