Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night (2021): Cast & Ratings
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night is a 2021 action thriller directed by Ayako Kawano, starring David W. Collins as Akihiko Kayaba, Inori Minase and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $14 million worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 37m (97 min)
- Director
- Ayako Kawano
- Original language
-
Japanese - Studio
- Aniplex America
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night About?
The premise of Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
As Asuna explores the digital world of Sword Art Online, her initial excitement gives way to a chilling realization: survival depends on overcoming the game's dangerous trials. Each failure brings greater risk, as losing means losing life. She must confront the deadly challenges of Aincrad and uncover its secrets before it’s too late, facing difficult choices and formidable foes along the way.
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Themes & Keywords
· 14 tags- anime animation
- sword art online
- sword
- based on light novel
- death in virtual reality kills for real
- trapped in virtual reality
- trapped in a game
- death in a video game kills for real
- vrmmorpg
- vrmmo
- swordsman
- virtual reality
+2 more Show fewer
- vr headset
- swordfighting
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Cast & Characters
David W. Collins leads the cast as Akihiko Kayaba, with Inori Minase as Mito and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito. Directed by Ayako Kawano; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ayako Kawano
- David W. Collins as Akihiko Kayaba
-
Inori Minase as Mito -
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito -
Megumi Hayashibara as Kyouko Yuuki
Also Starring in Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night
· 6 more- Hiroaki Hirata Klein
- Nobuyuki Hiyama Diavel
- Rina Hidaka Silica
- Ryûsei Nakao Mito (Avatar)
- Ryan Colt Levy
- Kayleigh McKee
More from Ayako Kawano
One more film directed by Ayako Kawano: Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night.
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Echo Score Breakdown
Sword Art Online: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night delivers a generally positive experience that resonates with both fans and newcomers. Critics highlight the striking visuals, soaring soundtrack, and faithful adaptation of the first arc, while some note a reliance on familiar material and a rushed narrative for newcomers. User feedback mirrors this split, praising the animation and character focus but mentioning limited novelty. The film’s strengths in sensory impact and fan appeal outweigh its repetitive storytelling, resulting in an overall favorable impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
The film’s art direction and animation receive strong commendation across reviews. Critics reference soaring visuals and fluid animation, and users describe the animation as spectacular and epic. While a few note the lack of new visual elements, the consensus emphasizes high production quality and engaging aesthetic execution, leading to a robust art score.
- Character & Emotion 78
Character presentation is largely viewed as an improvement, with reviewers citing deeper exploration of Asuna and more nuanced interactions. Positive remarks highlight inspiring leads and added depth, whereas occasional criticism points to underdeveloped supporting roles. The balance of praise for central figures and minor detriments yields a solid but not flawless character rating.
- Story & Flow 70
Narrative reception is mixed; many appreciate the faithful retelling, satisfying pacing, and minor story changes that enhance engagement. However, some critics and users describe the plot as a repackaging that feels rushed and offers little novelty. This blend of moderate approval and noted shortcomings positions the story aspect in the mid‑range.
- Sensory Experience 86
Sensory elements, including soundtrack and visual style, are highlighted as standout features. Reviewers praise soaring music, sizzling visuals, and cohesive aesthetic design, with few adverse comments. The consistent acclaim for auditory and visual cohesion results in a high sensory experience score.
- Rewatch Factor 78
Rewatch potential is viewed positively, especially among existing fans who enjoy the renewed focus on the first floor and Asuna’s journey. Enthusiastic user feedback underscores renewed interest and anticipation for sequels. Minor reservations stem from perceptions of redundancy, but overall replay value remains strong.
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IMDb 7.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 95%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 79% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
27 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Plot Summary
What happens in Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
As the year 2022 progresses, a groundbreaking virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game (VRMMORPG), called Sword Art Online (SAO), is brought to life by the brilliant Akihiko Kayaba. This extraordinary game is enabled through the NerveGear, an advanced FullDive device designed by Argus, which allows players to completely immerse themselves in this digital universe. By enveloping the player’s head, the NerveGear transmits brain signals, integrating their consciousness seamlessly with the game’s characters, eliminating the need for physical movement. This state-of-the-art technology boasts a self-sustaining power source and a high-frequency microwave transmitter, marking a notable innovation in gaming.
Full summary
The whole story of Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night, scene by scene
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Box Office
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night grossed $14 million worldwide. $1.1 million came from the US and Canada and $13 million (93%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$14M
- US & Canada
- $1.1M
- International
- $13M
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 4 trailers.
- Trailer Trailer 2
- Trailer English Dub In Theaters December 3
- Trailer English Dub Trailer 5
How Well Do You Know Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What year does the story of Sword Art Online: Progressive begin?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night Also Known As
38 alternative titles, including “Gekijō-ban Sword Art Online: Progressive Hoshi Naki Yoru no Aria” and “Sword Art Online - Progressive”.
- Also known as
-
- Gekijō-ban Sword Art Online: Progressive Hoshi Naki Yoru no Aria
- Sword Art Online - Progressive
- Sword Art Online Progressive
- SAO Progressive
- S.A.O Progressive
- Gekijouban Sword Art Online: Progressive - Hoshinaki Yoru no Ari
- Sōdo Āto Onrain
- Sword Art Online the Movie: The Aria of the Night Without Stars
- 극장판 소드 아트 온라인 -프로그레시브-: 별 없는 밤의 아리아
- 소드 아트 온라인 프로그레시브
- 刀劍神域劇場版-Progressive-無星夜的詠嘆調
- ซอร์ดอาร์ตออนไลน์ โปรเกรสซีฟ เดอะมูฟวี่
+26 more Show fewer
- 剧场版 刀剑神域 进击篇 无星之夜的咏叹调
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Ária de Uma Noite Sem Estrelas
- 刀剑神域 进击篇 无星夜的咏叹调
- Sword Art Online Progressive Movie: Hoshi Naki Yoru no Aria
- 刀剑神域：无星之夜的咏叹调
- Gekijouban Sword Art Online -Progressive- Hoshi naki Yoru no Aria
- SAO Progressive Aria of a Starless Night
- 刀剑神域进击篇：无星之夜
- Мистецтво меча онлайн: Прогресія - Арія беззоряної ночі
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria de una Noche sin Estrellas
- Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night
- 소드 아트 온라인 -프로그레시브- 별 없는 밤의 아리아
- Мастера Меча Онлайн: Прогрессив — Ария в беззвёздной ночи
- 劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 星なき夜のアリア
- Sword Art Online - Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night
- 刀劍神域劇場版－Progressive－無星夜的詠嘆調
- 刀劍神域劇場版 -Progressive- 無星夜的詠嘆調
- Сворд Арт Онлайн: Прогресія - Арія беззоряної ночі: Прогресія - Арія беззоряної ночі
- אומנות החרב אונליין: פרוגרסיב
- חלק א'
- Sword Art Online The Movie: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night
- Sword Art Online: Progressive - Khúc độc tấu trong đêm vắng sao
- ซอร์ด อาร์ต ออนไลน์ โปรเกรสซีฟ เดอะมูฟวี่ : อาเรียแห่งคืนที่ไร้ดาว
- سورد آرت أونلاين: أغنية ليلة بلا نجوم
- SWORD ART ONLINE – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night
- Sword Art Online - A film: Progressive – A csillagtalan éj dala
Seen Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night?
Movies Like Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night and Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale.
-
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night 2021 -
Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night 2023 -
Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale 2017 -
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Aria the OVA: Arietta 2007 -
Aria the Crepuscolo 2021 -
Infinite Dendrogram 2020 -
Aria the Benedizione 2021 -
Sword and Fairy 2024 -
Alita: Battle Angel 2019 -
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Murder Princess: Fate 2007
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).
When was Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night released?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night was released on December 3, 2021.
Who directed Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night was directed by Ayako Kawano.
More films by Ayako Kawano Who is in the cast of Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night stars David W. Collins as Akihiko Kayaba, Inori Minase as Mito and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night make at the box office?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night grossed $14 million worldwide ($1.1 million domestic, $13 million international).
How is Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night rated?
Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
What language is Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night in?
The original language of Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night is Japanese.
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