A Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle has taken the U.S. box office by storm, crossing the $70 million mark in its opening weekend. This historic achievement makes it the highest-grossing opening for an anime film in American history. The record was previously held by Pokémon: The First Movie, which earned $31 million in 1999, or about $60 million when adjusted for inflation. With final Sunday figures still being tallied, Infinity Castle is only set to rise higher.
Global Success and What Comes Next
Infinity Castle has already grossed over $386 million worldwide, and fans and analysts alike expect it to eventually overtake Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which set the standard with $504 million. The film’s international dominance showcases not only the strength of the Demon Slayer franchise but also the growing power of anime cinema across global markets. 2025 is also shaping up to be a massive year for anime films, with Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc from Sony and Crunchyroll, and Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution from GKIDS scheduled for release, keeping the momentum alive for anime fans everywhere.
The Story That Pulled Fans In
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by ufotable, Infinity Castle dives directly into the climactic battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan Kibutsuji. The film’s official synopsis describes how Muzan launches an attack on the Demon Slayer headquarters during the Hashira training arc, trapping Tanjiro, the Hashira, and the Demon Slayer Corps inside the terrifying Infinity Castle. This mysterious and shifting stronghold becomes the stage for the final confrontation, as humanity’s strongest warriors clash with the most dangerous demons in existence.
A Cultural Phenomenon in Motion
The success of Infinity Castle reinforces the unstoppable cultural reach of Demon Slayer. From breaking records with Mugen Train to dominating the anime landscape with its television arcs, the series continues to deliver emotional storytelling, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable battles that resonate across borders. The Infinity Castle film not only represents the culmination of years of buildup but also establishes Demon Slayer as the face of modern anime cinema.
The Bigger Picture for Anime at the Box Office
With Infinity Castle now the top-grossing anime opening in U.S. history, the stage is set for more anime films to follow suit. Anime is no longer niche; it is now a global cinematic powerhouse capable of competing directly with Hollywood blockbusters. Fans have proven that they will show up in theaters for well-crafted anime films, and studios are responding by investing in bigger, bolder adaptations. Infinity Castle’s performance signals that anime films are not just for fans anymore—they are mainstream cultural events.
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