Crunchyroll has announced the launch of “Crunchyroll Anime Nights,” a new monthly theatrical screening program set to begin in the United States this October. The initiative, revealed during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, aims to bring a variety of anime content, including films, curated television episodes, and exclusive previews, to the big screen on the third Monday of each month. The program will debut on October 20 with Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved.
What is Crunchyroll Anime Nights?
“Crunchyroll Anime Nights” is a new monthly theatrical program designed to offer anime fans a communal viewing experience at their local cinemas. The program will feature a diverse selection of content from Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s extensive anime libraries. This includes beloved anime films, specially curated television episodes, anniversary celebrations of classic titles, and exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming streaming series. The goal is to “honor the past, elevate the present, and celebrate the future of anime,” according to Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini. Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll’s Executive Vice President of Commerce, emphasized that “Anime Nights offers more than a screening – it’s a shared experience that honors the art form, invites fans into the world of creators, and brings anime to life in a theatrical setting”.
Participating Theaters and Screening Schedule
The monthly screenings will take place on the third Monday of every month, starting in October 2025. Over 225 theaters across the U.S. have signed on to participate in the program. Major U.S. theater chains involved include Alamo Drafthouse, AMC Theatres, Regal, Cinemark Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Landmark Cinemas.
The initial lineup for Crunchyroll Anime Nights from October to December 2025 has been announced:
October 20: Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved
The program will kick off with the film Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved. This movie follows Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru as their peaceful lives are disrupted by the arrival of Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, leader of the Chaos Forces. Kanna is forced to return to the Dragon World to rectify a past mistake, leading to a potential war between Chaos and Harmony. The film explores Kanna’s dilemma as she is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her father’s demands, with Miss Kobayashi attempting to mend Kanna and Kamui’s broken bond. Crunchyroll acquired the worldwide theatrical rights (excluding Asia) for this film, which premiered in Japan on June 27 in 199 theaters.
November 17: OVERLORD – A Celebration of the Anime’s 10th Anniversary
In November, Crunchyroll Anime Nights will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the OVERLORD anime series. This special screening will feature the first seven episodes of the first season of the dark fantasy adventure series. OVERLORD tells the story of Momonga, a salaryman who finds himself transported into the world of an MMORPG after its servers shut down, where he ascends to the title of Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown. The anime adaptation by Madhouse began on September 29, 2015.
December 15: Crunchyroll Anime Nights: Secret Sneak Peek!
To conclude the year, December’s “Anime Nights” will offer an exclusive “Secret Sneak Peek!”. This event will provide an exclusive first look at some of the hottest anime series before they become available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Further details about this sneak peek will be announced at a later date.
A New Era for Anime Fandom
Crunchyroll’s “Anime Nights” program builds on their existing theatrical releases, such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle, aiming to cultivate a recurring community experience for anime enthusiasts. Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini stated that the program is designed to create a shared experience for fans, allowing them to gather at their local cinemas and connect with other anime lovers, similar to the energy found at conventions. This initiative reflects Crunchyroll’s aggressive growth strategy and its commitment to making anime more accessible through various media forms.
