Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie set to break more records as highest grossing animated film after global release

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie poster
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie poster (Image credit: Studio Ufotable)

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie has officially arrived in U.S. theaters, and its momentum shows no signs of slowing down. After pulling in more than $11 million in preview screenings, the movie is projected to open with a staggering $60-70 million domestically over its first weekend.

If these numbers hold, it won’t just be a box office hit; it could become the highest-grossing animated film worldwide once its global release cycle is complete. This film is not just another anime adaptation; it’s a cultural event.

Following in the footsteps of Mugen Train, which dethroned Spirited Away as Japan’s highest-grossing movie of all time, Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is already being hailed as the next big milestone in anime’s global dominance.

After dazzling Japan with a record-breaking $37 million opening weekend, Infinity Castle has already grossed over $213 million in Japan alone and sits at $279 million worldwide. Now, with its North American debut, industry analysts predict it could rival even major Hollywood franchises in raw earnings.

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie (Image credit: Studio Ufotable)
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie (Image credit: Studio Ufotable)

Watching the film in IMAX elevates the scale dramatically. From Tanjiro’s free-fall introduction into the castle to the sprawling, shifting architecture crafted by Nakime’s biwa, the visuals are breathtaking.

Many fans have compared the experience to witnessing The Matrix bullet-dodge scene for the first time, the kind of moment that lingers in memory for years. The sound design also deserves praise. While Demon Slayer has always been known for its music, Infinity Castle pushes audio to new heights.

The separation of effects like Zenitsu’s thunder breathing synchronized with his iconic theme creates theater-shaking moments that had audiences cheering mid-battle. It feels like Ufotable and Sony Pictures poured top-tier cinematic expertise into every frame and note.

From humble manga beginnings to a world-dominating franchise, Demon Slayer has redefined what anime can achieve. With each installment from Mugen Train to Entertainment District to now Infinity Castle, Ufotable has elevated the standard of anime filmmaking.

And this is only the first of a planned three-part finale. If the opening act is already this successful, the coming chapters, including the inevitable clash with Muzan Kibutsuji, could push Demon Slayer into box office history that even Hollywood titans may struggle to match.


Breaking barriers beyond the box office

Akaza and Tanjiro as seen in the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie (Image credit: Studio Ufotable)
Akaza and Tanjiro as seen in the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie (Image credit: Studio Ufotable)

The success of Infinity Castle represents more than financial numbers. It’s a cultural shift. Anime films, once dismissed as niche imports, are now standing shoulder to shoulder with Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks productions.

Where Hollywood often struggles to bring animated blockbusters past the $1 billion mark, Demon Slayer is proving that anime can not only compete but thrive in the global marketplace. This isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about changing perceptions. Anime is no longer for kids; rather, it’s a global entertainment powerhouse.

The growing acceptance is also visible in how theaters present the film. Unlike earlier anime releases relegated to limited showings, Infinity Castle commands IMAX, Dolby, and prime-time slots, the same treatment as Marvel or Star Wars films. This level of exposure further solidifies anime’s mainstream position.


Can Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie become the highest-grossing animated film ever?

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle poster (Image Credits: Ufotable)
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle poster (Image Credits: Ufotable)

With $279 million already banked globally, Infinity Castle is poised for a monumental run. Analysts believe it could surpass $1 billion worldwide, which would position it above both the Mugen Train and Disney juggernauts like Frozen II. The momentum is clear:

  • Japan Box Office: $213M+
  • Worldwide (Pre-U.S. release): $279M
  • Projected U.S. Opening Weekend: $60–70M

If these numbers hold, the film could finish its run as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. The question isn’t if it will break records, but how many.

As theaters fill with cheering fans in Demon Slayer gear, and IMAX screens reverberate with Zenitsu’s thunder, one thing is clear: the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is more than just a battle stage; it’s the foundation for a new era of anime dominance.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade