Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle has emerged as a box office powerhouse. Since its release in July 2025, it shattered multiple records in Japan, the U.S., and around the world. Audiences and industry watchers alike have taken note of its record-smashing performance.
Record-Breaking Debut and Surge in Japan
On its opening weekend in Japan (July 18–20, 2025), Infinity Castle earned approximately ¥5.52 billion from 3.84 million admissions. That marked the biggest opening weekend in Japanese cinema history. Within eight days, it soared past ¥10 billion, becoming the fastest film ever to do so in Japan. (en.wikipedia.org) Notably, by mid-January 2026, its cumulative domestic total approached ¥39 billion, highlighting its staying power. (reddit.com)
U.S. Box Office: Anime Goes Mainstream
In North America, Infinity Castle debuted with a historic $70 million—becoming the largest opening weekend ever for an anime film domestically. (apnews.com) Soon after, it crossed $100 million in the U.S., surpassing Pokémon: The First Movie’s 1999 record of $85.7 million, and further cemented its lead as the highest-grossing anime domestically. (forbes.com) It also overtook Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, becoming the highest-grossing international film in U.S. box office history. (people.com)
Global Total and Broader Impact
Globally, Infinity Castle has amassed phenomenal earnings. Figures range from over $555 million to as high as $780 million—making it the highest‑grossing Japanese and anime film ever. (gamesradar.com) It even edged past DreamWorks’ live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon (2025), ranking as the fifth-highest-grossing film worldwide that year. (collider.com)
Expansion into China and Future Projections
Its release in China on November 14, 2025, added a fresh wave of box office momentum. Analysts expect this market push could bring its global total close to—or even past—the $1 billion mark. (yahoo.com)
Critical Recognition and Awards Buzz
The film isn’t merely a commercial success. It has met eligibility requirements for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars 2026, joining a list of 30 contenders. Final nominations were announced on January 22, 2026. (ndtv.com)
Why This Matters Now
Infinity Castle’s success highlights a turning point in global cinema. It underscores how anime, once niche, has arrived firmly as a mainstream force. Its box office dominance—across continents and cultures—signals rising global appetite for Japanese animation, driven by fan passion, strong marketing, and event-style theatrical releases.
What’s Next to Watch
- Its performance in the Chinese market and whether the $1 billion threshold is reached
- How it fares during the Oscars voting season and if it secures a nomination—or more
- Box office trends for part two and part three of the trilogy, as expectations remain sky-high
In just six months, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has redrawn the box office map. It shattered records, crossed borders, and positioned anime as an undeniable global blockbuster genre. The next installments will surely attract intense scrutiny—and audiences are already watching.
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