Anime Films Attack On Titan And Tomarok Dominate Box Office

The animation industry has been abuzz recently following the release of the film Attack on Titan: The Final Season which has quickly garnered attention and accolades. In just four days after its launch on March 14, 2025, the film surpassed 200,000 viewers, indicating a promising start. According to the Korean Film Promotion Committee's integrated network, the production has resonated well with fans, contributing to its successful run at the box office.

During the same weekend, another anticipated film, Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, faced unexpected challenges at the box office despite high expectations. The film managed to draw in 323,000 viewers during its opening weekend, capturing 43.1% of ticket sales, and currently boasts a total of 2,604,846 viewers. However, its audience numbers have not met projected figures, leaving film analysts pondering the reasons behind its lackluster performance.

This scenario contrasts sharply with the rising stars of the spring theater scene: Tomarok and Attack on Titan. The Korean animation film Tomarok, which opened on February 21, has stayed consistent in the box office rankings and as of March 17, has accumulated an impressive 443,697 viewers, marking a notable achievement for adult-targeted Korean animated films.

The financial landscape of the film industry appears uncertain; both Tomarok and Attack on Titan have emerged as formidable contenders, thriving despite the overall sluggish trends in the spring box office. Attack on Titan: The Final Season claimed the second spot in the weekend box office with over 221,005 viewers in just four days, showcasing how it can outperform even bigger releases in terms of ticket sold relative to screen share.

Although the film had significantly fewer screens than Mickey 17, with the latter showing four times as many screenings, Attack on Titan triumphed with a seat sales rate of 35.6%, dwarfing Mickey 17 which struggled significantly at only 13.4%. This striking performance by Attack on Titan, a definitive finale to the beloved franchise that has spanned a decade, illustrates the fervor still resonating within its loyal fanbase.

Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. One fan shared, “I have followed Attack on Titan from the very beginning. The emotional payoff of seeing this movie is incredible. It’s a celebration of a ten-year journey that I’m thrilled to experience on the big screen.” This enthusiasm from audiences appears to have robustly contributed to the film's strong turnout.

In contrast, Mickey 17, despite its impressive cast and the hype surrounding its release, has been scrutinized for not generating the anticipated enthusiasm among the audiences. As moviegoers flock to experience newly released films, the term “crowd favorites” clearly shifts the landscape. Experts speculate whether the unique narratives or potential gaps in promotion have contributed to its performance.

The success of both Tomarok and Attack on Titan in a time when industry expectations are deflating might suggest a shift towards animated features capturing wider audiences, challenging the assumption that live-action films reign supreme.

The strong showing of animated films may encourage studios to invest more heavily in this genre, as it's clear both productions have established a significant following with their respective releases, changing the conversation regarding animation in mainstream cinema. As both films continue their runs, industry experts and fans alike are eager to see if they can sustain these momentum and what new avenues might open for future animated films.

Overall, the film industry is in a state of flux. With patrons eager for innovative storytelling and exciting spectacles, films like Tomarok and Attack on Titan: The Final Season have not only dominated the box office but have sparked discussions about the evolution of animated features in the cinematic landscape, paving a promising path forward.