The Japanese cinema is known for its cultural richness, exciting stories, and impressive visuals. Some films have achieved such success that they have become symbols of the country’s film industry, not only in Japan but also internationally. In this updated list, we explore the highest-grossing Japanese films in Japan, highlighting the impact of each and what makes them so special.
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1. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen (Demon Slayer: Mugen Train)
2020 – 40.4 billion yen
The phenomenon Demon Slayer shattered records around the world, becoming the highest-grossing film in history in Japan. The story follows Tanjiro and his friends on a mission to face a powerful enemy aboard a mysterious train. The combination of intense action, high-quality animation, and an emotional plot has won over millions of fans.
2. Spirited Away (A Viagem de Chihiro)
2001 – 31.6 billion yen
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this Studio Ghibli classic was the highest-grossing Japanese film for nearly 20 years. The story of Chihiro, a girl trapped in a spirit world full of gods and monsters, is a landmark in global animation, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
3. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
2016 – 25.0 billion yen
Makoto Shinkai brought to the audience one of the most remarkable animations of the decade. Your Name tells the story of Mitsuha and Taki, two young people who mysteriously swap bodies. With stunning visuals and an emotional plot, the film became a global phenomenon, opening doors for the international success of Japanese animations.
4. Howl’s Moving Castle (O Castelo Animado)
2004 – 23.2 billion yen
Another masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle enchants with its magical story and captivating characters. The journey of Sophie, transformed into an old woman by a curse, and her relationship with the mysterious Howl, is a brilliant example of fantastic storytelling.
5. Princess Mononoke (Princesa Mononoke)
1997 – 20.1 billion yen
Set in a world of nature gods and conflicting humans, Princess Mononoke addresses themes such as environmental destruction and coexistence. This epic by Hayao Miyazaki marked a new era for Studio Ghibli, being one of the first films to achieve significant success outside Japan.
6. One Piece Film: Red
2022 – 19.7 billion yen
This recent success of the One Piece franchise focused on the mysterious figure of Uta, a singer with extraordinary powers and connections to the protagonist, Luffy. The film combined action, impactful songs, and emotion, attracting both fans of the series and new viewers.
7. Ponyo
2008 – 15.5 billion yen
This adorable story from Studio Ghibli follows Ponyo, a magical goldfish who wishes to become human to stay by her friend Sosuke’s side. The animation rich in details and the innocent narrative make this film an unforgettable experience.
8. Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko)
2019 – 14.2 billion yen
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Weathering With You follows Hodaka and Hina, two young people connected by a supernatural bond. The film combines romance, fantasy, and environmental issues, solidifying Shinkai as one of the great names in contemporary Japanese cinema.
9. Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween
2022 – 13.9 billion yen
The Detective Conan franchise continues to grow, with The Bride of Halloween being one of its biggest successes. The film mixes mystery and action as Conan solves a case during a wedding filled with intrigue.
10. Stand By Me Doraemon
2014 – 12.4 billion yen
This 3D film of the beloved character Doraemon brought an emotional touch to the classic story of friendship between the robot cat and Nobita. Successful in several countries, Stand By Me Doraemon proved that nostalgia and technological advances can go hand in hand.
11. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
2021 – 13.8 billion yen
Adapted from the successful manga, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel to the series Jujutsu Kaisen. The film follows Yuta Okkotsu, a young man haunted by a powerful curse, as he enters the world of sorcerers and curses. Filled with impressive action scenes and an engaging narrative, it became one of the biggest recent successes in the genre.
12. Pokémon: The Movie
1998 – 11.6 billion yen
This classic marked the childhood of millions of people around the world. The epic story of the confrontation between Ash and the powerful Mewtwo, a genetically modified clone, is remembered for its lessons about friendship, empathy, and sacrifice.
13. Antarctica (Nankyoku Monogatari)
1983 – 11.0 billion yen
Based on a true story, this emotional drama narrates the journey of Japanese researchers in Antarctica, forced to abandon 15 sled dogs due to extreme weather conditions. Antarctica is a deeply emotional film and one of the highest-grossing films in Japan in the 1980s.
14. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
2021 – 10.3 billion yen
The long-awaited conclusion of the Rebuild of Evangelion series, this film finalized the iconic story of Shinji, Rei, and Asuka. Directed by Hideaki Anno, Thrice Upon a Time combines action, introspection, and stunning visuals, enchanting both long-time fans and new viewers.
15. Bayside Shakedown 2
2003 – 10.1 billion yen
The sequel to Bayside Shakedown: The Movie continues to follow the detectives of the Tokyo investigation division. With a mix of humor, police drama, and a captivating cast, the film solidified its place as one of the biggest box office successes in Japan.
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