Blockbuster Debut: ‘Oppenheimer’ Takes Japan Box Office by Storm, Rakes in $2.5 Million
More than eight months after “Oppenheimer” landed in theaters, Christopher Nolan’s epic is still finding new audiences. The film opened over the weekend in its final market, Japan, with $2.5 million from 343 theaters.
It placed third on the country’s box office charts after two local offerings. According to Universal Pictures, it’s the biggest opening weekend of 2024 for a Hollywood release in Japan. With these ticket sales, “Oppenheimer” stands at a staggering $965 million globally.
It’s a remarkable tally for a three-hour, R-rated drama that mostly takes place in laboratories and government halls. In addition to box office riches, the film won seven Oscars, including best picture and director.
Before the release of “Oppenheimer,” there was speculation about whether the film would play in Japan. It’s controversial given the subject matter. The distributor Toho-Towa opted to not get involved.
Bitters End picked up the film last December, following months of thoughtful dialogue. The company previously handled the rollout of the Oscar-winning “Parasite.” Compared to Nolan’s prior films, initial ticket sales for “Oppenheimer” were above some and below others.
“Inception” remains the director’s top-grossing movie in Japan.
