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King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm (2016) movie poster

Plot Summary

King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm (2016) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 58 mins · Japanese
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Directed by
Masakazu Hishida
Starring
Tasuku Hatanaka, Soma Saito, Yuma Uchida, Daisuke Namikawa, Tomoaki Maeno, Toshiki Masuda

Following their successful debut, the popular unit Over The Rainbow inspires more students to join Edel Rose, hoping to emulate their success. As preparations begin for the prestigious Prism King Cup, held every four years, a new, formidable rival group called Schwarz Rose emerges. Hiro and his friends face a challenging competition as they strive to win the Cup and become the Prism King – the one who can capture the hearts of their fans the most.

On this page (4)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Movie threads
  4. 4 Every angle
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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm (2016) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Set 1.5 years after the events of Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, the story follows the world of Prism Stars—idols who blend figure skating with song and dance to perform spectacular Prism Jumps. The narrative begins when Shin Ichijō is deeply inspired after attending a performance by the group Over the Rainbow, a spark ignited by a locket given to him by Louis Kisaragi. This encounter leads to Shin being scouted by Hijiri Himuro to train at the Edel Rose Academy.

Upon joining, Shin discovers that the academy is struggling; following the death of the previous chairman, most students and funds have shifted to Schwarz Rose, an institution managed by Jin Norizuki. While adjusting to school, Shin forms bonds with the members of Over the Rainbow: Kōji Mihama, Hiro Hayami, and Kazuki Nishina. The trio shares the importance of friendship in their success, though they face new challenges. Kōji eventually accepts a music production job in Hollywood to help clear the academy's debts, while Hiro sets his sights on the upcoming Prism King Cup.

Tensions rise when Kazuki Nishina is confronted by Taiga Kōgami and Alexander Yamato, who criticize him for abandoning street-style performances. This leads to an intense battle using the Prism System technology developed by Kakeru Jūōin, though the duel ends in a stalemate.

As Over the Rainbow disbands during a farewell concert, the future of Edel Rose seems bleak. However, Shin Ichijō delivers a powerful performance of the song "Over the Sunshine!" alongside Hiro and Kazuki, reinvigorating the student body and the audience. While Edel Rose finds new determination to survive, Jin Norizuki and his students, including a surprising Louis Kisaragi, vow to defeat them at any cost.

Last updated: October 28, 2026 at 07:16

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Movie threads

More Movies Like King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Underdog performance movies like King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm

Teams fighting institutional decline through dazzling competition and shared determination. Discover movies like King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm featuring struggling teams, prestigious competitions, and spectacular performances. These similar music and animation stories turn rivalry, training, and fan appeal into emotional stakes while balancing institutional survival with bright, aspirational excitement.

  • underdog
  • competition
  • team spirit
  • self-discovery
  • uplifting
  • spectacular
  • Tone: hopeful, energetic, bittersweet
  • Pacing: fast, competition-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: A team enters a major contest with inadequate resources and uneven confidence. Early successes attract attention but expose internal strain, and a formidable opponent forces the group to rethink what winning means. Performances then become tests of collective identity, culminating in renewed purpose even when the final result or group structure remains unresolved.

Why they belong together: They share an underdog structure in which performance contests are about more than victory: the stakes involve an institution's survival, fan affection, and the members' sense of worth. Fast pacing, vivid ensemble artistry, friendly rivalry, and an optimistic lift create a tone that is celebratory but not consequence-free.

Friendship and rivalry movies like King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm

Close-knit ensembles face rivalry, farewells, shifting loyalties, and hard-won togetherness. If you enjoyed King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm, explore similar stories where friendship and rivalry pull a group in different directions. These ensemble-driven movies use competitions, departures, and changing alliances to examine identity, self-worth, and the fragile bonds that hold performers together.

  • friendship
  • rivalry
  • team bonds
  • farewell
  • self-discovery
  • bittersweet
  • Tone: bittersweet, heartfelt, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, ensemble-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: An initially cohesive ensemble is strained by ambition, rivalry, and external expectations. Members withdraw or change loyalties, forcing the remaining group to confront the possibility that its original formation cannot survive unchanged. A final shared effort restores hope and validates their bond, but leaves enough emotional ambiguity to preserve the cost of the journey.

Why they belong together: These movies share a relationship-centered competition arc in which the central drama is how people change together, not simply whether they defeat a rival. Farewells and fractures give the victories emotional texture, while teamwork, mutual support, and self-discovery keep the overall experience warm rather than cynical.

Every angle

King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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