Premiering at home from November 11, 2022, the anime film “Suzume” by director/screenwriter Makoto Shinkai has been setting new records. In April of this year, the film began to enter Western markets, and quickly received new successes in terms of both critical reviews and box office revenue.
Up to this point, “Suzume” has become one of the most successful anime films of all time with a worldwide box office of over $293 million. This number helps “Suzume” surpass “One Piece Film: Red” ($246.5 million) to take the 4th place in the top 5 successful anime of all time. Although still being shown in theaters in many places, “Suzume” will not easily improve its position in the top 5 when the remaining films include “Your Name” ($382 million) also by Makoto Shinkai, a masterpiece Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” ($395 million), and 2020’s surprise hit “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” ($507 million).
In the Japanese market as of April 16, 2023, “Suzume” has grossed a total of 14.48 billion yen, making it the 8th highest-grossing anime film, and the 14th highest-grossing film overall of all time. great in Japan. Meanwhile, China is the most successful overseas market for “Suzume” as it grossed 752 million yuan (equivalent to 14.6 billion yen) within 25 days of its release at the end of the month. before.
These impressive numbers make “Suzume” one of only two anime films with higher box office sales in China than in Japan, with the other titled “Stand By Me Doraemon”. Besides, Makoto Shinkai’s latest film also joins the list of the few films that earn higher box office earnings overseas than in Japan.
Following “Your Name” and “Weathering with You”, “Suzume” is Makoto Shinkai’s third anime series. Shinkai says the 2011 event “changed his life”, and has influenced the genre of films he has wanted to make ever since. This film has been shown in Vietnam since March 10, 2023 with the title “Lock the door Suzume”.