Demon Slayer Anime Film Hits Record $70 Million U.S. Opening

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle has shattered box office records with a $70 million opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada, marking the biggest debut ever for an anime film in North America. The film, distributed by Sony Pictures' Crunchyroll, has also achieved the highest-grossing September animated debut and outpaced the 1999 Pokémon: The First Movie record by more than double. Globally, it has earned over $300 million, including $213 million in Japan, where it ranks as the third-highest grossing film of all time and fastest to reach 30 billion yen. This release continues the popular anime saga with a climactic showdown, directed by Haruo Sotozaki at studio ufotable, and has received overwhelmingly positive critical and audience ratings. The film’s success reflects a notable resurgence in box office performance and highlights the growing global appeal of anime films, surpassing other major releases like The Conjuring: Last Rites. Additionally, the movie’s soundtrack features performances by artists Aimer and LiSA, adding to its cultural impact.