With so many fantastic anime series coming out in 2022, it can be easy to overlook the fact that there are tons of awesome 2022 anime films debuting alongside them. From the ones that have already earned the title of best anime movies of 2022 to upcoming anime movies that look promising, this year is a goldmine. Break out the popcorn, because there's a lot to see.
If you love Jujutsu Kaisen, you should check out its prequel film, which first debuted in the USA in March 2022. Looking for something original? Then Makoto Shinkai's newest upcoming film, Suzume’s Door-Locking, might be right up your alley.
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- Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- MAPPA
Release Date: December 24th, 2021 (Japan) March 18th , 2022 (USA)
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel to the main series that is key to understanding the story as a whole, so if you're a JJK fan you shouldn't miss it. The story revolves around Yuta Okkotsu, a young man who is haunted by a Curse that was created when his childhood friend Rika Orimoto passed away. At first, Rika makes his life a living hell by attacking everyone who gets near him. But with some training at Jujutsu Tech, he's able to communicate with Rika and work with her. His increased control over his power is just what he needs to face Geto, an old friend of Gojo's who has something truly despicable in mind.
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- Belle
- Studio Chizu
Release Date: July 16, 2021 (Japan), January 14, 2022 (USA)
Directed by the legendary Mamoru Hosoda, this sci-fi take on Beauty & The Beast is one of the best anime films of the year. Ever since her mother passed away, Suzu has kept to herself. The one place where she feels truly free is a virtual world called “U.” There, she takes on the identity of a beautiful singer called Belle. One day while in U, she encounters the Beast, a reclusive figure who being hounded by self-appointed U officials. Suzu wants to learn more about him - online, and offline.
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- Suzume’s Door-Locking
- CoMix Wave Films
Release Date: November 11
Anything directed by Makoto Shinkai is worth paying attention to, so put Suzume’s Door-Locking on your to-watch list if you haven't already. 17-year-old Suzume's quiet life in Kyushu is disrupted when a traveling man shows up looking for a mysterious door. The door they find is old and weathered and seems to have been the only thing left after a great disaster. Soon more doors start popping up all over Japan. What's behind them could be earth-shattering.
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- Bubble
- Wit Studio
Release Date: April 28
A futuristic version of Tokyo has been cut off from the rest of the world by bubbles that destroy gravity. While this causes a lot of problems, it also provides a great space for team parkour. While engaged in this dangerous sport, a boy named Hibiki falls into the gravity-bending sea. He's rescued in the nick of time by a girl with strange powers. The two of them hear a sound that no one else can hear - a sound that will change their lives forever.
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- Drifting Home
- Studio Colorido
Release Date: September 16
Kousuke and Natsume were once close childhood friends, but in sixth grade their relationship becomes strained. Their friendship is put to the test when they visit the housing complex they grew up in that's about to be demolished. There, a strange phenomenon sends the two of them and several others drifting into a sea that seems to be part of another world. Can they ever return home? And what will happen to their friendship?
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The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes
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- The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes
- CLAP
Release Date: September 9
They say that if you walk through the Urashima Tunnel, you'll find the thing you want most in the world at the other end. But it doesn't come for free. To make your wish come true, you must sacrifice years of your life - and there's no telling exactly what the cost will be. When Kaoru Tono finds this tunnel, he thinks about walking through it with the intention of meeting with his sister Karen, who passed away in an accident. A transfer student named Anzu Hanaki agrees to help him - but it seems like she wants something in return.
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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bonds
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- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bonds
- 8bit
Release Date: November 2022
After traveling to a nearby land called Raja, Rimuru Tempest and his companions get dragged into a bizarre conspiracy surrounding the queen and her powers. Also, they encounter Hiiro, an ogre who survived their village's destruction and who might be Benimaru's brother.
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- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- Toei Animation
Release Date: June 11
Goku destroyed the Red Ribbon Army long ago, but there are still some who carry on its spirit. These people created Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, two extremely powerful Androids who call themselves “Super Heroes.” They go after Gohan and Piccolo, starting a new conflict that's likely to be just as intense and action-packed as previous Dragon Ball films.
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- One Piece Film: Red
- Toei Animation
Release Date: August 6
Despite being one of the Four Emperors and a key part of Luffy's childhood, One Piece fans don't know much about Shanks. One Piece Film: Red reveals something important about him - he has an estranged daughter named Uta who became a world famous singer. Supervised and produced by Eiichiro Oda himself, this is bound to be one of the most interesting One Piece films yet.
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To All of You That I Loved & To the Only Me Who Loved You
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- To All of You That I Loved
- Bakken Record, TMS Entertainment
Release Date: October 7
This is actually two films, not one. Both films, which will be released on the same day, take place in a universe where it's possible to jump between parallel worlds. In the world of To the Only Me Who Loved You, Koyomi Hidaka lives with his father after his parents get divorced. While hanging out at his dad's research institute, he meets Shiori Satou and develops a crush on her. Things are going well until their parents decide to get married. In order to find a world where they won't be siblings, they escape to a parallel one.
In the world of To All of You That I Loved, Koyomi Takasaki is attending a university prep course while living with his mother after his parents' divorced. Stressed by his studies and generally unsociable, he has trouble making friends - that is, until Kazune Takigawa shows up and tells him that she's from the 85th parallel world, where the two of them are lovers.
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Fruits Basket: Prelude
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- Fruits Basket: Prelude
- TMS Entertainment
Release Date: February 18
Fruits Basket: Prelude tells the story of how Tohru's parents, Kyoko and Katsuya, fell in love, got married, and had their daughter. Due to their age difference and the fact that Katsuya was Kyoko's middle school teacher, their romance is controversial. But even if you'd rather not see this type of relationship, the film may still be worthwhile. That's because it also features all-new post-series scenes featuring Tohru and Kyo.
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Sword Art Online: Progressive - Scherzo of Deep Night
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- Sword Art Online: Progressive - Scherzo of Deep Night
- A-1 Pictures
Release Date: October 2022
Is it just us, or is Sword Art Online getting increasingly awesome with every installation? The newest addition to the franchise is Sword Art Online: Progressive - Scherzo of Deep Night. Covering Volume 4 of the original light novel, this film deals with events that were skipped in the original anime, such as taking quests from the Elf Lord Yofilis and dealing with some terrifying monsters.
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Goodbye, Don Glees!
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- Goodbye, Don Glees!
- Madhouse
Release Date: February 18
If you loved A Place Further Than The Universe, you shouldn't miss this film - both are directed by Atsuko Ishizuka. Like the anime, it features a group of kids adventuring into an environment unlike anything they've ever experienced. The film follows a group of young boys as they search for treasure in Iceland.
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Laid-Back Camp: Movie
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- Laid-Back Camp: Movie
- C-Station
Release Date: July 1
Laid-Back Camp is a chill anime about a group of teenage girls who love going camping in the winter. It's relaxing, adorable, and educational. The film will focus on the group reuniting as adults to construct a campsite.
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The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie
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- The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie
- Bibury Animation Studios
Release Date: May 20
If you've been following The Quintessential Quintuplets, then you probably can't wait to find out which sister Uesugi ends up dating. This film reveals the answer to that burning question. You might love the answer and you might hate it, but either way, it's a fun time getting there.
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Deemo: Memorial Keys
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- Deemo: Memorial Keys
- Production I.G, Signal.MD
Release Date: February 25
An enigmatic figure named Deemo spends his days in a castle playing the piano. Each time he plays the piano, a mysterious tree grows larger. One day, a young girl with amnesia falls from the sky, and the two of them begin to form an odd friendship. Will their uneasy alliance survive the return of her memories?
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Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie
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- Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie
- Shin-Ei Animation
Release Date: June 10
Teasing Master Takagi-san is a heartwarming romantic comedy about a girl who is an expert at light-hearted teasing and a boy who desperately wants to win at her game at least once. The film picks up where Season 3 left off, and ushers the two of them into their summer vacation.
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The Deer King
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- The Deer King
- Production I.G
Release Date: February 4
After a devastating war, most of Aquafa is controlled by the Empire of Zol. The sole exception is Aquafa's Fire Horse Territory, which has been taken over by wild dogs that once carried Black Wolf Fever. A pack of these dogs end up in a Zol-controlled mine. There, they bite an enslaved man named Van who was once a soldier, and a young girl named Yuna. Many others pass away in the attack, but the two of them survive. But it won't be easy to stay alive, since Black Wolf Fever is returning with a vengeance.
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Free! – The Final Stroke – The Second Volume
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- Free!
- Kyoto Animation
Release Date: April 22
Free! – The Final Stroke – The Second Volume is the last half of a duo of films that are intended to wrap up the story of Free! The first film focused on Haru, Rin and Ikuya as they take on the world of professional swimming in Sydney. Sadly, neither film has had an official US release yet - hopefully, American fans will get to see the boys in action soon.
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Blue Thermal
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- Blue Thermal
- Telecom Animation Film
Release Date: March 4
In high school, Tamaki Tsuru had a hard time with romance because her classmates thought she was too athletic. Not willing to give up sports altogether but not wanting to destroy her romantic prospects, she joins her college tennis club instead of continuing to play volleyball. But after accidentally damaging a glider belonging to the Sports Association Aviation Club, she's forced to join the club in order to work off her debt.
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