Anime ‘Demon Slayer Infinity Castle’ Shatters Records With $70M U.S. Opening Weekend
The global box office has witnessed an unexpected surge this September, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie Infinity Castle making history. The Japanese anime sequel delivered an astonishing $70 million debut in the U.S., marking the biggest opening ever for an anime film in North America. This milestone highlights not only the growing influence of anime in Western markets but also the enduring power of the Demon Slayer franchise.
Below, we’ll dive into the details of this record-breaking performance, explore the cultural significance of the film, analyze how it compares to other releases, and discuss what this means for the future of anime in mainstream cinema.
A Record-Smashing Opening for Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
Opening across 3,315 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, Demon Slayer Infinity Castle far exceeded box office projections. Industry analysts initially predicted an opening between $35 million and $50 million. Instead, the film’s $70 million launch not only surpassed those expectations but set a new benchmark for anime debuts in North America.
On its first day alone, the movie brought in $33 million, underscoring its immense popularity among dedicated fans and general audiences alike. This accomplishment marks the strongest U.S. showing for Crunchyroll, which is handling distribution across North America and several international markets.
Sony and Crunchyroll’s Winning Strategy
The success of Demon Slayer Infinity Castle also highlights Sony’s calculated approach to anime distribution. With Crunchyroll leading promotion and theatrical rollouts, the studio capitalized on the growing appetite for Japanese animation. This isn’t just Sony’s best anime release in years—it’s one of their strongest openings across any genre.
Crunchyroll has steadily positioned itself as the global hub for anime fandom. By combining exclusive streaming rights, merchandise opportunities, and theatrical experiences, it has effectively built a loyal community that shows up for each release. Infinity Castle’s results reinforce the strength of this strategy.
Global Box Office Dominance
While the U.S. debut drew headlines, Infinity Castle’s worldwide performance has been equally impressive. The film earned $49 million overseas across 49 markets, bringing its weekend total to $132.1 million. Its global gross now exceeds $400 million, with Crunchyroll’s portion reaching nearly $178 million.
In Japan, the film has already earned over $200 million since debuting in July, cementing its place among the most successful anime films ever. These numbers underscore anime’s increasing power not just in Asia but on the world stage.
A Historic Moment for Animated Films
Infinity Castle’s opening also made history as:
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The largest September animated debut of all time (not adjusted for inflation).
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The biggest U.S. opening for an animated title in 2025 so far.
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A standout Imax performer, with premium formats accounting for 44% of ticket sales.
These achievements show how anime films are breaking barriers once thought reserved for Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks releases. The fact that a Japanese anime has outpaced mainstream animated titles this year is a clear sign of changing audience preferences.
The Story Behind Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
For longtime fans of Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga series, this film represents the start of an epic conclusion. Infinity Castle is the first installment of a three-part cinematic trilogy that adapts the final battle arc of Demon Slayer.
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and animated by Ufotable, the film reunites beloved characters like Tanjiro (voiced by Natsuki Hanae), Nezuko (Akari Kitō), Zenitsu (Hiro Shimono), and Inosuke (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka). Together, the Demon Slayer Corps launches a climactic assault against the ultimate villain, Muzan Kibutsuji.
The scale of the animation, the emotional stakes of the narrative, and the rich artistry of Ufotable have combined to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience. Fans have praised the movie for its stunning visuals, high-intensity battles, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s dramatic finale.
Why Audiences Showed Up in Record Numbers
The success of Infinity Castle isn’t just about established fans—it’s also a reflection of broader cultural trends:
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Mainstream Anime Acceptance: Once considered niche, anime has fully entered mainstream pop culture in the U.S. and Europe. Titles like Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, and now Demon Slayer have proven their ability to compete head-to-head with Hollywood blockbusters.
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Eventized Screenings: Crunchyroll leaned into the idea of turning each release into an “event.” From exclusive merchandise drops to special Imax screenings, audiences felt like this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Word of Mouth and Reviews: Critics and fans alike praised Infinity Castle for its cinematic scope and emotional impact, driving repeat viewings.
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Generational Appeal: With 57% of ticket buyers being male and the majority between ages 18 and 34, the movie tapped into the core demographic driving box office trends today.
Comparisons With Other Box Office Performances
Infinity Castle opened in a crowded weekend, but still dominated its competition.
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The Conjuring: The Last Rites added $60.5 million overseas for a global tally of $333 million. While impressive, it couldn’t keep pace with the anime juggernaut in North America.
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Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale debuted to $18.1 million domestically, targeting older audiences and delivering solid results but paling compared to Demon Slayer.
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The Long Walk, Lionsgate’s Stephen King adaptation, opened to $11.5 million.
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Disney’s rerelease of Toy Story pulled in $3.5 million domestically, while anniversary screenings of The Sound of Music and Hamilton also posted respectable numbers.
In other words, Infinity Castle didn’t just perform well for anime—it was the undisputed winner of the weekend box office.
The Future of the Demon Slayer Trilogy
With Infinity Castle setting the stage, anticipation for the next two installments of the Demon Slayer trilogy is sky-high. Fans are eager to see how Ufotable brings the emotional and action-packed manga finale to life. If current momentum continues, each sequel could potentially rival or surpass the previous film’s performance.
Given its record-breaking start, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Infinity Castle surpass $600 million globally by the end of its run. That would put it in the same league as some of the biggest anime films of all time, including Your Name, Spirited Away, and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
The Growing Power of Anime in Hollywood
The overwhelming success of Infinity Castle points to a larger industry shift. Anime is no longer just a niche interest for die-hard fans—it is now a mainstream entertainment force capable of generating hundreds of millions of dollars.
Hollywood has taken notice. More studios are exploring anime adaptations, while streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll invest heavily in anime originals. The cross-cultural exchange is clear: Japanese creators are influencing global storytelling, while Western markets are fueling demand for more anime films in theaters.
Conclusion: A Defining Box Office Moment
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is more than a box office success—it’s a cultural milestone. By earning $70 million in its U.S. opening weekend, the film has rewritten the rules of what anime can achieve in Western markets. Supported by Sony and Crunchyroll’s smart strategy, bolstered by passionate fans, and powered by Ufotable’s artistry, Infinity Castle has secured its place in cinematic history.
As audiences continue to embrace anime, the line between “mainstream” and “niche” is disappearing. And with two more films in the Infinity Castle trilogy on the way, this record-breaking debut may just be the beginning of a new era for anime at the global box office.
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