The first film in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle trilogy has sold over 67 million tickets worldwide, marking a colossal success for the animated feature. Officially titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, the film has also shattered numerous box office records, solidifying its place as a global cinematic phenomenon.
Unprecedented Global Box Office Performance
As of September 22, 2025, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns has reached a worldwide revenue of over $555 million, with admissions surpassing 67 million tickets globally. This astounding performance cements its status as the highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide and the highest-grossing anime film of all time, surpassing the franchise’s previous record-holder, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
Breaking Records in Japan and Beyond
The film debuted in Japan on July 18, 2025, immediately making history by achieving the highest opening day gross in Japanese box office history. It went on to secure the highest single-day box office revenue and the biggest opening weekend of all time in Japanese cinema. Within just eight days of its release, the movie garnered over 10 billion yen (approximately $71.0 million) from 7.5 million tickets, becoming the fastest film in Japan to reach that milestone.
Internationally, the film continued its record-breaking streak. Its U.S. opening weekend on September 12, 2025, pulled in $70 million, setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend for an international film in the U.S., as well as the biggest opening for an R-rated animated film. It also held the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office for two consecutive weekends in North America, a rare feat for an anime release.
The Infinity Castle Arc: A Pivotal Chapter
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns is a direct sequel to the fourth season of the beloved anime television series. It adapts a critical portion of Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga series, focusing on the “Infinity Castle” arc, which leads into the final, climactic battles of the Demon Slayer Corps against the formidable demon Muzan Kibutsuji and the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki.
Produced by the acclaimed animation studio Ufotable and distributed by Aniplex and Toho in Japan, with Sony Pictures Releasing (via Crunchyroll) handling international distribution, the film runs for 155 minutes. It features the return of fan-favorite characters, including Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira, as they delve deeper into their perilous mission.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Enthusiasm
The film has garnered generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its stunning action sequences, impressive visuals, and engaging storyline. On Rotten Tomatoes, 98% of 52 critics’ reviews were positive, with the consensus noting it as “a stirring beginning to this franchise’s bloody climax”. Audiences in Japan also responded enthusiastically, with the film topping Filmarks’ first-day satisfaction ranking.
The massive turnout underscores the Demon Slayer franchise’s immense popularity and the growing mainstream appeal of anime globally. Industry analysts and executives, including Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini, have pointed to the film’s success as undeniable proof of anime’s shift from a niche culture to a major force in entertainment, attracting diverse audiences across age groups and ethnicities worldwide.
A Trilogy in the Making
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns is just the beginning of a cinematic trilogy. Parts 2 and 3 of the Infinity Castle saga are already anticipated for release in 2027 and 2029, respectively. This multi-film adaptation strategy for the arc reflects its substantial content and dramatic pacing, a similar approach taken with the highly successful Mugen Train film. The continued success of the Demon Slayer films is expected to push the entire trilogy’s total earnings potentially into the billions, further cementing the franchise’s legacy in cinematic history.
