GKIDS just announced that HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Movie will head to theaters on February 27. The film is an interesting take on interactive cinema, as it allows audience members to watch the film and vote for what they want in real-time with their smartphones. This experience will head to Regal theaters exclusively in the United States.
About HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Movie
HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- is a multimedia project developed by King Records, under its EVIL LINE RECORDS label, that began with a series of introductory CD releases in 2017. The first Battle Season was held in 2018, where fans voted for the winner of rap battles between the groups. It has since grown to span manga, live stage productions, mobile gaming, and anime. HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Movie is the franchise’s first feature film and debuted in Japan in February 2025, becoming the country’s first-ever interactive movie. Powered by CtrlMovie’s in-theatre polling technology, moviegoers determine how each battle unfolds. Each film screening is uniquely shaped by its audience, resulting in a roughly 106-minute experience from a total of 328 minutes of ultimate rap battle content. Despite its limited screen count, the film broke Japanese box office records, selling over one million tickets and earning over $16.3 million (JP¥2.6 billion).
HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Interactive Movie is an immersive cinematic experience where the outcome lies in your hands. Vote with or against your fellow movie-goers to determine how each battle unfolds in Japan’s first interactive anime film, where each film screening is uniquely shaped by its audience.
Disputes are now settled through rap battles instead of violence using a special microphone known as the Hypnosis Mic. Lyrics delivered through the mic directly affect the human spirit, thereby eliminating the need for armed conflict. Six groups (Buster Bros!!!, MAD TRIGGER CREW, Fling Posse, Matenro, DOTSUITARE-HOMPO, and Bad Ass Temple) from regions throughout Japan now compete to prove their strength in the Final Division Rap Battle, hosted by KOTONOHATOH. In a world where words have replaced weapons, the ultimate rap battle that will decide the future of the nation is about to begin.
GKIDS has been on a roll with releases this year, hot on the heels of All You Need is Kill earlier this month. Stay tuned for more anime news here on Miso!
