When Demon Slayer: Mugen Train was released in 2020, it surprised almost everyone. A Japanese-language anime film, released during a global pandemic, broke records in Japan and went on to make nearly $50 million at the U.S. box office — unheard of at the time for a subtitled release. But Demon Slayer had tapped into something bigger: a growing international love for anime, and a fandom that shows up when it counts.
Now, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle (2025) hitting U.S. theaters on September 12, all eyes are once again on the franchise. And if early signs are anything to go by, this could be the next major anime hit at the box office. It will prove that this is not just a niche success, but a widely watched, widely talked-about cultural moment.
Popular Anime: A Franchise That’s Still Growing
Demon Slayer is no longer the underdog. Since the anime first aired in 2019, it has grown into one of the most successful and recognized franchises in the world. The animation, created by studio Ufotable, is known for its stunning visuals and emotional storytelling. The characters, particularly siblings Tanjiro and Nezuko, have become icons in the anime world and beyond.
While To the Hashira Training (released in early 2024) was more of a recap film combining TV episodes, it still earned $17.6 million at the U.S. box office — a sign of how strong the fanbase remains. But Infinity Castle – Part 1 is a different beast altogether. It’s a brand-new, full-length film adapting one of the most exciting arcs in the manga — and fans know it.
Already a Hit in Japan
Before its U.S. release, Infinity Castle opened in Japan on July 18, 2025, and the results were explosive.
- Opening day: ¥1.64 billion (~$11.1M)
- Eight days: ¥10 billion (~$71M)
- By week five: Over $294 million globally
These numbers make it the highest-grossing film of 2025 in Japan and the third highest-grossing film of all time in Japanese box office history—trailing only Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and Spirited Away.
This kind of success overseas matters. It’s not just about ticket sales in Japan—it signals to international audiences and distributors that this film is worth watching and worth releasing in a big way.
What’s Expected in the U.S.
So what can we expect when the film hits U.S. theaters?
According to trusted analysts at Box Office Theory, Infinity Castle – Part 1 is projected to earn between $38 million $56 million in its opening weekend in the U.S., with a total domestic run possibly reaching $109 million.
That would make it one of the biggest anime film openings ever in the U.S., on par with Jujutsu Kaisen 0 ($34 million total) and second only to Mugen Train ($49.5 million).
What’s even more promising is that presales for the U.S. release have already hit $10 million, breaking records on platforms like Fandango. In fact, it’s now the highest-grossing anime presale launch in U.S. history—even ahead of Mugen Train.
Why It’s Working: The Hype is Real
Several things are working in the movie’s favor:
- It’s a real film, not a recap of episodes. That means fans are treating it like an event, not just an extra.
- The arc being adapted—Infinity Castle—is a fan favorite, full of major battles and emotional payoffs.
- The competition is light. In the same week, the only other major releases are Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and The Conjuring: Last Rites — both in different genres, with different audiences.
- Premium formats like IMAX and PLF (Premium Large Format) are pushing ticket prices (and demand) higher.
On top of that, movie theaters are doing what they can to make this a must-attend event. AMC is offering limited-edition Demon Slayer-themed popcorn buckets and collectible cups — and judging by social media engagement, they’ll sell out quickly.
Final Thoughts
The success of Infinity Castle – Part 1 isn’t guaranteed, but all signs point to a strong debut. The numbers from Japan are massive. The U.S. fanbase is engaged. The film looks incredible. And with Demon Slayer’s track record, there’s every reason to believe it could be the biggest anime movie of the year in the West.
What’s most exciting is what this says about the future. Anime is no longer a subculture at the movies. It’s mainstream. Fans are loyal, enthusiastic, and willing to show up in full force — not just for dubs or big franchises, but for emotionally rich, beautifully animated films like this one.
The castle is open. Let’s see how high it climbs.
