‘Chainsaw Man’ Follows ‘Demon Slayer’ as New Anime Box Office Hit
Anime films are making significant strides at the box office, with “Chainsaw Man” poised for a strong debut following the success of “Demon Slayer.” The latest installment in the “Chainsaw Man” series, titled “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” opens this weekend in theaters across the United States and is expected to perform exceptionally well.
Box Office Projections for “Chainsaw Man”
The opening weekend for “Chainsaw Man” is anticipated to generate between $11 million and $15 million, as reported by Variety. The film has already recorded a robust $3.4 million from Thursday previews, surpassing films such as the Bruce Springsteen biopic and the horror sequel “Black Phone 2.” This marks a notable shift in box office expectations, as earlier predictions favored “Black Phone 2” for another weekend win.
Demon Slayer’s Continued Success
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie – Infinity Castle” previously dominated the box office for two weekends in September. Released in September, this film has generated an impressive $131 million within the United States and over $588 million worldwide. It stands as the ninth highest-grossing movie globally this year.
Critical Acclaim for Both Films
Both “Chainsaw Man” and “Demon Slayer” are enjoying favorable reviews from audiences and critics alike. “Chainsaw Man” boasts a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 99% audience approval rating. Similarly, “Demon Slayer” holds a high 98% rating from both critics and audiences.
Why Anime Is Thriving in Theaters
Sony Pictures has significantly invested in anime, recognizing its growing popularity, especially among the younger demographic in the U.S. In 2020, the company acquired Crunchyroll for $1.18 billion, further solidifying its commitment to the anime market. Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll, announced their optimistic outlook on anime’s growth during a presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
- Growing global fanbase for “Demon Slayer”
- “Chainsaw Man” is part of a popular anime franchise
- Anime fandom is becoming mainstream
Market Context for October 2023
The fall season typically sees a lull in box office revenue. October 2023 is projected to be one of the lowest-grossing months this year. In contrast, both anime films have garnered attention despite this trend. The month has also been marked by failures from other high-profile films, like “Tron: Ares,” which suffered significant financial losses despite an initial weekend win.
Conclusion
“Chainsaw Man” is set to follow in the footsteps of “Demon Slayer,” signaling a robust future for anime films in U.S. theaters. The engaging narratives and strong fan support have positioned both films as key players in a competitive box office landscape.
