The biggest anime movie of 2024 so far gets international release date

After a short wait, the biggest anime movie of the year thus far has confirmed release dates outside of Japan, and they’re soon.

The Japanese box office has already had a surprise anime hit with Haikyu setting a huge record. That anime movie arrived on the heels of Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Arc, and they’ve both done very well with fans in Japan ahead of arriving on screens in the US and Britain.

However, neither of them is actually the biggest film in Japan. That honor has been claimed by another franchise installment.

And it’s one that’s managed to surprise everyone, not least fans of the source property, since it’s smashed all previous expectations there too.

Gundam Seed Freedom is coming to international theaters starting March 23

Gundam Seed Freedom, currently the highest-grossing movie in Japan, is officially coming to cinemas in the UK on March 23 and 24. A preview screening takes place in London on Sunday, March 17.

While there’s still no confirmed US release date just yet, this new international date is a good sign that one is very possibly on the way for early 2024.

Since coming out in Japan on January 26, Gundam Seed Freedom has drawn a hugely positive response from fans old and new, driving it to earn over $20 million so far. Within two weeks of release, Seed Freedom had outdone every other Gundam movie — no small feat when you consider the mecha anime has been going since 1979(!).

Gundam Seed Freedom is a sequel to Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny, kicking off one year after the events of Destiny. This makes it all the more impressive, because that’s not exactly the easiest point for people for jump on.

Luckily, both shows are available on Crunchyroll, allowing you to catch up easily before the film arrives in March. Have a look at our lists of the best anime shows on Netflix and the best anime like Solo Leveling for more great viewing choices.