Fans have been more than impressed with what 2025 has delivered when it comes to anime movies. This year saw the release of major titles such as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, Scarlet, and 100 Meters, among many others.
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As such, it is hard to imagine how 2026 could top such a phenomenal year. While 2026 doesn’t have as many big-name movies revealed yet, it will have some stunning movies that could even perhaps be considered Oscar-worthy.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising
There aren’t many magical girl anime series that can compare to Puella Magi Madoka Magica. While cute on the surface, this series is actually quite dark in its genre. The anime adaptation for it was a huge success, and now, fans have a monumental movie to look forward to, which is Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising.
This new movie will be a sequel to the last Madoka Magica movie, Rebellion. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising will drop in February 2026, and fans are excited to see this beloved franchise back in full force.
The Apothecary Diaries Movie
The Apothecary Diaries has been an absolute sensation so far. The series has gained traction all around the world, but it’s especially big in Japan right now. The Apothecary Diaries has been insanely consistent since 2023. Every year, fans get new Apothecary Diaries content, and 2026 might just be the biggest year for the franchise yet.
Not only is The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 on the way for the fans, but fans are also expecting a new movie as well. This new movie will come out in December 2026, and it will be a brand-new original story from the creator of the series.
Solo Leveling Movie
Solo Leveling is a great series that has taken the world by storm. Nobody expected this short series to become as popular as it is today, especially overseas. Fans have been obsessed with Jinwoo’s story, and the studio is definitely capitalizing on that.
While fans were disappointed to not get any Solo Leveling Season 3 news, the reason for its delay might just be the new Solo Leveling movie that was revealed in a production committee report. The Solo Leveling movie is anticipated to release in 2026, but it’s not yet set in stone. What events the movie could cover is unknown, but seeing what the anime seasons have delivered so far, it can only be exciting for the fans.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Movie – Tears of the Azure Sea
Isekai is quite an oversaturated genre, but among all the series featured in it, the one that has stood out from the rest is That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. At this moment, it can safely be said that That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is Japan’s biggest Isekai series.
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With such huge success, fans aren’t surprised to see it getting a huge movie soon, titled That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Movie – Tears of the Azure Sea, and it’s set to drop on February 27, 2026, in Japan. Fans are excited to see Rimuru’s next adventure on the big screen.
Paris ni Saku Étoile
Paris ni Saku Étoile, also known as L'étoile de Paris en fleur, is an original movie that’s most certainly going to gain great traction in Japan. The story for this movie was written by Reiko Yoshida, and fans have high expectations for what it could deliver. After all, she is the iconic mangaka who worked on Tokyo Mew Mew, one of the biggest magical girl series of all time.
Not much is known about the plot of Paris ni Saku Étoile, but it will take place in Paris in the 1900s. The story follows two Japanese girls, one who wants to become a ballerina, and one whose goal is to become a painter. This movie is sure to warm the hearts of fans and it will drop on March 13, 2026.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
Stepping away from big-name franchises, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Is a new movie coming in 2026 that could definitely surprise fans with what it could deliver. This movie is going to reimagine the well-known Japanese story of The Bamboo Cutter, via Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato. This movie is about to feature some incredible music from Vocaloid Producers and will bring a fresh take on the beloved folklore story.
This movie, sadly, won’t be coming to theaters. Fans can instead watch it on Netflix starting January 22, 2026.