Crunchyroll secures 'The Apothecary Diaries' movie as season 3 begins

Crunchyroll has secured international rights to 'The Apothecary Diaries' movie following season 3 premiere

Crunchyroll has secured international distribution rights for The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure, the first movie in the popular mystery anime series, just days after the premiere of season 3.

The agreement gives Crunchyroll distribution rights across North America and international territories outside Asia, including India.

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle the film’s distribution, although a release date has not yet been announced.

The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure is an original mystery written by Hyuganatsu, author of The Apothecary Diaries series. Norihiro Naganuma is directing, with Toho Animation Studio producing the animation.

The film follows Maomao, a young woman with an interest in medicines and poisons, who is drawn into a mystery involving a hidden treasure in the City of Water.

Jinshi, an official from the imperial palace, asks Maomao to accompany him to Binan-shu, a southern province ruled by the Bi clan.

Jinshi’s journey begins after the emperor orders him to fulfil the final request of a concubine who died five years earlier. While examining her body, Jinshi discovers that she remains intact and appears unusually well preserved.

In Binan-shu, Maomao encounters new plants and medicines while the city faces unrest as pirates search for treasure left behind by a deceased leader.

Jinshi voices his concern with one line, "I hope nothing happens …" His fears are realised when an event during the concubine’s burial sets off an unpredictable chain of events.

The Apothecary Diaries has sold more than 57 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptation premiered in October 2023, followed by its second season in January 2025.

The third season began streaming on Crunchyroll on October 2, with the platform also carrying the first two seasons.