After reluctantly being dragged to a festival at her parents' rural hometown, Oriko "Okko" Seki must face her sudden harsh reality: the death of both of her parents in a car accident shortly after they arrive. Now, Okko must live at her grandmother's traditional hot springs inn, which she is surprised to find is occupied by the ghost of a barefoot child. He encourages Okko to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and prepare to inherit the inn.

Initially, Okko struggles to keep up with the responsibilities of the inn and the accommodation of guests. However, her parents told her that an inn is welcoming for everyone, and she strives to honor their memory. After discovering a few other spirits around the village, Okko learns that even though her parents are gone, she does not have to be lonely.

Wakaokami wa Shougakusei! Movie made its world premiere at the 2018 Annecy International Animated Film Festival before opening in theaters in France a few months later on September 12, one week before the Japanese theatrical release. In 2019, the film was nominated for Best Indie Feature at the 47th Annual Annie Awards. In the same year, it won the Excellence Award at the 22nd Japan Media Arts Festival.

The movie was released on Blu-ray and DVD by Shout! Factory on July 2, 2019.