The anime world is ablaze with excitement as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle dominates the global box office and fan conversations in September 2025. The first film in the highly anticipated trilogy, officially titled Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025, and has since shattered records, setting the stage for its international release on September 12, 2025, in the US, UK, India, and numerous other regions. With stunning visuals, intense battles, and emotional storytelling, this film is cementing Demon Slayer’s legacy as a cultural phenomenon.
A Record-Breaking Debut
Since its Japanese release, Infinity Castle has been a box office juggernaut. The film earned ¥7.31 billion (approximately $49.55 million) in its first four days, securing the second-highest-grossing film of 2025 in Japan, only behind Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback. Within eight days, it crossed ¥10 billion (about $71 million), becoming the fastest film in Japan to reach that milestone, surpassing the previous record set by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. Globally, it has grossed $294 million in just 38 days, with Japan accounting for 75% of its box office receipts. Industry analysts predict it could approach $700 million worldwide, potentially outpacing Mugen Train’s $500 million record.
The film’s success is further highlighted by its advance ticket sales in the US, nearing $10 million across major circuits like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, even before its nationwide release on September 12. Early IMAX screenings for Crunchyroll’s Mega and Ultra Fan subscribers are scheduled for September 9, adding to the hype.
What’s Driving the Buzz?
Infinity Castle adapts the climactic “Infinity Castle” arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, picking up after the Hashira Training Arc of the anime’s fourth season. The story thrusts Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, and the Hashira into Muzan Kibutsuji’s labyrinthine fortress, where they face off against the Upper Rank demons, including Akaza and Doma, in a desperate battle to end the demon threat. The trailer, released on June 28, 2025, via Fuji TV, garnered over 40 million views in 24 hours, showcasing breathtaking animation and hinting at emotional and action-packed sequences.
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, the film runs for an epic 155 minutes, making it the longest Demon Slayer movie yet. Fans and critics have praised its “insane visuals,” “world-class animation,” and “emotional storytelling,” though some note its reliance on flashbacks and lack of narrative closure due to its trilogy format. The film’s PG12 rating aligns with the series’ intense themes, suitable for viewers aged 12 and up.
The soundtrack, composed by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina, features two powerful theme songs: “Taiyō ga Noboranai Sekai” (A World Where the Sun Never Rises) by Aimer and “Zankoku no Yoru ni Kagayake” (Shine in the Cruel Night) by LiSA, amplifying the film’s emotional depth.
Global Release and Accessibility
The film’s international rollout, handled by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment, spans multiple regions. It premiered in Southeast Asian markets like Malaysia and Singapore on August 14, 2025, followed by other countries like Australia, Brazil, and Mexico on September 11. The US, UK, Canada, and India will see releases on September 12, with additional territories like Germany and France following by September 18. Both subtitled and English-dubbed versions, featuring voices like Zach Aguilar and Johnny Yong Bosch, will be available, with select IMAX and premium format screenings.
For fans unable to attend theatrical screenings, a digital release is expected before the end of 2025, potentially on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu, with Blu-ray and DVD versions likely in early 2026, following the Mugen Train release pattern.
Cultural Impact and Future Expectations
The Infinity Castle trilogy marks the culmination of Demon Slayer’s anime adaptation, covering the manga’s final arcs (chapters 137–205). Posts on X reflect the fervor, with fans calling it “the theatrical event of the year” and even speculating about its potential as an Oscar contender for Best Animated Feature. The film’s success has also sparked discussions about its ability to outperform Disney films in US presale records, signaling anime’s growing influence on global box office trends.
Looking ahead, the second Infinity Castle film is tentatively slated for 2027, with the third expected in 2029, based on the 3.5-year production timeline of the first film. Fans eager to dive deeper can read the manga on Manga Plus or catch up on all four anime seasons on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Why It’s a Must-See
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle delivers a cinematic experience that blends heart-wrenching drama, jaw-dropping animation, and high-stakes battles. As Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps face their toughest challenge yet, the film sets the stage for an epic finale that fans won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a longtime follower or new to the series, this movie promises to be a highlight of 2025’s anime lineup, alongside other major releases like Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc and My Hero Academia’s final season.
Mark your calendars for September 12, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the Infinity Castle. For tickets and showtimes, visit Crunchyroll’s official site or check local theater listings.
