What Is GROTESQQQUE? CloverWorks’ Three-Story Anime Movie Explained

Discover GROTESQQQUE’s November 2026 release date, CloverWorks animation, cast, and the three stories featuring aliens, battle royale action, and vampires.

What do aliens, underground battles between girls, and vampires in a post-apocalyptic world have in common? They are the three unusual stories coming together in GROTESQQQUE, an original anime movie directed by Atsushi Nishigori and produced by CloverWorks. Unlike conventional animated films that follow a single protagonist, this project brings three different worlds together in one theatrical release.

The movie has already attracted attention for its distinctive visual style, unusual premises, and a cast that includes established voice actors, musician Gen Hoshino, actress Sara Minami, and members of the idol group Nogizaka46. With its Japanese theatrical release approaching, here’s everything to know about GROTESQQQUE, including its release date, three stories, cast, and animation studio.

Learn: What Is Asta’s New Form in Black Clover Season 2? Devil Union Explained

When Does GROTESQQQUE Release?

GROTESQQQUE is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theatres on November 6, 2026. The film runs for approximately 104 minutes and is being distributed by ANIMEC. The movie is an original project created by Atsushi Nishigori, known for directing THE IDOLM@STER and DARLING in the FRANXX. He also worked as chief animation director on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. The film is not an adaptation of an existing manga or light novel. Instead, Nishigori has developed three separate stories, each with its own characters, setting, and atmosphere.

Check this out: What Is The Boxer Anime? Release Date, Characters, Studio, and Story Explained

What Are the Three Stories in GROTESQQQUE?

• 1. A(E)liens
  • The first segment takes place in an era when humanity has established contact with extraterrestrial life. It follows Elie, an alien girl who loves Earth’s culture, and Kento Kunikura, a civil servant working at the Space Agency.
  • The unlikely pair team up to search for friends, creating opportunities for comedy as an alien tries to understand human society. Kana Ichinose voices Elie, while Gen Hoshino plays Kento.
• 2. Yoroshiku★Shojo
  • The second story shifts to GALs TOKYO, a city where morning never arrives. There, a group of girls known as gal-P become involved in a chaotic battle royale centred on a game called Queen of Butterfly.
  • Unlike the first segment’s lighthearted premise, this chapter focuses on intense confrontations, colourful characters, and fast-paced action. Sara Minami voices Stella, while Ikumi Hasegawa, Saori Hayami, Maaya Uchida, Chika Anzai, Miyu Tomita, Rumi Okubo, and Rie Kugimiya portray other characters.
• 3. Nocturne: On This Grotesque Night
  • The final segment follows Ayame, a pure-blooded vampire, and three girls who survive by being bitten by her. In a world left devastated after humanity’s downfall, the group travels together in a van.

Despite the bleak setting, the story also explores the beauty of their surroundings and the everyday moments they share. Nogizaka46 members Nagi Inoue, Aruno Nakanishi, Miku Ichinose, and Nao Tomisato voice the four central characters.

Discover: What Is Yumene Connect? Anime Release Date, Cast, and Alien Comedy Story Explained

Which Studio Is Animating GROTESQQQUE?

CloverWorks is handling animation production, with Nishigori serving as director, scriptwriter, and original character designer. JOEN and Aniplex are involved in planning and production. Each segment also has its own creative approach. Nishigori directs A(E)liens and Nocturne, while Takahiro Miura directs Yoroshiku★Shojo. The film additionally features music from 35 artists, including singers, bands, Vocaloid producers, and composers.

This variety is central to the project’s appeal. Rather than following one consistent genre, GROTESQQQUE moves between science-fiction comedy, action, and dark vampire fiction. Will these three contrasting stories come together to create a memorable anime experience, or will their different tones make the movie feel disjointed?

Will these three contrasting stories come together to create a memorable anime experience, or will their different tones make the movie feel disjointed?

Want to know: When Does Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War End? Episode 49 and 50 Release Dates