Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc exploded onto Japanese cinema screens, selling over 272,000 tickets and raking in more than 420 million yen (approximately US$2.8 million) on its opening day, Friday, September 19, 2025. The highly anticipated film, a direct continuation of the Chainsaw Man anime series, premiered across 421 theaters in Japan, marking a significant debut for the popular franchise.
Strong Debut for the Reze Arc
The first day’s impressive ticket sales translate to a robust financial start for the movie. Industry figures indicate the film garnered around 435.8 million yen, roughly $2.9 million USD, on its opening Friday. This strong performance has led distributor Toho to project a total theatrical run earning of 5 billion yen (about US$34 million) for the film. The movie also benefited from midnight screenings in 12 major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, along with special MX4D, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema presentations, offering an enhanced viewing experience for fans.
The Story of the Reze Arc
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc adapts the fan-favorite “Reze Arc” (also known as the “Bomb Girl Arc”) from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga, specifically chapters 39 to 53. The film serves as a direct sequel to the first season of the anime and delves into Denji’s pivotal encounter with Reze, a mysterious girl he meets at a café after a date with Makima. Reze, however, harbors a dangerous secret: she is the Bomb Devil hybrid, a deadly assassin sent with a mission concerning Denji. This arc is celebrated by manga readers as an emotional turning point for protagonist Denji, exploring complex themes of love, betrayal, and manipulation.
Production and Global Release
The film sees the return of the acclaimed production team from the anime series. Studio MAPPA, known for its high-octane animation, produced the movie, with Tatsuya Yoshihara directing and Hiroshi Seko penning the screenplay. Kensuke Ushio also returned to compose the score, maintaining continuity in the series’ distinct atmosphere.
Following its successful Japanese launch, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is set for a staggered international release. Crunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Releasing, will distribute the film globally, with screenings beginning in select Asian markets on September 24, 2025. North American audiences can anticipate the film’s arrival in theaters on October 24, 2025, a few days earlier than its initial October 29 schedule.
Box Office Context and Anime Film Landscape
While its opening numbers are strong, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc enters a competitive landscape among popular anime films. Its debut, while impressive, did not reach the gargantuan heights of some previous anime blockbusters in Japan, such as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which earned an estimated $13.4 million on its opening day, or Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which achieved ¥1.0 billion (approximately $8 million USD) on its first day.
Despite these comparisons, the film’s significant opening demonstrates the continued and growing international appeal of the Chainsaw Man franchise. With positive early reviews, the film is poised to be a major theatrical success and an essential piece of the Chainsaw Man narrative for both existing fans and new viewers.
