“Princess Mononoke” Roars Back to Box Office Success in IMAX Re-Release

Posted on by

Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpiece, “Princess Mononoke,” has once again captivated audiences, this time dominating IMAX theaters in a special 4K re-release. Distributor GKIDS has brought the beloved 1997 film back to the big screen, and the initial box office numbers indicate a resounding success, even surpassing its original US debut.

According to recent reports, “Princess Mononoke” pulled in an estimated $4 million over its opening weekend in North America, playing exclusively in around 330 IMAX locations. This strong performance landed the film in the top ten of the weekly box office charts, a remarkable feat for a re-release of a decades-old animated feature.

The film’s opening day on Friday saw a solid $2 million, including $1.2 million from Thursday previews, averaging an impressive $6.1K per theater. This initial momentum suggests a strong and dedicated fanbase eager to experience the film’s epic scope and breathtaking animation on the largest possible screen.

Notably, the film’s re-release is already aiming to outperform its original 1997 US theatrical run, which grossed $2.4 million in its opening weekend. This renewed success speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and cultural significance of “Princess Mononoke,” particularly at a time when audiences seem to be embracing classic animated features in a theatrical setting.

The re-release also comes at an interesting time, coinciding with a surge in AI-generated art mimicking Studio Ghibli’s style. The strong box office performance could be interpreted as a testament to the enduring appreciation for the authentic, hand-crafted artistry that defines Miyazaki’s work.

“Princess Mononoke,” set in the Muromachi period of Japanese history, tells the story of a young Emishi prince caught in the conflict between the human inhabitants of Iron Town and the animal spirits of the forest, led by the fierce Princess Mononoke, a girl raised by wolves. The film’s themes of environmentalism, industrialization, and the balance between humanity and nature continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

With a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Princess Mononoke” has solidified its place as a cinematic masterpiece. This successful IMAX re-release further cements its legacy and introduces a new generation to the magic of Studio Ghibli on the grandest scale.

Read our review here.

Error happened.