That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (2026)

There’s a particular kind of anticipation that builds around anime film adaptations when the source material has already proven its staying power, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea, which is set to release on February 27, 2026. The franchise has cultivated a genuinely devoted fanbase over multiple seasons, and the announcement of this theatrical film—helmed by Yasuhito Kikuchi, a director known for his thoughtful approach to action-heavy narratives—signals that the creative team is ready to push the visual and emotional boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from this world.

What’s particularly interesting about this project is how it’s being positioned as more than just a cash-grab sequel capitalizing on existing goodwill. The production involves a serious coalition of talent: 8bit returns as the primary animation studio, while Bandai Namco Filmworks and BN Pictures are co-producing, which suggests a commitment to theatrical-quality animation that goes beyond what the television series could deliver week to week. The fact that these studios are pooling resources tells you something about the budget and scope we should anticipate, even if the specific financial details haven’t been publicly disclosed yet.

The casting choices here deserve particular attention. Miho Okasaki returns to voice the lead role, bringing the vocal continuity that fans will appreciate, while Mao Ichimichi and Tomoaki Maeno round out the principal cast. Okasaki’s performance across the series has been central to making the protagonist feel genuine—it’s easy to make a comedic character entertaining, but making audiences genuinely care about a slime as a protagonist requires real vocal nuance. With a feature film runtime, we’re going to get extended character moments that the episodic format doesn’t always allow for, and these voice actors will have the space to deepen their interpretations.

The title itself—Tears of the Azure Sea—is worth examining:

• Azure suggests something vast and beautiful, potentially indicating an ocean-based setting or storyline
• Tears implies emotional weight and personal stakes, suggesting this won’t be a purely comedic romp
• The combination suggests a story that balances the franchise’s trademark humor with genuine dramatic consequence

This tonal balance has always been the series’ greatest strength, and Kikuchi’s direction will be instrumental in whether this film can expand that approach for the big screen.

Kikuchi’s filmography suggests he understands how to scale stories effectively. His previous work demonstrates a comfort with ensemble casts and world-building on a larger canvas, which is exactly what a Slime film needs—the source material has developed an increasingly complex political landscape and multiple character arcs that could either collapse under their own weight or sing when given proper cinematic treatment. The fact that he’s been chosen for this project indicates the producers believe he’s the director who can thread that needle.

What matters here is that we’re watching a franchise attempt something ambitious while still being recognizable to its audience—that’s the tightrope every adaptation has to walk.

The production status of “In Production” as we move toward the February 2026 release window suggests the creative teams are still deep in post-production work, particularly with animation finishing and sound design. This extended timeline often correlates with more ambitious visual sequences and polished final products, though it can also simply mean they’re being thorough. Either way, the timeline feels appropriate for a theatrical release of this scale.

One thing we should acknowledge upfront: the 0.0/10 rating currently listed is essentially meaningless at this stage. The film hasn’t been released, no critics have seen it, and no audiences have formed opinions. This is simply a placeholder, and it’s worth recognizing that pre-release rating systems like this are more artifact than assessment. What will matter is what Kikuchi, the voice cast, and these studios ultimately deliver when audiences actually see the finished product.

Here’s what the creative vision appears to be building toward:

1. Visual spectacle – A theatrical budget should mean animation that eclipses the TV series in terms of action choreography and background detail
2. Emotional depth – The title’s emphasis on “tears” suggests character moments that will resonate beyond just plot mechanics
3. World expansion – Feature films in long-running franchises typically introduce new locations or conflicts that feel significant to the overall mythology
4. Tonal confidence – The ability to balance comedy, action, and genuine pathos without whiplash

What makes this film genuinely significant isn’t just that it exists, but what it represents about the current state of anime as a medium. We’re past the point where anime films are novelties or cash grabs—they’re now vehicles for serious creative ambition. When prestigious directors like Kikuchi attach themselves to these projects, when major studios coordinate their resources around them, it signals that anime adaptations have earned legitimacy as cinematic events worth investing in.

The February 27, 2026 release date is circled on calendars for a reason. This isn’t just another sequel—it’s the continuation of a story that has genuinely mattered to a lot of people, being entrusted to creators who seem to understand why.