This feels like a moment I’ve been waiting all of my horror-loving life for this moment, to see Vampire Hunter D on the big screen. An iconic horror anime OVA, the gothic horror, is coming to theaters with the help of AMC Networks’ streamers HIDIVE and Shudder.

The two streamers are partnering with Iconic Events Releasing to bring the 40th-anniversary re-release of Vampire Hunter D to U.S. and Canadian cinemas this spring on April 9, 10 & 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season. While some audiences may know the 2000 released Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, the 1985 film is where it all started.

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Considered a Japanese cult classic film will also finally be available on streaming for the first time on both HIDIVE, AMC’s anime streaming platform, and Shudder, the premiere destination for horror (yes, that’s an AMC tagline, but I also wholeheartedly endorse it). The streaming date for the remastered film hasn’t yet been announced.

Bringing the horror classic to new audiences is an absolute dream, and if you’re anything like me, well, you’ve been waiting to stream it for some time. “When it was first released, Vampire Hunter D was a stunning landmark in Japanese anime, set in a world of post-apocalyptic horror and fantasy where vampires roam,” said Steven Menkin, President & Co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing. “Now 40 years later, fans of all ages can experience one of the true all-time classic anime on the big screen. Iconic is proud to partner with HIDIVE and Shudder on these special screenings.”

A seminal work in horror anime film released in 1985, the film is the OVA adaptation directed by Toyoo Ashida and based on the best-selling novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi. It has shaped the horror that has come after it while also deeply loving the long history of gothic vampires before it.

“In 1985, Vampire Hunter D cemented its place in cinematic history as a truly genre-defining work of horror,” said John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vampire Hunter D and partner with both Shudder and Iconic Events Releasing to bring this seminal film to both horror and anime fans across the U.S. and Canada.”

What Version of the film is releasing in theaters?

HIDIVE and Shudder will present a digitally remastered version of the original Vampire Hunter D OVA that was produced by Sentai Filmworks in 2015. Vampire Hunter D is the final film joining AX Cinema Nights’ previously announced line-up and will close out the film series’ 2024/2025 Season.

Iconic Events Releasing will screen the movie in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub at over 500 North American cinemas on April 9 (English sub), 10 (English dub) & 13 (encore dub screening).

When can I buy tickets?

Now! Advance tickets for Vampire Hunter D are now available for purchase at ax-cinemanights.com and participating theater box offices. 

If you haven’t heard of Vampire Hunter D, now is the time to learn with HIDIVE and Shudder. 

In the year 12,090 A.D. technology and the supernatural have overtaken the world, leaving the land desolate and despotic. The remnants of humanity are scattered into small communities and live in fear of vampires who compose the ruling Nobility. When Count Magnus Lee tastes the blood of Doris Lang, she is forcibly chosen to be his next wife. In an effort to escape her ill-gotten fate she hires a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D, who comes from a peculiar lineage.

Vampire Hunter D to U.S. and Canadian theaters this spring on April 9, 10 & 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season.