It’s incredible to think that Pokemon made its anime debut over two decades ago. From TV series to specials, Pokemon has left its mark, including a string of successful movies.
For many fans, their introduction to the anime world began with Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. Since its premiere in 1998, this iconic film held a significant box office title until recently being overtaken by the boys of Karasuno High School.
The news broke today with the updated box office totals for Haikyu the Movie: The Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump.
Fans were amazed to learn that this sports movie had achieved a major milestone, earning a staggering 7.9 billion yen at the Japanese box office. This success propelled Haikyu into Japan’s top 100 highest-grossing movies of all time, but it meant making way for Pokemon to step aside.
For the first time since its release, Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back is no longer on the top 100 list. It’s undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for Pokemon enthusiasts, but it’s also a testament to the movie’s enduring legacy.
In the United States, Pokemon fans hold cherished memories of the anime’s inaugural film. This movie became the first anime feature to achieve box office success in America, topping the weekend box office upon its release.
For years, Pokemon the Movie ranked among the highest-grossing anime films in the United States until Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train claimed the top spot in 2021, dethroning Spirited Away.
Interestingly, even Pokemon’s screenwriter, Takeshi Shudo, acknowledged the film’s greater success in America compared to Japan. Nevertheless, it’s remarkable that it took decades for Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back to relinquish its position at the top in Japan.
