The anime film landscape in Japan continues to be dominated by two powerhouse franchises, as Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc secured the #1 spot at the Japanese box office for its third consecutive weekend (October 3-5, 2025). Hot on its heels, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle maintained its strong performance, holding firmly at #2 for the same period.
This ongoing rivalry showcases the immense popularity of anime films in Japan, with both features demonstrating impressive staying power and significant box office earnings.
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc’s Continued Success
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, a direct sequel to the first season of the popular TV anime series, raked in an impressive 897 million yen (approximately US$6.07 million) from 577,000 admissions during the October 3-5 weekend. This performance marks its third week atop the Japanese box office charts since its premiere on September 19, 2025.
The film, which adapts the fan-favorite “Reze/Bomb Girl Arc” from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga, ended Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle‘s extended run at #1 upon its release. Its cumulative domestic gross in Japan has now reached 4.3 billion yen (US$28.59 million). Produced by MAPPA and directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, with a screenplay by Hiroshi Seko, the movie features the returning core cast and introduces Reina Ueda as the voice of Reze. The film promises the signature blend of romance, betrayal, and intense action that fans have come to expect from the Chainsaw Man series.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’s Enduring Global Impact
Despite being dethroned from the top spot by Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc in September, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle continues its phenomenal run. For the weekend of October 3-5, the film added another 432 million yen (US$2.92 million) from 272,000 admissions, maintaining its #2 position for the third consecutive week.
The Ufotable-produced film has achieved a staggering cumulative domestic gross in Japan of 35.7 billion yen (US$241 million) on 24.7 million admissions. This makes it the second highest-grossing film ever in Japan, only surpassed by its predecessor, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which holds the all-time record.
Breaking Records on the Global Stage
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle‘s success extends far beyond Japan. Globally, the film has grossed an impressive $642 million, positioning it as the fifth highest-grossing film of 2025. The movie has already surpassed the global total of DC’s Superman and is rapidly approaching Disney’s Moana in worldwide earnings, underscoring anime’s burgeoning influence in the international box office. In the United States, it has made history as the highest-grossing anime film of all time, with over $120 million grossed, surpassing Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back.
The film, which is the first of a planned trilogy and directly continues the events of the anime’s fourth season, has captivated audiences with its breathtaking animation and compelling narrative, contributing to its sustained global appeal.
The Future of Anime at the Box Office
The strong performances of both Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle highlight a robust and expanding market for anime films worldwide. As Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc prepares for its broader international release in late October, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continues its record-breaking journey, the industry anticipates further milestones from these and other upcoming anime productions. This era marks a significant moment for Japanese animation, as it increasingly cements its position as a dominant force in global cinema.
