In the dynamic world of anime cinema, two titans continue to dominate the box office: “Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc” and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle.” These films have captivated audiences with their gripping narratives and stunning visuals, setting new records and redefining the landscape of anime films.
“Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc,” based on the manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, has maintained its position at the top of the Japanese box office for three consecutive weekends. The film sold an impressive 577,000 tickets and earned approximately 896,690,290 yen (about $5.88 million) from Friday to Sunday. Since its release, the film has sold a total of 2.88 million tickets, accumulating a staggering 4,371,814,390 yen (about $28.71 million).
The film opened in Japan on a grand scale, debuting in 421 theaters and featuring midnight screenings in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido. It also offers immersive viewing experiences with MX4D, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema screenings. The distributor, TOHO, anticipates that the film could eventually earn 5 billion yen (about $34 million) over its entire theatrical run.
Internationally, “Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc” has also garnered significant attention. Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired worldwide theatrical rights and plans to release the film in the United States on October 24, with early screenings for Crunchyroll members on October 22. The film will also open in the United Kingdom on October 29 and has already begun screening in more than 80 countries since September 24.
Reina Ueda plays the lead role of Reze in the film, bringing depth and charisma to the character. The film’s success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the “Chainsaw Man” franchise and its ability to attract a global audience.
Meanwhile, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” continues to make waves in the anime film industry. The first installment in the “Infinity Castle” trilogy, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle – Akaza Sairai,” has maintained its position at #2 in its 12th weekend. The film sold 272,000 tickets, earning 431,670,200 yen (about $2.83 million) from Friday to Sunday. To date, it has sold a cumulative total of 24.7 million tickets, earning 35,772,117,900 yen (about $234 million).
The film’s remarkable success has surpassed iconic works like “Spirited Away,” making it the second-highest-earning film of all time at the Japanese box office. It has also achieved the distinction of being the highest-earning anime film of all time worldwide, with an estimated total of $555 million in global earnings as of September 21. In the United States, the film earned an estimated $17.3 million in its second weekend, becoming the first anime film to top the U.S. box office for two consecutive weekends.
The film’s predecessor, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train,” remains the highest-earning film in Japan, with a total take of 40.75 billion yen (about $277 million). Directed by Haruo Sotozaki at ufotable, the film features a stellar soundtrack with performances by Aimer and LiSA.
In addition to these blockbusters, other notable anime films have made their mark on the box office. “Chinmoku no Kantai: Hokkyoku-kai dai kaisen,” the sequel to the live-action project based on Kaiji Kawaguchi’s manga, dropped from #3 to #4 in its second weekend. The film sold 122,000 tickets, earning 174,576,200 yen (about $1.14 million) from Friday to Sunday. Directed by Kôhei Yoshino, with a script by Hikaru Takai, the film explores themes of nuclear war, international politics, and world peace.
“The Exit 8,” a live-action film based on the infinite-loop horror game by KOTAKE CREATE, dropped from #4 to #5 in its sixth weekend. The film earned 166,438,100 yen (about $1.09 million) from Friday to Sunday, with a cumulative total of 3.22 million tickets sold and 4,540,261,800 yen (about $29.82 million) earned. The film stars Kazunari Ninomiya and was directed by Genki Kawamura.
“Eiga Kimi to Idol Precure: Omatase! Kimi ni Todokeru Kirakkilive!” the film for “You and Idol Precure,” the 22nd main anime entry in the “Precure” franchise, dropped from #7 to #9 in its fourth weekend. The film earned 65,126,910 yen (about $427,600) from Friday to Sunday, with a cumulative total of 1,012,254,310 yen (about $6.64 million) earned. The film features a star-studded cast and a captivating storyline set during the Super Miracle Idol Festival.
Lastly, the anime film adaptation of Uoto’s manga “100 Meters” stayed at #10 in its third weekend. The film earned 60,942,440 yen (about $400,000) from Friday to Sunday, with a cumulative total of 377,802,220 yen (about $2.48 million) earned. Directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, the film features a talented cast and a compelling narrative.
These films, along with others, continue to push the boundaries of anime cinema, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique stories and breathtaking visuals.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
