- Life & Culture
22+ New Anime Movies Coming Out in 2023/2024
No Japanese cultural invention has gripped the worldwide public imagination quite as much as anime. This highly unique art style of hand-drawn and computer-generated animation has spawned films, games, books, and much else besides.
Are you looking to get your share of anime movie action but are not sure where to look?
Well, you’re in luck! Whether you’re heading down to your local theatre or streaming from the comfort of your sofa, this handy guide will explore 22+ new anime movies that are coming out in 2023/2024, and where you can watch them.
Anime Movies Coming Out in 2024
Garden of Remembrance
Overlord the Movie: The Holy Kingdom
After the successful airing of season 4 which finished in September 2022, Overlord fans are now anticipating the release of the Overlord: Holy Kingdom movie edition. This film will follow on from this season and as such will act as a sequel.
No additional information has been given about release dates or where to watch this exciting isekai movie, but we’re keeping an ear out.
Release date: 2024
Where to watch: TBA
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgis no Kaiten
During the celebrations of Puella Magi Madoka Magica’s 10th anniversary, it was revealed that a new film, Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgis no Kaiten, is being made. The dark fantasy has had three previous films: Beginnings, in 2012, Eternal in the same year, and Rebellion in 2013.
Although not much is known about the current status of the film and when it is to be released, it is confirmed to be in production. Here’s hoping for a 2024 release date!
Release date: 2024 (TBC)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll
Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
Based on the popular manga series, a two-part film adaption of Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction is coming to Japanese theatres in April and May 2024.
The film focuses on the everyday life of two girls, against the backdrop of a spaceship appearing over Tokyo. Despite the ship appearing harmless, the humans attack it. Despite this, the protagonists live their lives as normal – creating an unusual slice-of-life drama.
Release date: Spring 2024
Where to watch: Japanese theatres
Blue Lock
One for the football fans, the new Blue Lock film is also based on a best-selling manga series. As well as an anime series, a film adaptation is due to premiere in April 2024.
Blue Lock is a training program, brought in to help Japan birth the best football striker in the world after Japan finished 16th in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It stands out from other popular Japanese sports manga in being described as ‘dystopian sports’, with a darker edge.
Release date: April 19th, 2024
Where to watch: TBC
Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony
A new film starring the blue robotic cat Doraemon, a cultural icon of Japan! It focuses on the catchphrase ‘Music exists in everyday life. But, what if music disappears from the earth?’
An adventure in the world of music, the writer was inspired by the comfort and connection music brought people during the pandemic. The cute, musical adventure sees Doraemon and his friends confronted with what would happen if music was no longer on the planet.
Release date: March 1st, 2024
Where to watch: TBC
Estab Life: Bloody Escape
Bloody Escape: Jigoku no Tōsō Geki is part of the Estab Life project – already including an anime series and an upcoming mobile game. The film takes place in the same distant future.
In the AI-governed world of Estab Life, different areas are segregated by their values, common sense and culture. As well as humans, there are races like cyborgs and demons, all living in different areas of a diverse city. The Bloody Escape film focuses on vampires.
Release date: January 5th, 2024
Where to watch: TBC
Kizumonogatari
Another anime film about vampires, Kizumonogatari is due to be released in 2024. Violent and visceral, one viewer described it as ‘ugly, incomplete, and ostentatiously beautiful’.
A compilation of three previous films, the new release brings the trilogy together. The film revolves around the relationship between protagonist Koyomi Araragi and the alluring vampire Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade. Expect repeated dismemberment.
Release date: January 12th, 2024
Where to watch: TBC
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
Part of the iconic Gundam franchise, this film has been in development since 2006. The film was postponed due to the main writer’s death, but is now due to arrive in early 2024.
The film is set in the Cosmic Era, where humans are split into Coordinators and Naturals – those genetically modified and born naturally. The film features the Destiny Plan, an assigning of roles to individuals, which is rejected in favour of humanity’s future freedom.
Release date: January 26th, 2024
Where to watch: TBC
Ōmuro-ke: Dear Sisters & Dear Friends
A spin-off of the popular YuriYuri series, this duo of animated films will focus on side characters. YuriYuri is about the daily lives of a group of girls and the Amusement Club.
These new films bring a fresh perspective to the series, focusing on a character from the school council rather than the Amusement Club. The spin-off films will feature the familiar Sakurako and her two sisters, each with their own problems and personalities.
Release date: February 2nd, 2024
Where to watch: Japanese theatres
Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Five Guiding Stars
If you’ve read our guide to the best manga of all time, you’ll know about tiny crime-solver Detective Conan and the Case Closed series. It’s a great read for fans of suspense.
The popular franchise has already released 26 films, with this one focusing on an attempt to steal a ‘big jewel’ worth a million dollars. The manga first appeared in 1994, followed by a successful anime in 1996. A perfect watch for fans of Sherlock Holmes and the like.
Release date: April 12th, 2024
Where to watch: Japanese theatres
Trapezium
Based on a novel written by a former idol, Trapezium digs below the surface glamour of the industry to show the struggles involved. It’s a coming-of-age story about an aspiring idol.
Trapezium is due in Japanese cinemas in May 2024, promising a rich story that shows both the highs and lows of the idol industry, told by a former member of Nogizaka46. Expect fantastic visuals and a stand-out plot that puts it above the usual idol-centred anime.
Release date: May 2024
Where to watch: Japanese theatres
Anime Movies That Came Out in 2023
Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King
One of Netflix’s most anticipated anime movies coming out in 2023 was Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King. It was based on the Black Clover anime series that gained a big following and ended in 2021, after four seasons.
Directed by Ayataka Tanemura and written by Johnny Otoda and Ai Orii, this original movie sees four banished Wizard Kings return to crush the Clover Kingdom. It is voice acted by Gakuto Kajiwara, Nobunag Shimazaki, Toshihiko Seki and others.
Release date: March 31st, 2023 (Japan)
Where to watch: Netflix
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, otherwise known as Hamefura for short, is a Japanese light novel series that has been adapted into a film. It was released in December 2023.
This popular series features Catarina Claes, a young woman who, after a head injury, realises she has been reborn into a game called Fortune Lover, and is now the game’s villain. The decisions and measures she has to take as a result of this form the basis of the story.
Release date: December 8th, 2023 (Japan)
Where to watch: Theatres
Digimon Adventure 02 The Beginning
One more anime movie that came out in 2023 is Digimon Adventure 02 The Beginning. Announced in DigiFes in 2021, it features voice actors Fukujuro Katayama, Junko Noda, Ayaka Asai and Koichi Tochika.
The plot surrounds the adventures of protagonist Davis Motomiya, who spots a huge Digi-Egg while making ramen, and then meets a person who claims to be the first Digimon partner.
Release date: 27th October, 2023 (Japan)
Where to watch: Disney+
Gridman Universe
It was announced in early summer 2022 that Gridman Universe will be gaining a new theatrical animation film of the same name. This opened early in 2023. Featuring returning cast members from both the SSSS.Gridman and SSSS.Dynazenon anime series, this film stars Hikaru Midorikawa as Gridman, Yuya Hirose as Yuta Hibiki and Yume Miyamoto as Rikka Takarada.
Directed by Akira Amemiya at Studio Trigger, the movie was released in spring 2023.
Release date: 24th March, 2023 (Japan)
Where to watch: JustWatch
Psycho-Pass Providence
Psycho-Pass Providence, which was released in 2023, is a sequel to 2020’s Psycho-Pass 3: First Inspector. The original TV series of Psycho-Pass was highly acclaimed and numerous manga and novels have been published in association.
Forming part of the 10-year anniversary of Psycho-Pass, 2023’s film was again focused on Akane Tsunermori, a rookie inspector within a future dystopia where citizens are routinely scanned for likelihood of criminality.
Release date: 12th May, 2023 (Japan)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll (date TBC)
The Boy and the Heron
How do you live? (Kimi-tachi wa Dou Ikiru ka) is the latest film produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Based on the 1937 novel of the same name by Yoshino Genzaburo, this story is not narrating the book itself, rather its effect on the protagonist.
Pushed back further due to animation and Covid-related delays, the film was released to much acclaim in December 2023. A weird and wonderful story from Miyazaki.
Release date: 26th December, 2023 (UK)
Where to watch: Theatres
Sailor Moon Cosmos
A two-part action fantasy film from the wildly popular Sailor Moon franchise, the film features Sailor Moon and her friends in a new adventure. The familiar team of planet-named magical girls team up with a new team to defeat a new enemy – an empire built by Sailor Galaxia.
The films are available on DVD, but are not yet available on Netflix or similar streaming services. Featuring the story’s final arc, Galaxia is a formidable villain to overcome.
Release date: 9th and 30th June, 2023
Where to watch: TBC
Komada: A Whisky Family
Billed as a ‘lovingly blended story of whisky and family’, this film sees a family try to revive their signature whisky, which they had to stop making due to their financial difficulties.
The anime film features the family distillery, taken over by protagonist Rui Komada after the death of her father. Facing broken family bonds and a natural disaster, the original film sees Rui try to bring the family together by trying to recreate the old family whisky recipe.
Release date: 10th November, 2023
Where to watch: TBC
Spy × Family Code: White
Based on the manga Spy x Family (and accompanying anime series), this new film sees the characters in a new adventure. The premise of Spy x Family is a spy having to ‘build a family’ for a mission, not knowing his daughter is a telepath and his wife an assassin.
The movie is a good way to get into the acclaimed series, combining the comedy and classic spy thriller genres. It starts with the father trying to help his daughter win a cooking contest.
Release date: 22nd December, 2023
The last word on anime movies coming out in 2023/2024
We hope you’ve enjoyed our comprehensive list of anime movies coming out in 2023/2024. And while you’re waiting for that film you’ve been dying to see to finally hit the big or small screen, why not have a look through our guides to anime culture?
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About the Author
Brian McDonough is a consultant at Interac, Japan’s largest provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). Originally from the US, Brian has lived in Japan for over 25 years, giving him a unique perspective on the cultural differences and challenges people face when moving to Japan. He has first-hand experience of working in Japan as an American.