Amazon Prime Video has announced the global streaming release of “Nintama Rantarō: Invincible Master of the Dokutake Ninja,” with the animated film becoming available in over 180 countries and territories worldwide starting Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This marks a significant expansion for the popular Japanese anime franchise, bringing its latest cinematic installment to a broad international audience.
The Latest Chapter in the “Nintama Rantarō” Saga
“Nintama Rantarō: Invincible Master of the Dokutake Ninja” is the newest film adaptation stemming from the long-running “Nintama Rantarō” anime series. The series itself is based on Sōbe Amako’s beloved manga, “Rakudai Ninja Rantarō,” which enjoyed a 33-year serialization from 1986 to 2019. The anime, produced by Ajia-do Animation Works, has been a mainstay on NHK since 1993, making it the longest-running anime on the network.
The film, directed by Masaya Fujimori (“Revenger,” “Kemono Jihen”), maintains the continuity of the series by featuring the same voice cast. With a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, the movie promises an action-packed, comedic adventure.
Plot and Core Conflict
The narrative of “Nintama Rantarō: Invincible Master of the Dokutake Ninja” centers on a critical event at the Ninjutsu Academy, where young ninja trainees, known as “Nintama” (a blend of “ninja” and “tamago,” meaning “egg”), are taught. The story unfolds when Hansuke Doi, a popular and highly skilled teacher at the academy, disappears after engaging in a duel with a ninja from a rival clan, the Tasogare Doki.
Doi’s disappearance sends waves of concern through the academy, particularly affecting his student Kirimaru, a war orphan who lives with him. Simultaneously, the academy receives troubling intelligence suggesting that their adversaries at Dokutake Castle may be orchestrating a new scheme. As older ninjas infiltrate the castle to investigate, they encounter Tenki, a cold and calculating strategist of the Dokutake Ninja Corps, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Doi. The film explores the students’ efforts to retrieve their missing teacher and protect their academy from this formidable new threat, highlighting themes of growth and the bonds between the ninjas.
Legacy of “Nintama Rantarō”
The “Nintama Rantarō” franchise has garnered a loyal fanbase over its decades-long run, known for its blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments. The series is set in the Sengoku period but incorporates numerous anachronisms for comedic effect, a hallmark of its unique style.
Previous cinematic outings include “Eiga Nintama Rantarō” in 1996 and “Gekijō-ban Anime Nintama Rantarō Ninjutsu Gakuen Zenin Shutsudō! no Dan” in 2011. “Nintama Rantarō: Invincible Master of the Dokutake Ninja” is based on a 2013 spin-off novel by Kazuhisa Sakaguchi, indicating a continuation of stories that resonate deeply with fans. Its arrival on Amazon Prime Video marks a significant moment for the franchise, making this latest adventure accessible to a global audience.
