26 years after its movie theater debut, Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back has been surpassed at the box office by the hottest new anime.
After 26 years since its debut, Pokémon: The First Movie –
Mewtwo Strikes Back, the iconic inaugural feature-length animated film of the Pokémon franchise, has surrendered its long-held position in Japan’s top 100 highest-grossing movies. Oricon, a leading Japanese sales-ranking website, recently disclosed this milestone. For over two decades, Pokémon: The First Movie had firmly secured its spot among the elite, amassing a staggering 7.24 billion yen in box office revenue. However, its reign has been brought to a close by Haikyuu!! Battle of the Garbage Dump, an anime film that has surpassed its financial milestone, pushing Pokémon: The First Movie out of the esteemed rankings entirely. This momentous shift not only reflects the evolving landscape of Japanese animation but also underscores the enduring popularity and financial success of newer entries in the industry.
Haikyuu!! Battle of the Garbage Dump, released in Japan on February 16th, made a remarkable debut by earning over 890 million yen on its opening day. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie has continued to thrive, grossing over $47 million since its theatrical release. Serving as a two-part theatrical adaptation of the final chapters of the Haikyuu!! manga by Haruichi Furudate, Battle of the Garbage Dump has captivated audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic animation. While there is currently no confirmed release date for the second Haikyuu!! anime movie, Battle of the Garbage Dump sets the stage perfectly for the anticipated conclusion, leaving fans eager for what’s to come.
Premiering in 1998 during the peak of the Pokémon craze, Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back was a groundbreaking film, marking the inception of animated Pokémon movies. Despite facing criticism from North American critics, it enjoyed immense commercial success, raking in a staggering $10 million on its opening day. Notably, it held the distinction of being the sole anime film to break into the top 10 box office rankings in the U.S. until the release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train in 2021. In 2019, a CG-animated remake titled Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back — Evolution was introduced, providing fans with a fresh perspective on the beloved classic. This remake is currently accessible for streaming on Netflix, offering a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and introducing new audiences to the iconic storyline.
