Live-action anime adaptations have proven to be a major trend, with hits like One Piece, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Yu Yu Hakusho leading the charge. While adventures like those of Aang and Yusuke Urameshi received a more mixed critical response compared to Luffy’s journey, all three series have secured new seasons. However, the small screen isn’t the only place thriving with these adaptations—cinematic versions are also making waves globally. While North American audiences anticipate upcoming live-action films for franchises like Naruto and Mobile Suit Gundam, a different live-action anime movie is currently dominating the box office exclusively in Japan.
For those unfamiliar, the Kingdom franchise holds massive popularity in Japan, and its theatrical releases pull in staggering numbers. The fifth installment, Kingdom: The Clash of Souls, launched on July 17th and immediately captured the number-one spot at the box office. It has since grossed over 5.16 billion yen (roughly $32.29 million USD). Not only is this an impressive milestone for any domestic film in Japan, but it also stands as the most successful live-action anime adaptation of 2026 so far, with little competition in sight to dethrone it. Interestingly, its biggest rivals at the box office are actually its own predecessors.
An Anime Kingdom Built on Box Office Gold
Every movie in the live-action Kingdom series has enjoyed tremendous success in Japan, though the fifth chapter still has some ground to cover if it wants to surpass its immediate predecessor. Released in 2024, Kingdom: The Return of The Great General pulled in an extraordinary 8.03 billion yen (over $50 million USD). While the newest film aims to outpace the second entry, the first and third movies in the franchise also hold higher lifetime grosses than the fifth so far. Given its current momentum, overtaking the first three films is a realistic possibility, though The Great General may retain its crown as the highest-grossing film of the live-action series.
The secret behind Kingdom‘s widespread appeal shares DNA with series like Vinland Saga: blending dramatic historical events with a distinct anime aesthetic. Chronicling China’s turbulent “Warring States Period,” the source manga has maintained a stellar run since its launch in 2006. Alongside its cinematic triumphs, the property boasts multiple anime seasons, with a seventh season already officially confirmed—though a premiere date remains unannounced. With such a vast and rich manga history to draw from, the franchise has no shortage of source material ready to be adapted for both television and the big screen.
Via Crunchyroll