In an unprecedented cinematic achievement, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return” has officially become the first Japanese film in history to cross the 100 billion yen mark in worldwide box office revenue. The milestone solidifies the global phenomenon status of the Demon Slayer franchise and sets a new benchmark for Japanese cinema on the international stage.
As of November 16, the film’s cumulative worldwide total reached an astounding 106,370,568,950 yen, equivalent to approximately $686.8 million to $688.1 million USD. Its ongoing theatrical run is projected to push its global gross even higher, potentially surpassing $750 million or even $800 million.
A Global Box Office Juggernaut
The first installment of the “Infinity Castle” trilogy has demonstrated immense popularity across key markets, showcasing the growing international appeal of Japanese animation.
Record-Breaking Domestic Performance in Japan
Released in Japan on July 18, the film quickly became a sensation, recording over 26 million admissions and earning more than 37.9 billion yen (approximately $245.4 million USD) within 122 days. This impressive domestic performance positions it as the second highest-grossing film of all time in Japan, trailing only its predecessor, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.” “Infinity Castle” notably outpaced “Mugen Train” in several early box office phases in Japan.
Dominating the International Market
The film’s global revenue surge was significantly boosted by its staggered international rollout, culminating in a robust debut in China on November 14. In its opening three days in China, the movie garnered an impressive $52.7 million (or 373 million RMB), a crucial contribution to its worldwide total.
Furthermore, “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” shattered IMAX China records, achieving a $12.3 million opening weekend in the premium format. This made it the highest-grossing anime film debut in IMAX across Chinese markets, indicating strong fan engagement for a high-quality cinematic experience.
In North America, the film has also made history, becoming the highest-grossing international film ever, surpassing the long-held record of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” The film grossed $70 million in its U.S. opening weekend, setting records for both the biggest opening for an international film and an R-rated animated film in the U.S.
The Enduring Appeal of Demon Slayer
The monumental success of “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” is a testament to the franchise’s widespread popularity, which spans manga, anime television series, and now a cinematic trilogy.
A Rich Narrative and Dedicated Fanbase
The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba saga, based on Koyoharu Gotoge’s popular manga, tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and cure his sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon. The original manga, serialized from 2016 to 2020, has sold over 220 million copies worldwide, fostering a massive and dedicated global fanbase.
The anime adaptation by studio ufotable is renowned for its stunning animation, intense action sequences, and emotional storytelling, which has captivated audiences worldwide. “Infinity Castle – Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return” picks up directly after the events of the “Hashira Training Arc” and plunges the Demon Slayer Corps into the titular Infinity Castle for critical battles against Muzan Kibutsuji’s Upper Rank demons.
Building on Past Success
This record-breaking film follows the precedent set by its predecessor, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train,” which also achieved immense commercial success, grossing approximately 51.7 billion yen worldwide. The consistent high performance of the Demon Slayer films underscores the franchise’s ability to translate its television anime success into cinematic blockbusters, drawing both existing fans and new viewers to theaters.
The “Infinity Castle” arc is planned as a trilogy, with “Akaza’s Return” being the first chapter. This strategic release model allows for a comprehensive cinematic adaptation of the manga’s climactic final saga, promising further significant box office returns and solidifying Demon Slayer‘s place in cinematic history.
