Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming service, has announced a new monthly theatrical initiative called “Crunchyroll Anime Nights” set to begin this fall across over 225 theaters in the United States. The program will launch on October 20, 2025, with Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved, aiming to provide a consistent big-screen experience for anime fans. This initiative follows Crunchyroll’s increasing presence in theatrical distribution, including the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle.
Bringing Anime to the Big Screen Monthly
The “Crunchyroll Anime Nights” program will feature a diverse selection of anime content, including fan-favorite films, curated television episodes, anniversary celebrations, classic titles, and exclusive previews of upcoming streaming series from Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s extensive anime libraries. Screenings will take place on the third Monday of every month. This consistent schedule is designed to foster a recurring community experience for anime enthusiasts.
Mitchel Berger, Executive Vice President of Commerce at Crunchyroll, emphasized the program’s goal: “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.” He further added that Crunchyroll is committed to the theatrical experience, highlighting the unique opportunity for fans to connect with the anime community.
Inaugural and Upcoming Features
The program’s debut on October 20, 2025, will showcase Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved. This feature-length special delves into a conflict disrupting the peaceful lives of Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru, as Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, forces her return to the Dragon World, leading to a brewing war between Chaos and Harmony.
Following the October premiere, the November 17, 2025, screening will be a special event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Overlord anime series. This will include a theatrical marathon of the first seven episodes of the dark fantasy isekai series, which began airing in September 2015 and was adapted by Madhouse.
To conclude the year, December 15, 2025, will feature a “Secret Sneak Peek,” offering audiences an exclusive first look at some of Crunchyroll’s hottest upcoming anime series before they become available on the streaming platform. While specific titles for December haven’t been announced, this indicates a commitment to showcasing new content theatrically.
Broad Theatrical Reach Across the U.S.
Crunchyroll Anime Nights will be accessible in over 225 theaters nationwide. Participating theater chains include major names such as Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, AMC Theatres, Regal, Cinemark Theatres, Harkins Theaters, and Landmark Cinemas. This wide distribution aims to make the monthly screenings convenient for a broad audience of anime fans across the United States.
The launch of “Crunchyroll Anime Nights” solidifies Crunchyroll’s strategy to expand its theatrical presence, building on previous successes and further establishing anime as a significant force in the global cinema landscape. As a company owned by Sony Group Corporation, Crunchyroll continues to leverage its extensive library and distribution capabilities to bring anime to fans in diverse formats.
