Tokyo, Japan – The live-action film adaptation of the popular anomaly-spotting game, Exit 8, has shattered box office records in Japan, securing the highest three-day opening for a live-action film released this year. The psychological horror film, directed by Genki Kawamura and starring Kazunari Ninomiya, debuted on August 29, 2025, attracting a significant audience and signaling a strong performance for domestic live-action cinema.
A Record-Breaking Premiere for “Exit 8”
Exit 8, known in Japan as Hachiban Deguchi, premiered to an impressive ¥954 million (approximately $6.49 million USD) over its opening three days, from August 29 to August 31. This remarkable figure was achieved with 672,000 moviegoers flocking to theaters nationwide. The film’s strong performance positioned it as the second-highest-grossing film of the weekend, only trailing the animated blockbuster Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc: Part 1 – Akaza’s Return, which maintained its number one spot for a seventh consecutive week.
Adapting a Viral Gaming Sensation
The film’s success is rooted in its source material: KOTAKE CREATE’s globally popular infinite loop game, The Exit 8. The game, known for its minimalist yet unsettling premise of navigating an endless underground passage by spotting subtle “anomalies,” has captivated a large audience. Director Genki Kawamura, acclaimed for producing animated hits like Your Name, took on the challenge of bringing this unique concept to the big screen, also serving as screenwriter alongside Hirase Kentaro. The adaptation aims to translate the game’s psychological tension and repetitive dread into a cinematic experience.
Star Power and Production Details
Leading the cast as the protagonist, often referred to as the “Lost Man,” is Japanese actor Kazunari Ninomiya. He is joined by Yamato Kochi, Nana Komatsu, and Kotone Hanase in key roles. Filming for Exit 8 took place from late 2024 to early 2025, primarily on a meticulously constructed set in Tokyo designed to replicate the game’s iconic underground passage. The production team also celebrated the film’s successful start with stage greeting events, where cast and crew reflected on the “anomalies” encountered during the filmmaking process.
Broader Box Office Context in Japan
While animated features often dominate the Japanese box office, Exit 8‘s performance is a significant win for live-action cinema. In 2024, domestic features largely led the Japanese box office, with no live-action titles from outside the country making the top 10, indicating a strong preference for local productions. Exit 8‘s strong debut in 2025 further underscores the potential for well-executed Japanese live-action films to draw substantial crowds. Other notable films in the weekend’s top three included Kokuho, which continued its enduring popularity in its 13th week of release.
Expanding Reach and International Interest
Following its successful opening, Exit 8 is set to expand its theatrical presence with screenings in various immersive formats. Starting September 12, 2025, audiences will be able to experience the film in MX4D, 4DX, SCREENX, ULTRA 4DX, and Dolby Cinema formats at select locations across Japan.
Internationally, interest in Exit 8 is also growing. Neon acquired North American distribution rights, with plans for a release in early 2026, while CBI Pictures announced the film’s release in Indonesia on September 10, 2025. Other distributors in South Korea and France have also indicated forthcoming releases. This widespread interest highlights the universal appeal of the film’s suspenseful premise and its strong reception in its home market.
