Anime fans have been crazy about shows like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Hell’s Paradise lately. But in 2024, it looks like anime movies are going to steal the spotlight.
This is because a bunch of popular series are being turned into movies. Some big names coming up include My Hero Academia 4, Haikyu!! Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie Walpurgisnacht: Rising.
Watching anime series is awesome, especially for binge watchers. But these movies offer something special you get to finish a whole anime story in just one go.
Plus, they expand the anime worlds with cool sequels. These sequels are made to be their own stories that you can enjoy on their own, but they also add to the bigger picture of the whole series.
If you’re excited about seeing your favorite anime series on the big screen or diving into a whole new story filled with romance or horror, here are the top upcoming anime movies to keep an eye out for in 2024.
1) Maboroshi
Maboroshi follows the tale of Masamune Kikuiri, a 14-year-old boy who finds himself trapped in a town following a steelworks explosion.
His encounter with two enigmatic individuals, Mutsumi Sagami and the silent and wild Itsumi, sparks a series of events that shake up the world’s balance.
Directed and written by Mari Okada, Maboroshi also known as Alice and Therese’s Illusory Factory, is an original anime movie created by studio MAPPA.
It first premiered in Japanese cinemas on September 15, 2023, and is now getting ready for a worldwide streaming release.
2) Haikyu!! Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump
Haikyu!! The Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump gets its title from the 294th chapter of the original manga series, which highlights the epic showdown between Karasuno High School’s team and Nekoma’s.
In the fourth season of the anime series, we followed Karasuno’s journey to the Nationals. The team fought hard and made it to the third round, defeating the tough Inarizaki team along the way.
Now, the movie will continue from this point to show the much-anticipated clash between Karasuno and Nekoma.
But that’s not all the film will also delve into Fukurodani’s storyline and explore more of Bakuto’s arc. Fans can look forward to an exciting continuation of the anime series’ intense volleyball battles and character developments.
3) Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction” is the upcoming two-part anime film adaptation, directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa, set to be released in March and April of 2024.
This story is based on the manga created by Inio Asano. The plot starts three years before the main events, when a massive spaceship appears over Tokyo, sparking a conflict with seemingly harmless aliens.
This event stirs debates on pacifism and creates controversy. However, amidst all this chaos, high schoolers Koyama Kadode and Nakagawa Ouran remain unchanged, living their lives as if untouched by the alien presence.
But the heart of this story isn’t just about the alien invasion. Instead, it delves deep into the core of human behavior, the conversations we have, the journey to adulthood, and the complicated nature of life itself.
Through the lens of these characters, the film explores themes of maturity, relationships, and the complexities of navigating the world around them.
4) Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Signpost
Following the success of the 2023 movie “Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine,” “Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Signpost” marks the 27th installment in the beloved Detective Conan movie series.
This time, the film shines a spotlight not just on the main character Conan, but also on two important figures in the series: Kaito Kid and Heiji Hattori.
According to the anime’s official website, “In Hakodate, Hokkaido, a mysterious announcement arrives from Kaito Kid at the repository of the Onoe Zaibatsu.
This time, Kid has set his sights on a Japanese sword linked to Toshizo Hijikata, the vice commander of the Shinsengumi during the end of the Edo period.
As Kid goes after the Big Jewel, the question arises: what’s the reason behind his pursuit of this sword? Meanwhile, the famous detective from the west, Heiji Hattori, along with Conan and others, travels to Hakodate for a kendo tournament.
On the day of the planned crime, Heiji manages to reveal Kid’s disguise and corners him. At the same time, a lifeless body with a cross-shaped cut is found in Hakodate’s warehouse district.
This latest Detective Conan movie promises a thrilling adventure filled with mystery, suspense, and the clever maneuvers of Kaito Kid, Heiji Hattori, and of course, Conan himself.
Fans can expect a captivating story that weaves together the worlds of these beloved characters in an exciting new case.
5) Bocchi the Rock! Film
Bocchi the Rock, the anime series that stole the hearts of audiences, is making a return with a special project a two-part movie.
These films will revisit and relive the most memorable moments from the TV anime’s first season, giving fans a chance to immerse themselves in the magic once again.
For those unfamiliar with the anime, it follows the story of Hitori Gotō, a girl who struggles with intense anxiety and social awkwardness.
Despite her challenges, she dreams of becoming a rock musician. Her chance comes when she is invited to join Nijika Ijichi’s newly formed Kessoku Band.
The upcoming movies promise to bring back the charm, humor, and heartfelt moments that made “Bocchi the Rock” a hit among fans.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, get ready for an emotional and musical journey with Hitori and the rest of the Kessoku Band.
6) Trapezium
Trapezium is a Japanese novel written by Kazumi Takayama, a former member of the Japanese female idol group Nogizaka46. Now, an anime film adaptation, produced by CloverWorks, is set to premiere in May, directed by Masahiro Shinohara.
The story revolves around Yu Higashi, a girl with a strong desire to become an idol. During her high school years, she sets strict rules for herself.
She decides not to use social media, avoids getting into romantic relationships, tries not to stand out at school, and aims to make friends with girls from different places.
Her unwavering pursuit of this dream leads her through a unique high school journey, shaping her path in unexpected ways.
The upcoming anime film promises to delve into Yu Higashi’s determination, challenges, and the twists and turns of her high school life as she chases her dream of becoming an idol.
7) My Hero Academia 4
Exciting news about the upcoming fourth anime film of My Hero Academia was revealed at the Jump Festa 2024 stage.
The film will bring fans an original storyline crafted by the author Kohei Horikoshi himself, who will also supervise character designs and oversee the movie.
Horikoshi made it clear that the events in the film will fit into the timeline of the My Hero Academia anime series. He explained, “Once again, the story will follow the timeline from the TV anime.
This time, the setting will be the society that we saw collapse in the anime. My Hero Academia tells the story of Izuku, a boy with a big dream of becoming a hero.
This dream is ambitious for a kid without any superpowers, especially in a world where 80 percent of the population has various super-powered “quirks”.
Izuku belongs to the small minority born without any abilities. However, this doesn’t deter him from aiming for admission into one of the world’s most prestigious hero academies.
8) Fureru
The team behind the beloved Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day has exciting plans for an original movie titled Fureru, set to premiere in 2024.
This upcoming drama film will blend elements of slice-of-life and fantasy and is directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai. The screenplay is penned by Mari Okada, renowned for her screenwriting skills.
Their previous collaboration brought us the 2019 film Her Blue Sky, which painted a beautiful picture of a rural setting intertwined with surreal elements, focusing on a group of young characters.
Fureru is expected to follow a similar path, creating anticipation for the touching story it is set to tell. However, specific plot details about the film have not yet been revealed.
Fans of “Anohana” and “Her Blue Sky” can look forward to another heartfelt and captivating film from this talented team, as “Fureru” promises to deliver a unique blend of emotions, fantasy, and slice-of-life elements.
9) Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie – Walpurgisnacht: Rising
Puella Magi Madoka Magica has gained a worldwide reputation as a dark fantasy anime series. On the 10th anniversary of the franchise, the upcoming film Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie Walpurgisnacht: Rising was announced, with Akiyuki Shinbo as the chief director and Yukihiro Miyamoto as the director.
The series revolves around a group of young women who are offered the opportunity to become magical girls by a mysterious creature named Kyubey.
In exchange for a single wish, they gain magical powers and the duty to battle witches and other supernatural threats that endanger humanity.
However, they soon come face to face with the grim and harsh reality of wielding such powers. Fans of Puella Magi Madoka Magica can anticipate another dive into its dark and compelling world with this upcoming film.
With Akiyuki Shinbo and Yukihiro Miyamoto at the helm, Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie Walpurgisnacht: Rising promises to deliver another intense and captivating addition to the franchise.
10) Kimi no Iro
Kimi no Iro is hailed as one of the most anticipated anime films of 2024, directed by Naoko Yamada, known for her work on the K-On! series and the acclaimed 2016 film, A Silent Voice.
The screenplay for this film is crafted by Reiko Yoshida, renowned for her work on Violet Evergarden. The story follows a high school girl blessed with the ability to see people’s emotions as colors.
However, she often puts others’ emotions before her own and struggles to express her true feelings. The film delves into her challenges, her encounters with different individuals, and her journey towards discovering hope amidst these struggles.
Fans can expect a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film from the collaboration of Naoko Yamada and Reiko Yoshida.
Kimi no Iro promises to be a poignant exploration of emotions, relationships, and the journey towards self-discovery.
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Artist is gesogeso / Ichiren Takushou