Anime Limited

Overview

Anime Limited is a Glasgow-based independent anime distribution company founded in 2012 by Andrew Partridge. The company operates in the UK and France, handling theatrical distribution, home video, and streaming for Japanese animation. In December 2025, Toho Global acquired 100% of Anime Limited from Germany-based PLAION Pictures, making it a subsidiary of Toho's newly established European regional headquarters in London. Andrew Partridge remained with the company and joined the leadership team of Toho's European operation.

For Japanese animation studios and producers seeking UK and French distribution, Anime Limited is one of the primary specialist contacts alongside Crunchyroll (Sony) and Manga Entertainment. The company released Godzilla Minus One in the UK, where it became the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time at the UK box office. Its catalog includes Attack on Titan, BELLE, Cowboy Bebop, JUJUTSU KAISEN, Neon Genesis Evangelion, One Piece Film: RED, Spy x Family CODE: White, Your Name, and Weathering with You.

The Toho Acquisition

Toho Global's acquisition of Anime Limited in December 2025 was part of a broader international expansion strategy called "TOHO VISION 2032." Toho had already acquired US-based GKIDS in October 2024 and launched Toho Entertainment Asia in Singapore in November 2024. With the addition of Anime Limited, Toho established operational bases across North America, Asia, and Europe.

Under the new structure, Anime Limited operates as Toho's direct distribution arm in the UK and France. PLAION Pictures remains Toho's preferred partner for Germany, Italy, and other European territories. The European anime market was valued at approximately $4.8 billion in 2024, with projections that it could nearly double by 2030.

For filmmakers and rights holders, the Toho acquisition means Anime Limited now has direct access to Toho's IP pipeline, including the Godzilla franchise, Studio Ghibli adjacent properties, and Toho's growing slate of anime co-productions. The company also partners with GKIDS on joint theatrical releases - ALL YOU NEED IS KILL (STUDIO 4°C) was announced as a joint Anime Limited/GKIDS release for February 2026.

Theatrical Distribution

Anime Limited releases major anime features theatrically across the UK and Ireland through partnerships with arthouse cinemas, multiplex venues, and IMAX screens. The company's 2026 theatrical slate includes:

The company's theatrical model targets event screenings rather than sustained theatrical runs. Most releases open on a limited number of screens for one to two weeks, targeting the dedicated anime fanbase that attends opening-weekend screenings. IMAX and premium format screenings are used for major titles like AKIRA and Demon Slayer.

Premium Collector Home Video

Anime Limited's collector releases are among the most sought-after physical media editions in the UK anime market. The company produces limited edition sets with art books, art cards, acrylic stands, wooden cards, and premium packaging. 2026 Blu-ray releases include:

• Wolf Children (Deluxe Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray, Steelbook 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD) - February 16, 2026. Collector's edition includes acrylic stand, art cards, wooden card.
• Lupin Zero (Collector's Edition Blu-ray) - January 26, 2026. 32-page booklet and art box.
• Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3 (Collector's Edition Blu-ray) - February 23, 2026. 12-page booklet and art box.
• The Place Promised in Our Early Days (Steelbook Edition Blu-ray & DVD) - January 26, 2026. Includes soundtrack on CD.
• Summer Wars (4K UHD Blu-ray) - April 2026.

The collector market is commercially significant for Anime Limited: dedicated anime fans pay premium prices for high-quality physical editions, generating per-unit revenues that mass-market releases cannot match. A typical collector's edition Blu-ray retails for 40-70 GBP, compared to 15-25 GBP for a standard edition. The company also releases anime soundtracks on vinyl.

What Filmmakers Should Know

For Japanese Animation Studios

Anime Limited is one of the primary premium specialist contacts for UK and French theatrical and home entertainment distribution. The company's positioning within the Toho Group gives it direct access to Toho's production pipeline and synergies with GKIDS in North America. The company is the right fit for prestige anime releases and collector-grade home video rather than high-volume mainstream content.

For Non-Anime Filmmakers

Anime Limited distributes Japanese animation exclusively. The company is not a relevant acquisition target for live-action or non-Japanese animated content. However, the company's success in building a premium collector market in the UK offers a model for how specialist distributors can build sustainable businesses around dedicated fanbases willing to pay premium prices for physical media.

For UK Theatrical Bookers

Anime Limited provides theatrical booking content for both arthouse and multiplex venues. The company's IMAX releases (AKIRA, Demon Slayer) require advance booking commitments. Standard anime theatrical releases typically run for one to two weeks with 2-5 screenings per day per screen. The company also supports special event screenings for classic titles and anniversary re-releases.

Acquisition and Submission

Anime Limited does not operate a public open-submission portal. Acquisitions happen through:

1. Japanese studio and producer relationships: Direct deals with Toho, Studio Ghibli, MAPPA, Bones, and other major anime production companies.
2. Toho Group pipeline: Following the Toho acquisition, Anime Limited has first access to Toho's anime and live-action IP for UK and French territories.
3. Festival acquisitions: The company attends Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Scotland Loves Anime, and other anime-focused events.

Licensing inquiries can be directed through the All The Anime website or Anime Limited's corporate contact page.

See Also

For how anime distribution works in the UK market, see Distribution Deals Explained. For UK Asian live-action cinema distribution alongside anime, see Arrow Films in this directory. For the dominant global anime streaming and theatrical distributor, see Crunchyroll. To model the revenue potential of a UK theatrical anime release, use the Revenue Forecast Calculator.