Kuromi is getting her own movie. Sanrio announced on Halloween, which is also Kuromi's birthday, that its punk-bunny troublemaker will headline her first feature film, Kuromi the Movie. Distributor GAGA will open it in Japan in 2027. The reveal came as an English-subtitled video message from Kuromi herself. Release plans for other territories will be announced "once confirmed," per the film's official site.
Quick answer
Kuromi the Movie is Sanrio's first feature film starring Kuromi. It opens in Japanese theaters in 2027 through distributor GAGA. No exact date, studio or overseas release has been announced yet. Until then, the Kuromi anime you can watch now is My Melody & Kuromi (2025, a 12-episode stop-motion series on Netflix), which SenpaiRanks tracks at 7.08 Consensus, plus the two Kuromi's Pretty Journey short series (2023–2024). Kuromi first appeared in the TV anime Onegai My Melody in April 2005.
From villain to headliner
Most Sanrio characters start on a pencil case. Kuromi started on TV: she debuted as My Melody's self-declared rival in Onegai My Melody (2005, 52 episodes, Studio Comet), a magical-girl comedy that ran four seasons. She outgrew the role. Per ANN, Kuromi has finished in the top 5 of Sanrio's annual Character Ranking poll six years running. A movie is the logical next step.
Where to watch Kuromi before the film
- My Melody & Kuromi (2025, Netflix): a 12-episode stop-motion series, and the best-rated Kuromi anime on our board at 7.08. Start here.
- Kuromi's Pretty Journey (2023) and its 2024 Multiverse sequel: short net-anime episodes, lighter and sillier (6.24 and 6.64 on SenpaiRanks).
- Onegai My Melody (2005): the original, where Kuromi first appeared. It's harder to stream legally outside Japan.
What we still don't know
Studio, director, format (2D, CG or stop-motion like the Netflix series) and a firm date are all unannounced. Sanrio's recent anime has used several different studios, so don't assume the Netflix team is involved. We'll update the Kuromi anime page when GAGA dates the Japanese release. For more magical-girl titles, our magical girl anime ranking has the full board. For the upcoming season, our winter 2027 watch guide has the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is there a Kuromi movie?
A: Yes. Sanrio announced Kuromi the Movie on October 31, 2026. It's her first feature film.
Q: When does Kuromi the Movie come out?
A: It opens in Japan in 2027 via distributor GAGA. No exact date has been announced.
Q: Will Kuromi the Movie release outside Japan?
A: Not confirmed yet. Sanrio says release information for other territories will be announced once confirmed.
Q: Where can I watch Kuromi anime now?
A: My Melody & Kuromi streams on Netflix. Kuromi's Pretty Journey shorts are Sanrio's official net anime.
Q: What anime did Kuromi first appear in?
A: Onegai My Melody, which premiered in April 2005.