The film breaks a 28-years old record held by Pokémon.
The new Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie - Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One - Akaza’s Return already broke several records at the Japanese box office and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 12 September marked the film’s American release, and it managed to break several records within the weekend. It opened with a projected US$70 million debut. This broke the biggest anime movie debut record, which has been held by Pokémon: The First Movie since 1999.
Akaza’s Return exceeds expectations at the global box office
Not only did the movie break Pokémon’s long standing record, but also became the top anime movie debut in the US in 2025. It is also the most powerful September anime release till date. Currently, Akaza’s Return comfortably sits at the top of the US weekend box-office, followed by The Conjuring: Last Rites, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, and The Long Walk.
However, the movie’s success is not limited to the US. Over the weekend, the movie made US$29 million in South America, US$17.4 million In Europe, US$6 million in the Middle East, and US$5.2 million in India. It has become the new top anime movie ever in several countries including the UK (US$4.6 million), Spain (US$3.7 million), Australia (US$3.2 million), Italy (US$3 million), Saudi Arabia (US$2.8 million), and UAE (US$1.4 million).
The movie also made US$9.8 million in Mexico, US$4.4 million in Brazil, US$2.8 million in Peru, US$2.4 million in Central America, and US$2.2 million in both Argentina and Chile. The film has easily surpassed the success of its predecessor, the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train movie.
The success of Akaza’s Return is groundbreaking for anime, as no other animated movie received this much global recognition in the last few years. Crunchyroll will stream the movie once it’s out of the theaters.
The Demon Slayer anime is based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga. The movie takes place after Muzan traps the demon slayers and the Hashira within the Infinity Castle. Now faced with the strongest demons under Muzan’s command, will Tanjiro and the others be able to survive till the sun comes to their rescue?
