Mononoke Movie 2, All You Need Is Kill Anime, Nightmare Bugs – premiering in 2025

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for anime fans worldwide, with some of the most highly anticipated anime films set to debut internationally. Among the standout titles making their global premieres are Mononoke: The Ashes of Rage, the first-ever anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill, and Nightmare Bugs, a unique re-edited horror anime feature. These premieres will deliver a mix of supernatural intrigue, sci-fi thrills, and dark, psychological horror that is sure to captivate anime enthusiasts everywhere.
One of the most exciting premieres in 2025 is the second film in the Mononoke movie trilogy, Mononoke: The Ashes of Rage. Picking up where its predecessor left off, this new chapter follows the mysterious Medicine Seller as he continues his investigation into spirits born from human suffering and emotional turmoil.
The original Mononoke series, which debuted in 2007, earned a cult following due to its striking art style and deep, psychological storytelling. The new trilogy ramps up the intensity, with updated animation and a darker, more gripping tone. Fans of the original series can dive back into this hauntingly beautiful world, and newcomers will find themselves immersed in a unique supernatural experience.
The first film, Mononoke: Phantom in the Rain, is currently available for streaming on Netflix US, and the final chapter, Mononoke: Hebigami, is slated for a 2026 release.
If you're a fan of mind-bending sci-fi, the All You Need Is Kill anime is an absolute must-see. Based on the hit light novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, this story inspired the blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The anime adaptation brings a fresh perspective on the time-loop saga, directed by Kenichiro Akimoto and produced by the renowned STUDIO4°C (known for works like Children of the Sea and Tekkonkinkreet).
The anime follows Keiji Kiriya, a soldier trapped in a time loop during an all-out war against alien invaders known as Mimics. Each time Keiji dies, he resets the day, learning new ways to survive with every cycle. The story deepens as Keiji teams up with Rita Vrataski, a legendary soldier who has also been ensnared in the time loop. Expect intense action, emotional depth, and an epic sci-fi adventure that will hook both fans of the novel and the movie alike.
For fans of psychological horror, Nightmare Bugs brings an intense re-edit of two underground horror anime films: Aragne: Sign of Vermilion and The Feast of Amrita. Directed by Saku Sakamoto, these films explore the terrifying side of human nature, blending urban horror with supernatural entities in chilling and thought-provoking ways.
This special re-edited version of Nightmare Bugs features 60 revised shots, providing an enhanced viewing experience with new visual elements. Both films have previously been shown at prestigious international film festivals, including Fantasia in Canada and the Philip K. Dick Film Festival in the U.S., but this re-edited version will be the first time the two films are shown together as a single feature. If you’re a fan of deeply atmospheric, psychological horror anime, Nightmare Bugs will deliver the creeps you crave.
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival continues to serve as a key platform for showcasing innovative animation. Annecy 2025 presents a unique opportunity to discover highly anticipated anime releases, including Mononoke Movie 2, the anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill, and the Nightmare Bugs re-edit. These films represent a wide range of anime genres, from supernatural thrillers and sci-fi to psychological horror.
With streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and HIDIVE increasing access to anime globally, Annecy 2025 allows audiences to experience these upcoming films before they make their way to the small screen. It is a chance to see the latest in anime and be part of the global conversation surrounding these groundbreaking releases.