2026’s theatrical lineup is absolutely stacked with feature films that’ll make choosing what to watch in theaters genuinely difficult. Major franchises are delivering long-awaited continuations, beloved series are getting movie treatments, and original films from powerhouse directors promise to push animation boundaries. From emotional tearjerkers to action spectacles that demand big screens, these 12 anime movies represent the year’s most anticipated theatrical releases that fans are already marking their calendars for.
1. The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes
Announced December 20, 2023, immediately after Season 2’s finale, this theatrical sequel finally gets its big reveal on March 29, 2026, at AnimeJapan’s GREEN STAGE. Director Kazuya Nakanishi and Studio Nexus return with the same staff that made the two seasons successful. The “Return to Earth” arc sends Cid and Beta back to his original world, forcing the ultimate chuunibyou to face a destroyed Earth where his eminence-in-shadow persona gets tested like never before.
The light novel series surpassed 6 million copies in circulation, proving sustained popularity beyond initial buzz. Sentai Filmworks secured North American distribution through HIDIVE. Expected mid-to-late 2026 release makes this one of the year’s most anticipated theatrical anime, delivering darker tones while maintaining Cid’s absurdly serious roleplay that defined the franchise.
2. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Two years of delays pushed this from winter 2024 to February 2026, testing fan patience but promising refined quality from Studio Shaft with director Yukihiro Miyamoto and the full original creative team returning. Gen Urobuchi scripts the direct sequel to 2013’s Rebellion, which became the first late-night anime film to surpass ¥2 billion at the Japanese box office.
The original 2011 series received acclaim for blending cute character design with dark psychological themes, deconstructing magical girl tropes permanently. The second key visual bears the tagline “The world will not exonerate her,” suggesting Homura faces consequences for Rebellion’s controversial ending.
The television editions of the compilation films aired from October to December 2025 to prepare newcomers, making this one of 2026’s most culturally important anime releases regardless of further delays.
3. Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi
Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi finally brings the terrifying, beautiful world of the Abyss back to theaters in 2026. Fans have been begging for more since the last season and film, and this new movie continues Riko and Reg’s journey deeper into the unknown.
The original team from the series returns, including Studio Kinema Citrus and composer Kevin Penkin, whose music is a fan favorite for its emotional impact. The franchise is, similar to Madoka Magica, famous for blending adorable character design with gut-wrenching danger, and Mezameru Shinpi looks set to push that even further. There’s even a special live film concert planned with the cast and composer.
4. Assassination Classroom: Everyone’s Time
Class is back in session after a ten-year break! To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the anime’s conclusion, Assassination Classroom the Movie: Everyone’s Time is officially hitting Japanese theaters on March 20, 2026. Studio Lerche is bringing back the original voice cast to adapt “lost” stories from the manga that were skipped in the TV series, plus a brand-new continuation supervised by creator Yusei Matsui.
Why the hype? This series is a legendary “Jump” hit with over 27 million copies in print, and fans have been begging for these skipped chapters for a decade. Directed by Masaki Kitamura, the film promises an emotional return to Class 3-E that serves as the “true final lesson” for the students.
5. The Apothecary Diaries Movie
Get your poison testers ready, because The Apothecary Diaries is officially getting its first-ever theatrical film! Announced during the anime’s second anniversary event, the movie is slated to premiere in December 2026. Unlike the TV show, this isn’t just adapting the light novels; the movie is an original story written by the series creator, Natsu Hyuuga herself.
Produced by OLM and TOHO Animation, the film will see the return of Season 1 director Norihiro Naganuma. It’s a massive win for fans since the series has already racked up over 45 million copies in circulation. Whether you’re here for Maomao’s hilarious “poison face” or the simmering tension with Jinshi, 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for the franchise.
6. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea
Our favorite blue blob is trading the conference room for the coastline! That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea is officially hitting Japanese theaters on February 27, 2026. The movie is a brand-new, original story written and supervised by the series creator, Fuse.
Produced by studio 8bit, the film follows Rimuru and his friends as they head to a private resort island in the Magi Dynasty Salion for some much-needed R&R. But of course, a mysterious girl named Yura appears, and a “new incident” kicks off against a beautiful ocean backdrop. Since Season 4 is dropping in April 2026 with a massive five-cour plan (that’s 60+ episodes!), fans will basically be living in Rimuru’s world all year.
7. The Dangers in My Heart Season Movie
Hitting Japanese theaters February 13, 2026 with a 101-minute runtime, this compilation film doesn’t just recap Seasons 1 and 2 of BokuYaba. Shin-Ei Animation added never-before-seen footage depicting Kyotaro Ichikawa and Anna Yamada’s relationship after the series finale, making this essential viewing even for fans who binged both seasons. Directors Hiroaki Akagi and Da Li Chen blend edited retrospectives with significant new narrative sequences.
International releases follow quickly: HIDIVE premieres it on February 16, 2026, with theatrical releases in Germany (February 14) and other territories. Composer Kensuke Ushio returns to craft the score for this wholesome rom-com about an edgelord who thinks he’s a psychological thriller protagonist falling for his school’s most popular girl, proving compilation films work when they actually continue the story rather than just recycling footage.
8. Sword Art Online (Original Movie)
A-1 Pictures announced a “completely new theatrical film” in January 2024, following the broadcast of Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night, though no release date or 2026 confirmation exists yet. This mystery project was first teased during the 2022 Sword Art Online Full Dive anniversary event. Original creator Reki Kawahara’s involvement suggests fresh content rather than Progressive continuation.
Details remain scarce beyond confirmation that it’s in production, with no revealed plot, timeline, or whether it’s canon to the main series. 2017’s Ordinal Scale grossed $38.3 million worldwide, proving theatrical SAO remains profitable. Given production timelines, late 2026 or 2027 seems realistic for a film announced two years ago. Until official dates drop, fans can only speculate whether this tackles Unital Ring or creates entirely new virtual reality adventures.
9. Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend
Announced in December 2025 for Fall 2026 Japanese theatrical release, this finale adapts Volumes 14 and 15, marking the definitive end of the anime series. CloverWorks returns with director Sōichi Masui and the complete staff that’s maintained consistency since 2018’s Bunny Girl Senpai TV series.
“Faced with the truth about Miori and Touko Kirishima, Sakuta must make a choice. This will be his final case of Adolescence Syndrome!”
Yen Press
The light novel series boasts over 3 million copies in circulation, with previous films Sister Venturing Out and Knapsack Kid both ranking #4 during their opening weekends. The teaser visual warns: “Find Tōko Kirishima, Mai is in danger”, setting up high stakes for Sakuta’s conclusion.
All in all, it seems that seven years of Puberty Syndrome mysteries will finally be resolved in this emotional sendoff.
10. Witch on the Holy Night
Japanese movie site eiga.com accidentally leaked January 30, 2026 as the release date, but since we’re now in February 2026 with no release, that clearly wasn’t accurate.
Announced in December 2021 with a second teaser in December 2023 reporting production still ongoing, this trilogy adaptation of the 2012 visual novel takes patience from the Fate fans. Surprise to no one, ufotable prioritizes the massively profitable Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy. Officially, no release date has been shared, but speculation online suggests it could hit theaters late 2026 or maybe early 2027.
Set in the late 1980s, Aoko Aozaki reluctantly becomes her family’s magical heir, training under witch Alice Kuonji while befriending transfer student Sojuro Shizuki. The story serves as a Nasuverse prequel, connecting to Tsukihime and Garden of Sinners through older versions of Aoko and her sister Toko Aozaki.
