Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc exploded onto the Japanese box office, selling over 272,000 tickets on its opening day, September 19, 2025, signaling a strong theatrical debut for the highly anticipated anime film. The movie, a direct continuation of the popular Chainsaw Man anime series, has generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike.
Strong Opening Day Performance in Japan
The film, distributed by Toho in Japan, recorded impressive figures beyond just ticket sales. On its first day, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc grossed approximately ¥400 million, equivalent to about $2.9 million USD. This strong performance highlights the immense popularity of the Chainsaw Man franchise in its home country. The movie was also screened in 61 IMAX theaters across Japan, offering a premium viewing experience to eager audiences.
While the opening day gross is significant, industry analysts have noted it falls short of the record-breaking debuts of other anime giants like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (¥1.5 billion) and Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (¥1.0 billion). Nevertheless, predictions suggest that Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is poised to have a robust opening weekend, potentially dethroning Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle from its weekend box office reign. The film is tracking to earn between $9 million and $11 million during its three-day opening weekend in Japan.
The Highly Anticipated Reze Arc Comes to Life
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc adapts one of the most beloved and pivotal storylines from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga. The film serves as a direct sequel to the first season of the anime television series, continuing Denji’s journey as a Devil Hunter.
Plot Overview
The “Reze Arc” delves into Denji’s encounter with the mysterious and enigmatic girl, Reze, who works in a café after he seeks shelter from the rain following a date with Makima. This arc is renowned for its blend of romance, brutal confrontation, and intense action, exploring deeper conflicts arising from Reze’s background. Fans have lauded it as one of the manga’s most emotionally charged narratives.
Production and Creative Team
Produced by the acclaimed studio MAPPA, the film sees the return of key creative talent from the anime series. Tatsuya Yoshihara, known for his work on the TV anime, directs the movie, with Hiroshi Seko returning as the screenwriter. Kazutaka Sugiyama is the character designer, and Kensuke Ushio reprises his role as the composer, ensuring continuity in the series’ distinctive tone and atmosphere. The original Japanese voice cast, including Kikunosuke Toya as Denji and Reina Ueda as Reze, also reprise their roles. The film’s ending theme song, “JANE DOE,” is performed by Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada.
Global Release and Early Reception
While Japanese audiences are the first to experience the “Reze Arc” on the big screen, the film is set for a staggered international release. Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Releasing, will distribute the movie globally.
International Rollout
Select Asian markets will begin screening the film as early as September 24, 2025. The United States release is slated for October 24, 2025, with other regions like Europe following in October. The film will also be available in various premium formats, including MX4D, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, for international audiences.
Critical Acclaim
Early reactions from exclusive screenings in Japan have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics and fans praising the film as a spectacular adaptation. Reviewers have highlighted the stellar visuals, fluid combat sequences, and strong performances, calling it a “masterpiece” and a “truly unique once-in-a-lifetime audiovisual experience.” The animation quality has been particularly commended for building on and amplifying the manga’s most thrilling and emotional moments, setting high expectations for its global release.
