Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night

Released Dec 3, 2021

1h 37m

Action

Adventure

Anime

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80%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

95%

500+ Verified Ratings

Audience Score

Return to the death game where it all began--Sword Art Online. In this new Aincrad Arc by original creator Reki Kawahara, the story is seen through Asuna's eyes. What at first seems like a dream come true quickly becomes a nightmare when newbie gamer Asuna Yuuki learns the only way to escape the virtual world of Aincrad is to beat all 100 levels--but "Game Over" means you die in the real world.

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LesK

i watched the English dub version in a local theater not even 10 miles from my house. it was awesome! stupendous! epic! i loved the hell outta this movie! :D my first ever butt in a theater seat anime movie experience and whew! it rocked! i've been a big fan of the SAO anime franchise for years now. i was very worried i wouldn't get to see Progressive Movie 1 till it got pirated online or ANIPLEX America released the DVD/BR disk. this movie was DEFINITELY worth the 11 something bucks i spent for the ticket.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/12/22

Full Review

Thiago

As an ever loving fan of this series, I found the movie to be amazing. The animation, the story, and the general feel of the movie is very enjoyable. Also cannot forget that unforgettable soundtrack, one of the best in an ocean of fantastic work.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/22

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B

The animation is beautiful! Loved the movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/21/21

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Nolan

Great retelling of the clearing of the first floor of Aincrad. Improves on what the 1st season lacked: Asuna's background and her and Kirito's relationship. The movie also introduces a new perspective on SAO how normal people would have felt, rather than an already prepared character like Kirito.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/21

Full Review

Alex P

Better then the anime

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/21

Full Review

Josh

Loved it. Asuna is the star in this, and there was actually a consistency with the show. Minor changes to make sense with the movie but not plot altering changes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/21

Full Review

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Ayako Kawano

Director

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

Kirito

Haruka Tomatsu

Asuna

Inori Minase

Mito

Hiroaki Hirata

Kurain

Hiroki Yasumoto

Egiru

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Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night: Trailer 1

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

Hardened SAO fans may be fascinated by the tweaks in this remaster, but Aria of a Starless Night just feels like a repackaging.

Dec 9, 2021

Full Review

Marcelo Stiletano

La Nación (Argentina)

... A phenomenon of extraordinary global reach. [Full review in Spanish]

May 18, 2022

Full Review

Tom Cassidy

Common Sense Media

With its soaring music, sizzling visuals, huge stakes, and inspiring lead characters, Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night is a recommended anime for series fans and newcomers alike.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 4, 2022

Full Review

Abhishek Srivastava

The Times of India

If you are an anime fan and have no time to watch the series on which this is based, the movie version is well worth the time.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 1, 2022

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Tyler Treese

ComingSoon.net

Aria of a Starless Night is a success at retelling the series' beginning in a way that is approachable while still being rewarding for longtime fans.

Rated: 8/10

Jan 12, 2022

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Synopsis

Return to the death game where it all began--Sword Art Online. In this new Aincrad Arc by original creator Reki Kawahara, the story is seen through Asuna's eyes. What at first seems like a dream come true quickly becomes a nightmare when newbie gamer Asuna Yuuki learns the only way to escape the virtual world of Aincrad is to beat all 100 levels--but "Game Over" means you die in the real world.

Director: Ayako Kawano
Screenwriter: Reki Kawahara, Tomohiko Ito
Distributor: Aniplex / FUNimation Films
Production Co: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure, Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 3, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 24, 2022
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)