Written by Joshua Jacob
On May 1, the favorite blue shapeshifting slime of fellow isekai anime lovers returned to theaters in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (2026).
For those who haven’t followed the story of the light novel, manga, or anime series of the same name, it follows the long tale of Satoru Mikami (Takuma Terashima), a 37-year-old Japanese businessman who is reincarnated into a fantasy world as the slime Rimuru Tempest (Miho Okasaki). Over time, Rimuru builds a nation where multiple species coexist, forming alliances and rising in power to eventually become a Demon Lord. By the end of the third season in 2024, he has established himself as both a leader and a protector, making this next chapter feel like a natural continuation of his growing influence.
Picking up after the events of Season 3, the success of Tempest’s national festival leads to an invitation from their new ally Holy Empress Elmesia El Ru Sarion (Hisako Kanemoto), who welcomes Rimuru and his allies to her private island. What begins as a lighthearted getaway quickly shifts when a mysterious woman named Yura (Saori Ōnishi) is introduced after stealing a powerful artifact tied to the underwater kingdom of Kaien. As the group separates to explore more of the island, the goblin Gobta (Asuna Tomari) notices the masked blue-haired woman tailing them and confronts her.
Unfortunately, the two realize they lost sight of Rimuru and have to go looking for him together. As they continue to venture together in search of Rimuru (who has apparently not noticed his absence), Gobta and Yura start taking a liking to each other. The tone quickly shifts again when masked ninjas ambush them, forcing the pair to fight them off. That’s when Zodon (Koichi Domoto) captures her and demands she return her sacred flute she stole from Kaien, only for Gobta to quickly come to her rescue and escape from them until sunset. The two share a moment before they are ambushed once again, resulting in Yura losing the relic and the pair falling from a great height back to the group, all of whom were unaware of the commotion that had taken place the whole day they were separated or the seriousness of the situation now that the villain has his hands on the very thing Yura tried to protect: a magical flute capable of summoning the powerful water dragon guarding her home.
Even though Rimuru Tempest is the main character of the franchise, it becomes quickly clear that this movie chooses to follow Gobta instead. Shifting the focus to the show’s “comic relief” character highlights how much more there is to him beyond the jokes. While Gobta is usually portrayed as one of the weaker and more laid-back members of Tempest, this film gives him the chance to step up in a way that feels both surprising and earned. His interactions with Yura bring out a more serious and compassionate side of him, showing that even someone who is often underestimated can play an important role when it matters most. Gobta’s character arc taps into a familiar but effective theme about proving your worth despite how others see you. His journey is not about becoming the strongest, but about building confidence and stepping out of the shadow of those around him (similar to that of other anime characters like Usopp from One Piece).
In a world where Rimuru and other powerful figures usually take center stage, Gobta’s perspective is a reminder that strength can come in different forms whether it’s loyalty, courage, or simply the willingness to keep going when things get difficult. Yura also plays a key role in shaping that growth. While she initially comes across as distant and secretive, her connection to the artifact and the responsibility she carries add emotional weight to the story. Her bond with Gobta develops naturally as the two rely on each other, and their dynamic helps ground the film in something more personal compared to the larger-scale conflicts seen in the main series.
The film’s tone does a solid job balancing the humor fans expect from the series with more serious stakes. Moments of comedy, especially through Gobta, help maintain the lighthearted charm of the franchise while the action sequences and central conflict keep things engaging. Visually, the film delivers the vibrant animation and large-scale battles that fans have come to expect, making it feel like a natural extension of the anime rather than a separate side story.
If there is one criticism, it’s that shifting the focus away from Rimuru may feel unusual for some viewers. As the central figure of the series, his reduced presence (while Gobta finds himself dead in the center of the plot) might make certain moments feel less impactful, especially for those expecting a story centered around Rimuru’s growth. Even so, these choices give other characters the chance to stand out in ways they normally would not in the main series.
Overall, this film succeeds in telling a more character-driven story within a world known for its power scaling. By putting Gobta at the center, the film offers a refreshing change of perspective while still delivering the humor, action, and heart that fans enjoy. Whether you’ve been following Rimuru’s journey for years or are just looking for an entertaining fantasy film, this movie proves that even the most unlikely characters can carry a story worth watching. And fans can certainly enjoy this little treat while also watching the first few episodes of the fourth season released on Crunchyroll as of April 3, 2026.
