Anime has steadily broken cultural and box office boundaries in America, but the premiere of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle marks a historic turning point. Released theatrically in the United States on September 12, 2025, this dark fantasy action film not only soared past previous anime records but challenged Hollywood’s traditional perception of animated imports.
With dazzling animation, high-stakes battles, and a devoted fan base, the movie’s box office surge, action-packed showtimes, and place in the fall film premiere calendar firmly position it as one of the biggest cinematic phenomena of the year.
Overview: The Legacy of Demon Slayer
Since its manga debut and TV anime adaptation, Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) rapidly climbed to cultural juggernaut status. The previous movie, Mugen Train (2020), stunned box offices worldwide, setting a precedent for theatrical anime success. With Infinity Castle, the stakes grew: fans expected a culmination to Tanjiro’s journey, industry execs watched for box office fireworks, and the American anime audience proved larger than ever.
US Box Office Report: Record-Breaking Runs
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle shattered existing benchmarks for anime movies in the US:
- Opening day gross: $21.6 million
- Opening weekend (Sep 12–14): over $70 million
- Achieved the $100 million milestone domestically in just two weeks
- Overtook Pokémon: The First Movie and Dog Man as the top animated film in the US for 2025
By its third weekend, Infinity Castle’s US box office soared past $104 million, dominating screens and outperforming several high-budget American animated releases. Globally, the film surpassed $555 million, marking it as not only the biggest anime film release in American box office history, but also the highest-grossing Japanese movie ever worldwide.
About the New Movie: Plot & Franchise Context
Infinity Castle is the first installment of a trilogy that will conclude the Demon Slayer saga. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Studio Ufotable, the movie throws Tanjiro Kamado and fellow Demon Slayer Corps members into a climactic showdown within the labyrinthine Infinity Castle, standing against Muzan Kibutsuji and the surviving Twelve Kizuki.
Running 2 hours 35 minutes, the movie blends explosive action with emotional storytelling, advancing key character arcs and delivering visual spectacle that fans and critics alike have praised.
Day-by-Day US Box Office Breakdown
| Day | Gross ($ Millions) |
|---|---|
| Previews | 11.4 |
| Day 1 (Friday) | 21.6 |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | 21.6 |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | 16.0 |
| Day 4 | 5.0 |
| Day 5 | 5.4 |
| Day 6 | 3.7 |
| Day 7 | 2.6 |
| Day 8 | 4.6 |
| US Total (Day 8) | 92.0 |
The movie crossed the $100 million benchmark during its second weekend, a first for any anime film in the US. IMAX and premium format screenings contributed more than $5 million, indicating strong demand for an immersive cinematic experience.
Detailed Table: Demon Slayer Infinity Castle US Box Office
| Milestone | Value ($ Millions) | Record Surpassed |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Weekend | 70+ | Biggest anime debut in US |
| Day 8 Cumulative | 92 | Outpaced Pokémon, Dog Man |
| Second Friday | 4.6 | 70% higher than Pokémon record |
| Premium/IMAX Share | 5.1 | Highest for anime film US |
| Global Gross | 555 | Biggest Japanese movie ever |
Showtimes, Theatrical Release, and Special Events
- US theatrical debut: September 12, 2025
- Advance screenings: September 9 for Crunchyroll subscribers in over 250 US theaters
- Run time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Rating: PG-13 for fantasy action/violence
The movie continues to play in wide release with multiple daily showtimes at AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and independent theaters, as well as in select premium digital and IMAX formats. Special fan events, cosplay contests, and theater giveaways have fueled community excitement.
Audience Reception, Critical Acclaim, and Fandom
Both critics and general audiences have embraced Infinity Castle with near-universal praise.
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: Among the highest for anime movies released theatrically in America
- Social media momentum: #DemonSlayerInfinityCastle trended at #1 on Twitter and TikTok during opening weekend
- Demand for merchandise and themed events soared, driving partnerships with retailers and streaming services
Fans praised:
- Faithful adaptation of the manga’s final arc
- High-stakes battles and emotional depth
- Standout animation and music
Place in the 2025 Fall Movie Premiere Lineup
Infinity Castle’s release cemented it as a centerpiece of the action and genre film fall calendar, outperforming major live-action releases and animated competitors from Hollywood. It proved that anime blockbusters can draw broad audiences and rival the biggest studio tentpoles.
Action Anime’s Crossover Appeal and Growth
Demon Slayer’s US success is part of a broader trend:
- Action anime films have earned top box office spots over the past five years (Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, One Piece Film: Red)
- Growing mainstream acceptance of anime in American pop culture
- The crossover between anime fans and general audiences looking for unique cinematic action
- Distribution: Sony’s Crunchyroll handled North American release
- Expected streaming: Crunchyroll/ Sony platforms, with a historical window of four to six months post-theatrical release (estimated March 2026)
Physical Blu-ray and digital home video releases are anticipated to follow, giving fans multiple options to revisit the film.
How Demon Slayer Redefined the US Anime Marketplace
The Infinity Castle phenomenon highlights:
- Expanded reach: Anime films are now mainstream box office fixtures, not niche products
- Industry disruption: Major studios are watching anime’s box office power closely
- Ongoing franchising: Future Demon Slayer installments, merchandise, and media projects expected
Anime’s influence on American animation and film has never been greater.
Challenges, Trends, and Predictions
- Will future anime blockbusters sustain this level of success?
- How will Hollywood respond with its own animation and CGI innovations?
- Will genre diversification (sports, romance, fantasy) see similar box office surges?
Anime’s stars, creators, and musicians stand to reach even broader audiences as accessibility and excitement continue climbing.
Conclusion
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle has redefined expectations for anime movies, action films, and international releases at the US box office. With a spectacular premiere, monstrous receipts, and widespread critical acclaim, the film’s American journey underscores both the rise of Japanese cinema and the enduring, borderless power of great animated storytelling. As the movie continues its run on US screens and anticipation builds for streaming and home releases, Demon Slayer’s momentum all but guarantees that the age of anime blockbusters in America has only just begun.
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