The phenomenal success of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle continues to make headlines as it surpasses Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to become the highest-grossing international film ever at the U.S. box office. The record-breaking anime feature has now reached an estimated domestic total of $128.6 million, overtaking the 2000 Ang Lee classic’s $128.5 million lifetime gross.
The film achieved this feat following another strong performance during its fifth weekend, earning an additional $2.3 million across the three-day period—a mere 37.2 percent drop from the previous weekend. Its continued momentum has pushed the total North American gross to new heights, with projections suggesting a final domestic run between $130 million and $135 million. On the global front, the movie has now crossed the $650 million mark and is expected to reach $700 million without a release in China.
In its home market of Japan, Infinity Castle has shown remarkable staying power. Over its thirteenth weekend, the film grossed an estimated $1.9 million, representing only a 37.3 percent decline from the previous week. With a total of approximately $245.8 million (¥36.25 billion) and 25.1 million admissions, it now stands as Japan’s second-highest-grossing and second most-watched film of all time. The movie’s success across Asia has been equally impressive, with South Korea contributing roughly $41 million to its global tally, alongside its robust performance in the United States.
Released in Japan on July 18, 2025, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns marks the beginning of a feature-length trilogy based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s celebrated manga series. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, the film adapts the dramatic “Infinity Castle” arc, following the events of Mugen Train (2020), To the Swordsmith Village (2023), and To the Hashira Training (2024). Unlike its predecessors, which were compilation films derived from the television series, Infinity Castle is a fully original cinematic adaptation designed for the big screen.
The film’s global box office totals currently stand at an estimated $660 million, positioning it as the fourth highest-grossing film of 2025. Its success further solidifies Demon Slayer as a modern cultural powerhouse and one of Japan’s most influential entertainment exports. With two sequels still planned, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down, and Infinity Castle’s extraordinary box office run continues to redefine what is possible for anime films in the international market.
