Photo: YouTube/Toei Animation
entertainment

'Avatar' sequel no match for anime basketball boys in Japan as 'Way of Water' debuts behind 'Slam Dunk'

4 Comments
By Shannon, SoraNews24

Japan is probably one of the few countries in the world where anime films trump Hollywood films in the box office, and here’s a new example. Anime film "The First Slam Dunk" has held the top spot in Japan’s box offices since its movie theater debut at the beginning of December.

▼ In case you haven’t watched it yet, here’s a preview to pump you up.

The film is based on the bestselling 1990s manga series "Slam Dunk." It’s likely overtaken globally bigger names like "Avatar" because it’s considered a classic among anime/manga fans, and due to the fact that it’s the first feature-length film based on the series. The "Slam Dunk" series also has some lovable characters and a classic underdog story.

Coming second in the box office for the sixth week in a row was "Suzume" — Makoto Shinkai’s newest work – and "Avatar: The Way of Water" debuted at a solid third place. If you’re curious, here’s the full top 10 box office ranking for last week:

  1. "The First Slam Dunk"

  2. "Suzume"

  3. "Avatar: Way of the Water"

  4. "Dr. Coto’s Clinic"

  5. Fragments of the Last Will

  6. "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond"

  7. "Phases of the Moon"

  8. "Kaguya-sama: Love is War"

  9. "One Piece Film Red (on the top 10 list for 20 weeks running!)"

  10. "Black Adam"

In total, five out of the top 10 movies are anime films. If that doesn’t say anything about the power of anime in Japan, we’re not sure what will. Netizens also chimed in on the box office rankings:

“Top place for three weeks running!”

“I can’t believe Avatar debuted at third.”

“Slam Dunk sure is powerful.”

“One Piece is hanging in there.”

If you’re in Japan and have the chance to catch a movie, you might love "The First Slam Dunk" as much as the rest of Japan. Let’s see how long it can hold the top spot.

Source: Eiga Natalie via Otaku.com

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Legendary basketball anime Slam Dunk is getting a brand-new movie

-- Just say no! Five anime that fans hope never get live-action remakes

-- Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name passes two Hayao Miyazaki anime’s earnings, box office romp continues

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

4 Comments
Login to comment

Slam Dunk was a huge hit in Japan, of course it's not going to be outdone by some pathetic Hollywood sequel..

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I watched that Avatar movie. Was unbelievable boring. It has very beautiful scenes but 3 whole hours of it is more than i can stomach. And barely any action.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I read a lot of Slum Drunk.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites