MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero topped the U.S. box office in its opening weekend, shattering expectations by summoning an impressive $21 million in North American ticket sales.
The anime film is being distributed in North America by Crunchyroll, which specializes in anime film and television. “We’re absolutely thrilled that Dragon Ball fans could come together to experience and enjoy this amazing film in theaters,” Crunchyroll Senior VP of Global Commerce Mitchel Berger said in a statement. “Crunchyroll thanks all of the fans, whether or not you are a ‘super’ fan or a newcomer, and we hope they come back again and again.”
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero follows two warriors, Piccolo and Gohan, as they face down an attack by a pair of ultimate Androids that call themselves “Super Heroes” and combat the schemes of the villainous Red Ribbon Army.
The film is also a big hit among critics, garnering a 92% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a glorious critical consensus. “Blending beautifully animated action with fresh character development, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is everything fans of the franchise will be looking for.”
The New York Times called the film “exquisitely gratifying,” while Los Angeles Times wrote that the movie “is a must-see for fans that salutes one of the series’ best relationships.”
Variety raved that the film “mostly finds a sweet spot between fan service and narrative heft,” as The Guardian endorsed that “Super Hero’s eye candy animation is mesmeric.”
Finally, Den of Geek hailed, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a celebration of what’s made Dragon Ball great for more than 35 years, but it also leaves the franchise in a place that’s more liberated than ever before.”
In Philippine cinemas on August 31, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
