The animated film Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters, also known as The Final Attack, kicked off its cinematic run on March 13, 2025, landing at number two at the box office with impressive viewer numbers. On its opening day, the movie attracted 37,674 viewers, trailing behind the leading film, Mickey 17, by just about 2,000 viewers, as reported by the Korean Film Council.
This film, which is the culmination of the hit anime series based on Hajime Isayama's acclaimed manga, has generated significant buzz and excitement among fans. Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters is a compilation film, running for 144 minutes, combining the television series' last season’s episodes to provide closure to the saga. Notably, it includes exclusive content such as cookie scenes not shown in the original TV airing, promising to engage audiences old and new.
Despite Mickey 17 being screened across 1,428 screens with 4,422 showings on the same date, the newer Attack on Titan film’s performance is remarkable, especially considering it was only available on 335 screens, with its showings totaling just 904. Analysts noted this significant achievement as it showcases the film's strong fanbase, which has been years in the making.
The excitement around Attack on Titan is not only attributed to the series' long-standing popularity but also to its dedicated fan engagement strategies. Insightfully, from March 15, audience members watching the film on MX4D will receive exclusive poster giveaways, enticing fans to enjoy the experience even more.
Comic readers and anime viewers alike have witnessed the evolution of Eren Yeager, the protagonist, who, driven by revenge against the titans for the tragic loss of his family, has developed unique abilities leading him to battle for humanity’s survival. This film promises to depict the final conflict as Eren embraces his role as the world's ultimate destroyer.
After maintaining the top spot for several weeks, Mickey 17 has started to lose some of its steam after three weeks of release, with viewership numbers seeing noticeable drops as Attack on Titan steadily closes the gap. The latter’s advanced booking rates have shown promise, with Saturday morning box office reports indicating reservation levels at around 22%, closely trailing behind Mickey 17, which boasts 24%.
The timing for debuting Attack on Titan could not be more perfect, as its release aligns with both the nostalgia and anticipation of those who followed the series since its inception. Given the history of the franchise, which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, its cross-platform appeal through streaming services like Netflix has significantly contributed to its recent popularity surge.
Despite criticisms of sequel fatigue and reboots exhausting audience interest, Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters stands as evidence of how powerful storytelling can resonate across different mediums and retain its significance. With each episode steeped deeply within themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the consequences of vengeance, the film is set to be more than just another compilation—it’s predicted to be an emotional drive for previously dormant fan interests.
With the movie actively challenging Mickey 17's lead at weekends, many film buffs are eagerly speculating on the potential for flips at the box office ranks. Can Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters capitalize on declining interest for international films and turn the tide? Only time will tell.
Lastly, as interest from hardcore fans of Attack on Titan builds on social media and through word of mouth, this forgotten narrative shines as the storytelling saga concludes, where the final battle for freedom against tyranny awaits. The film’s opening has raised hopes among enthusiasts for what is to come as its global and local performance continues to be analyzed.