2024 is not just the best year for anime shows but also a great year for anime films. Even though we have not yet reached the middle of this year, we have already seen a bunch of hits at the box office, such as Detective Conan, Haikyu, and Gundam Seed. However, there are more upcoming anime movies in 2024 that are yet to be released, which will also be great to watch. No matter what your taste is, you will find a bunch of choices in this list of the 15 best anime movies in theatres in 2024. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the list and pick your favorite one.
Also Read: 5 Saddest Anime Movies On Netflix
15 Must-See Anime Movies in Theatres for 2024
15. Look Back
Let’s start with Look Back, one of the most awaited upcoming anime movies 2024. It is quite obvious why it’s so anticipated. After all, it comes directly from the hand of Tatsumiki Fujimoto, one of our favorite manga artists who created Chainsaw Man.
It depicts a new-age story centered on two female artists with extraordinary manga drawing skills. At first, they shared a rivalry, trying to beat each other, but ended up becoming close friends. From that point forward, they collaborated on numerous artworks, living their dream until a tragic event occurred.
Due to its extremely emotional storytelling and detailed artwork, Look Back has become a must-watch pick for anime enthusiasts.
14. Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
After receiving praise and positive reviews for the first part, Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction is releasing its second part soon. This part still follows Koyama Kadode and Nakagawa Ouran, who try their best to continue their normal lives.
Even though they don’t care about the aliens’s invasion, the countdown to Earth’s destruction will begin in Part 2. Moreover, the creator also confirms that the movie will have an original ending.
This is something that fans do not want to miss. Whether you are looking for a unique plot or a captivating dystopian world, this movie is an ideal pick for you.
13. My Oni Girl
Being produced by Netflix, My Oni Girl has already proven its worthiness and why anime fans should watch it. This fantasy anime film follows the story of Hiragi Yatsuse. He is a high school boy who tried to make friends but always failed.
However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a beautiful demon girl, Tsumugi, and finally finds his very first friend. In order to help his only friend, he immediately joins her in a thrilling adventure to find Tsumugi’s mother.
If you enjoy exploring adventure and original stories, then My Oni Girl is a great pick from all the new original anime movies coming this year.
12. Mononoke: Karakasa
As a spin-off of “Ayakashi,” a popular series, Mononoke: Karakasa emerges as one of the best anime movies in theatres. The series is set in a world where humanity is in danger due to Mononoke, an evil spirit. It follows a medicine seller who moves from one place to another, slashing and exorcising Mononoke.
He is not just capable of slashing them but also has skills at calming them and even saving them sometimes. It seems like he is hiding something significant about Mononoke and might share a strong backstory with them.
The movie is garnering considerable appreciation from both the anime community and the anime industry, even before its release. This is solely due to its aesthetic animation style and beautiful theme songs, such as “Love Sick.”
11. Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: Final Chapter
This is one of the best upcoming anime movies 2024, especially for music and idol lovers. The movie is a continuation of the anime series and will be a three-part movie trilogy. It will mainly focus on an ultimate event in which all the club members participate individually to win the title of “Most Promising School Idol Right Now.”
You have already explored their team performances; now it’s time to experience their individual performances. Foremost, it will feature emotionally resonant songs, just like they did in their original series.
10. Uma Musume Pretty Derby: The Beginning of a New Era
There is no surprise to see this upcoming best anime movie 2024 so high on the list. After all, its game adaptation is the most successful new anime mobile game right now. The movie continues the journey of the Horse Girls and features their growing fame around the world.
Its unique concept of featuring Horse Girls—girls with horse’s ears and tails—grabs everyone’s attention. Fans found themselves too connected to these cute girls due to their immense beauty and hard work to win races. So, it is one of the best anime movies in theatres 2024, especially for fans of the franchise.
9. Crayon Shin-Chan: Our Dinosaur Diary
There would hardly be anyone in the anime community who has not heard of Shinchan or has not seen even an episode of it in their childhood. So, it’s quite obvious that they don’t want to miss this upcoming anime movie 2024. It will be the 31st film in the franchise and will feature a new character, which will be a pint-sized dinosaur.
The movie mainly focuses on the friendship between Shinchan’s pet dog, Shiro, and a dinosaur. Being a Shinchan lover, we all must watch this movie and take part in Shinchan’s new adventure, which is definitely filled with more humor.
8. My Hero Academia: You’re Next
Even though the 6th season has just ended and the 7th season is ongoing right now, My Hero Academia has more in store for you. They are about to release the 4th movie in the franchise, which seems like a big hit just because of its incredible trailer.
This upcoming new anime movie 2024 will take place after the Deku vs. Class 1 arc and will feature a new villain. This new villain is none other than a copy of All Might named Evil Might, who comes with a mysterious background and goal.
Now, it is very interesting to see how Deku and Class 1 will save the world from someone who looks exactly like their favorite hero.
7. Blue Lock: Episode Nagi
Blue Lock: Episode Nagi is already out and has successfully collected 3 million USD within 3 days of its release. Seeing their gross and positive reviews from the anime industry proves why you should watch it in theatres.
The movie focuses on the backstory of Seishiro Nagi, one of the best Blue Lock characters, and what makes him a soccer prodigy. From his inspiration to the story of joining the Blue Lock facility, you will get to explore every aspect of Nagi.
So, what are you waiting for? Just book your ticket for a theater near you and watch this thrilling soccer movie with captivating animation style.
6. Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture
Code Geass is all set to release their new film series this year, which is a continuation of their previous film, Resurrection. This film series will be released in 4 parts and introduce new main characters. Talking about its plot, the movie takes place in Year 7 of the Kowa Era.
It follows the journey of two mercenary brothers, Ash and Roze. They are the perfect combination of brain and brawn, in which Ash has strength and advanced piloting skills while Roze has keen intelligence and strategic skills.
You have to watch this one of the most-awaited anime movies in theatres to discover how they recapture Empress Sakuya from the hands of the Neo Britannian Empire.
5. Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony
Doraemon’s movies are something that not just children, but even adults, don’t want to miss. After all, it is a long-running kid’s show that we have all grown up watching. Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony is the 43rd film in the franchise.
It features a new girl named Mika, whom we will see for the first time. In this movie, Nobita, along with Doraemon, Mika, and friends, tries to save the Earth from a creepy species that erases music from existence. It beautifully showcases the importance of music in our lives, making it a must-watch film for music lovers.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom is the newest and highest-grossing film in the Gundam franchise, with a total collection of 18 million USD. The series follows the story one year after the events of Gundam Destiny. It gives us the best storyline and character development.
The movie is set in a world where two types of humans live together: coordinators and naturals. Coordinators are those who have superhuman physical and mental strength, while Naturals are ordinary humans with no power.
As a result, they clashed with each other and started a new war that brought chaos to the world. If you are a fan of its original series, then it is undoubtedly a must-watch film for you.
3. Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training
As we all know, Demon Slayer is the only anime movie in theatres to reach a gross collection of 500 million USD. That’s why fans never miss a single opportunity to watch anything from the franchise in theatres, whether it’s an anime film or a special episode.
Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training movie begins with a captivating reel featuring glimpses from all previous arcs of the anime adaptation. It consists of the last episode of season 3 and the first episode of season 4.
So, it is a great opportunity for fans to re-watch the emotional climax of season 3 on the big screen and enjoy its beautiful art style again.
2. Detective Conan: The Million Dollar-Pentagram
Detective Conan released their 27th installment, which is performing as well as their past films. By surpassing 54 million USD within 22 days of its release, it broke many box office records. The movie is a sequel to the previous movie and revolves around a new mysterious case.
In this case, Conan and Heiji will try to catch a notorious thief named Kaito before he steals the sword from a wealthy Japanese family. Similar to every crime case in Conan, this case is filled with so many thrills and mysteries. The movie is still on screen, so feel free to check it out.
1. Haikyu Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump
Just like Detective Conan, Haikyu’s new anime film also performed incredibly well at Japanese theatres. Even though it has yet to be released in international theaters, the movie has already surpassed 65 million USD. The movie picks up where the 4th anime season left off.
It focuses on the ‘Spring Tournament Third Round’ arc of its original source material. Karasuno High and Nekoma High face each other and try their best to win the 3rd round. Whether you are an avid fan of the franchise or a sports lover, you should definitely watch this one of the best anime movies in theatres 2024.
Final Notes
There we wrap up our list of the 15 best anime movies in theatres for 2024. We hope you found something to suit your taste. Stay tuned with us for more anime recommendations and the latest anime news.