Toei Animation announced a new Galaxy Express 999 theatrical anime on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with original-film director Rintarō credited on the story draft. No title, release date, or trailer yet — but for a franchise that's been quiet on the big screen for years, the return of Leiji Matsumoto's space train is the headline.
Quick answer
A new Galaxy Express 999 theatrical anime is in production at Toei Animation, announced July 25, 2026, with Rintarō — director of the landmark 1979 film — handling the original story draft. The property comes from Leiji Matsumoto's 1977–1981 manga and its 113-episode TV series (1978–1981), following the orphan Tetsuro and the mysterious Maetel riding a space train toward a promised cybernetic body. According to SenpaiRanks, the 1979 Galaxy Express 999 film holds an adjusted score of 7.34, still a strong tier for a 47-year-old feature. Release details are unannounced.
Why this matters
Rintarō's 1979 film is one of the definitive theatrical anime of its era — the one that proved a manga could become a genuine cinematic event. Putting him back on the story draft signals Toei wants continuity with that original vision rather than a ground-up reboot. Details are thin, but "Rintarō + Matsumoto's galaxy" is a specific promise, not a brand cash-in.
Where to start with the franchise
If the announcement sent you looking for a jumping-on point, start with the 1979 film — it's self-contained and the highest-rated entry we track. From there, the TV series and the Adieu Galaxy Express 999 follow-up flesh out Tetsuro's journey. Classic-anime catalogs rotate these in and out, so it's worth checking our where-to-watch guide for classic anime this summer before you hunt for a stream.
How it ranks
Per SenpaiRanks's board, the 1979 film's 7.34 adjusted score puts it in the upper reaches of the classic sci-fi tier — company it shares with genre landmarks like Code Geass. You can see the full Consensus-vs-Quality split on its ranking page, and if you've seen it, rate it there to weigh in on where a 1979 classic belongs against modern releases. For a wider view of what's worth your time this year, our best anime to watch in 2026 ranking collects the current front-runners.
What to watch for next
Toei hasn't given a window, but a story-draft credit means the project is early — expect staff and a title reveal before any date. We'll update this once a trailer or premiere window lands.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is there a new Galaxy Express 999 movie?
A: Yes. Toei Animation announced a new Galaxy Express 999 theatrical anime on July 25, 2026, with original-film director Rintarō on the story draft. No release date has been announced.
Q: Where can I watch Galaxy Express 999?
A: The 1979 film, TV series, and sequels rotate through classic-anime streaming catalogs. Availability shifts by region, so check current listings before starting.
Q: Is Galaxy Express 999 good?
A: SenpaiRanks tracks the 1979 film at an adjusted 7.34, in the upper tier of classic sci-fi — a well-regarded, self-contained entry point.
Q: Who created Galaxy Express 999?
A: Leiji Matsumoto wrote the original 1977–1981 manga. Rintarō directed the acclaimed 1979 film and is credited on the new project's story draft.
Q: Where does the new film fit in the timeline?
A: Details are unannounced. With Rintarō on the story draft, the project appears aimed at continuing Matsumoto's original vision rather than rebooting it.