The hype for the new Haikyuu!! movie has been building up to a fever pitch in the lead-up to its Japanese premiere. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Haikyuu Final movie set a new opening weekend box office record.
Shortly after its opening in Japan last Friday, the Haikyuu movie became the number 1 film in Japan over the weekend.
What’s more, the film also overtook the latest Gundam film to become 2024’s biggest opening film in Japan so far.
Haikyuu Final Beats Gundam SEED Freedom’s Opening Weekend Record
It’s clear that Haikyuu is one of the most popular sports anime/manga franchises. After all, the manga has over 60 million copies in circulation.
Despite the manga ending back in 2020, the anime adaptation by Production I.G has not gotten a new season. Instead, the anime’s story will conclude in the two-part Haikyuu Final movie.
Because the two-part film will be the finale of the anime, it makes sense that fans came out to see the film in droves when it premiered in Japan.
In fact, it was revealed earlier today that Haikyuu!! The Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump earned 2.23 billion JPY (around 14.8 million USD) during its opening weekend.
With this record, the film officially became the number one film in Japan over the weekend. It also became the biggest opening weekend for a film in 2024, dethroning Gundam SEED Freedom.
On the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, it was also revealed that 1.52 million people watched the film in cinemas, proving just how popular the series is in the country.
RELATED: Where to Buy Haikyuu Magazine as February 2024 Issue Arrives
Haikyuu Creator Haruichi Furudate Celebrates Film with New Illustration
To celebrate the film’s success, Haikyuu creator Haruichi Furudate drew a special illustration that was shared on the anime’s official X account.
This illustration features two popular characters from Karasuno High and Nekoma High. It was also accompanied by a message from Furudate, thanking fans for watching the film on the big screen.
With its massive opening weekend, the film will likely earn even more in the domestic box office as more fans flock to theaters.
Given its box office success, many fans are now hoping that the Haikyuu Final movie Part 1 will get a cinema release date internationally.
There’s no word yet on theatrical release plans for the film outside of Japan.
Fans are hoping to get news in the coming months, especially considering that Western anime film releases have become more common in recent years.
Discover the latest anime news and info by following us on Twitter @epicstreamanime.
READ NEXT: Is There a Haikyuu Final Movie Post-Credits Scene?
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!