Blue Lock: The Movie – Episode Nagi has made a significant impact on the global stage, earning over $23.3 million (3.6 billion yen) at the box office since its release. This remarkable figure reflects the movie’s widespread appeal, having been released in over 87 countries and regions. Interestingly, the film’s international earnings have outpaced those in Japan, highlighting the increasing global popularity of Blue Lock.
This success places the movie alongside other anime blockbusters such as Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Notably, Blue Lock: The Movie – Episode Nagi also surpassed Look Back, another critically acclaimed title, in its box office performance, cementing the anime’s growing stature in the worldwide market.
Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. and Kodansha Ltd. have expressed plans to capitalize on the success of the movie and the ongoing momentum of the anime series. The companies have laid out ambitious plans to further promote Blue Lock internationally, including a variety of merchandise and gaming experiences aimed at engaging fans around the world.
Blue Lock: The Movie – Episode Nagi Scores Big with $23.3 Million Global Success
As the anime’s second season is currently airing, Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha are set to continue pushing the franchise’s global presence. Blue Lock‘s manga has already been translated into more than 20 languages and is published in over 20 countries, further fueling its international appeal.
The international promotion has already seen a noticeable impact in several regions, particularly in Asia, where Blue Lock has experienced a dramatic increase in licensing and sales. The scale of licensing has grown approximately four times in Asia, and merchandise sales have surged by about twelve times, rivaling the income generated from Japan’s domestic market.
The success of pop-up stores in Asia has also been a significant part of this global expansion. In addition to these efforts, the anime’s reach has extended to events in the United States, where over 2,000 fans attended the Blue Lock panels at the 2024 Anime Expo. Fans gathered to hear from cast members, producers, and the manga’s editor, solidifying the anime’s presence in the U.S.
The BLUE LOCK VS U-20 Japan anime has also been promoted at various Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) matches, marking the club’s first collaboration with a Japanese anime. This innovative promotion helped introduce Blue Lock to sports fans and furthered the connection between the anime and the global football community.
Fans of both the anime and football were able to experience the fusion of these two worlds, solidifying Blue Lock‘s unique position in the international market.
According to Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha, the anime’s success is not just due to the rising football fandom but also the series’ distinctive themes and characters. Blue Lock follows a unique “death game” structure, differentiating it from other sports anime and attracting a diverse audience.
The anime’s focus on intense competition, personal growth, and high-stakes challenges resonates with viewers beyond the typical sports anime fanbase, contributing to its broad appeal.
As the international promotion continues, fans can expect more simultaneous releases of Blue Lock media. Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha remain committed to bringing incredible stories to global audiences, and with the anime’s increasing popularity, it’s clear that Blue Lock is poised for even greater success in the coming years. With more merchandise, gaming experiences, and events on the horizon, Blue Lock is set to remain a major force in global anime culture.
