For the past few years, one thing has remained constant:Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibahas been the anime industry’s most profitable franchise. Since its TV debut in 2019,Demon Slayerhas only grown in popularity, making the leap to the big screen in 2020 withMugen Train. Despite releasing during the pandemic, when theater attendance was low,Mugen Trainbecame a global phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time. The series is now gearing up for a new film trilogy,Infinity Castle, which will bring Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps’ story to a close.
However,Demon Slayer’sreign as Japan’s top anime may soon be coming to an end.Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-opened in Japanese theaters on June 26, 2025, and immediately dominated the box office.It debuted at number one and has remained the top-grossing film for four consecutive weeks. What’s even more surprising is thatGundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-wasn’t originally intended for theaters—it’s a reworked version of the first few episodes of the upcomingGundam GQuuuuuuXTV series, set to premiere later this year. Yet, despite its small-screen origins,Gundam GQuuuuuuXis already proving to be a major force in the anime movie industry.
Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Takes Japan by Storm
Box Office Battle: Gundam vs. Demon Slayer
According to a recent report published by Japanese entertainment siteOricon,Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-has attracted 1.38 million viewers and surpassed 2.2 billion yen(approximately $14 million) in box office revenue since its release in January.
By contrast, the 2023 filmDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Villagecompleted its theatrical run with 3.1 billion yen in revenue (approximately $20 million) and drew around 2.26 million viewers. LikeGundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, theDemon Slayermovie was a compilation film, combining TV footage with a preview of the third season. So far,Demon Slayerremains the top-grossing title, butGundam GQuuuuuuXis just getting started.
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A Classic Franchise Is Aiming for the Top
Beyond box office numbers,Gundam GQuuuuuuXhas also sparked renewed interest in theGundamfranchise. Sales ofGundamplastic models (Gunpla) have surged since the film’s release, with retailers struggling to keep up with demand. This growing enthusiasm suggests thatGundam GQuuuuuuXis not just a temporary success but a potential turning point for the long-running franchise’s mainstream popularity.
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Mobile Suit Gundam creator hopes his iconic anime will inspire generations and cement his enduring legacy in the world of animation and beyond.
Neon Genesis Evangelioncreator Hideaki Anno’s involvement inGundam GQuuuuuuXas a co-writer has helped reinvigorate the franchise, earning it widespread critical acclaim and strong audience reception. At the same time,Demon Slayeris preparing to close its saga with theInfinity Castletrilogy, leaving a void in the industry’s top ranks. WhetherGundam GQuuuuuuXwill rise to fill that space remains uncertain, but its resurgence proves that classic franchises can still evolve and thrive.
