Since we are already halfway through 2026, it’s about time to check out what the highest-grossing anime films of this year have been so far. Interestingly, within just the first seven months of the year, many critically praised movies have already been released. However, the ones that grossed the most worldwide are generally sequels or spin-off films of already established big franchises, which makes sense.
That said, a few standalone films also made it into the top 10, mind you. And below, we have ranked them from the lowest to the highest box office revenue figures, along with brief plot explanations for every title. Notably, the #1 is just on another level. So without further ado, let’s check them all out, shall we?
10. The Camphorwood Custodian (Worldwide: $1,565,321)
Honestly, it’s quite sad how poor marketing can overshadow some of the strongest narratives in film. The Camphorwood Custodian is one such example. The movie feels truly touching, as it tells the story of a young caretaker who protects a mystical camphorwood forest and the spirits residing within it. But while doing so, he also has to confront the scars of his past. Probably because it received a relatively small theatrical release, the film ended up ranking near the bottom.
9. The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie: Yotsuba Succession Arc (Worldwide: $2,094,769)
Who hasn’t heard of The Irregular at Magic High School? The franchise is already incredibly popular, and The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie: Yotsuba Succession Arc also turns out to be canon to the main story. So naturally, the movie’s box office revenue was bound to be high. It follows the main leads, Tatsuya and Miyuki, as they get entangled in a political struggle surrounding the powerful Yotsuba family. But casual viewers may not have gone to theaters to watch it, which is probably why it didn’t post even higher numbers.
8. Sound! Euphonium: The Final Movie Part 1 (Worldwide: $2,193,170)
The movie essentially delivers the first part of the franchise’s grand finale. Therefore, naturally, Sound! Euphonium fans flocked to theaters. Also, who would miss the chance to watch a Kyoto Animation production on the big screen? That’s why Sound! Euphonium: The Final Movie Part 1 grossed this much worldwide. But then again, the anime is focused on the musical genre, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s probably why it didn’t reach even higher revenue figures.
7. Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express Movie (Worldwide: $3,710,558)
Despite being a compilation movie, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express Movie earned an insane amount of box office revenue. This goes to show just how good the original series was. The sci-fi plot revolving around intergalactic space exploration aboard an interstellar train already sounds thrilling, right? Well, it actually is. And what makes the story even better is its realistic dialogue writing. So it’s very likely that positive word of mouth helped the movie outperform expectations.
6. Assassination Classroom the Movie: Our Time (Worldwide: $4,155,880)
Assassination Classroom fans had been waiting for ages for this film. And mind you, the original fanbase of the franchise has always been huge. The fact that the movie is set after the conclusion of the original story hyped up fans even more. Assassination Classroom the Movie: Our Time reunites Class 3-E as they reflect on Koro-sensei’s legacy. But while doing so, they once again face a new threat tied to their past. This further made the film a must-watch for fans. And of course, nostalgia is a big reason behind the movie’s box office success.
5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (Worldwide: $7,400,334)
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime movie is essentially a bridge between the anime’s third and fourth seasons. With the series’ growing popularity, along with new seasons to come, the hype for the movie was already sky-high. Plus, the film’s plot, surrounding a mysterious oceanic kingdom and an ancient power hidden beneath the sea, gave us some really cool Rimuru moments. The franchise’s popularity, along with its strong overseas distribution, aided in its success.
4. Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames (Worldwide: $9,888,965)
Another film on the list, which doesn’t provide a new story but is instead a remake of the fan-favorite Yoshiwara in Flames arc from Gintama, takes fourth place! Isn’t that crazy? Not even an entirely new anime. The movie readapts just one particular arc from Gintama, and it still grossed millions of dollars. This goes to show how much Gintama fans would love to see the series on the big screen. Of course, the movie’s improved animation and the nostalgia surrounding the anime helped a lot.
3. Chiikawa Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island (Worldwide: $13,673,117)
No one probably could have seen this coming. Despite being a kid-friendly movie, Chiikawa Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island grossed $13 million at the global box office! Much of its revenue, however, came from Japan alone, and it’s still the 3rd highest-grossing anime film of the year so far. The franchise’s enormous popularity among children and families in Japan is surely the reason behind it all. Also, its merchandise sales helped boost the movie’s box office earnings.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (Worldwide: $18,420,625)
No one would dare question the massive popularity of the Gundam franchise. It’s been going strong since the ’70s, and even to this day, every Gundam anime or movie adaptation gains considerable attention within the fanbase. Also, Gundam‘s merchandise value has nearly immortalized the franchise. On top of that, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – The Sorcery of Nymph Circe is essentially the long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed first film.
1. Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway (Worldwide: $84,251,724)
Finally, we got another big shot from the anime industry, returning with another banger movie. Even if you don’t have prior knowledge of the franchise, Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway will still be a great watch. In fact, Detective Conan movies have always been major box office hits. So it’s no surprise that this one also made the list, but $84 million? That’s insane. The franchise’s unmatched domestic popularity must have helped it dominate the 2026 anime box office.
