The Rise of Anime Movie Franchises: Sequels, Spin-Offs, and Cinematic Universes

The success of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2020), which became Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time, proved that anime movies are no longer standalone projects—they’re expanding into full-fledged franchises. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021) and Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters (2023) followed suit, turning TV series into blockbuster cinematic events. Even classic franchises like Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) and One Piece Film: Red (2022) are thriving decades after their debut, thanks to loyal fanbases and strategic multimedia tie-ins.

This trend mirrors Hollywood’s obsession with cinematic universes, but anime offers a unique advantage: deep source material. Manga adaptations like Chainsaw Man: The Movie (rumored for 2025) and My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024) already have built-in audiences, reducing financial risks. Meanwhile, original films like Suzume (2022) and Blue Giant (2023) demonstrate that standalone stories can still succeed if they offer fresh visuals and compelling narratives. However, critics warn that franchise fatigue could set in if studios prioritize profit over creativity.

The next phase of anime franchises may involve crossovers—imagine Studio Trigger and Bones collaborating on a mecha epic—or interactive experiences like Bandai Namco’s AR-enhanced screenings. As production committees invest bigger budgets into anime films, the challenge will be balancing fan service with innovation.