How much did Pokémon: The First Movie earn on its U.S. opening day?

Pokémon: The First Movie earned $10.1 million in the United States on its opening day.

The film opened in North America on November 10, 1999, and immediately demonstrated the commercial strength of Pokémon’s late-1990s popularity. Its Wednesday opening attracted such large audiences that the day became associated with the informal nickname “Pokéflu,” reflecting reports of children missing school to attend screenings.

The movie debuted at number one and earned about $31 million during its first weekend after the Wednesday launch. Its total U.S. gross reached approximately $50.8 million, making it a major success for an anime feature in the American market.

The film centers on Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon who challenges the meaning of identity and friendship. It is often called Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back in Japan, while Pokémon: The First Movie is the title used for its English-language release.