Tokyo, Japan – The highly anticipated anime film Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has stormed the Japanese box office, claiming the #1 spot in its opening weekend. Released on September 19, 2025, the film achieved a remarkable debut, selling 807,000 tickets and grossing ¥1.251 billion (approximately US$8.45 million) over its first three days. This impressive performance dethroned Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, which had held the top position for nine consecutive weeks.
Meanwhile, the animated sports drama 100 Meters Anime Film also made its debut, opening at #8.
“Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc” Slices Through Competition
Produced by the acclaimed studio MAPPA and directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is a direct sequel to the first season of the popular Chainsaw Man anime television series. The film adapts the beloved “Reze Arc,” also known as the “Bomb Girl Arc,” from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga, covering chapters 40-52. On its opening day alone, the movie garnered over 272,000 admissions, accumulating more than ¥420 million (around US$2.8 million).
The plot centers on Denji, the titular Chainsaw Man, as he encounters a mysterious new girl named Reze, who works in a café. Unbeknownst to Denji, Reze harbors dangerous ulterior motives, revealing herself to be the formidable Bomb Devil. The film has been praised by early viewers for its stellar animation, intense action sequences, and emotional depth, with some calling it a “truly unique once-in-a-lifetime audiovisual experience.”
International Release and Box Office Projections
Distributed by Toho in Japan, the worldwide theatrical rights for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc were acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment, with Crunchyroll handling international distribution. International screenings for select Asian markets began on September 24, 2025. The film is slated for an earlier release in the United States on October 24, 2025, a few days ahead of its previously scheduled October 29 date. Industry projections estimate that the film could ultimately earn around 5 billion yen (approximately US$34 million) during its entire theatrical run. It marks the third-biggest opening weekend of 2025 in Japan, following Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle and Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback.
“100 Meters Anime Film” Enters the Race
Also opening on September 19, 2025, was the 100 Meters Anime Film, which debuted at #8 in the Japanese box office. The film earned 100 million yen (approximately US$676,400) from 68,000 admissions during its opening weekend.
Based on Uoto’s sports manga Hyakuemu (known as 100 Meters), the film is directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, with animation handled by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain. The story follows Togashi, a naturally gifted track star, whose effortless victories in 100-meter races are challenged by Komiya, a determined transfer student lacking natural talent but brimming with an unshakable will. Their mentorship eventually blossoms into a fierce rivalry, exploring themes of youth, ambition, and the emotional complexities of competition.
The theme song for the film, “Rashisa,” is performed by the popular band Official Hige Dandism. 100 Meters Anime Film is scheduled for release in North American theaters in October 2025, with special screenings starting in Los Angeles on October 10, followed by general release from October 12-14.
