During the week of December 16 to 22, 2024, the access rankings from eiga.com have revealed fascinating insights about the Japanese film industry as various titles made their mark. Topping the charts for the second consecutive week was the film 'Working Cells,' starring Mei Nagano and Takeru Satoh. Featuring breathtaking battle scenes and exclusive making-of video content, this film continues to draw audiences with its innovative approach to storytelling.
Since its release, 'Working Cells' has solidified its place at the forefront of movie-goers' interest, showcasing not just captivating characters but also engaging promotional events. From December 18 onward, fans were able to get exclusive behind-the-scenes footage featuring Satoh alongside Fukase from SEKAI NO OWARI, eleveting the film's visibility on various platforms including its official website and Satoh's YouTube channel.
Following closely, the newly released 'Holy Men Vs Evil Legion,' which hit theaters on December 20, jumped significantly from the previous week's 40th spot to the 2nd position. This live-action adaptation of the popular comedic manga depicts the daily life of Jesus and Buddha living together in a small apartment in Tachikawa, Tokyo. The film stands out because of its unique blend of humor and spirituality, embodying the absurdity of divine figures mingling with everyday life.
On December 19, to promote the film, its lead actors Kenichi Matsuyama (playing Jesus) and Masato Yoshihara (playing Buddha) joined director Yuichi Fukuda at the popular “God-Requesting” event at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, capturing media attention and fan excitement.
Ranking 3rd was 'Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo,' which rose steadily to maintain its place among audience favorites. Following it closely was 'Identity' at the 4th spot. The excitement for 'My Hero Academia: The Final Act' also surged as it climbed to 5th place, up from the 31st rank the previous week. This live-action adaptation based on the blockbuster manga has been highly anticipated, especially following the 8-episode series streamed on Amazon Prime Video since November 28.
The film promises to extend the engaging story introduced in the prior series, which features fan-favorite characters. Cast members including Kaito Sakura, Saito Hisashi, and director Smith made notable appearances during the pre-screening event on December 19, highlighting the film's connection with its loyal audience.
Another noteworthy entry is 'The Lion King: Mufasa,' which made its way to 6th place, improved from last week's 41st ranking. This film, which serves as the prequel to the beloved Disney animated classic, utilizes cutting-edge technology to blend live-action and animation seamlessly, aiming to redefine the cinematic experience.
To entice viewers, the movie distributed exclusive clear files themed around the character Leona Kingscholar from 'Disney Twisted Wonderland' during its opening days. Fans of the franchise have eagerly anticipated this release, contributing to its growing popularity.
Other films making their rounds include 'Doctor X: The Movie' at 7th, followed by 'Moana: The Legendary Ocean 2' at 8th. The latest installment of 'Nintama Rantarou: The Ultimate Military Strategist,' climbing from the 48th rank to 9th, showcases the resilience of beloved franchises. Since 1993, the television anime has garnered admiration from fans of all ages, and its theatrical adaptation continues to build on its legacy.
Finally, rounding off the top ten is 'Craven the Hunter,' which finds itself amid stiff competition as it navigates the release calendar packed with high-profile films. This week's rankings reflect not just the varying tastes of audiences but also the strategic marketing efforts seen across the board.
The dynamic and vibrant nature of the Japanese film industry continues to captivate audiences with its diverse storytelling and engaging characters, ensuring viewers stay connected to both new and beloved cinematic experiences.
