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A Celebration of Anime: Revival Screenings and Record-Breaking Films
Anime continues to capture audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling and compelling visuals. Recent revival screenings and box office records are highlighting the persistent popularity of iconic films like "Evangelion" and "Demon Slayer." Let’s dive into the details of these latest developments in the anime film industry.
Revival Screenings of Iconic Evangelion Films
The "Monthly Eva: Evangelion 30th Movie Fest. 2025-2026" is bringing a fresh wave of excitement to fans with revival screenings of the Evangelion franchise’s six iconic films. Among these, "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo" has achieved remarkable success, ranking #6 during its opening weekend. This revival includes a special screening of “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time” and features the film’s "3.0＋1.01" version, promising enhanced visuals and a captivating experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Demon Slayer’s Phenomenal Success
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – Akaza Sairai continues to soar in its 26th weekend, moving up from #10 to #8 in the box office rankings. It raked in an impressive 65,005,200 yen (about US$408,300) from Friday to Sunday. This film has consistently broken records, selling over 26.76 million tickets and earning a cumulative total of 39,000,218,500 yen (about US$244 million).
By its 60th day, it became the second highest-earning film at the Japanese box office, surpassing the legendary "Spirited Away." Incredibly, it is now the highest-earning anime and Japanese film worldwide, having sold over 89 million tickets and earning more than 100 billion yen (about US$685 million) globally as of November 16. This milestone makes "Demon Slayer" the first Japanese film to exceed 100 billion yen worldwide.
The Mugen Train Legacy
Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train’s release in October 2020 marked a new era for anime films with its record of 40.75 billion yen (about US$277 million) in total earnings in Japan. It set the bar high for Japanese animated films, proving that the world is more open than ever to anime’s unique charm and storytelling prowess.
Satoshi Kon’s Paprika: A Timeless Classic
Meanwhile, the 4K remaster of Satoshi Kon’s "Paprika" continues to captivate audiences, maintaining its #1 position in mini theater rankings for the second week. This visually stunning film has proven its timeless appeal, offering a beautifully intricate narrative that resonates with both new and seasoned anime lovers.
Final Thoughts
The continued success of anime films like "Evangelion" and "Demon Slayer" is a testament to the genre’s wide-reaching impact and the love that fans worldwide have for these stories. As more revival screenings and remastered editions release, audiences are given a chance to relive or discover the magic of these cultural masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or someone newly introduced to the world of anime, these films promise to deliver compelling stories and breathtaking visuals that resonate across generations.
For more detailed box office analysis, see Kōgyō Tsūshin.
