Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, a timeless classic from Studio Ghibli, has once again captivated audiences with its stunning 4K restoration. Released in North American IMAX theaters on March 26, 2025, the film quickly climbed the box office charts, securing the #6 position in its opening weekend. This achievement not only celebrates the film’s enduring appeal but also marks a significant milestone for a local-language title in IMAX theaters.
A triumphant return to the big screen
The 4K restoration of Princess Mononoke was released by GKIDS to celebrate Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary. The film screened in 330 theaters across the United States and Canada, offering both the original Japanese version with English subtitles and an English-dubbed version. The restoration was directly supervised by Studio Ghibli’s Atsushi Okui, who has been involved in nearly every major Ghibli project since 1993, ensuring that the film retained its original beauty and artistic integrity.
Box office performance
The Princess Mononoke 4K restoration earned an estimated $4,004,482 during its opening weekend (March 28-30, 2025). The film’s daily earnings were impressive:
- Friday: $2,000,591
- Saturday: $1,083,891
- Sunday: $920,000
This performance translated to an impressive per-theater average, making it the highest-grossing film in the North American box office top 10 on a per-theater basis. The film raked in over $10,600 per screen, surpassing even the popular faith-based film, The Chosen – Last Supper – Part 1.
A record-breaking IMAX debut
The 4K restoration’s success extends beyond its overall box office ranking. Princess Mononoke achieved the biggest IMAX domestic opening ever for a local-language title, grossing over $4.1 million in North America since its release on March 26. This record underscores the film’s broad appeal and the power of the IMAX experience to draw audiences.
Comparing to the original release
Princess Mononoke‘s original release in North America was in 1999, distributed by Miramax. While it didn’t reach the same initial box office heights as some other animated features, it became a beloved classic over time. The 4K restoration’s first-day earnings nearly matched 50% of the film’s original domestic gross of $2.4 million in 1997, highlighting the renewed excitement surrounding the film.
Why is Princess Mononoke so enduring?
Several factors contribute to Princess Mononoke‘s lasting appeal and its recent box office success:
A timeless story
Set in the Muromachi period of Japan, Princess Mononoke tells the story of Ashitaka, a young warrior cursed after defending his village from a demon. Seeking a cure, he journeys west and becomes entangled in a conflict between the human settlement of Irontown, led by the ambitious Lady Eboshi, and the animal gods and spirits of the forest, including the fierce Princess Mononoke (San), a girl raised by wolves.
The film explores complex themes of environmentalism, industrialization, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Its nuanced characters and moral ambiguities resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a story that remains relevant and thought-provoking.
Stunning animation and visuals
Princess Mononoke is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of Studio Ghibli at its finest. The film’s hand-drawn animation is breathtaking, with meticulously detailed backgrounds, expressive character designs, and captivating action sequences. The 4K restoration enhances these visuals, bringing out the richness and vibrancy of the film’s colors and textures, providing a cinematic experience that is both immersive and awe-inspiring.
Strong characters
The characters in Princess Mononoke are complex, flawed, and deeply human (or deeply animalistic in the case of San and the animal gods). Ashitaka is a noble and compassionate warrior, torn between his desire to find peace and his duty to protect those around him. Lady Eboshi is a pragmatic and determined leader, striving to build a better life for her people while inadvertently destroying the natural world. Princess Mononoke is a fierce and independent warrior, fiercely protective of the forest and its inhabitants, yet capable of understanding the complexities of human nature.
These well-developed characters, brought to life by talented voice actors in both the Japanese and English versions, add depth and emotional resonance to the story. The English dub features the voices of renowned actors such as Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Billy Bob Thornton.
Hayao Miyazaki’s genius
Hayao Miyazaki, the writer and director of Princess Mononoke, is a visionary filmmaker whose works have captivated audiences worldwide. His films are known for their strong female characters, environmental themes, and emphasis on imagination and wonder. Princess Mononoke is considered one of his masterpieces, showcasing his unique storytelling abilities and his commitment to creating films that are both entertaining and meaningful.
Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary
The 4K restoration of Princess Mononoke is part of a larger celebration of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma, Studio Ghibli has produced some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed animated films of all time, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
A legacy of excellence
Studio Ghibli’s films have won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Spirited Away in 2003. The studio’s commitment to quality animation, compelling storytelling, and universal themes has earned it a dedicated fan base around the world. The 40th-anniversary celebration provides an opportunity for audiences to rediscover these classic films and appreciate the studio’s enduring legacy.
The future of Ghibli
Despite the retirement of Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli continues to produce new films, with The Boy and the Heron being the most recent release. The studio also maintains Ghibli Park, a theme park in Japan that brings the world of Ghibli to life. The studio’s commitment to innovation and creativity ensures that it will continue to be a major force in the world of animation for years to come.
Conclusion
The box office success of the Princess Mononoke 4K restoration is a testament to the film’s enduring appeal, the artistry of Studio Ghibli, and the power of the IMAX experience. As audiences continue to flock to theaters to see this timeless classic, Princess Mononoke reaffirms its place as a cultural touchstone and a masterpiece of animation. The film’s success not only celebrates Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary but also sets the stage for the studio’s continued success in the years to come.
