TOKYO, Japan – Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has officially surpassed the monumental 10 billion yen (approximately US$63.9 million) mark at the Japanese box office, achieving this significant milestone after 103 days in theaters as of December 30. The film, a direct sequel to the acclaimed anime television series, has sold over 6.55 million tickets, solidifying its place as one of 2025’s highest-grossing films in Japan.
The achievement underscores the immense popularity of the Chainsaw Man franchise and marks a substantial success for animation studio MAPPA and distributor Toho.
A Phenomenal Box Office Run
Released in Japan on September 19, 2025, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc immediately captivated audiences, debuting at number one in the Japanese box office. It replaced Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – Akaza Sairai, which had held the top spot for nine consecutive weeks. The film’s opening weekend saw it sell 807,000 tickets, grossing ¥1.251 billion (approximately US$8.46 million).
This strong performance continued for weeks, with the movie maintaining a spot in the top ten for 15 consecutive weekends and securing the number one position for eight of those weekends. This consistent draw has propelled it past initial projections, which had anticipated a total gross of around 5 billion yen.
Joining an Elite Group
The Reze Arc film is now the fourth movie in 2025 to cross the 10 billion yen threshold in Japan, joining other blockbusters like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, Kokuho, and Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback. This places it among an exclusive list of less than 20 anime films and fewer than 25 films overall to achieve this feat in the Japanese box office.
The Significance of the “Reze Arc”
The film adapts the highly anticipated “Bomb Girl Arc” from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original Chainsaw Man manga, which focuses on Denji’s encounter with the mysterious girl Reze. This particular arc is a fan favorite, known for its intense action, emotional depth, and pivotal character development for Denji.
Production and Critical Acclaim
Produced by animation powerhouse MAPPA, the film was directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, with Hiroshi Seko handling the screenplay. The returning cast from the anime series reprised their roles, contributing to the film’s authenticity and appeal. Critics have lauded the movie, with many hailing it as one of the best anime films of 2025, praising its faithful adaptation and stunning animation.
Global Reach and Digital Release
Beyond Japan, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has also seen significant global success. Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired worldwide theatrical rights, releasing the film in over 80 countries starting September 24, 2025. It premiered in the U.S. and Canada on October 24, where it topped its opening weekend in North American theaters, earning an estimated US$18 million.
The film became available on digital platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google TV, and Vudu – Fandango at Home, on December 9, 2025, offering both subbed and dubbed versions.
Creator and Cast Reactions
In celebration of the box office milestone, Chainsaw Man manga author Tatsuki Fujimoto shared a special thank you message and a new illustration of Denji and Reze. Fujimoto expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you so much for watching so many times! I still can’t get over it yet!”
Members of the main cast, including Denji’s voice actor Kikunosuke Toya, Makima’s voice actor Tomori Kusunoki, Aki Hayakawa’s voice actor Shogo Sakata, and Reze’s voice actor Reina Ueda, also conveyed their excitement and pride in the film’s success, acknowledging the hard work of the creative team and the overwhelming audience reception.
The success of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc not only highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise but also sets a high bar for future anime cinematic releases.
