Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Shatters Records with $70 Million U.S. Opening

Demon Slayer has done it again. The latest installment in the hit anime franchise, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, debuted to an eye-popping $70 million in North America, making it the biggest domestic opening weekend ever for an anime film.

Globally, the film has already pulled in around $177.8 million, cementing its status as a cultural juggernaut.

A Milestone for Anime in the West

Anime films have long been successful in Japan, but it’s rare to see them dominate the U.S. box office in this way. Infinity Castle not only outperformed expectations but also outpaced previous anime record-holders like Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and Jujutsu Kaisen 0. This milestone underscores anime’s growing mainstream presence in the West, where audiences have shown up in record numbers for major titles.

Why the Buzz?

Several factors fueled this massive opening:

• Franchise Momentum: Demon Slayer has become a global phenomenon thanks to its stunning animation, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters.

• Event Status: Fans treated Infinity Castle like a must-see cinematic event, with theaters packed opening weekend.

• Ufotable’s Animation: The studio once again pushed the limits of what anime on the big screen can look like, creating fight sequences and visuals designed to blow audiences away.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Despite its financial triumph, Infinity Castle has sparked debate among fans. Some viewers are calling the film a masterpiece of animation and spectacle, while others — including die-hard fans — criticize its pacing and reliance on filler material not present in the manga. This split response highlights a growing tension: can the franchise continue to balance faithful adaptation with big-screen demands?

What’s Next for Demon Slayer?

With box office numbers this strong, there’s no doubt we’ll see Demon Slayer continue to expand its universe on screen. Whether the story sticks closely to the manga or continues experimenting with new material remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Demon Slayer has become more than just an anime — it’s a global event.

👉 Question for Readers: Did Infinity Castle live up to your expectations, or did the filler take you out of the story?