TOKYO – The first film in the highly anticipated “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle” trilogy has officially surpassed 100 billion yen (approximately $647 million USD) in global box office revenue, marking an unprecedented achievement for a Japanese film. This historic milestone was announced on November 17, 2025, by its distributors, solidifying the franchise’s colossal worldwide appeal.
The film, titled “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns,” has garnered 106.3 billion yen worldwide to date, drawing over 89.17 million admissions across various territories. This makes it the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time globally and the highest-earning anime film worldwide.
A Global Phenomenon: Breaking Down the Box Office Success
The “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” film’s journey to 100 billion yen has been fueled by extraordinary performances in both its home country and international markets. The film, released in Japan on July 18, 2025, quickly set new domestic records before expanding its reach globally from August onwards.
Domestic Dominance in Japan
In Japan, “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns” has earned approximately 37.9 billion yen (about $245.4 million USD) as of November 16, 2025, attracting over 26.04 million viewers in 122 days. This impressive domestic run positions it as the second highest-grossing film of all time in Japan, trailing only its predecessor, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.” The film broke records for the highest opening day gross and the biggest opening weekend in Japanese box office history.
International Box Office Prowess
The international release has been particularly robust, contributing significantly to the overall global tally. Overseas revenue has reached approximately $472.02 million, or 68.44 billion yen, across 157 countries and regions. A major boost came from its release in China, where it debuted with an impressive $52.5 million (373 million RMB) in its first three days. This strong performance in China included a record-breaking $12.3 million from IMAX screenings, setting a new benchmark for a Japanese film in the country. In North America, the film has also become the highest-grossing international film ever, surpassing “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.
The Enduring Appeal of the Demon Slayer Franchise
The monumental success of the “Infinity Castle” film is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” franchise’s remarkable global popularity. Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga series, which was serialized from 2016 to 2020 and has over 220 million copies in circulation worldwide, the franchise has consistently captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and stunning animation.
The previous film, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,” released in 2020, also achieved phenomenal success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. The television anime series, which began with the “Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc” in 2019, laid the groundwork for this widespread acclaim, blending emotional storytelling with thrilling sword fights and memorable characters.
The Infinity Castle Arc: A Pivotal Chapter
The “Infinity Castle” film is the first installment of a planned trilogy that adapts the climactic final saga of the manga. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, the film plunges the Demon Slayer Corps into the titular Infinity Castle for a decisive battle against Muzan Kibutsuji and his Upper Moons. This arc is central to the series’ overarching plot, promising intense action and significant developments for Tanjiro Kamado and his allies.
The anticipation for the subsequent films in the “Infinity Castle” trilogy remains high, with parts two and three expected to be released in 2027 and 2029, respectively, indicating the sustained strategic rollout of this cinematic event. The groundbreaking achievement of the first “Infinity Castle” film not only cements “Demon Slayer’s” place in cinematic history but also highlights the increasing global influence and commercial power of Japanese anime.
