Lupin the IIIrd: The Movie - The Immortal Bloodline (2025) Review: Lupin Gets Darker and Deadlier

This Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline review starts with a simple promise: this is the grittiest, most adult version of the famous gentleman thief in years. Director Takeshi Koike turns the gang loose on a deadly island, and the result is a short, sharp and bloody animated action adventure.

It runs only 93 minutes, so it rarely slows down. Here is what to expect.

Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The plot opens with Lupin III and his allies fending off a string of skilled assassins. Soon after, a strange invitation sends the gang toward an uncharted island, and the trip goes wrong when their plane is shot down.

Stranded, the crew finds itself hunted by the island's inhabitants, by enemies from the past and by a monstrous immortal being named Muom. A deadly toxic fog settles over the land, and Lupin must face what the film calls his greatest enemy in his most daring escapade yet.

The tagline, "You haven't seen the real Lupin III yet," sets the tone. This is a survival story first and a heist caper second.

What Works in Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline

The biggest strength is the style. Koike is known for bold, angular animation, and the film leans into that with hard shadows, sharp character designs and fight scenes that feel dangerous rather than playful.

The tight runtime helps too. There is little filler, and the island setting keeps the pressure high from the moment the gang crashes.

A few highlights:

• Violent, inventive action that tests the limits of Lupin and his team

• A moody, threatening atmosphere built around the toxic fog

• A villain in Muom who feels genuinely menacing

• A more mature tone that stands apart from lighter Lupin outings

Fans of action movie reviews who like their animation with an edge will find plenty to enjoy.

Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline Cast and Performances

The Lupin the IIIrd cast is made up of the long-running Japanese voice team. Kanichi Kurita voices Lupin III, Akio Otsuka returns as the sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, and Daisuke Namikawa plays swordsman Goemon Ishikawa XIII.

Miyuki Sawashiro voices Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Yamadera plays the relentless Inspector Zenigata. Ainosuke Kataoka voices the immortal Muom.

The performances suit the darker mood. The cast balances the gang's familiar banter with real tension, and the ensemble chemistry holds the film together even when the story gets thin.

Where Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline Stumbles

The short length cuts both ways. With so much happening, some characters and ideas get little room, and newcomers may feel lost among the past enemies and in-jokes.

The heavy violence will also not suit everyone. Those who love the franchise for its breezy heist charm may miss the lighter touch, since this entry is far more brutal.

The story itself is straightforward. It relies on style and momentum more than surprise, so viewers hoping for a clever, twisty plot may come away wanting more.

Is Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline Worth Watching?

Yes, if you enjoy stylish, violent anime and don't mind a lean story. Our rating of 7.6/10 reflects a confident, good-looking film that does exactly what it sets out to do.

The film arrived in Japan on 27 June 2025 and also holds a 7.6/10 audience score on TMDB from a small number of votes. It is not a deep character study, but it is a punchy, atmospheric ride. For more in this vein, browse our animation movie reviews or see the film's page on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline

• Longtime Lupin III fans who want a darker, more dangerous take

• Viewers who like Takeshi Koike's sharp, stylised animation

• Anyone after a fast, violent survival adventure in under 95 minutes