If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out when you can finally sit down and watch the newest Overlord flick, you aren't alone. It’s been a confusing ride. Between the Japanese theatrical run, the staggered international dates, and the eventual jump to streaming, keeping track of Ainz Ooal Gown’s schedule is basically a full-time job.
Honestly, the timeline for Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom has been a bit of a moving target for western fans.
When did the Overlord movie come out?
To answer the big question: Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom has already completed its main theatrical run. If you were looking for a 2026 cinema release, you actually missed the boat. The movie hit Japanese theaters first on September 20, 2024.
North American fans had to wait a little longer. Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll finally brought the Sorcerer King to U.S. and Canadian big screens on November 8, 2024.
It wasn't just a subbed release either. They dropped the English dub at the same time, which was a huge win for people who prefer hearing Satoshi Hino's deep, authoritative tones (or the English equivalent) without reading text at the bottom of the screen.
The rollout looked something like this:
- Japan: September 20, 2024
- Germany: September 20, 2024
- United Kingdom & Ireland: November 1, 2024
- United States & Canada: November 8, 2024
- Australia: November 7, 2024
- Russia (CIS): February 13, 2025
So, if you’re asking "when does Overlord movie come out" in 2026, the theatrical window is firmly in the rearview mirror.
Where can you watch it now?
Since we are now well into 2026, the movie has moved into its digital life. For a while, the only way to see it was to hope for a local "special event" screening or to find a physical copy.
Crunchyroll officially added Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom to its streaming library on April 24, 2025.
If you have a premium subscription, it’s likely sitting right there in your queue. If you’re a physical media collector, Blu-ray versions started popping up around the same time, usually packed with some pretty cool art from so-bin, the original light novel illustrator.
Why the Sacred Kingdom arc matters so much
You've probably noticed that the movie feels a little... out of place? If you watched Season 4 of the anime, you might have felt a bit of whiplash. Season 4 covered Volumes 10, 11, and 14 of the light novels.
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Wait. What happened to 12 and 13?
That’s exactly what this movie is. It covers the "Paladin of the Holy Kingdom" arc, which is arguably the darkest and most brutal part of Kugane Maruyama’s story. The producers decided it was too big—and maybe a bit too intense—for the standard TV format.
By making it a movie, Studio Madhouse (the legends behind the animation) could really lean into the "R" rating. We’re talking about the invasion of the Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth and the absolute desperation of the Sacred Kingdom. It’s grim. It’s violent. It’s classic Overlord.
Is there another Overlord movie coming out in 2026?
This is where the rumors get messy. As of right now, there is no official announcement for a second brand-new movie following The Sacred Kingdom.
However, we do know that Overlord Season 5 is officially in production.
The announcement for the fifth season came right as the movie was hitting its stride in late 2024. Because the light novel series is nearing its end—Maruyama has stated it will finish with Volume 18—the studio is being very careful with the remaining content.
There are currently 16 volumes out. With the movie covering 12 and 13, that leaves 15 and 16 (the Elf Country arc) and the upcoming final two books.
Some fans speculate that since Volume 17 and 18 are expected to be one massive concluding story, Kadokawa might opt for another movie finale instead of a standard season. But that’s just theory. For now, the "next" thing on the horizon is Season 5, not a new film.
What to do if you're caught up
If you've already seen the movie and you're staring at your screen waiting for more, you have a few options.
- Read the Light Novels: Honestly, the anime is great, but it cuts a lot. The internal monologues of Ainz—where he's constantly panicking while looking cool—are way better in the books.
- Check the Recap Movies: If you’re really desperate, there are two older recap movies: The Undead King and The Dark Hero. They’re mostly highlights from Season 1, but they have a few new scenes.
- The Spin-offs: Don't sleep on Isekai Quartet if you want to see Ainz interacting with the cast of Re:Zero and Konosuba. It’s a total 180 in tone, but it's hilarious.
The wait for Season 5 is likely to stretch into late 2026 or even 2027, given Madhouse’s track record and the fact that they are waiting for the final novels to provide a clear ending.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your Crunchyroll account to see if the movie is available in your region, as licensing deals can sometimes cause temporary "disappearances." If you prefer physical copies, 2026 is the perfect time to snag the "Special Edition" Blu-ray, which usually includes the localized booklets that explain some of the lore the movie had to skip over. Stay tuned to official Kadokawa social media channels for the first Season 5 trailer, which is rumored to drop later this year.