Demon Slayer Does It Again
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle just made history. After only three weekends in theaters, it’s now one of the top 10 highest-grossing films in Japanese box office history, racking up a staggering 17.84 billion yen (~$119.6M USD). This isn’t just another anime hit—it’s a full-blown cultural juggernaut.
Infinity Castle has now leapfrogged past Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Bayside Shakedown 2 in domestic yen earnings, solidifying its spot in the upper echelon of Japanese cinema. And the run isn’t even close to over.
By the Numbers: A Franchise Still on Fire
Here’s what sets Infinity Castle apart:
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$17.4M pulled over its third weekend
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6.8M earned on Sunday alone
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Only a 12.6% drop from the previous weekend
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12.8 million admissions, making it the 14th most-watched film in Japan’s history
This performance shows no signs of slowing. With a second and third installment already confirmed, Demon Slayer looks set to dominate the anime box office for another multi-year cycle.
What Makes Infinity Castle Different
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and animated by Ufotable, Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns isn’t a recap. Unlike past Demon Slayer theatrical releases, this is original content, adapting the dramatic climax of the manga’s Infinity Castle arc.
It picks up after Season 4 of the anime and dives into darker, more emotionally intense territory. This shift in tone, along with the stunning production quality fans expect from Ufotable, is driving repeat viewings and viral buzz.
Still Chasing Mugen Train
Let’s be clear: Infinity Castle still has a long way to go before it touches Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which pulled in over 40 billion yen in 2020. But that benchmark may not be out of reach if attendance holds and international hype builds.
For now, Infinity Castle sits just behind titles like:
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Howl’s Moving Castle
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Princess Mononoke
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One Piece Film: Red
But its climb isn’t over—and industry analysts say ¥20B+ is well within reach.
Global Release Incoming
Infinity Castle is already dominating Japan’s weekend box office—pulling in another $16M from August 1–3—but the global wave is just starting. Here’s the rollout plan:
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August: Select Asian markets
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September: Full international release in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe
This is where the real box office expansion happens. With global fans primed and streaming viewership at all-time highs, expect this to be a worldwide event, not just a domestic win.
What’s Next for the Franchise
This is just part one of the trilogy. That means we’re only seeing the opening moves of what’s likely to be another record-breaking run for Demon Slayer. With strong domestic traction and global markets about to open up, the ceiling isn’t just high—it’s undefined.
If you thought anime peaked with Mugen Train, think again. Infinity Castle is just getting started.
Joyce Lewis is a talented journalist at 3Zebras, known for her insightful coverage of technology, gaming, and privacy issues. Her work delves into the human aspects of tech, from the politeness of virtual assistants to the security risks of smart toys. Joyce’s articles are engaging and informative, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.