Rimuru Hits the Big Screen: New Slime Movie Sets North American Release Date

The world’s most powerful slime is trading the Jura Tempest Federation for the beach. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures have officially announced that the newest cinematic entry in the hit fantasy franchise, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea, will hit theaters across the United States and Canada on May 1, 2026.

The film, a standalone side story, will be available in a full English dub.

A Tropical Incident Awaits

Taking place immediately following the events of Season 3, Tears of the Azure Sea finds Rimuru and his companions at a rare moment of peace. Following the opening ceremony of the Demon Kingdom Federation Tempest, the group receives a prestigious invitation from the Celestial Emperor Elmesia of the Magi Dynasty Thalion.

The destination? A private resort island. However, in true Slime fashion, the vacation is short-lived. The appearance of a mysterious woman named Yura sparks a new incident that threatens the tranquility of the azure sea.

A Busy Spring for Fans: Season 4 and “Anime Nights”

The theatrical release is part of a massive “Slime Spring” for the franchise. Before the movie hits theaters in May, fans have two major dates to circle on their calendars:

1. Season 4 Premiere (April 3, 2026)

Just weeks before the film’s debut, the main series returns. Season 4 will begin streaming on Crunchyroll on April 3. This new arc sees Rimuru clashing with Granville Rozzo and his granddaughter Maribel, who aim to “protect” mankind by ruling them with an iron fist. Meanwhile, the awakening of a new Hero looms on the horizon.

2. Anime Nights Special (April 20, 2026)

As part of Crunchyroll’s monthly Anime Nights program, the 2023 hit film Scarlet Bond will return to theaters for a special one-night-only screening.

Bonus Content: Attendees of this screening will be treated to an exclusive ten-minute sneak peek of the new film, Tears of the Azure Sea, ten days before its official wide release.

A Global Powerhouse

Since its debut in 2018, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has evolved from a popular light novel into a global juggernaut. With over 56 million copies of the light novels and manga in print, the series remains a fan favorite for its unique blend of nation-building, tactical combat, and diverse characters.

The previous theatrical outing, Scarlet Bond, earned a “Verified Hot” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, setting a high bar for Rimuru’s latest adventure.