After a thunderous opening weekend in the US, this Japanese juggernaut has overtaken the 2020 blockbuster Mugen Train to claim the title of the highest-grossing anime film ever, both at home and abroad. The first chapter of the trilogy has also edged past the critics’ score of Maggie Kang’s OTT and big-screen sensation K-pop Demon Hunters, which recently became Netflix’s most-watched film. Even as we speak, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is reaching new milestones, riding high on its record-breaking US debut.
Rotten Tomatoes duel: Infinity Castle edges out K-pop’s Demon Hunters
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle has added another feather to its cap, a near-perfect 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, comfortably beating K-pop Demon Hunters, which stands at 95%. The score makes Infinity Castle not only a fan favourite but also a critical darling, basking in its massive global appeal.
Critics noted that while Crunchyroll isn’t easily accessible in some regions and the plot may feel unfamiliar to newcomers, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle makes up for it with “dazzling animation, powerful sound design, and masterful storytelling, qualities that have earned it praise as one of the best animated films of the year.” Another top critic highlighted how the film launches the epic three-part conclusion of Demon Slayer, “a franchise celebrated for its emotional character arcs and breathtaking visuals,” adding that it resonates with “both long-time fans and first-time viewers alike.” On the other hand, K-pop Demon Hunters was bold in its attempt to merge two vastly different audiences into one cinematic experience.
The new highest-grossing anime movie worldwide
Made on a budget of just $27 million, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle hauled in a staggering $555 million, compared to Demon Hunters, which was produced on a $100 million budget. Despite this, K-pop’s Demon Hunters performed well on OTT and even grossed an impressive estimated $16 million to $20 million during its limited two-day box office run in North America, becoming the first Netflix film to hit #1 at the box office.
Speaking of the highest-grossing anime movie, director Haruo Sotozaki’s feature takes a $49 million lead over Mugen Train. However, in Japan alone, the earlier film still holds the record with about $273 million, compared to Infinity Castle’s $228 million and climbing.
On track for the billion-dollar milestone
The road ahead looks even brighter. Infinity Castle is set for a China release on October 8, a market that could take it past the billion-dollar mark. If achieved, it would become the first anime film in history to scale that figure.
The movie’s debut in new markets also rewrote records. In France and Germany, both new Crunchyroll partners, the film opened phenomenally, grossing $8.6M and $8.2M, respectively. Infinity Castle was the No. 1 anime opening of all time across every new territory where it launched.
Quick Facts
- Title: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle
- Directors: Haruo Sotozaki, Hikaru Kondo
- Writers: Koyoharu Gotouge, Hikaru Kondo
- Release Date: July 18, 2025
- Runtime: 155 minutes
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Thriller
- Voice Cast: Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado), Akari Kito (Nezuko)