Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the latest cinematic installment in the globally acclaimed anime franchise, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the highest-grossing international (non-English) film in U.S. box office history. The animated feature surpassed the quarter-century record previously held by Ang Lee’s martial arts epic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).
The groundbreaking anime film reached an estimated domestic total of $128.6 million, narrowly overtaking Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon‘s impressive $128.5 million lifetime gross, a record that stood for 25 years. This achievement solidifies the escalating influence of Japanese animation and non-English cinema within the North American market.
The Historic Box Office Milestone
The first Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle film, which debuted in full in September 2025 after preview screenings, quickly asserted its dominance. By its fifth weekend in theaters, around October 12, 2025, the film’s consistent performance propelled it past the long-standing record. Analysts now project the film’s final domestic run could reach between $130 million and $135 million, further cementing its record-breaking status.
Surpassing a Venerable Predecessor
For a quarter-century, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) was the undisputed champion of non-English language films at the U.S. box office. Directed by Ang Lee, the wuxia classic captivated audiences and critics alike, demonstrating the significant potential for international cinema in America. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle‘s ability to unseat such a revered film underscores a profound shift in American audience preferences and accessibility to global storytelling.
A New Era for Anime in the U.S. Market
This latest triumph for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle builds on a series of impressive box office performances for the franchise. The film opened with an estimated $70 million in its debut U.S. weekend, marking the largest domestic opening for an anime film and also the best opening for an animated title in September.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
The initial $70 million haul for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle demolished the previous record for an anime opening, which was held by Pokémon: The First Movie with $31 million in 1999. This robust opening demonstrated the immense anticipation surrounding the Infinity Castle arc, which adapts a pivotal segment of Koyoharu Gotoge’s original manga series. The film’s continued momentum well beyond its opening weekend has been crucial to its record-breaking total.
Global Phenomenon and Critical Acclaim
Beyond its domestic success, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has resonated profoundly across the globe. The film’s worldwide box office total currently stands at an estimated $660 million, positioning it as the fourth highest-grossing film globally in 2025. It has also been declared the highest-grossing anime film worldwide, surpassing its predecessor, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. This global reach highlights the universal appeal of its compelling emotional storytelling and breathtaking animation by studio Ufotable. Critics have largely praised the movie, with high scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, acknowledging its stunning visuals and powerful battles.
The Growing Influence of Non-English Cinema
The success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is not an isolated incident but rather a testament to the surging popularity of international, particularly anime, films in the United States. In recent years, titles like Godzilla Minus One and The Boy and the Heron have also found significant success, indicating a growing appetite among American audiences for diverse cinematic experiences. Streaming platforms and social media have played a pivotal role in exposing wider audiences to non-English content, fostering a mainstream cultural movement around anime that was once considered a niche fandom.
This record-breaking achievement by Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle signifies a pivotal moment, redefining what kinds of stories can achieve blockbuster status on the big screen and underscoring the enduring power and expanding reach of global cinema.
