Tokyo। After a record-breaking 2025 for anime films, the industry is already preparing for what could become the biggest theatrical showdown in anime history. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continues to dominate cinemas worldwide, rewriting box office records and elevating anime movies into a global mainstream phenomenon. But 2026 may see a dramatic shift — with “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” positioned to become the next major theatrical sensation.
Industry analysts and fans alike believe that the upcoming film “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea” has the potential to dethrone Demon Slayer as the anime film of the year in 2026.
A New Contender Arrives
The movie is scheduled for release in Japan on February 27, 2026, with Crunchyroll confirming a global theatrical rollout shortly afterward. It will be the second film in the franchise, following 2022’s “Scarlet Bond.”
Isekai fans have long wanted to see their genre enter the global spotlight — and many believe this film will be the moment.
How Demon Slayer Changed the Game
Long before Slime’s big moment arrives, Demon Slayer has reshaped the anime filmmaking industry. With Infinity Castle, the franchise solidified the model of adapting key story arcs directly into cinematic releases rather than standard television seasons. International screenings, coordinated release windows, and enormous promotional campaigns have proven immensely successful.
Infinity Castle is now the highest-grossing Japanese film ever, while Chainsaw Man: The Movie — Reze Arc is following closely behind, proving the increasing worldwide appetite for theatrically released anime.
Now, analysts say the stage is set for an isekai franchise to take the crown — and Slime is the strongest candidate.
Why “Slime” Could Become Anime’s Next Global Blockbuster
Unlike countless isekai titles that follow predictable formulas, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime stands out for its layered storytelling and expansive world-building. The franchise has earned praise for:
✔ A rich political and socioeconomic narrative
✔ Complex character development beyond the protagonist
✔ An interconnected world with side stories that matter
✔ Avoiding cliché harem tropes for deeper emotional writing
While protagonist Rimuru Tempest is undeniably powerful, the appeal of the story extends far beyond his abilities — creating a compelling fantasy universe that viewers feel genuinely invested in.
With its dedicated fanbase spanning both Japan and Western markets, the 2026 movie is expected to benefit significantly from international demand.
2026: A New Era for Anime Movies?
If Tears of the Azure Sea succeeds as expected, it could spark a new wave of theatrical isekai releases — much like Demon Slayer did for action-drama anime movies. The anticipation within fan communities is already high, and box office projections are unusually strong months ahead of release.
Whether or not the film surpasses Infinity Castle, one thing is already clear:
2026 is shaping up to be another historic year for anime in global cinema.