Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Shatters Box Office Records and Hollywood Expectations

Get ready for some truly epic news! Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle hasn't just been making waves; it's officially become a box office titan, snatching a major record that stood for over two decades. This anime flick is proving that the power of Tanjiro and his friends is truly undeniable!

TL;DR: Quick Bites on Demon Slayer's Historic Run

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is now the highest-grossing international film EVER in U.S. theaters, dethroning the legendary Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
The movie has raked in over $128.6 million domestically and more than $640 million worldwide, making it one of 2025's top performers.
Its massive success is sparking an Oscar campaign and raising important conversations about anime's future in Hollywood, especially for voice actors.

A New Box Office Champion Rises in North America

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Hold onto your Nichirin Swords, folks, because Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle has just pulled off something truly incredible! This latest entry in the beloved anime saga has officially become the top-grossing international film of all time in the United States. Yep, you read that right: it's surpassed a record previously held by none other than Ang Lee's iconic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for over 20 years!

As of recent reports, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has blown past the $128.6 million mark in North American theaters, eclipsing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's impressive $128.53 million haul by a margin of just over $70,000. That's a nail-biter of a finish for a record that's been standing for a quarter of a century! Globally, the film has been an absolute juggernaut, bringing in over $640 million so far, cementing its place as the 5th highest-grossing film of 2025 worldwide. It's even out-earned major Hollywood blockbusters like Superman, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and How to Train Your Dragon!

Remembering the Enduring Legacy of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

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Before we dive deeper into Demon Slayer's reign, let's take a moment to appreciate the cinematic legend it just overtook. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Ang Lee, with a screenplay adapted from Wang Dulu's novel, it transported audiences to the Qing Dynasty with its breathtaking martial arts, poignant romance, and thrilling betrayals. Its star-studded cast included legends like Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Cheng Pei-pei, and Lang Sihung.

Upon its release, the film was a massive critical and commercial success, grossing over $217 million worldwide against a modest $17 million budget. It snagged an incredible 50+ awards, including four Academy Awards, one of which was for Best International Feature Film at the 2001 Oscars. Its influence is still felt today, with a Prime Video streaming series adaptation from producer Ronald D. Moore (known for Battlestar Galactica and Outlander) confirmed for an April 2025 release. So, while Crouching Tiger has passed the box office torch, its legacy continues stronger than ever!

Exploring the Cinematic Magic of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle

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So, what exactly makes Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle such a smash hit? This film is the latest installment in the wildly popular Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series and kicks off a planned trilogy that will wrap up the ongoing story. It first hit theaters in Japan in July, followed by its U.S. debut on September 12, opening to massive fanfare.

Critics and fans alike have been raving, with the movie boasting near-perfect 98% approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes' "Tomatometer" and "Popcornmeter." Directed by Haruo Sotozaki at studio ufotable, with Akira Matsushima handling character design and chief animation, the film has been praised for its stunning visuals. One reviewer from Cornell Sun noted how it "blended 2D and 3D animation, adding humor in certain scenes with cute, less-polished drawings," and was "beautifully animated, emotionally written and skillfully voiced." It even clinched the Critics’ Choice Awards International Animation Award in 2025!

The story plunges demon slayer Tanjiro Kamado and several Hashira into the ominous Infinity Castle, the lair of the original demon, Muzan Kibutsuji. Here, they face off against powerful Upper Rank demons in a fight for survival. While some viewers found the pacing a bit quick and the battle-to-backstory formula occasionally repetitive, the film's emotional depth, particularly with characters like Akaza, has resonated deeply with audiences.

For those curious about the English dub, the cast features familiar voices like Zach Aguilar as Tanjiro and Abby Trott as Nezuko. Interestingly, the English cast list also reportedly includes Channing Tatum as Keizo, a surprising turn that few outlets have highlighted, showcasing the blend of established talent and perhaps some unexpected additions.

"Hollywood will try to look at this and be like, 'Oh, man, anime films, let's go', right? But I think the true formula to an anime film’s success is you really need those build up seasons. You need to have followed the story for two, three, four years. To see the culmination of that story, or at least a very big part of it, on the big screen is kind of a reward for being there for all those seasons."

— Kaiji Tang, English voice actor for Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen

The Unstoppable Cultural Force of the Demon Slayer Franchise

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Demon Slayer's box office triumph isn't a fluke; it's the culmination of years of building an incredibly loyal and passionate fanbase. The original manga by Koyoharu Gotoge was already a hit, but the anime adaptation by ufotable catapulted it into a global phenomenon. Shows like Demon Slayer have defined anime for a new generation, breaking into the mainstream in a way few others have. Think Dragon Ball or Sailor Moon for today's youth – that's Demon Slayer.

Its viral success is undeniable. From epic fight clips on social media to kids talking about it in school, Demon Slayer became a cultural touchstone. The first season's climax, particularly Tanjiro's Hinokami Kagura moment in Episode 19, went viral, sparking a massive surge in popularity. This perfect timing, combined with the manga wrapping up its Infinity Castle arc and the release of the earlier Mugen Train film (which remains the highest-grossing film in Japan's history!), created an unstoppable momentum.

While Mugen Train still holds the title for Japan's highest-grossing film, Infinity Castle has now surpassed it to become the highest-grossing anime film of all time worldwide, showing just how far the franchise's global reach has expanded. This kind of success doesn't just happen; it's built on a foundation of compelling storytelling, breathtaking animation, and characters that resonate deeply with millions.

Voice Actors Raise Important Questions About Anime's Future in Hollywood

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With anime's skyrocketing success, there's also an important conversation brewing within the industry, especially among English voice actors. At New York Comic-Con, the English dub cast of Jujutsu Kaisen—including Adam McArthur, Robbie Daymond, Anne Yatco, Kaiji Tang, and Kayleigh McKee—shared their thoughts on what this newfound mainstream attention could mean.

There's a palpable concern that Hollywood, seeing the immense dollar signs, might opt for "A-list" celebrity voice actors over experienced anime dub performers. Kaiji Tang emphasized that anime film success often comes from years of building a fan base through TV seasons, offering the movie as a "reward" for loyal viewers. Skipping this build-up to just "release random anime movies" with big names might not yield the same results.

Robbie Daymond, with a mix of humor and bitterness, worried about a future where "celebs poorly dubbing anime." Kayleigh McKee echoed concerns that this success won't "trickle down" to voice actors' pay, predicting instead that studios "will just go get a celebrity" or even increasingly rely on AI. The conversation highlights a familiar trend seen in the gaming industry, where established voice actors are sometimes replaced by famous names (think David Hayter swapped for Kiefer Sutherland in Metal Gear Solid V or Chris Pratt voicing Mario), raising fears of a similar pattern for anime. It's a critical point for the industry to navigate as anime continues its ascent.

Aiming for Oscar Gold: Can Demon Slayer Make History?

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The monumental success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle isn't going unnoticed by the awards circuit. Crunchyroll has officially launched an ambitious Oscars campaign, pushing for nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards, with a primary focus on the Best Animated Feature category. This is a significant move, signaling a strong belief in the film's artistic merit beyond its box office numbers.

Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini articulated the company's dedication, stating, "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is more than animation; it’s a global phenomenon. Its success is proof that anime can rival Hollywood’s finest, both commercially and creatively." The goal is to ensure the film receives "the right level of attention" across all eligible categories.

If successful, Infinity Castle could make history as the first non-Studio Ghibli anime film to receive such high-level Academy recognition since the groundbreaking Spirited Away and, more recently, The Boy and the Heron. This campaign reflects a growing acceptance and appreciation for anime on the global awards stage, potentially ushering in a new era for the medium.

What's Next for Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps?

The journey is far from over! Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is just the first movie in an eagerly anticipated trilogy that will bring Tanjiro's epic story to its conclusion. While concrete release dates for the next two films aren't locked down yet, reports suggest that ufotable aims to wrap up the entire trilogy before 2029. This means fans could potentially see Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Movie 2 as early as 2027, with the third installment premiering in late 2028.

Considering the incredibly high standards of animation and storytelling established by the series and the first film, the animation studio will be working under tight deadlines. But if ufotable can maintain the same level of quality, these upcoming movies are bound to be just as grand, if not grander, solidifying Demon Slayer's place as a dominant force in the anime world for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Where can I watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle right now? The movie is currently playing in theaters in many regions. Check your local cinema listings for showtimes. Is Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle a standalone movie, or do I need to watch the series? While the film is beautifully animated and captivating enough for newcomers, it directly sequels the fourth season of the Demon Slayer show. Watching the series beforehand (or reading the manga) will give you a much deeper appreciation for the characters and plot, as the movie dives right into the Infinity Castle arc. What is the runtime and rating of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle? Specific runtime details weren't provided in the context, but it's noted as a "long watch" by a reviewer. Ratings can vary by region, but given the series' themes and action, expect a PG-13 or equivalent rating. How many Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movies will there be? Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is the first of a planned trilogy of films that will conclude the series' story. Sources