Crunchyroll is bringing award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy and the Beast to select theaters in the U.S. on August 18 for one day only. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will release the Studio Chizu film in the original Japanese with English subtitles.
Hosoda is the globally acclaimed creator of the animated feature films Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Wolf Children, Belle, and the upcoming Scarlet.
Synopsis: When Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he’s taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who’s been searching for the perfect apprentice.
Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son. But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bond between this unlikely pair will be put to the ultimate test—a final showdown that will only be won if the two can finally work together using all of their combined strength and courage.
From San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, Crunchyoll also announced Crunchyroll Anime Nights, a new monthly theatrical program designed to honor the past, elevate the present, and celebrate the future of anime. Theatrical screenings will be held every third Monday of each month.
The program will present fan-favorite films, curated television episodes, anniversaries, classic titles, and exclusive previews of upcoming streaming series from Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s vast anime libraries.
Crunchyroll Anime Nights launches this October in more than 225 theaters across participating chains throughout the U.S., including Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, AMC Theatres, Regal, Cinemark Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Landmark Cinemas across the U.S.
“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,” said Mitchel Berger, Executive Vice President of Commerce. “Crunchyroll is committed to the theatrical experience, and there’s something powerful about watching beloved anime surrounded by friends and fellow fans in a theater. It’s a unique opportunity to connect to the anime community every month to honor stories they love.”
The schedule includes…
October 20 — Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A lonely dragon wants to be loved
Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru’s peaceful lives are shattered when Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, leader of the Chaos Forces, arrives and forces her to return to the Dragon World to fix a past mistake. With a war brewing between Chaos and Harmony, Kanna must find a way to unite the two worlds, but is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her father’s demands. Miss Kobayashi, however, refuses to let her go and tries to mend Kanna and Kamui’s broken bond. As dragons clash, Iruru uncovers a hidden force manipulating the war. Can they stop the war before it consumes both worlds?
November 17 — OVERLORD – A Celebration of the Anime’s 10th Anniversary
Dive into the world of OVERLORD, the dark fantasy adventure series that has captivated viewers worldwide, as the first seven episodes of season one hit theaters.
Momonga is a regular salaryman who leads a guild in an MMORPG video game. After twelve years of playing the game, the servers are finally shutting down. Momonga logs in for the last time, seeing the game to its end. However, after the clock strikes midnight, nothing changes…and Momonga finds himself playing the game indefinitely and is transported into its world. Throughout his adventures, he ascends to the title of Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown.
December 15 — Crunchyroll Anime Nights: Secret Sneak Peek!
Experience an exclusive first look at some of the hottest anime series before they become available on Crunchyroll.
Win 'Grave of the Fireflies' LE SteelBook! 
