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The year 2020 is drawing to a close, and most will say that it’s been an extremely wild ride. Between the pandemic and hectic holiday season, it is almost a relief to be leaving 2020 behind. Unfortunately, many things have been delayed entertainment-wise due to the pandemic, including upcoming anime films. It looks like the wait is finally over, though, as anime fans will be gifted with a slew of new, soon-to-be-released anime films/sequels that fandoms can’t help but be excited for. Here are five upcoming anime films/sequels that will be coming to Japanese theaters in 2021.
Yuri!!! On Ice The Movie: Ice Adolescence
The acclaimed anime series Yuri!!! on Ice made an impact when it came on the scene back in 2016. The series follows the figure skater Yuri Katsuki who struggles with confidence in his abilities as a skater. With the help of world-renowned figure skater and idol Victor Nikiforov, Yuri climbs the ranks through various competitions and faces many fierce contestants along the way. The anime was a hit, and fans have been patiently waiting for the rumored sequel, as well as a confirmed feature film.
Yuri!!! on Ice: Ice Adolescence was initially planned to be released in theaters back in 2019 but was said to be delayed so that it could be made in its finest quality, according to producers. In late November, MAPPA dropped a brief teaser trailer, exciting fans who have been waiting with anticipation. It isn’t clear what the film will be about just yet, as the short teaser is pretty vague, but fans are speculating that they will get a glimpse of Victor during his skating career before he became a renowned champion and Yuri’s coach.
- Genre: Sports/Comedy/Romantic Comedy
- Release Date: TBA
My Hero Academia: The Movie
Popular anime My Hero Academia is at its peak as it hits nearly 300 chapters in the manga. The series follows a young Izuku Midoriya (also known as Deku) and his story of how he became the world’s greatest hero. In late November, a teaser image was shared on creator Kohei Horikoshi’s Twitter account with vague context, which baffled and excited fans. It was then announced that a third My Hero Academia film was set to be released in the summer of 2021. Shortly after, fans were also gifted with the announcement of the anime’s fifth season set for the spring of 2021.
Though a trailer hasn’t been dropped for the film yet (nor an official title), a quote from the teaser image reads “he will meet the three musketeers,” (( Kohei Horikoshi )) which leaves fans already speculating what the film may consist of. According to the teaser image, the film looks like it may follow Class 1-A students Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugou, and Shouto Todoroki as they intern together under pro-hero Endeavor at his agency.
- Genre: Superhero/Shounen
- Release Date: Summer 2021 (exact date TBA)
Gintama: The Final
A fan-favorite among the anime community, Gintama is known for its creative and bizarre twist on both period and science fiction genres. During the late Edo period, Gintama follows freelancer and samurai Gintoki Sakata and his friends as they do various odd jobs to pay the bills after aliens invade the earth. Getting into ridiculous antics on nearly every job, fans watch as the trio does what they can to survive in an alien dominated world.
Hinted at by the trailer, Gintama: The Final looks like it may be the film that wraps up the long-running series. The film was planned to adapt the final two volumes of the manga, with some rumored changes to the story. This also picks up where season 10 of the anime left, following the trio during the events of the Silver Soul arc. The film is set to be released in theaters in January 2021.
- Genre: Shounen/Comedy/Sci-fi
- Release Date: January 8th, 2021
Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time
An iconic series that graced the mecha anime world in the mid-nineties, Neon Genesis Evangelion has stood the test of time as a cult classic among fans. Known for its memorable characters, dark undertones, and in-depth storytelling, Evangelion has captivated fans since its early run and continues to do so today.
The story follows high school student Shinji Ikari in a dystopian Tokyo. He is chosen to pilot the giant robot Evangelion to ward off the destruction of the earth lead by monstrous beings called the Angels. Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time is the fourth film installment of the series and is also rumored to be the last.
Though initially set to be released in June 2020, the covid-19 pandemic has delayed production, causing the film to be pushed back for release until 2021. Not much has been said about the film, as producers are keeping a tight lid on what’s to come. From what was seen in a brief teaser trailer released back in 2019, the film seems to take place after the events of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo and is set to be released in theaters in January of 2021.
- Genre: Mecha/Dystopian/Psychological Drama
- Release Date: January 23rd, 2021
Sailor Moon Eternal, Parts 1 & 2
A classic anime that set the foundation for the magical girl genre, Sailor Moon has stood the test of time when it comes to its loyal fanbase. Sailor Moon follows fourteen-year-old Usagi Tsukino and her friends as they protect the world from the galactic forces of evil by transforming into pretty superheroes in sailor suits. In 2016, a reboot of the anime was released by the name of Sailor Moon Crystal, which follows the plotline of the original manga more closely. The anime was a hit with fans of all ages and is now set to release two brand new films.
Sailor Moon Eternal is a two-part film that follows Usagi, Mamoru, Chibiusa, and the rest of the sailor scouts during the events of the Dream arc and is supposed to also act as a “fourth season” to Sailor Moon Crystal, according to producers. The sailor scouts must fight against intergalactic villains known as The Dead Moon Circus, whose plot is to steal the legendary Golden Crystal and take over the world. Part one was originally set for release in September 2020 but was pushed back due to the covid-19 pandemic. Sailor Moon Eternal: Part One is set to hit theaters in January 2021, while the second part will follow in February 2021.
- Genre: Magical Girl/Shoujo
- Release Date: January 8th, 2021 (Part 1), February 11th, 2021 (Part 2)
Here’s To 2021
Despite the delay and pushbacks due to the pandemic of 2020, it looks like fans will finally be able to enjoy quite a handful of anticipated anime films and sequels come 2021. English-speaking fans can also stand by for any announcements regarding theater release dates in North America, as well as information on simulcasting and simul-dubbing, pandemic permitting.
Though it might have been a little disheartening at first, the delays could be looked at as a good thing in a way, as avid anime fans will be getting treated with several anime films the entire year.