Hatsune Miku's 'A Miku Who Can’t Sing' breaks box office records in north america

Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing has shocked the U.S. box office with a record-breaking debut, earning $2.77 million in just three days. The film, featuring virtual idol Hatsune Miku, ranked #7 domestically during its opening weekend—outperforming industry expectations and even surpassing its own performance in Japan. For a non-shonen anime film, this level of success in North America is a rare feat.
According to anitrendz.net, the movie earned $2.17 million during its January 2025 debut in Japan. That makes the North American premiere not only a surprise hit but also a clear box office win, bringing in over $500,000 more than its domestic launch. With an estimated 230,000 moviegoers attending screenings across the U.S., Hatsune Miku has officially made her mark on Western audiences.
This result reflects the growing global appeal of both anime and virtual idol media. It also highlights how successful localization and fan-driven marketing—led by U.S. distributor GKIDS—can elevate niche titles beyond expectations.
The movie is based on Project Sekai: Colorful Stage!, a rhythm game originally released for mobile platforms. Despite its niche origins, the film managed to connect with a wide audience thanks to its emotional story, energetic visuals, and Miku’s strong global fanbase. Animated by P.A. WORKS, the film blends heartfelt character drama with music-centered storytelling, marking Miku’s first feature-length film.
Its placement in the domestic top ten underscores a shift in the anime film landscape. While major titles like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen continue to dominate, Colorful Stage! proves that innovative, music-driven anime can also draw serious attention at the box office.
In Japan, Colorful Stage! has grossed nearly $9 million since its release, holding strong against major titles like Gundam. However, the film’s performance in the U.S. sets a new precedent for anime movies centered around virtual idols, music, and interactive fanbases.
The unexpected success of A Miku Who Can’t Sing could encourage more global releases of unique anime projects, especially those outside the traditional action or fantasy genres. Hatsune Miku, long a digital music icon, has now proven herself as a box office draw—and perhaps the face of a new era in anime cinema.