Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising just crossed the 1 billion yen mark at the Japanese box office in only four days, and the anime world is absolutely losing its mind. For a franchise that has kept fans waiting 13 years since the last main-series film, this is not just a milestone. It is a statement.
The film opened in Japan on August 28 and hit 1 billion yen by August 31, ranking first in both admissions and revenue on its opening weekend. That pace puts it ahead of the franchise’s previous movie, Rebellion, which eventually earned over 2 billion yen. A new commercial featuring never-before-seen footage dropped alongside the news, sending social media into a frenzy.
Why This Box Office Record Matters More Than You Think
It has been over a decade since fans last saw Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi, and Sayaka Miki on the big screen. The original TV series by Akiyuki Shinbo and Gen Urobuchi, produced by Studio SHAFT, became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 2011. Its dark subversion of the magical girl genre, combined with Urobuchi’s gut-wrenching script and Yuki Kajiura’s haunting soundtrack, redefined what anime could achieve.
Walpurgisnacht Rising picks up directly where Rebellion left off, continuing Homura’s story and the fallout from that controversial ending. Director Yukihiro Miyamoto, with Shinbo serving as chief director, returns to helm the project under Studio SHAFT. The expectations were astronomical, and so far the film is delivering.
What the New CM Trailer Reveals
The freshly released CM showcases previously unseen footage that has fans dissecting every frame. Key moments hint at new confrontations between Homura and Madoka, with animators pushing SHAFT’s signature visual style to its limits. The combination of sakuga-heavy sequences and emotional weight visible in the trailer is exactly what longtime fans have been craving.
The new CM also features an updated version of the franchise’s iconic music, blending Kajiura’s original motifs with fresh arrangements. For fans who have followed the series since 2011, the emotional impact of hearing those melodies again in a new context is genuinely powerful.
The Bigger Picture for the Franchise
Walpurgisnacht Rising does not exist in isolation. The Madoka Magica franchise has expanded significantly since the original series. The Magia Record spin-off got its own anime adaptation, and the mobile game Magia Exedra launched in March 2025. The original TV series and its films also received an Ultra HD Blu-ray release in January 2025, introducing the franchise to a new generation of collectors.
With Walpurgisnacht Rising now shattering records, the franchise’s cultural relevance in 2026 is undeniable. Studio SHAFT has proven it can still compete with major studios like ufotable and MAPPA at the box office, and the numbers suggest this film could push well past 2 billion yen if the momentum holds.
How It Compares to Other Anime Movie Hits in 2026
The 2026 anime film landscape has been competitive. From Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle to various franchise sequels, audiences have had no shortage of options. But Madoka Magica hitting 1 billion yen in just four days is a different kind of achievement. It shows the enduring power of a cult-classic franchise with a devoted fanbase, even when major shonen properties dominate the headlines.
For comparison, other anime films typically take longer to reach the billion-yen threshold. Walpurgisnacht Rising’s speed speaks to the anticipation built over 13 years and the trust fans have in Shinbo, Urobuchi, and SHAFT to deliver something extraordinary.
What Comes Next
As Walpurgisnacht Rising continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can match or surpass Rebellion’s total gross. If the first four days are any indication, this film is on track to become one of the highest-grossing entries in the franchise’s history. With Studio SHAFT at the helm and the creative team fully committed, Madoka Magica fans have every reason to celebrate.
The film is currently showing in Japanese theaters. International release dates have not been officially announced, but given the box office performance, a wider rollout seems inevitable.
What Do You Think?
Did Walpurgisnacht Rising live up to the 13-year wait? Are you surprised by how fast it hit 1 billion yen? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. And if you are still on the fence about watching the original series, now is the perfect time to catch up before the film hits international screens.
For more anime news and coverage, check out our articles on The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 and free anime on Pluto TV.
