Anime has cemented its place after the record-breaking success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle soared to become one of the most successful films of 2025. It may soon become the first billion-dollar anime following its release in China on November 14, proving that the anime industry has become a powerhouse capable of overshadowing Hollywood and taking the world by storm.

Audiences are craving fresh storylines and visual experiences, giving anime an edge thanks to its potential for jaw-dropping cinematic animation. As the medium continues to grow in popularity, many modern anime deserve theatrical releases, like Infinity Castle or Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, and these titles may shatter their own box-office records.

Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 follows Kafka Hibino, a man whose childhood dream of fighting monstrous kaiju alongside his friend, Mina Ashiro, faded into routine adulthood. Working as part of the cleanup crew after battles, he is given the unique opportunity to study kaiju anatomy up close and teach new workers how to dispose of kaiju corpses.

However, everything changed when a strange being fused with his body, granting him the ability to transform into a kaiju himself and serving as a gateway to joining the Defense Force. Despite keeping his identity a secret, he trains alongside talented rookies to fight back against increasingly dangerous kaiju threats.

*Kaiju No. 8 *is known for its intense action, stunning animation, focus on an older protagonist, humor, and heartfelt moments woven throughout the narrative. The show is one of the most thrilling modern anime in recent years, and it will thrive in theaters as fans already praise the story’s pacing and cinematic action sequences.

Jujutsu Kaisen

*Jujutsu Kaisen *centers around Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high schooler whose life takes a drastic turn after he swallows a powerful cursed object, one of Ryomen Sukuna’s fingers. He’s then brought to Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he trains alongside his peers, Nobara Kugisaki and Megumi Fushiguro, as well as his mentor Satoru Gojo, who is known as the most powerful.

The series is full of high-stakes battles and stunning action, along with sharp emotional moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. *Jujutsu Kaisen’s *memorable characters and unique power system will shine on the big screen, offering fans an unforgettable experience.

Dandadan

Dandadan centers on Momo Ayase and “Okarun” Ken Takakura. These two high school students form an unlikely friendship after their clashing beliefs, Okarun’s insistence that ghosts aren’t real, and Momo’s denial of aliens, lead them into a chaotic world filled with both supernatural and extraterrestrial beings. The two form an alliance and a strong bond as they face otherworldly threats.

Dandadan is most known for its absurd premise and blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. The series subverts common tropes and redefines what chaotic narratives can achieve, with many fans citing the high-quality animation, direction, and complex lore as major highlights. With its outlandish twists and authentic character dynamics, Dandadan captivates audiences worldwide.

With its unpredictable action, humor, and explosive sequences throughout the narrative, Dandadan offers a unique opportunity to hit the big screen with a self-contained arc, similar to Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. The series’ enduring and relatable characters allow audiences to invest in the story, and its bold animation makes it perfect for a theatrical experience.

Solo Leveling

*Solo Leveling *takes place in a world filled with dangerous dungeons and follows Sung Jinwoo, who was once known as the world’s weakest hunter. Constantly underestimated, he struggles to survive daily hunts and raids while also supporting his family. One day, while his team clears a dungeon, a mysterious double dungeon appears, forever altering the course of his life.

Half of Jinwoo’s team is killed while the other half manages to escape, leaving Jinwoo on the brink of death. However, he’s given a second chance as the Player for the mysterious System, which grants him the ability to level up like a video game character, ultimately leading to him becoming the world’s strongest hunter.

A Solo Leveling movie is officially in the works, and many fans believe it may overtake *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’s *historic success. While the series’ domestic release was rather average, *Solo Leveling *soared to international popularity, making it one of the most popular modern anime on Crunchyroll and one of the highest-rated titles.

Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a seemingly ordinary middle schooler who possesses immense psychic powers. Yet, despite his abilities, Mob struggles with self-confidence and only wishes to live a normal life. His mentor, Reigen, a self-proclaimed psychic, guides him as he confronts spirits and curses, meets other psychics, and slowly learns to control his emotions and navigate life.

Mob’s journey blends over-the-top psychic battles, humor, and relatable, heartfelt moments that keep viewers engaged. The story explores his growth, moral dilemmas, and the impact of his powers on those around him, creating a world that feels lived in and authentic despite its supernatural curiosities.

While the series’ animation style may not attract many fans right off the bat, it’s filled with cinematic moments. It possesses some of the most beautifully animated fight scenes in shonen anime. The story would translate perfectly into a feature film, allowing longtime fans and newcomers alike to revisit one of the best anime ever created.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

*Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End *follows Frieren, an elven mage who once adventured alongside the legendary party of heroes who defeated the Demon King. For ten years, she traveled with Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen; however, as a long-lived elf, she never fully valued the time they spent together and only came to realize the fleeting nature of humanity upon Himmel’s death.

The anime is a reflective and introspective take on the fantasy genre, following Frieren as she sets out on a new journey to better understand humanity and the time she spent with the Hero Party. With her new companions, Fern and Stark, she travels and encounters new obstacles and challenges while continuing to study magic.

Frieren quickly became one of the most popular modern anime due to its unique take on the genre and rejection of standard tropes. With beautiful animation, a stunning soundtrack, and unforgettable characters, the story creates a unique experience that deserves a theatrical release to further immerse viewers in her world.

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries centers on Maomao, a sharp-witted young woman sold into servitude in the imperial palace. With her extensive knowledge of medicine and poisons, she quietly solves mysteries and illnesses. However, her intelligence and curiosity quickly catch the attention of the head eunuch, Jinshi, and she is pulled into playing a larger role in the Rear Palace.

The series stands out for its worldbuilding and heroine who defies tropes and conventions, making Maomao truly unique. Fans admire the series’ historical intrigue, mystery, and slow-burning romance. A cinematic adaptation could take the already popular series to new heights, creating a thrilling, unique, and memorable experience.

To Be Hero X

To Be Hero X takes place in a world where heroes gain their powers through public trust, quantified as Trust Values on their wrists. The strongest heroes compete in a tournament that takes place every two years to determine who among them will earn the title of X, the strongest.

The story centers on the top ten heroes in an anthology-style format, exploring each hero’s unique powers, personalities, and stories before the tournament. These heroes must navigate public perceptions, corrupt hero agencies, and their own desires and aspirations in ways that fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities.

To Be Hero X quickly became one of Crunchyroll’s most popular titles due to its unique blend of 2D and 3D animation styles, unforgettable soundtrack, and memorable cast of characters. A theatrical adaptation could bring the series to new heights and amplify the story’s intricate depth, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the world to the fullest.

Link Click

Link Click centers on Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, two young men with the unique ability to enter photographs and relive the moments captured within them, with Cheng Xiaoshi entering the photos and Lu Guang guiding him from the present. Using this power, they work to solve mysteries and prevent tragedies without upsetting the delicate time stream.

The series’s visual style and gripping narrative would make it a perfect cinematic experience. Fans praise the story for its emotional undercurrents and suspenseful pacing, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. A feature-length adaptation would take everything Link Click excels at and turn it into a thrilling cinematic experience.

Lord of Mysteries

*Lord of Mysteries *follows an ordinary modern man, Zhou Mingrui, who finds himself in a new, steampunk Victorian-era world as Klein Moretti. Seeking to discover the cause of his transmigration into this world, he joins a secret society and becomes a Beyonder, or one who gains supernatural gifts after drinking a special potion.

The series is known for its gorgeous animation, dark atmosphere, and complex storytelling. At home, Lord of Mysteries provides a thrilling visual experience; however, in theaters, its grandeur will truly shine through, allowing audiences to become fully immersed in its world. A movie for this series would broaden its scope and enhance the story’s impact.