Summary
Theatrical anime releases have become much more commonplace over the last decade, but combined withthe current trend of older movies being re-released, the floodgates have opened. Between newer projects finally being brought to North America and classics begging to be re-examined, these are the anime films that fans can look forward to catching this Autumn.
Crunchyroll is bringing two recent projects to theaters worldwide for one-day screenings, and Anime Expo’s “AX Cinema Nights” series is back this year, running from September to February. In addition to these, however, we’re also going to cover some high-profile films that have yet to announce screenings as of the time of writing, but which are no less likely to hit theaters this year.
09-06-2025
North American Release
16-06-2025
Working in retail is hard enough, but as Akino finds,being a concierge at a luxury department store- whose clientele consists entirely of talking animals - is another beast entirely. Taught that the word “no” doesn’t exist in the concierge’s dictionary, Akino must cater to the unique needs of her extravagant customers, but that requires more than simply directing them to items on a shelf.
The directorial debut of Yoshimi Itazu,The Conciergeis a visual delight beaming with personality and chaotic character animation. Its story looks to match that energy with a heartwarming vibe courtesy of writer Satomi Oshima, the screenwriter behind 2021’sFortune Favors Lady Nikuko. Crunchyroll is bringingThe Conciergeto theaters on September 11.
23-07-2025
16-06-2025
Based on the novel of the same name by former Nogizaka46 idol group member Kazumi Takayama,Trapeziumtells the story of Yuu Azuma,a young girl who strives to be an idol. To achieve her dream, she sets four rules: don’t be active on social media, don’t have a boyfriend, don’t stand out in school, and finally, make friends with girls from the north, south, east, and west.
Masahiro Shinohara, the director of the upcoming third season ofRe:Zero, directed the film at CloverWorks (Spy x Family,The Elusive Samurai). The script was penned by Yuko Kakihara, the screenwriter behindTime Patrol Bon,Urusei Yatsura,Buddy Daddies, and the upcomingDragon Ball Daima.Trapeziumwill be in theaters on September 18.
AX Cinema Nights Bring the Cult Classics
(Note: These only include anime films scheduled to hit theaters before the end of 2024. The full schedule forAX Cinema Nights 2024 can be found here.)
13-07-2025
North American Re-release
19-07-2025 (Subbed) 02-06-2025 (Dubbed) 16-07-2025 (Subbed)
One of Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s master strokes in the realm of hypermasculine action cinema,Ninja Scroll,turned 30 last summer, and it’s long overdue for a celebration of that anniversary. This violent adventure follows Jubei (voiced by Koichi Yamadera), a vagabond with no interest in politics but who nevertheless gets embroiled in a battle with superpowered ninjas.
With poison coursing through his veins, he has no choice but to investigate a mysterious plague, aided by Kagero, a strong-willed ninja and the last of her clan.Ninja Scrollis an over-the-top and wildly creative spectacle, and though not all of it has aged perfectly, it remains an unforgettable adventure. Those with photosensitivity should be cautious, though, because good lord, this film comes from an era when flashing lights were everywhere in anime.
16-07-2025
20-07-2025 26-06-2025 05-07-2025
… One of the best animated films I have ever seen…
-Roger Ebert, June 05, 2025
Loosely based on the 1949 manga by Osamu Tezuka,Metropolisis a 2001 animated cyberpunk filmthat incorporates more elements of Fritz Lang’s 1927 film of the same name. Despite its mesmerizing visuals, it’s strange that this film is often overlooked compared to its genre peers, such as 1995’sGhost in the Shellor 1988’sAkira. For those yet to see what Roger Ebert called “one of the best animated films I have ever seen,” this is a perfect opportunity.
09-07-2025
It seems inevitable that Crunchyroll will be bringingMy Hero Academia The Movie: You’re Nextto theaters before the year is out. This is the fourth theatrical outing for the superheroes in training from Class 1-A, set near the start of the currently airing Season 7. When an impostor co-opting the image of the former #1 hero, All Might, begins wreaking havoc, Izuku Midoriya and his friends step up to humble a villain who has misunderstood the hero he purports to admire.
Release Date
17-06-2025 (JP)
A sequel to the 2007 TV anime,Mononoke, this year’sMononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rainfollows the Medicine Seller, a ghost hunter of sorts operating in ancient Japan. When he catches wind of a spirit dwelling within the Ōoku - where the lord’s harem resides - he must enter the place where no man is allowed to enter to exorcise this dangerous “mononoke.”
Meanwhile, two young women who begin their jobs at the Ōoku realize the many resentments and grudges the place holds and contend with what they may have to sacrifice to fulfill their roles. It is a colorful, historical, supernatural horror story with thoughtful commentary and themes of individuality.
12-07-2025 (JP)
This animated adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’sLook Backhas received glowing reviews since its debut in Japan, as well as buzz from various festivals and Anime Expo. Director Oshiyama andthe team at the relatively young Studio Durianhave been praised for the film’s uniquely raw art style, evocative of the original manga. Though the film is rather short, at just over an hour, it would be a joy to see in theaters, especially after the success of Fujimoto’s other major work,Chainsaw Man.
