In a surprising turn of events, Pokémon: The First Movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back, has lost its 26-year-old box office record. The movie, which was the first feature-length animated film in the Pokémon franchise, had held a spot in the Top 100 Grossing Movies of All Time for over two decades. However, it has now fallen out of the list, making way for a new film to claim the record.
Pokémon: The First Movie was a groundbreaking film that captivated audiences when it was released in 1998. It introduced fans to the powerful Pokémon Mewtwo and explored themes of identity and the ethics of genetic engineering. The movie was a commercial success, earning over 7.24 billion yen during its theatrical run in Japan. Its popularity extended beyond the box office, with the film spawning a successful franchise that includes TV series, video games, and merchandise.
The record previously held by Pokémon: The First Movie has now been surpassed by Haikyuu!! Battle of the Garbage Dump. This anime film debuted at number one in the Japanese box office, earning 890 million yen on its first day of release. The film's success has propelled it into the Top 100 Grossing Movies of All Time, pushing Pokémon: The First Movie out of the list.
While Pokémon: The First Movie may no longer hold its box office record, it remains a significant milestone in the Pokémon franchise's history. The film's impact on popular culture and its enduring legacy cannot be understated. Fans of Pokémon will continue to cherish the movie and its themes of friendship, identity, and the power of empathy.
