Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night (2021): Cast & Ratings
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night is a 2021 animated fantasy film directed by Ayako Kono, starring Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito (voice), Koichi Yamadera and Haruka Tomatsu. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $14 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 85/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 37m (97 min)
- Director
- Ayako Kono
- Original language
-
Japanese - Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night About?
The premise of Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
As the death toll rises in the dangerous VRMMO world of Sword Art Online, with two thousand players already lost, a crucial strategy meeting is planned to tackle the first-floor boss battle. Kirito, a player determined to grow stronger by fighting alone, encounters a skilled and elusive female player. She demonstrates exceptional combat abilities, swiftly defeating powerful monsters with a rapier that shines like a shooting star during the night.
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Themes & Keywords
· 15 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
+3 more Show fewer
- vr headset
- swordfighting
- hand drawn animation
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Cast & Characters
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka leads the cast as Kirito (voice), with Koichi Yamadera as Akihiko Kayaba (voice) and Haruka Tomatsu as Asuna "Asuna" Yuuki (voice). Directed by Ayako Kono; 15 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ayako Kono
-
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito (voice) -
Koichi Yamadera as Akihiko Kayaba (voice) -
Haruka Tomatsu as Asuna "Asuna" Yuuki (voice) -
Inori Minase as Misumi "Mito" Tozawa (voice)
Also Starring in Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night
· 11 more- Ryusei Nakao Mito Avatar (Voice)
- Nobuyuki Hiyama Diabel (voice)
- Megumi Hayashibara Kyouko Yuuki (voice)
- Tomokazu Seki Kibaou (voice)
- Hiroki Yasumoto Agil (voice)
- Hiroaki Hirata Klein (voice)
- Rina Hidaka Silica (voice)
- Kazuhiro Yamaji Shouzou Yuuki (voice)
- Shiori Izawa Argo (voice)
- Takahiro Shimada Player (voice)
- Sayaka Kobayashi Akiyo Sada (voice)
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in sensory experience (92) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, the film succeeds in delivering a polished visual experience and an engaging entry point for both newcomers and longtime fans, while its narrative momentum occasionally falters. Critics highlight the striking animation, soaring soundtrack, and well‑realized floor‑one setting, whereas several viewers note a predictable plot and an added character that disrupts pacing. The net impression is a strong, entertaining adaptation that, despite minor storytelling issues, offers lasting appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of visual craftsmanship, the film exhibits a high level of polish. Critics and viewers commend the vivid color palette, fluid animation, and detailed production design that bring floor one to life. The direction maintains a steady rhythm, and the editing supports the action sequences without noticeable lapses. Consequently, the artistic execution stands out as a primary strength.
- Character & Emotion 78
When evaluating character work, the movie offers recognizable leads whose motivations align with the series lore, and Asuna’s perspective receives additional depth. Reviewers appreciate the emotional resonance of the main duo, yet several users criticize the inclusion of an original side character as underdeveloped and the overall handling of supporting roles as stereotypical. Overall, character treatment leans positive but shows inconsistency.
- Story & Flow 68
The narrative presents a faithful adaptation of the early game arc, offering accessible exposition for newcomers and fan‑service moments for veterans. Critics note the film’s clear stakes and engaging premise, while some viewers point to uneven pacing, predictable plot points, and a disjointed insertion of a new character that hampers momentum. Consequently, the story is competent but intermittently uneven.
- Sensory Experience 92
The sensory dimension stands out, with a soaring orchestral score that accentuates tension and triumph, and meticulous sound design that reinforces combat sequences. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the vibrant color schemes, dynamic lighting, and crisp visual cohesion that enrich the virtual world. This combination of audio and visual elements creates an immersive atmosphere that consistently earns praise.
- Rewatch Factor 84
The film’s high replay value stems from its fan‑focused details, expanded floor‑one scenes, and appealing animation that reward multiple viewings. Positive user feedback emphasizes enjoyment of familiar moments and curiosity about the introduced character, while the strong soundtrack and visual spectacle encourage repeated audience engagement. Overall, the movie offers lasting appeal for both series enthusiasts and casual viewers.
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Plot Summary
What happens in Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 2022, Akihiko Kayaba unveils a virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Sword Art Online (SAO), built around a second‑generation FullDive system called NerveGear. This head‑to‑toe interface from Argus can directly channel the user’s consciousness, letting players feel and control their in‑game avatars with just their minds, powered by its own battery and a high‑frequency transmitter. The promise of immersion quickly becomes a trap when, on November 6, 2022, ten thousand players log in and find themselves unable to log out.
Full summary
The whole story of Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night, scene by scene
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Box Office
Sword Art Online the Movie – 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 the Movie – 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 the Movie – 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
In what year was the virtual reality game Sword Art Online officially launched?
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night Also Known As
42 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
- 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
- Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night
+30 more Show fewer
- 刀劍神域劇場版-Progressive-無星夜的詠嘆調
- ซอร์ดอาร์ตออนไลน์ โปรเกรสซีฟ เดอะมูฟวี่
- 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
- 刀剑神域 -进击篇- 无星之夜的咏叹调
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria de una Noche sin Estrellas
- 刀剑神域进击篇：无星之夜的咏叹调
- 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 the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night?
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Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night and Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale.
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Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night?
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).
When was Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night released?
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night was released on September 15, 2021.
Who directed Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night?
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night was directed by Ayako Kono.
More films by Ayako Kono Who is in the cast of Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night?
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night stars Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito (voice), Koichi Yamadera as Akihiko Kayaba (voice) and Haruka Tomatsu as Asuna "Asuna" Yuuki (voice), among 15 credited actors.
How much did Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night make at the box office?
Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night grossed $14 million worldwide ($1.1 million domestic, $13 million international).
Does Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night have a post-credit scene?
No. Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night in?
The original language of Sword Art Online the Movie – Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night is Japanese.
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