Kuromi will star in her first-ever standalone theatrical animated feature film, titled KUROMI (Eiga Kuromi), scheduled for release in Japan in 2027. The announcement was made on October 31, 2026, a date chosen to coincide with both Halloween and the character's official birthday.
This project represents a significant expansion for the Sanrio mascot, who has spent decades as a supporting character and rival in the My Melody franchise. Distributed by GAGA, the film marks Sanrio's first major theatrical anime release in Japan since the 2012 Jewelpet movie.
What We Know
The film is being produced under the "2026 SANRIO KTMCR COMMITTEE." While GAGA is confirmed as the distributor and planner, the specific animation studio and directing staff have not been revealed as of November 1, 2026. An official website for the project has been launched at kuromithemovie.com.
The film follows a period of significant growth for the character. Sanrio's 2026 Character Ranking results, released on June 28, 2026, placed Kuromi at #4 worldwide with over 70.6 million votes. This popularity has been fueled by recent animation projects, including the 2023-2024 web series Kuromi's Pretty Journey and the 2025 stop-motion series My Melody & Kuromi.
Details regarding the international release of the 2027 film remain unconfirmed. Information for territories outside of Japan is to be announced once confirmed.
Why It Matters
Kuromi first appeared in the 2005 television anime Onegai My Melody as a foil to the title character, but she has since transitioned into a standalone global brand. The 2027 film is the pinnacle of the "KUROMIfy the World" project and reflects her consistent ability to outrank traditional mainstays like Hello Kitty in official polls. This move signals Sanrio's return to feature-length theatrical storytelling after a 15-year hiatus from the format in the Japanese market.
Where to Watch
While the 2027 film is a theatrical exclusive, fans can watch previous Kuromi-centric projects on various platforms. The 2025 stop-motion series My Melody & Kuromi is available globally on Netflix. The short-form web series Kuromi's Pretty Journey, which follows Kuromi's search for her sister Romina, is available on the official Sanrio Japan and Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube channels, as well as TikTok. Availability and regional licensing for these titles vary by territory.
What Happens Next
As of November 1, 2026, no specific release date within the 2027 window has been set for the Japanese theatrical debut. The production committee has not yet confirmed whether Junko Takeuchi, who voiced the character in Onegai My Melody and Kuromi's Pretty Journey, will return for the feature film. Further updates regarding staff, cast, and plot details are expected to be released via the official movie website throughout 2027.