The highly anticipated anime compilation film, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, made a strong entrance into the North American box office, securing the #4 spot in its opening weekend. The film, which combines a recap of the “Shibuya Incident” arc from Season 2 with the first two episodes of the upcoming third season, “The Culling Game,” garnered an estimated US$10.15 million from Friday to Sunday. Released in 1,833 theaters, its performance highlights the growing enthusiasm for anime features in the U.S. theatrical market.
A Strong Showing for a Hybrid Release
Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution opened on December 5th in North America, with GKIDS handling distribution. The film’s robust box office debut, including an estimated $4.9 million on Friday (which encompassed $1.6 million from Thursday previews), demonstrates significant fan engagement despite much of the content being a compilation of previously aired material. Its opening weekend gross even surpassed the $10.1 million debut of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village from March 2023, though it collected 53% less than Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc in previews.
The film’s success is particularly notable given its hybrid nature, serving as both a refresher for a critical arc and an early glimpse into the next major story arc. This strategic release allows fans to experience pivotal moments on the big screen with enhanced production quality and build anticipation for Season 3, which is set to premiere on Crunchyroll on January 8, 2026.
Domestic vs. International Performance
While the U.S. opening was strong, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution initially debuted in Japan on November 7, earning 640 million yen (approximately US$4.15 million) in its first three days from 338 theaters, topping the Japanese box office. Within 18 days of its Japanese release, the film surpassed 1.51 billion yen (approximately USD 9.7 million) in revenue, attracting over 1.01 million viewers. This sustained performance in its home country, alongside its strong U.S. debut, underscores the franchise’s global appeal.
Critical and Audience Reception
Audience reception for Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution has been largely positive. On Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, the film held an 81% approval score from over 500 verified user ratings, initially scoring 88%. This indicates that despite its compilation format, the cinematic experience resonated with viewers. Critics have noted the film’s spectacular visuals, sound design, and intense action sequences as major highlights.
However, some reviews acknowledge that newcomers might find the lore-dense plot challenging to follow without prior knowledge of the series, as the film offers a “super-edit” of the “Shibuya Incident” arc. Even for long-time fans, some felt the compilation aspect made it feel redundant or lacked the narrative flow of a standalone film. Despite these points, the overwhelming sentiment highlights the film’s success in delivering a visually thrilling experience and building excitement for the upcoming “Culling Game” arc.
The Road Ahead: The Culling Game Arc and Season 3
The “Culling Game” arc, previewed in the latter portion of Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, follows the devastating aftermath of the “Shibuya Incident.” In this deadly battle royale, Jujutsu Sorcerers are pitted against each other, with Yuji Itadori becoming a target of the Jujutsu authorities due to his role as the vessel for Ryomen Sukuna. Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is assigned as Yuji’s “executioner,” setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict.
The theatrical release of Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution serves as a significant event to prime fans for Season 3. The anime industry has seen a strong trend of successful cinematic releases, and Jujutsu Kaisen continues to be a driving force in this boom, with its latest film solidifying its place among top-performing anime features in North America. The anticipation for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, set for January 2026, remains incredibly high, with the film acting as a crucial bridge to the next chapter of the beloved series.
