The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise continues its reign over the Japanese box office, with the latest installment, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, achieving a significant milestone. The film has now surpassed Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway in total earnings, securing its position as the third highest-grossing Gundam film in Japan. This victory underscores the enduring popularity and commercial viability of the Gundam franchise, captivating audiences across generations.
GQuuuuuuX Ascends the Ranks
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, an anime film serving as an advance theatrical screening for the upcoming Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX TV series, has made a splash in Japanese cinemas. In its fourth weekend, despite dropping to fourth place in the box office rankings, it achieved a cumulative total of 2,256,093,900 yen (approximately $14.62 million USD). This impressive figure propels it past Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, which earned 2,209,628,200 yen (around $14.29 million USD).
The film’s success is a testament to its strong opening, debuting at #1 in its opening weekend, selling 352,500 tickets and earning 598,832,300 yen (approximately $3.83 million USD) in its first three days. It has now sold a total of 1.38 million tickets.
The Gundam Box Office Hierarchy
With Gundam GQuuuuuuX claiming the third spot, the top three highest-grossing Gundam films in Japan are now:
- Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom (2024): 4,796,455,740 yen (about $31.05 million USD) – Including special edition screenings: 5,301,101,120 yen (about $34 million USD)
- Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982): 2.3 billion yen (about $14.88 million USD)
- Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- (2025): 2,256,093,900 yen (about $14.62 million USD)
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom, released in January 2024, holds the top position by a significant margin. The film achieved record-breaking success, earning 1,065,983,130 yen (7.23 million USD) during its opening weekend and becoming the highest-grossing film in the Gundam franchise. By February 2024, it had already surpassed 2.68 billion yen (about $17.94 million USD). Its final gross reached over US$36 million.
Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space, a classic from 1982, continues to hold its own, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the original series.
What is Gundam GQuuuuuuX About?
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- serves as an introduction to the world of the upcoming TV anime series. The story centers on Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living in a space colony who becomes involved in Clan Battle, an illegal mobile suit dueling sport, after meeting a war refugee named Nyaan. The film is a re-edited version of the first four episodes of the TV series.
Immersive MX4D and 4DX screenings are scheduled to begin on February 22, potentially boosting the film’s earnings further. Additionally, the film is set to release in North American theaters starting February 28, expanding its reach beyond Japan.
Gundam’s Enduring Legacy
The Gundam franchise, which began in 1979, has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and around the world. Its impact extends beyond entertainment, influencing animation, model kits, and even robotics.
The continued success of Gundam films demonstrates the franchise’s ability to adapt and resonate with new audiences, while also maintaining the loyalty of long-time fans. Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom becoming the highest-grossing film in the franchise is a testament to this enduring appeal. The film earned 4,000,124,620 yen (26.82 million USD) within 52 days of release. It surpassed Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space and Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway in the process.
The success of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- further solidifies Gundam’s position as a dominant force in Japanese cinema and a global entertainment icon. With the upcoming TV series and North American release, the future looks bright for the latest chapter in the Gundam saga.
