Crunchyroll Is Bringing Back The Best Shojo Anime Of All Time — Limited Time Only

Natsuki Takaya’s Fruits Basket continues to hold a special place in anime history, celebrated for its emotional storytelling, layered characters and powerful themes of healing. Following the success of the 2019 anime remake and its conclusion in 2021, the prequel film Fruits Basket: Prelude offered fans a deeper emotional farewell. Now, after a limited theatrical run in North America and a successful streaming period, the film is preparing for another brief return to cinemas, giving audiences a renewed opportunity to experience its moving story on the big screen.

A Special Screening As Part Of Monthly Anime Nights

The upcoming theatrical return of Fruits Basket: Prelude is part of a monthly cinema initiative that brings select anime titles back into theatres. Designed to celebrate both classic and modern anime, the programme offers fans a chance to enjoy beloved stories in a shared cinema environment. Screenings take place once a month, creating a special event-style experience rather than a standard release. This approach has proven popular among anime fans eager to reconnect with their favourite franchises beyond home viewing.

When And Where Fans Can Watch The Film

Fruits Basket: Prelude will be screened for one day only on February 16, with evening shows scheduled at 7:00 pm. The English-dubbed version will be shown across select cinema locations, allowing fans who missed its original theatrical release to finally see it on the big screen. Tickets have already been made available in advance, reflecting the continued enthusiasm surrounding the franchise. While some fans initially hoped the announcement hinted at a brand-new sequel, the re-release instead offers a nostalgic and emotionally rich return to a story that still resonates deeply.

Why Fruits Basket Prelude Still Matters

Unlike a traditional standalone film, Fruits Basket: Prelude is crafted primarily for viewers already familiar with the main series. It acts as both a reflective epilogue and a meaningful expansion of the story’s emotional core. The film revisits key moments involving Kyo Sohma, briefly exploring his personal journey while adding new scenes that strengthen his bond with Tohru Honda’s family history. These additions offer fresh emotional context rather than simple repetition.

Exploring Kyoko And Katsuya’s Untold Love Story

The heart of Fruits Basket: Prelude lies in its focus on Kyoko and Katsuya Honda. The film delicately traces how their relationship develops, revealing the struggles, kindness and emotional growth that defined their lives together. Kyoko’s troubled past and Katsuya’s quiet compassion come together in a story that mirrors the broader themes of the franchise. Through their journey, the film reinforces the idea that empathy and love can help break cycles of pain passed down through generations.

A Fitting Tribute To A Legendary Shojo Series

While Fruits Basket: Prelude may not introduce an entirely new chapter, its value lies in emotional depth rather than spectacle. It enriches the existing narrative and reinforces why Fruits Basket remains one of the most celebrated shojo anime series of all time. By returning to cinemas, the film offers fans a final, heartfelt reminder of the power of kindness, connection and healing that define the franchise.

Image Credit: X (fromerly Twitter)/ Fruits Basket