If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve stared at a hyper-realistic animated cloud and felt a lump in your throat. I understand; I’ve been there.

In my case, everything started during the lockdown days. The world was shut down, high anxiety levels prevailed, and I accidentally stumbled upon Your Name. That was the first anime movie I ever watched, and to be honest? That flick changed my life. It opened the door to a medium that I had pretty much ignored, and before long, Weathering with You had cemented itself as yet another all-time favorite. There is something about the way Makoto Shinkai mixes distance and longing with sheer beauty that hits differently.

Now, as an animator myself, I look at his lighting and composition with jealous inspiration. But enough with the past. Now Shinkai’s hype cycle for his next film has started; rumors abound regarding the next Makoto Shinkai film, the upcoming Makoto Shinkai project, and fans are eagerly discussing the next Makoto Shinkai movie, the upcoming film, and Makoto Shinkai, hoping we might see something unexpectedly different.

Here is the lowdown on what could become the biggest of the upcoming anime movies 2026.

What We Know So Far About New World and Its Teasers

There’s something tangible for us all to grab onto. Shinkai has been being relatively quiet since Suzume locked himself away to write, but recently he broke that silence. In a message that ignited the fandom, he said:

“It looks like it will be the year when I can finally share concrete details about my new film that I’ve been preparing for a long time.”

This affirms that the announcement of the Makoto Shinkai upcoming anime film will come in 2025 and strongly implies a release in 2026. Shinkai follows a pretty tight production cycle of about three years (Your Name in 2016, Weathering with You in 2019, and Suzume in 2022).

We are closely monitoring the latest news about Makoto Shinkai’s new film, 2026; current speculation points toward a Makoto Shinkai press conference in December 2025 for the official announcement of Makoto Shinkai’s next film. By all accounts, a Makoto Shinkai 2026 film is right on schedule.

Japanese audiences are already buzzing about the [新海誠 次の映画 発表 マコト・シンカイ upcoming project] and the [新海誠 次回 映画 予定 Makoto Shinkai upcoming film].

Awais Shaukat

Future Is Shinkai and We Can’t Wait to Dive In

From original sci-fi mysteries to a new visual universe—fans are excited for Shinkai’s next masterpiece

Published on September 19, 2025

Sci-Fi, No More Futuristic Romance?

This is where the rumor mill accelerates. We hear a few whispers about this new Makoto Shinkai film not being like any of his previous ones.

Shinkai has hinted post-Suzume that he might want to walk away from the time-loving “boy meets girl” romance setups that have defined his most commercially successful works. Instead, an original narrative with rich sci-fi elements has been suggested for this Makoto Shinkai upcoming film.

From the maestro of calamities and transcendental legends entering futuristic territory? This indeed sounds like a new world we are about to see—maybe something post-apocalyptic with its basis in technology or hard sci-fi concerning humanity’s place in the cosmos! As an animator, just the thought of the aforementioned Shinkai’s “golden hour” lighting over chrome, neon, or alien landscapes sends chills through me.

Local sources in Japan simply refer to it as 新海誠 次の映画 発表.

I mean, I love the romance; regardless, this just shows he is not content resting on his laurels. He wants to challenge the audience.

Why so Excited for the Upcoming Movie

That’s because Makoto Shinkai has delivered stunning films such as:

• The Garden of Words (2013)
• Your Name (2016)
• Weathering with You (2019)
• Suzume (2022)

Each blends jaw-dropping animation with a storyline that tugs right at your emotions. No wonder the buzz for his next movie is off the charts. In the meantime, why not revisit these gems or build some excitement for the 5 Centimeters per Second live-action adaptation?

The Live-Action Expansion

While we wait for the anime, there is the news of a live-action adaptation for 5 Centimeters per Second coming Fall 2025. For many old-school fans, this was the film that got them hooked. Seeing this live-action adaptation is going to be an emotional ride, I’m telling you.

This is the perfect appetizer before the main course of what will likely be the highlight of the best 2026 anime films or upcoming or released 2026 anime movies. It is expected to dominate the top anime movies of 2026 release list of anime films of 2026.

A Personal Note

As I have said, Shinkai propelled me toward my own journey into animation. One thing that I have been consciously studying and trying to incorporate is his attention to background art—making the setting itself a character.

I have been channeling that inspiration into my own upcoming film, Under the Blaze. While the film is definitely its own thing, there will be glimpses of Shinkai’s influence in how I depict light, atmosphere, and the emotional gravitas of the sky. My hope is that when it does come out, it will spark that familiar sense of wonder in fellow fans of Your Name and Weathering with You.

Until then, we’ll keep gazing at clouds and awaiting 2026. New World is COMING!!