Upcoming Anime Movies to Watch For in 2026 and 2027

Anime’s next big-screen season is bringing together a cyberpunk return, a ufotable fantasy, a new mystery for Maomao, high-stakes volleyball, figure skating, and a clockwork time-travel adventure. The catch is that “release date” can mean different things depending on where you live: Japanese premiere dates are often announced first, while international distributors reveal local theater dates later.

This guide separates confirmed dates from broad release windows and projects that are still waiting on a date. It is designed for fans planning a theater trip, catching up on a franchise, or simply building a watchlist before the trailers take over your feed. 🌠

Release-date key: “Japan date” means the announced Japanese theatrical opening. “Worldwide window” means an international release announcement exists, but it may not include a date for every country. “2027” is a year or season window, not a promise of a specific month. Always check a local cinema listing before making plans. 📅

Why the next anime movie calendar is worth following

Anime films arrive through several routes. Some are stand-alone stories; others continue a television season, adapt a manga arc, or bring a beloved annual franchise back to theaters. Japanese cinemas may get a movie months before North American, European, or Southeast Asian bookings are announced. Even when a worldwide rollout is confirmed, the exact date can vary by territory and distributor.

That makes a useful watchlist more than a row of dates. You want to know what kind of film each project is, whether you need to catch up first, what is actually confirmed, and which details remain a mystery. We have kept the summaries spoiler-light and labeled the context each entry needs. For more viewing ideas while you wait, explore our guides to the best anime fantasy movies, anime romance movies, and anime horror movies.

Anime movies arriving in late 2026

1. Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart

Japan premiere: November 13, 2026 | International date: not announced here

More than a decade after the original Expelled from Paradise, this science-fiction sequel returns to a setting where much of humanity lives in a virtual society while Earth has become a dangerous, largely abandoned place. Angela Balzac, an investigator from the digital world of DEVA, once again has to cross the divide between virtual existence and physical reality. The official synopsis describes her taking an organic body to investigate a hacker operating on the barren planet.

That premise gives the film a lot to play with: What does a body mean when you can choose another form? Is a perfectly managed digital life freedom, or a different kind of cage? The first film turned those questions into a mix of sleek CG action, military hardware, and a surprisingly thoughtful debate about identity. The sequel is a strong pick for sci-fi fans who like their spectacle paired with ideas. If you have not seen the 2014 original, watch it first so Angela’s return and the setting’s history have room to land. A new trailer and theme-song details were reported by Crunchyroll News.

2. Witch on the Holy Night

Japan premiere: November 20, 2026 | Worldwide theatrical rollout: begins January 2027

Type-Moon’s Witch on the Holy Night brings a much-loved visual novel into theaters through an adaptation by ufotable. Its early-1980s setting follows Aoko Aozaki, a young woman drawn into the hidden world of magic, alongside the mysterious Alice Kuonji and Soujuurou Shizuki. That combination of school-life details, old houses, secret rules, and supernatural danger is ideal for a cinematic fantasy: a quiet street can become strange the moment an unseen system of magic enters the frame.

For newcomers, this is the most intriguing “walk in for the atmosphere” pick on the late-2026 list. The story’s appeal comes from the way it treats magic as a craft with rules, costs, and history, not a button characters press whenever a scene needs fireworks. ufotable’s reputation for polished action animation adds obvious anticipation, but the human relationships and gradual reveal of the world are just as important. The source visual novel belongs to Type-Moon’s wider universe, yet you do not need to complete a franchise checklist before you can appreciate a focused adaptation. The film opens in Japan first; Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced the international rollout beginning in January 2027, with regional dates to check locally. See Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures’ international release announcement for the rollout details. 🌙

3. The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure

Japan premiere: December 11, 2026 | Worldwide theatrical release: announced; local dates pending

Maomao is at her best when a small clue opens into a much larger puzzle, and this first theatrical film gives the palace apothecary a new mystery to investigate. The official trailer coverage describes Jinshi bringing Maomao to Binan-shu, a southern province ruled by the Bi clan, to look into the remains of a deceased concubine and a final wish. A pirate group is also searching for treasure left behind by its former leader. Those details suggest a story that can move from court intrigue into a broader journey while keeping Maomao’s sharp eye and reluctant curiosity at the center.

The biggest reason to watch is the chance to see the series’ social world stretch beyond the palace. The setting’s hierarchy, medicine, rumor network, and hidden motives are part of the fun, and a new location gives the film room to test Maomao’s skills in unfamiliar conditions. It is also a good event for viewers who enjoy mysteries that reward attention rather than pure action. This is a continuation for the anime’s audience, so watch the series first if you want the character dynamics to feel familiar. Crunchyroll has announced theatrical distribution outside Asia, but the Japanese opening is the only date specified in this guide; read Crunchyroll’s distribution announcement and follow TOHO’s current film lineup for updates. 🔎

Anime movies to look forward to in 2027

4. Haikyu!! The Movie: VS The Little Giant

Release window: 2027 | Exact day and international dates: not announced

Karasuno’s next match is one of the most anticipated sports-anime events on the calendar. VS The Little Giant is set to depict the Spring High quarterfinal against Kamomedai, bringing Hinata face-to-face with Korai Hoshiumi, another player known as the Little Giant. The official Haikyu!! announcement confirms the film as part of a two-project 2027 return, alongside a separate special anime following the concurrent Fukurodani versus Mujinazaka match. Those are related releases, but the special is not a movie, so we keep the feature film as the main entry here.

This match is compelling because it is not simply a test of who can jump higher. Hinata has built his identity around observation, timing, and finding ways to matter even when he is not the tallest person on the court. Hoshiumi gives that idea a vivid rival: a player whose skill and confidence make the comparison unavoidable. Expect tactical adjustments, fast rallies, and the series’ signature attention to teamwork under pressure. For the strongest payoff, catch up on the TV anime and Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle before going in. The official portal confirms the 2027 year, while the exact premiere and overseas distribution remain unannounced. 🏐

See the official Haikyu!! announcement for the film and its companion 2027 special.

5. Medalist: The Movie

Japan premiere: February 19, 2027 | International date: not announced

Medalist moves its figure-skating drama onto the big screen with a direct contest between Inori Yuitsuka and her rival Hikaru Kamisaki. KADOKAWA’s official introduction places the film at the All-Japan Novice competition, where Inori and her coach Tsukasa Akeuraji face the “genius girl” Hikaru and gold medalist Jun Yodaka. That gives the movie a clean theatrical hook: a season of practice, doubt, and persistence converges in one arena, with every jump and landing carrying the weight of a relationship as well as a score.

Sports anime can be exhilarating because the result is visible, but the emotion comes from everything that leads up to the performance. Inori’s ambition and Tsukasa’s commitment are central to Medalist, and a movie-length competition can let choreography, silence, music, and reaction shots create pressure in real time. You do not need to know figure skating’s technical vocabulary to follow the emotional stakes; the film’s core question is whether effort can close the distance between a dream and the people who seem born for it. Since the story continues the series, the TV anime is the ideal preparation. The official Japanese date is February 19, 2027; watch the KADOKAWA Animation listing for official updates. ⛸️

6. Doraemon: Nobita’s Steam-Powered Time Machine

Japan premiere: March 5, 2027 | International date: not announced

The 46th Doraemon feature takes the familiar crew into a 19th-century London adventure, using a steam-locomotive-shaped time machine as its central image. The official movie site describes a fully original story that sends Doraemon and Nobita from 21st-century Japan across time, with director Rushio Moriyama and scriptwriter Makoto Ueda at the helm. It is an appealing setup for families: a recognizable science-fiction gadget, a historical city filled with possibility, and a journey that can balance comedy, invention, and a little bit of danger.

Doraemon movies are often at their strongest when an imaginative premise becomes an emotional trip for Nobita and his friends. This title’s steam-and-time imagery gives the production a tactile, storybook feel, while the London setting creates a fresh backdrop for the series’ playful inventions. Because the official site says the story is still partly shrouded in mystery, it is better to stay curious than to invent plot twists from a teaser image. That makes this an accessible pick even if you have not watched every recent film. Families can expect a new adventure built around the group, not a homework assignment across decades of franchise history. The official film site confirms March 5 in Japan; international dates remain to be announced. 🚂

For the film’s synopsis and announcements, visit the official Doraemon movie site.

7. The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes

Release window: 2027 | Exact date and international distribution: not announced

The next Eminence in Shadow story takes Cid and Beta through a gate into a ruined version of modern Japan, the place where Cid once lived as Minoru Kageno. The official teaser synopsis describes a world damaged by magical beasts, a remaining human settlement called Messiah, and a reunion with Akane Nishino, a classmate from his previous life. That shift gives the film a new visual and emotional playground: the series’ fantasy power games collide with the protagonist’s own past.

The fun of The Eminence in Shadow comes from the gap between Cid’s elaborate private performance and the very real conflicts unfolding around him. A setting that connects directly to his former life has the potential to unsettle that gap without removing the series’ comedy. Fans can look forward to the return of familiar characters, but this is not a starter film; watch both seasons first, especially the season-two finale that leads into the new chapter. The official website confirms a 2027 theatrical window and shares the story setup, but no exact release day or overseas plan has been announced. The film’s official news page is the best place to track its next trailer. 🗝️

Read the official Lost Echoes story and 2027 announcement.

8. The Credits Roll into the Sea

Release window: 2027 | Exact date: not announced

Kyoto Animation has announced a film adaptation of John Tarachine’s manga The Credits Roll into the Sea, with Taichi Ishidate directing. The studio’s own works page lists it as a 2027 movie, while additional details about the theatrical schedule are still to come. The title alone suggests a more reflective kind of watchlist entry than a franchise battle or fantasy spectacle, and Ishidate’s involvement will interest viewers who appreciate carefully observed emotion and expressive visual storytelling.

This is the one to keep on your radar if you enjoy discovering a manga or novel adaptation before a trailer campaign becomes unavoidable. We are deliberately not filling in plot points that the current official film listing has not provided. Until more is revealed, the reliable essentials are the source manga, Kyoto Animation’s involvement, Ishidate as director, and the 2027 window. The best preparation may simply be to read the original manga and then see what the studio chooses to emphasize on screen. More information is expected from Kyoto Animation as production progresses. 🌊

Follow Kyoto Animation’s official project page for updates.

9. ghost (working title)

Release window: 2027 | Details: early announcement stage

Shingo Natsume’s original anime film project, currently referred to as ghost, is another 2027 production worth watching because it is not built on a familiar manga or game franchise. Madhouse is producing the animation, and the project’s first teaser has introduced its existence without revealing a full plot or release date. That scarcity of information is part of the appeal: original anime films can take unexpected turns because viewers are not comparing every image with a known storyline.

At this stage, put ghost on a “follow for the next reveal” list rather than a theater calendar. There is no confirmed month, territory-by-territory rollout, or detailed synopsis in the information surfaced so far. What makes it noteworthy is the combination of an original project, Natsume’s direction, Madhouse, and a 2027 target. Crunchyroll’s coverage of the teaser summarizes the early reveal. If you enjoy going into a film knowing only its mood and creative team, this is one to track as new visuals arrive. We will update the entry once official details are announced.

How to plan your anime movie watchlist

Use the date status as carefully as the film title. Japanese openings are not the same as worldwide availability, and “worldwide release” does not mean every country will screen a movie on one day. A distributor may announce a January launch while individual cities receive separate booking dates. If a film is important to you, follow the official project site, the regional distributor, and your local cinema rather than relying on a fan-made calendar alone.

It also helps to decide whether you want a complete theater experience or simply the film when it becomes available. For a planned outing, set a reminder to check theater listings a few weeks before the local release window. For a franchise continuation, use the wait as a reason to catch up in order. A refresh of the show often makes a movie feel richer, and it avoids walking into a third act that expects you to know a character’s whole history. 🍿

What should you watch before these movies?

Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart is the clearest prequel-first choice: the 2014 film introduces Angela, DEVA, and the virtual-versus-physical premise that the sequel continues. Haikyu!! VS The Little Giant and Medalist are also stronger after their television stories, because their major competitions are emotional payoffs rather than isolated sports matches. With The Apothecary Diaries, the series establishes how Maomao reads a room, notices a symptom, and works around palace politics.

Witch on the Holy Night is adapted from a self-contained visual novel, so newcomers can approach it without watching a long show first. Still, familiarity with Type-Moon’s broader works may add context, and fans should follow the film’s official materials rather than assuming that all Type-Moon stories share one watch order. The new Doraemon story is described as original and should be approachable for families who know the characters, while the official site’s “many mysteries” line suggests it is too early to predict how much prior franchise knowledge it will require.

For The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes, watch seasons one and two. The official synopsis points straight to events from the end of season two and to characters established along the way. The Credits Roll into the Sea is a new adaptation rather than a continuation of an existing anime season, so it may be the easiest 2027 title to approach fresh once the film’s fuller synopsis arrives. 🔖

Release-date notes and rumors to avoid

Movie schedules change. Production delays, licensing, subtitle and dub work, and cinema booking calendars can all shift a local opening date. An official 2027 window is useful for anticipation, but it is not the same as a confirmed month. Likewise, a film’s Japanese opening does not guarantee that a North American, European, or Southeast Asian release has been scheduled.

This guide includes only projects with a public announcement from an official source or a clear distributor announcement. We label missing dates instead of filling the gaps with predictions. New titles, including sequels for high-profile series, often generate confident fan calendars before a studio has confirmed a date. Treat an unannounced title or month as speculation until the production committee, studio, or distributor posts it. The watchlist above was checked on October 15, 2026, so future schedule updates may change what is confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the next big anime movie coming out?

Among the late-2026 projects in this guide, Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart is scheduled to open in Japan on November 13, followed by Witch on the Holy Night on November 20. These are Japanese dates; check your country’s cinema listings for local releases.

Which upcoming anime movies have confirmed 2027 dates?

Medalist has a Japanese premiere date of February 19, 2027, and Doraemon: Nobita’s Steam-Powered Time Machine is scheduled for March 5, 2027. Haikyu!! VS The Little Giant, The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes, and The Credits Roll into the Sea have 2027 windows but no exact day announced in the sources linked here.

When will The Apothecary Diaries movie come out internationally?

Crunchyroll has announced theatrical distribution outside Asia after the Japanese opening, but a local release date is still pending. The Japan date is December 11, 2026.

Do I need to watch Haikyu!! before the new movie?

Yes, it will be much more rewarding if you know the TV story and the previous feature, The Dumpster Battle. The upcoming film is positioned around a major match in the original story, not as a first introduction to the team.

Are the illustrations official movie images?

No. The images in this article are original editorial illustrations created for the watchlist. They are not official posters, film stills, or depictions of copyrighted characters.

Final take: start your watchlist now

The late-2026 calendar has an appealing range: cyberpunk science fiction in Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart, Type-Moon fantasy in Witch on the Holy Night, and a new palace mystery for Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure. In 2027, sports fans have Haikyu!! VS The Little Giant and Medalist, families can look forward to Doraemon’s London time-travel adventure, and curious viewers can keep tabs on original or less familiar projects like ghost and The Credits Roll into the Sea.

Pick one series to catch up on, save the dates that are actually confirmed, and leave room for local release announcements. The best movie night begins with a title you are excited to see and enough context to enjoy every moment once the lights go down. 🎬✨

All article illustrations are original editorial artwork made for this guide; they are not official movie posters or film stills.