Madhouse's 'ghost' Anime Film Confirms Release Timeline

Madhouse and Bandai Namco Filmworks confirmed on July 1 that their upcoming anime film, titled ghost – end of night (ghost/yoru no hate), will release in Japanese theaters on Feb 11, 2027. The film, tentatively titled ghost, was first announced in June 2025.

ghost – end of night is an original anime, with early materials teasing a futuristic dystopian narrative wrapped as a utopia. Madhouse, the studio behind critically acclaimed titles Death Note, Perfect Blue, and Frieren, is producing the film.

The anime film will mark the first original feature film of veteran anime director Shingo Natsume. Natsume is well known in the industry for directing some acclaimed TV anime, including One-Punch Man (season 1) and Sonny Boy.

Madhouse’s ghost – end of night Anime Film’s Plot and Teaser

As per Bandai Namco’s disclosure, ghost is set in a near future where labor is no longer necessary. Its protagonist, a girl named Neekei, resists the complacency of society while searching for what is “real.” 

The July 1 teaser offers the first look at the film’s atmosphere. It offers a glimpse of the characters, landscapes, and scenes from ghost – end of night. While the footage reveals little about the central conflict, it emphasizes an existential dread through quiet character expressions, vibrant and contrasting color palettes, and fast-paced sequences.

The Significance of the Production Team Behind Madhouse’s ghost – end of night Movie

The film compiles an experienced creative team. With Madhouse and Natsume, manga creator Natsume Ono joins the production as character designer. Norifumi Kugai, whose credits include Sonny Boy, Frieren, and ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept, will animate the characters.

Director Natsume also shared a statement describing the film as a work that explores universal human emotions through the perspective of a 15-year-old girl, driven by what he called a sound madness paired with pure defiance. 

Music plays a central role in depicting the movie’s themes. A well-known alt-rock band hitsujibungaku, credited with the Jujutsu Kaisen ending theme, more than words, is handling the songs. They have composed six original tracks for ghost – end of night, including the insert song Sugar. Up-and-coming musician Kimishima Oozora will handle the film’s score.

Original anime films have become prominent in Japan’s theatrical market with works from directors such as Makoto Shinkai, Satoshi Kon, and Miyazaki. Madhouse’s previous original films, including Paprika, which offers visible similarities with Nolan’s Inception, and Perfect Blue, were globally recognized.

Additionally, KADOKAWA's Young Ace will serialize a manga based on the ghost – end of night movie from the issue released on Aug 4. Manga artist Himiko is responsible for the illustration.

Natsume has added that the project can stir the conflicting emotions everyone hides within themselves, emphasizing that he hopes audiences from different backgrounds will find something personal in the story. This emphasis on universally relatable experiences could help ghost stand out in the adult-focused anime landscape when it debuts.