The first film in the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy has shattered box office records, officially becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time globally. Titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, the anime phenomenon has amassed an estimated $555 million worldwide as of Sunday, September 21, 2025. This monumental achievement surpasses the previous record held by its predecessor, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which grossed $506.5 million globally.
A Global Box Office Phenomenon
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle did not just break records; it redefined expectations for Japanese cinema on the global stage. The film, produced by Ufotable and distributed internationally by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Releasing, opened in Japan on July 18, 2025, before expanding to international markets, including a September 12, 2025, debut in the United States.
Its global tally of $555 million makes it not only the highest-grossing Japanese film but also the highest-grossing anime film of all time worldwide. This remarkable performance has also placed it among the top-grossing films of 2025 worldwide.
Record-Breaking Performance in North America
In the United States, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has established new benchmarks for international and animated features. It earned an astounding $70 million during its opening weekend, setting records for the biggest opening weekend for an international film and an R-rated animated film in the U.S. The film continued its dominant run, securing the #1 spot at the U.S. box office for two consecutive weekends—a first for an anime film.
As of September 21, 2025, its domestic total reached $104.7 million, making it the highest-grossing anime film in the country (unadjusted for inflation) and the first to cross the $100 million mark in the U.S. box office.
Dominance in its Home Market, Japan
While the film achieved unprecedented global success, its performance in Japan was equally impressive. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle quickly garnered ¥33.6 billion (approximately $227 million USD) in its home territory by September 15, 2025, positioning it as the second-highest-grossing film in Japan’s history. The only film it has yet to surpass in Japan is Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which holds the top spot with ¥40.8 billion.
The film also broke several domestic records upon its release, including the highest opening day gross, the highest single-day box office revenue, and the biggest opening weekend of all time in Japanese cinema. It further solidified its rapid ascent by becoming the fastest film in Japan to reach ¥10 billion (approximately $71 million USD) within just eight days of its release.
The Enduring Power of the Demon Slayer Franchise
The immense success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise. Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, the series has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling story, stunning animation, and memorable characters. The previous film, Mugen Train, also achieved historic box office numbers, demonstrating the franchise’s consistent ability to draw massive theatrical audiences.
The Infinity Castle arc is particularly significant for fans, as it delves into some of the most critical confrontations and dramatic moments of the series. The decision to adapt this arc into a multi-film trilogy, beginning with “Part 1: Akaza Returns,” has clearly resonated with both dedicated followers and new viewers alike. This strategy has not only ensured significant box office returns but also maintained the narrative integrity and epic scale of the source material.
The Future of Japanese Animation
The record-breaking success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle underscores a growing trend in the global film industry: the increasing prominence of Japanese animation. Anime films are no longer niche content but major cinematic events capable of competing with Hollywood blockbusters. This achievement paves the way for future anime releases to command even greater attention and distribution worldwide, cementing Japan’s position as a powerhouse in global entertainment. The ongoing success of the Demon Slayer franchise, with more films in the Infinity Castle trilogy yet to be released, promises to continue this exciting trajectory.
