Get ready to dive back into the emotional world of Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima! Crunchyroll is bringing the anime film Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl to its streaming platform this week. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting release.
When and Where to Watch
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl will be available on Crunchyroll starting Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PT. You’ll have the option to watch it in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed in English.
What’s the Story About?
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl is based on volumes six and seven of Hajime Kamoshida’s Seishun Buta Yarou light novel series. It serves as a direct sequel to the Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai TV anime series, continuing the story of Sakuta and the mysterious “Adolescence Syndrome.”
Here’s a breakdown of the plot:
Sakuta Azusagawa is enjoying his second year of high school in Fujisawa, spending blissful days with his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted by the appearance of Sakuta’s first love, Shoko Makinohara.
Adding to the complexity, Sakuta encounters two Shokos: one is a middle schooler, and the other is an adult. As Sakuta finds himself living with both versions of Shoko, the adult Shoko leads him around, causing a rift in his relationship with Mai. Amidst this chaos, Sakuta discovers that the middle school Shoko is suffering from a severe illness, and his old chest scar begins to throb.
The film delves into themes of time travel, sacrifice, and the challenges of making impossible choices. Sakuta must reconcile the paradoxical existence of the two Shokos while trying to preserve his relationship with Mai.
Key Plot Points and Themes
The Mystery of Shoko Makinohara: The film revolves around Sakuta’s first love, Shoko, and the enigma surrounding her. She was a confidante during his initial encounters with Puberty Syndrome.
Time Travel and Alternate Timelines: Shoko’s Puberty Syndrome manifests as time travel, leading to the existence of two versions of herself. The film explores the consequences of altering the past and the creation of alternate timelines.
Sacrifice and Impossible Choices: Sakuta faces the burden of making difficult decisions that have significant consequences for himself and those he cares about. He grapples with the desire to save everyone, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
Emotional Connections: The film highlights the strong emotional bonds between Sakuta, Mai, and Shoko. It explores their individual desires and the pressures they face.
Who’s Behind the Film?
- Director: Sōichi Masui
- Screenplay: Masahiro Yokotani
- Character Design and Chief Animation Direction: Satomi Tamura
- Production: CloverWorks
Where Does it Fit in the Series?
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl adapts volumes six and seven of the light novel series. To fully understand the film, it’s recommended to watch the Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai TV anime first, which adapts the first five volumes.
The Rascal Does Not Dream series follows a specific order:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (TV Anime – Fall 2018)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (Movie – June 2019)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (Movie – June 2023)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (Movie – December 2023)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus (Upcoming TV Anime – July 2025)
What to Expect
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl is known for its emotional depth, complex plot, and exploration of themes related to adolescence and identity. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of laughter, shock, sadness, and ultimately, satisfaction.
Other Streaming Options
While Crunchyroll is the main platform for streaming, availability can vary by region. Here are some other platforms to check:
- Netflix: Available in certain regions.
- Crunchyroll Store: Blu-ray available for purchase with international shipping.
A Quick Recap of the “Rascal Does Not Dream” Series
The series centers around Sakuta Azusagawa, a high school student who encounters girls suffering from “Adolescence Syndrome,” a mysterious phenomenon that manifests as supernatural occurrences related to their emotional insecurities.
Main Characters
- Sakuta Azusagawa: A selfless and caring high school student who helps girls with Adolescence Syndrome.
- Mai Sakurajima: A teenage actress who becomes Sakuta’s girlfriend. She initially suffers from Adolescence Syndrome, making her invisible to others.
- Shoko Makinohara: Sakuta’s first love, who appears in two forms: a middle schooler with a heart condition and an adult who can time travel.
Recurring Themes
- Adolescence Syndrome: A mysterious condition that reflects the emotional and psychological struggles of teenagers.
- Self-Sacrifice: Characters often make sacrifices for the sake of others.
- Relationships: The series explores the complexities of romantic and familial relationships.
- Identity: Characters grapple with their sense of self and how they are perceived by others.
Get Ready to Stream!
With its engaging story, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Mark your calendars for June 19th and prepare to be swept away by this emotional anime film on Crunchyroll!
