There’s a lot to look forward to this new year in terms of all the new things scheduled for release in the coming months—and that includes tons of Japanese animated movies! So better mark your calendars because these films are gonna be making their way to the big screen soon.
17. Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween
“Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween” will be the franchise’s 25th movie that’s slated for release this April. Not much is known yet about this new film as the teaser trailer it dropped hardly gave anything away, but it did hint at a big confrontation between Conan and PSB investigator Rei Furuya.
Release date: April 15, 2022
16. The Deer King: The Promised Journey With Yuna
“The Deer King” is an adaptation of the Japanese fantasy novel that was first published in 2014 before being adapted into a manga in 2021. The story revolves around Van, an enslaved former soldier who survives a mysterious disease that invades their world, Yuna, a young girl he picks up, and Hossal, a genius doctor searching for a cure to the mysterious disease.
Release date: February 4, 2022
15. Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars
If you’re familiar with the title of this Doraemon film, there’s a good reason for that; this is actually a remake of the original feature-length movie that was released in 1985! “Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars” is a parody of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” franchise that follows Nobita and Doraemon joining forces to shoot their own space-themed movie after Nobita gets kicked out of Gian and Suneo’s project.
Release date: March 4, 2022
14. Free! Final Stroke – Part 2
After premiering in Japan last September 2021, “Free! Final Stroke” will be releasing its part 2 this coming April which also serves as the final goodbye of the franchise to its loyal fans over the years. Better get your tissues ready when this movie drops!
Release date: April 22, 2022
13. Goodbye, DonGlees!
This coming-of-age movie follows a trio of boys who embark on a journey to recover a lost drone which includes proof of their innocence after they are wrongfully blamed for a forest fire. This event changes their lives in more ways than one, however, as their unusual summer vacation suddenly transports them to Iceland.
Release date: February 18, 2022
12. Inu-Oh
This animated film set in 14th Century Japan revolves around the friendship between Inu-Oh, a dancer born with unique physical characteristics, and Tomona, a blind musician, both of whom are ostracized by society for their physical differences. Despite this, the two attempt to attain stardom with their artistic and musical abilities. “Inu-Oh” premiered in 2021 as part of the 78th Venice International Film Festival lineup but will have a theatrical release this summer!
Release date: Summer 2022
11. The Imaginary
“The Imaginary” is based on a novel of the same title written by A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett to be produced by Studio Ponoc, a company that was founded by several former employees of the reputable Studio Ghibli. According to the synopsis of the source material, “The Imaginary” is about Rudger, a boy created as an imaginary friend by a young human girl named Amanda. But his existence is soon threatened when the evil Mr. Bunting arrives, someone who hunts Imaginaries and eats them up. Rudger, along with other Imaginaries, run for their lives in their Imaginary world before they are caught by Mr. Bunting and effectively become forgotten forever.
Release date: Summer 2022
10. Laid-Back Camp Movie
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映画『ゆるキャン△』
2022年初夏全国ロードショー！
＼
シリーズ最新作の映画『ゆるキャン△』が2022年初夏に公開されます！
さらに本作の世界観が垣間見えるティザービジュアルが公開!!
スクリーンの中で、どのような5人が描かれるのかお楽しみに！https://t.co/9PTFFsvnER#ゆるキャン pic.twitter.com/DXRR6lkRyL— アニメ『ゆるキャン△』シリーズ公式 (@yurucamp_anime) October 9, 2021
The popular anime series “Laid-Back Camp” is getting a movie which will pick up where the first two seasons left off! For those who haven’t heard of this cozy story, it follows two high school girls who form a friendship during a trip to Mount Fuji. Having bonded over their love of camping, the two form a club with friends with whom they travel to campsites across the country. The upcoming film will be set in the picturesque Japanese Alps.
Release date: Summer 2022
9. Isekai Quartet: Another World
“Isekai Quartet” is a Japanese anime series that is a chibi-style crossover between five well-loved series: “KonoSuba,” “Overlord,” “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World,” “Saga of Tanya the Evil,” and “The Rising of the Shield Hero.” This will be its first theatrical production.
Release date: 2022
8. The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie
After the second season premiere last year, “The Quintessential Quintuplets” will be releasing a feature-length film which is also set to be the finale of the anime franchise. The story of the anime follows Uesugi Fuutarou, a high school second-year student from a poor family, who becomes a part-time tutor for girls from his own class who are also quintuplets.
Release date: May 20, 2022
7. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Movie
A new film for this anime franchise is on the way, much to the delight of fans everywhere! Details are still scarce, however, including when the story takes place and if it will continue the main story (or if it will have an original plot). We just have to wait to find out!
Release date: Fall 2022
6. Dragon Ball Super – Superhero
“Dragon Ball” fans: the wait will soon be over! The new film will be premiering in just a few of months from now and is ready to blow us away with its awesome action scenes and fighting sequences, all of which will incorporate CGI to showcase the inhuman speed and skill of the characters. Not much else is known about the movie other than that the Red Ribbon Army will be a part of it.
Release date: April 22, 2022
5. One Piece Film: Red
ONE PIECE FILM RED Promotional Pages in Issue #5/6. pic.twitter.com/ufNPcxxXn6
— Shonen Jump News – Unofficial (@WSJ_manga) January 3, 2022
This film was first announced a couple of months ago during the commemoration of the franchise’s 1,000th episode release and is already highly-anticipated by fans everywhere. As revealed by the teaser trailer, “One Piece Film: Red” will involve Shanks and a new female character whom the Straw Hat Pirates meet as they participate in a music festival on a certain island.
Release date: August 6, 2022
4. Fruits Basket: Prelude
This spin-off prequel movie will finally give fans a chance to understand the backstory of protagonist Tohru Honda’s parents, Kyoko and Katsuya, with a story of how they first met, fell in love, and gave birth to Tohru.
Release date: February 18, 2022
3. SLAM DUNK
「ただ、負けたくなかった。」
公式サイトを更新しました！https://t.co/drhogRm4Re#SLAMDUNK #SLAMDUNKMOVIE pic.twitter.com/baO2bRCIjs
— 映画『SLAM DUNK』(タイトル未定)公式 (@movie_slamdunk) December 18, 2021
Here’s the movie that everyone who grew up watching it is waiting for. “SLAM DUNK” is making a comeback with a film set for release this Fall with original creator Takahiko Inoue returning to helm the project. So exciting!
Release date: Fall 2022
2. Suzume no Tojimari
In case you haven’t heard, “Your Name” director Makoto Shinkai is creating a new film that’s guaranteed to touch our hearts once more. “Suzume no Tojimari,” or “Suzume Locking Up The Doors,” follows the story of a 17-year-old girl named Suzume who lives in a quiet town in Kyushu. Her ordinary life then changes one day when she meets a young traveler in search of a door. She follows the man into the mountains and finds the door which eventually thrusts her into one big mysterious journey.
Release date: Fall 2022
1. Bubble
Netflix’s new original anime show “Bubble” will take viewers on a magical ride filled with fantasy and romance. According to the official synopsis, “The story is set in Tokyo, after bubbles that broke the laws of gravity rained down upon the world. Cut off from the outside world, Tokyo has become a playground for a group of young people who have lost their families, acting as a battlefield for parkour team battles as they leap from building to building. Hibiki, a young ace known for his dangerous play style, makes a reckless move one day and plummets into the gravity-bending sea. His life is saved by Uta, a girl with mysterious powers who appears suddenly. The pair then hear a unique sound audible only to them. Why did Uta appear before Hibiki? Their encounter leads to a revelation that will change the world.”
Release date: April 28, 2022
(ALSO READ: Makoto Shinkai Has a New Movie Coming, and We’re Already Crying)
Which anime movie are you most excited to watch this year? Sound off in the comments below!
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