From Avengers to Titanic, Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie keeps surpassing industry giants, and for good reason

When Demon Slayer Infinity Castle premiered in Japan this summer, fans expected fireworks. What they perhaps didn’t expect was for it to tear through the global box office like a whirlwind, breaking records that once seemed untouchable.

In just 31 days, the film grossed over ¥25 billion (roughly $170 million USD) with more than 18 million admissions, overtaking legendary titles like Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and even climbing past Titanic’s long-standing Japanese record of ¥27.77 billion.

It’s not just Japan where Infinity Castle is rewriting history. The movie has shattered animated opening records across Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, while early presales in the U.S. already crossed $20 million before its September 12 release.

With IMAX screenings making it the highest-grossing IMAX film in Japan’s history, Demon Slayer is proving that anime films are not a niche phenomenon; they are redefining blockbuster cinema itself.

So why is Demon Slayer Infinity Castle doing what even Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame or Cameron’s Titanic couldn’t? Back in 2020, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train was released during the pandemic and still became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, surpassing Spirited Away. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle has followed in those footsteps, but with even greater momentum.

Within a month, it had already overtaken One Piece Film: Red and was gunning for Titanic, a feat that took Cameron’s epic years to achieve. If this installment alone is climbing into the top three highest-grossing films in Japanese history, one can only imagine the combined numbers once all three parts are released.

In other words, Demon Slayer isn’t just competing with Hollywood giants; it’s surpassing them on their own playing field.

---

Ufotable’s secret weapon by releasing Demon Slayer Infinity Castle

The studio behind Demon Slayer, Ufotable, has earned a reputation for visual storytelling that rivals or even surpasses Hollywood CGI. Infinity Castle’s animation isn’t just good; it’s revolutionary. From the flowing camera work in Tanjiro’s battles to the surreal, labyrinthine structure of the castle itself, every frame looks hand-crafted for IMAX screens.

Ufotable also benefits from something most anime studios don’t: a financial stake in their projects. Unlike outsourced work-for-hire arrangements, Ufotable gets a significant share of profits once the movie hits milestones. This means two things:

1. They can reinvest in top-tier production.
2. They can maintain healthier working conditions compared to other studios.

Fans can literally see that difference on screen. When even small fight sequences look more polished than Hollywood’s biggest CGI blockbusters, audiences reward that dedication.

---

The global impact: Hollywood should pay attention

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle’s triumph isn’t just about Japan; it’s about what it means for cinema worldwide. Here’s why Hollywood should be concerned:

Changing Audience Priorities: Viewers are tired of cookie-cutter blockbusters. Franchises like the MCU are struggling with diminishing returns, while anime films offer fresh storytelling, emotional weight, and artistry.

Event Films Are Rare: Outside of superhero crossovers, few films become true “must-watch” cultural events anymore. Demon Slayer proves anime can fill that void.

Box Office Sustainability: Even with piracy and staggered releases, Infinity Castle is selling out theaters across Asia. In Germany, ticket servers crashed from demand. In the U.S., presales are stronger than expected. That’s a sustainable fanbase Hollywood can’t ignore.

The message is clear: audiences crave sincerity, artistry, and emotional depth, and Demon Slayer delivers.

---

Final thoughts

From Avengers to Titanic, the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie isn’t just passing industry titans; it’s redefining what a cultural juggernaut looks like in the 21st century. Demon Slayer’s success is built on a perfect storm: breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, global fan engagement, and a studio that knows how to deliver spectacle without compromise.

As Hollywood grapples with declining box office returns, anime’s rise is no longer something to dismiss. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is not an anomaly; it’s a glimpse into the future of global cinema. And if the first chapter of this trilogy is already rewriting history, the next two may very well cement Demon Slayer as the defining film franchise of this decade.