While the entire internet is guessing what Hayao Miyazaki's new film will be about, the anime industry is preparing a whole wave of other premieres — and in scale they are in no way inferior to Ghibli. Ufotable, MAPPA competitors, and the creator of 'Your Name' are simultaneously preparing films that will rake in billions of yen in theaters in 2026 and 2027. We've gathered the 5 most high-profile projects that are definitely worth putting on your calendar.
New Makoto Shinkai Film: Space Instead of Cities
The author of 'Your Name' has officially confirmed work on his eighth feature film — and, according to rumors, it will be a 180-degree turn from his usual stories about teenagers and disasters in modern Japan. The new film will tell an ambitious science fiction story about humanity venturing into the depths of space. The release is tentatively scheduled for late 2026 to early 2027, although the official date has not yet been announced.
Given that Makoto Shinkai's films usually have 3–4 years between them, and he only makes an announcement when he is confident in the project, a flop is not to be expected — especially since, in honor of its 10th anniversary, 'Your Name' itself is returning to theaters.
'Demon Slayer': Finale of the 'Infinite Castle' Trilogy
The first part of 'Infinite Castle' has already become one of the highest-grossing Japanese films in history, and the second part of the trilogy is officially in production and, according to the head of Crunchyroll, is 'actively being filmed.' According to rumors, Ufotable has planned the release several years ahead: Part 2 will be released in 2027, and the final Part 3 only in 2029.
So if you've already rewatched the first part on streaming, don't relax too early — the finale of Tanjiro's story is still far away.
'Solo Leveling: Beyond the System' — A Sequel Film to the Crunchyroll Hit
At Anime Expo 2026, 'Solo Leveling: Beyond the System' was officially announced — a feature film that will be a direct continuation of the second season, 'Arise from the Shadows'. The studio has not yet revealed either the premiere date or plot details, limiting itself to a teaser visual and the English title, but according to some insiders, the release is expected in 2027 in Japan.
For the 'Solo Leveling' franchise, which has become one of the main anime phenomena of recent years, this is a logical step: the series has clearly outgrown the format of television seasons.
'Haikyu!!': The Final Battle of Hinata and Hoshiumi on the Big Screen
The volleyball franchise is concluding its story with a duology of feature films — and the second part, 'Haikyu!! vs. The Little Giant', will be released in Japanese theaters in 2027. The plot will focus on the quarterfinal match between Karasuno and Komomedai, where the two 'Little Giants' — Shoyo Hinata and Korai Hoshiumi — will finally meet.
In parallel, an animated special episode, 'Haikyuu!! Bakemono-tachi no Iku Tokoro', is being prepared, dedicated to the match between Fukurodani and Mujinazaka — so for fans of sports drama, 2027 promises to be eventful.
'The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes' — A Film Based on the Hit About the Secret Powerhouse
Completing the selection is a less obvious but highly anticipated project: the sequel film to 'The Eminence in Shadow'/'Cardinal of Shadows', announced back in 2023, has received a teaser with a release date — 2027. 'Lost Echoes' will be a direct continuation of the second season, with animation again handled by studio Nexus, and a new heroine voiced by Yukari Tamura has been added to the project.
Given the cult status of the series about Cid Kagenou, who wants to appear as a cool secret villain, the film has every chance of filling theaters even without a big-name director of Shinkai's level.
As you can see, 2026 and 2027 promise to be among the most eventful years for anime in theaters in the last decade — and Miyazaki will find himself in very solid company.
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