3 Years on, A Devastating Crunchyroll Anime Is Coming to Theaters, But There’s a Catch

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The beloved manga series Fruits Basket received a new anime adaptation in 2019 that quickly became popular. The original manga by Natsuki Takaya debuted in 1998, and while it had an anime adaptation in 2001, that version significantly changed the story. This reboot stayed much closer to the source material, following Tohru Honda as she gets to know the Sohma family and the members who are possessed by the spirits of the Chinese Zodiac. Though the reboot tells the complete main story, it doesn’t fully explore the history of Tohru’s parents, Kyoko and Katsuya, only hinting at the sad events surrounding their lives and how they met.

Just months after the anime ended, a movie called Fruits Basket: Prelude came out. Now, Crunchyroll is bringing it back to select theaters in the US and Canada around Valentine’s Day 2026. You can see the English-dubbed version for one night only on February 16th. Tickets are available through the official Crunchyroll website, but showings are limited, so get yours quickly!

Fruits Basket: Prelude Is One of The Most Heartbreaking Films on Crunchyroll

The story of Kyoko and how she met Katsuya is revealed through memories as Kyo and Tohru start their lives in a new city after high school. Even though she passed away before the main story begins, Kyoko is still a central figure, having taught her daughter important lessons about kindness and life. She was deeply affected by her husband’s sudden death and struggled to care for her daughter for a time.

Despite facing a difficult youth – including rejection by her family and community – Kyoko was a remarkably cheerful person. She persevered, and with Tohru’s support, managed to provide for her daughter as best she could, cherishing memories of Katsuya. Sadly, she died in an accident just before the story begins, but is fondly remembered by those who knew her – including Tohru, her friends, and Katsuya’s father – as someone who always radiated positivity.

For a time, she rebelled and risked her future. Then she met Katsuya, a student teacher, and they fell in love. The story follows her as she leaves home and gives in to her feelings for him. It also shows her difficult journey into motherhood, where she battles with feelings of inadequacy stemming from her past. All seasons of the anime remake and the introductory movie are available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2026-02-03 01:40