Anime once again saved Sony Pictures' finances - report

Sony Pictures Entertainment reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. The division's total revenue remained almost unchanged, amounting to $9.92 billion compared to $9.90 billion a year earlier.

Despite stable revenue, operating profit decreased by 11% — from $763 million to $687 million. The main reason was the closure of the visual effects and virtual production studio Pixomondo. Expenses related to its closure significantly impacted the final result. Without these write-offs, operating profit would have increased to $858 million.

At the same time, anime once again became the main positive factor for Sony. The company specifically highlighted the revenue growth of Crunchyroll and the box office success of "Demon Slayer: Infinity Fortress," which grossed over $740 million worldwide.

Among Sony's biggest film hits for the fiscal year were also "GOAT: Dream Big" with $183 million, "28 Years Later" with $151 million, and "Chainsaw Man. The Movie: Reze's Story" with $118 million. As a result, three out of the company's four most successful releases were animated projects, two of which were manga adaptations.

Overall, the film division declined by 18% — from $4.01 billion to $3.28 billion — but the success of anime in cinema and on Crunchyroll, along with a 13% increase in television production, helped Sony Pictures avoid a more significant downturn.