The wildly popular “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” franchise is expanding with a second anime film, officially titled That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Blue Sea Arc (Gekijō-ban Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken: Sōkai no Namida-hen). The film is slated for release in Japan in February 2026. The announcement was made at the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 during a special stage event, sending waves of excitement through the series’ fanbase.
Studio eightbit Returns to Produce the Animation
Studio eightbit, the animation powerhouse behind the successful “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” TV anime adaptation and the first film, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond, is confirmed to be producing the animation for Tears of the Blue Sea Arc. While a director for the film has yet to be officially announced, the return of studio eightbit assures fans that the new movie will maintain the high-quality animation and visual appeal that the series is known for.
A Glimpse Under the Sea: Teaser Visual Revealed
Along with the title and release date, a teaser visual for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Blue Sea Arc was unveiled. The visual features the protagonist, Rimuru Tempest, seemingly underwater, surrounded by a vibrant blue sea. Rimuru is depicted gently stepping on coral, holding a small, mysterious object that resembles a miniature sea dragon. The serene expression on Rimuru’s face hints at the enchanting and potentially emotional journey that awaits viewers in the new film.
What to Expect from Tears of the Blue Sea Arc
While specific plot details are still under wraps, the title Tears of the Blue Sea Arc suggests a storyline centered around the ocean and potentially involving themes of sorrow or loss. The teaser visual further reinforces this idea, depicting Rimuru in an underwater setting, a departure from the primarily land-based adventures seen in previous installments.
Given the franchise’s penchant for blending action, adventure, and heartwarming character interactions, viewers can anticipate a compelling narrative that explores new facets of Rimuru’s world and delves deeper into the relationships between its diverse cast of characters. It remains to be seen whether the film will adapt an existing arc from the light novels or manga, or present an entirely original story.
The Expanding World of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime began as a light novel series written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah. The series follows Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old salaryman who is murdered and reincarnated in a fantasy world as a slime. Given the name Rimuru Tempest, he embarks on a journey to build a nation where all races can coexist peacefully.
From Light Novels to Anime Phenomenon
The light novels were adapted into a manga series by Taiki Kawakami, which gained immense popularity and paved the way for the acclaimed anime adaptation. The anime series premiered in 2018 and has since spawned multiple seasons, captivating audiences with its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and stunning animation. Crunchyroll streams the series in a range of subs and dubs.
“Scarlet Bond”: The First Slime Movie
Prior to Tears of the Blue Sea Arc, the franchise released its first film, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond, which premiered in Japan in November 2022. The movie featured an original story drafted by Fuse, focusing on a long-running conspiracy surrounding a mysterious power in the small country of Raja. The film follows Rimuru’s encounter with Hiiro, a survivor of the Ogre race, leading to an adventure filled with new characters and challenges.
A Fourth Season on the Horizon
In addition to Tears of the Blue Sea Arc, a fourth season of the “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” TV anime has also been announced. This further demonstrates the franchise’s continued success and its commitment to delivering more content to its ever-growing fanbase.
Where to Watch
- Crunchyroll: This streaming service offers every preceding season of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” along with the Scarlet Bond movie. Both subtitled and dubbed versions are available.
- Prime Video: You can watch That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond on Prime Video.
A Slime’s Enduring Appeal
The success of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” can be attributed to several factors:
- Unique Premise: The concept of a human reincarnating as a slime monster is inherently intriguing and sets the series apart from other isekai stories.
- Relatable Protagonist: Rimuru Tempest is a likable and relatable character who strives to create a better world, resonating with viewers on an emotional level.
- Engaging World-Building: The series features a rich and detailed world with diverse races, cultures, and political systems, providing ample opportunities for storytelling and exploration.
- Balance of Action and Slice-of-Life: The series strikes a good balance between action-packed battles and lighthearted slice-of-life moments, catering to a wide range of viewers.
A February 2026 Premiere to Anticipate
With That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Blue Sea Arc set to premiere in February 2026, fans have a year to speculate about the film’s plot, characters, and themes. The teaser visual and title provide tantalizing hints, suggesting an underwater adventure filled with emotion and intrigue. As studio eightbit continues to work its magic, anticipation for the film is sure to build, solidifying “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime’s” place as one of the most beloved isekai franchises of our time.
