Haikyu!! is getting a new anime short. Production I.G revealed a teaser and key visual for the Haikyu!! 'Bakemono-tachi' special, a short film that screens alongside the second sequel movie in Japanese theaters next year. Series director Susumu Mitsunaka returns to write and direct.
Quick answer
The Haikyu!! 'Bakemono-tachi' special is a Production I.G short screening in Japanese theaters in 2027, bundled with Gekijoban Haikyu!! VS Chiisana Kyojin — the second half of the two-part Final film project. It depicts the must-win match between Fukurodani Academy and Mujinazaka High, with Susumu Mitsunaka returning as director and writer. According to SenpaiRanks, the Haikyu!! TV series is tracked on both the Consensus and Quality ranking boards, near the top of the sports-anime tier. The main series streams on Crunchyroll.
What the special covers
"Bakemono-tachi" — monsters — is the nickname Fukurodani's lineup earns, and the special zeroes in on their clash with Mujinazaka. It's connective tissue for the Final film arc rather than a standalone story, so it lands with the movie rather than as a separate release.
The film it screens with
Here's the trailer for the film the special accompanies, Haikyu!! VS Chiisana Kyojin:
Where to watch Haikyu!! now
The theatrical short is Japan-first, so a wider release will follow the film's run. To catch up beforehand, the full TV series is on Crunchyroll, and we mapped the Haikyu!! watch order, where to watch, and whether it's worth it. For more of the genre, see the best sports anime of 2026, ranked.
The read
Production I.G keeps the Haikyu!! flame lit between films with a canon short — smart franchise upkeep. Per SenpaiRanks, the series holds a strong spot on the sports board; open its ranking page and drop your own score to see how your take compares. Rounding out the week, this special was one of several reveals in our Anime NYC 2026 announcements roundup.
Frequently asked questions
Q: When does the Haikyu!! Bakemono-tachi special release?
A: It screens in Japanese theaters in 2027 alongside the second Final sequel film, Haikyu!! VS Chiisana Kyojin.
Q: What does the Bakemono-tachi special cover?
A: The must-win match between Fukurodani Academy and Mujinazaka High.
Q: Who is directing it?
A: Susumu Mitsunaka, returning from the previous Haikyu!! projects, writes and directs.
Q: Where can I watch Haikyu!!?
A: The main TV series streams on Crunchyroll. The theatrical special releases in Japan first before any streaming window.
Q: How does Haikyu!! rank on SenpaiRanks?
A: Haikyu!! is tracked on both the Consensus and Quality boards and sits near the top of the sports-anime tier. Add your own vote on its ranking page.