Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has achieved a monumental financial success, surpassing a global box office total of over 10 billion Yen (approximately US$68.3 million). The film, a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed first season of the Chainsaw Man anime television series, has captivated audiences worldwide since its staggered international release, solidifying its place as a major anime theatrical release of 2025.
A Global Phenomenon: Breaking Down the Box Office Success
The film’s impressive earnings reflect a significant triumph for the Chainsaw Man franchise and animation studio MAPPA. As of October 20, 2025, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has garnered an estimated US$68.3 million globally, which translates to approximately 10.2 billion Yen. This milestone was reached following a strong performance in various markets, including its domestic run in Japan and significant international showings.
In Japan, the movie, distributed by Toho, premiered on September 19, 2025, and quickly soared to the top of the box office, replacing Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – Akaza Sairai after a nine-week reign. It sold over 272,000 tickets and earned more than 420 million Yen (about US$2.8 million) on its opening day alone. Within five weeks of screening, it had already accumulated 6.5 billion Yen (about US$43.1 million) in Japan from 4.26 million tickets sold. Its sustained popularity allowed it to surpass Toho’s initial goal of 5 billion Yen in record time and remained at the top of the Japanese box office for four consecutive weeks.
Internationally, Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the worldwide theatrical rights, facilitating a broad release across more than 80 countries. The film began its international rollout in select Asian markets from September 24, with broader releases continuing through October 24, 2025, including in North America on October 24. Early screenings for Crunchyroll members in the U.S. were even held on October 22. Key international markets like South Korea and Taiwan also saw the film dominate their respective box offices.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Engagement Fueling Momentum
The critical reception for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has been overwhelmingly positive, contributing significantly to its box office longevity. Reviewers and fans have lauded the film for its stunning animation, emotional depth, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s “Reze Arc” (chapters 40-52). Many have praised MAPPA’s decision to make the “Reze Arc” a standalone theatrical event, calling it a “masterclass in marketing and audience targeting.”
The film’s animation and visuals have been particularly highlighted as a strong pillar, described as fluid, detailed, and breathtaking, especially during action sequences. The narrative, while brisk at approximately 100 minutes, effectively balances emotional beats, such as the romance and betrayal between Denji and Reze, with visceral, high-stakes action. Critics note that the film successfully balances spectacle with soul, delivering impactful gore that is narratively meaningful rather than gratuitous. Some have even gone as far as to call it a “masterpiece” in its storytelling and animation, with several arguing it outperforms other major anime films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle in terms of emotional depth.
The soundtrack, including the theme song “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu and the ending song “Jane Doe” by Yonezu and Utada Hikaru, has also garnered praise for enhancing the film’s emotional resonance.
The Enduring Legacy of Chainsaw Man
The success of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc underscores the growing global appeal and financial power of the Chainsaw Man franchise. The original manga series by Tatsuki Fujimoto has circulated over 31 million copies by October 2025, establishing itself as one of the best-selling manga series of all time. It has also received numerous accolades, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and multiple Harvey Awards for Best Manga.
MAPPA’s anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man also saw considerable success, with its first season drawing significant attention and being deemed a “complete financial success” by MAPPA’s CEO, Manabu Otsuka. The decision to adapt the “Reze Arc” as a feature film, rather than a second season, was initially met with mixed reactions from fans. However, the overwhelming positive critical and commercial response to the movie has not only justified this strategic choice but has also “reignited faith in the Chainsaw Man franchise” and cemented the film as MAPPA’s “greatest investment yet, both financially and artistically.”
This achievement positions Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc among the elite ranks of anime blockbusters that have surpassed the 10 billion Yen mark, further solidifying the franchise’s prominent standing in the global entertainment landscape.
