Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara and penned by Yamada Yuka, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Dragoness in Search of Love is a fantastical animated film based on the hugely popular Japanese franchise. Featuring the voices of Maria Naganawa, Mutsumi Tamura, and Yuki Kuwahara, the movie hits theaters on March 1 and 2, 2026. Titled in the original Japanese as Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon: Samishigariya no Ryu, it expands the universe introduced in Cool-kyou Shinja’s manga and its anime adaptation by Kyoto Animation.
The peaceful life of Miss Kobayashi and the dragons sharing her daily routine is upended when Kamun Kamui, Kanna’s father and leader of the Forces of Chaos, appears, demanding her return to the dragon world. Behind this demand lies an ancient mistake that needs to be corrected—one that could reignite the long-standing conflict between the Chaos and Harmony factions. Torn from her fragile sense of stability, Kanna finds herself at the heart of a confrontation way beyond her understanding.
Straddling the line between the human world and the draconic realm, the story delves into the themes of loneliness and the bonds that connect Kanna to Kobayashi, Tohru, and Iruru. Confronted with the threat of an impending war, the young dragon must find a way to reconcile two opposing worlds and prevent the conflict from escalating. The question of belonging takes center stage, as the plot weaves together stunning action scenes and tender, intimate moments centered around the unconventional family formed by the characters.
This transition to a feature-length format continues Kyoto Animation's tradition of high-quality animation and a keen focus on everyday emotions, as showcased in A Silent Voice and Violet Evergarden. Tatsuya Ishihara, who has been involved in numerous studio projects, maintains the delicate balance between domestic comedy and fantastical themes, while expanding the visual scope to match the grandeur of cinema.
The film delves deeper into dragon mythology, expanding on the rivalry between Chaos and Harmony, already hinted at in the series. Action scenes promise an escalating intensity, while the story continues to focus on emotional bonds and the coexistence between humans and supernatural creatures. Emotion and family ties remain central to the project, staying true to the spirit of the franchise.
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Dragoness in Search of Love
Film | 2026
Opening in theaters: March 1 and 2, 2026
Animation, Fantasy | Duration: 1h45
Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara | Starring Maria Naganawa, Mutsumi Tamura, Yuki Kuwahara
Original title: Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon: Samishigariya no Ryu
Country of origin: Japan
With this feature film, the Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid franchise takes a new leap forward by expanding its universe onto the big screen. Blending mythological battles with everyday life stories, the movie offers a satisfying summary of the themes that made the series a hit, while also delivering a standalone adventure focused on Kanna.
To keep the movie magic going, check out the March cinema releases, discover the must-see films of the moment, and explore our top animated films of the year.
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Dates and Opening Time
From March 1, 2026 to March 2, 2026
