The wait is almost over for fans who missed the theatrical run of one of the biggest anime movies of 2025. Crunchyroll has officially confirmed that Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will begin streaming on April 30, 2026. The movie, which dominated box offices worldwide and earned critical praise, is finally making its way to home screens after a successful months-long run in theaters. This release gives subscribers a chance to experience the continuation of Denji’s chaotic story, featuring the mysterious new character Reze.
The Streaming Release Schedule for Different Regions
Crunchyroll announced that Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will be available on the platform starting April 30, 2026. For viewers in Spain and other parts of Europe, the movie will release on May 1, 2026, due to time zone differences. The streaming premiere will include both subtitled and dubbed versions, allowing fans to choose how they want to watch.
This release marks the beginning of Crunchyroll’s annual Ani-May celebration, which features special promotions and events throughout the month. The movie was previously available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video starting in December 2025, but this marks its first availability on a subscription streaming service.
For viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, Crunchyroll remains the primary streaming home for the film. The original television series is also available on the same platform, making it easy for new viewers to catch up before watching the movie.
What Makes the Reze Arc Movie Stand Out
The Reze Arc film continues directly from where the first season of the Chainsaw Man anime ended. Produced by Studio MAPPA, the movie adapts the beloved Bomb Girl arc from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga. The story follows Denji, a young man who can transform into the powerful Chainsaw Man after merging with his devil companion Pochita.
The movie introduces Reze, a mysterious girl who works at a cafe and quickly captures Denji’s heart. Reina Ueda voices Reze, joining returning cast members Kikunosuke Toya as Denji, Tomori Kusunoki as Makima, and Shogo Sakata as Aki Hayakawa. Tatsuya Yoshihara directed the film, with Hiroshi Seko returning as writer.
The movie earned a 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 98% audience score. On MyAnimeList, it holds a rating of 9.08, making it one of the highest-rated anime films on the platform. The film grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, becoming one of the most successful Japanese animated movies in history.
Fan Reactions and Theater Experiences
When Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc played in theaters worldwide, fans turned screenings into memorable events. One particular moment went viral across social media platforms. When the character Makima appeared on screen, audiences in multiple countries began barking in unity, referencing a long-running online meme where fans jokingly express loyalty to the character.
“Hearing about fans barking in a theater for Makima when she appears in Chainsaw Man Reze brings a smile to my face because I totally understand and will always bark for her.” – @SimpleManJ_5 on X (formerly Twitter)
Videos of these theater moments spread quickly on TikTok, X, and Reddit, showing crowds laughing, howling, and cheering together. The phrase “bark for Makima” has become a signature inside joke within the Chainsaw Man community since the anime first aired in 2022. The character’s calm yet commanding personality made her a fan favorite, and the meme took on a life of its own.
Critical Reception and Awards Recognition
The Reze Arc movie received strong reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many praised the animation quality, action sequences, and emotional depth of the story. The film explores Denji’s desire for genuine connection while dealing with the dangerous world of devil hunting.
The movie performed exceptionally well in Japan, holding the number one spot for seven consecutive weeks at the box office. The theme song Iris Out by Kenshi Yonezu also reached number one on the Japan Billboard charts.
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards nominated Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle for Best Animated Motion Picture, but Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc did not receive a nomination. This decision sparked discussion among anime fans online, with many pointing to the film’s critical success and box office performance as reasons it deserved recognition.
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Where to Watch and What You Need to Know Beforehand
For viewers who have not seen the first season of Chainsaw Man, that content is available on Crunchyroll right now. The first season consists of 12 episodes and sets up the story that continues in the Reze Arc film. Watching the series first will help viewers understand the characters, the world, and the relationships that drive the movie’s plot.
The streaming release on April 30, 2026, comes approximately seven months after the film’s theatrical debut in North America on October 24, 2025. The movie first premiered in Japan on September 19, 2025, followed by releases across Asia, Europe, and other international markets.
Crunchyroll has not yet announced a Blu-ray or DVD release for the film. For now, streaming remains the primary way to watch the movie outside of digital purchase options.
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