The first installment of Demon Slayer’s highly anticipated Infinity Castle trilogy, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle Part 1, has taken the global box office by storm since its July 2025 debut. Grossing over $675 million worldwide, this 155-minute epic has secured its place as 2025’s fifth-highest-grossing film and the second-biggest Japanese movie of all time, following only the franchise’s own Mugen Train. With a 98% Rotten Tomatoes fresh rating and 8.9/10 on IMDb, it’s not just a hit with fans—it’s a critical darling that transcends anime’s traditional audience.
Global Release & Distribution
Sony Pictures Releasing (in partnership with Crunchyroll) orchestrated a seamless worldwide rollout that began in Japan on July 18, 2025, where it opened across 443 theaters via Aniplex and Toho. The film quickly expanded to Asia in mid-August, launching in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines before hitting Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand on September 11. North America, the UK, and India followed on September 12, with 3,315 theaters screening it in the US alone—an unprecedented wide release for a Japanese anime film.
China joined the global celebration on November 14, shattering records with $18.1 million in pre-sales, a new benchmark for imported animated titles in the region. Every market offers two versions: the original Japanese audio with English subtitles, and a fully localized English dub featuring returning voice talent like Zach Aguilar (Tanjiro) and Johnny Yong Bosch (Giyu). Notably, Channing Tatum makes a guest appearance in the dub as Akaza’s human mentor, adding star power for Western audiences.
Plot & Character Arcs: The Final War Begins
Picking up immediately after the Hashira Training Arc, Infinity Castle Part 1 plunges the Demon Slayer Corps into their deadliest battle yet. When Muzan Kibutsuji launches a surprise attack on the Ubuyashiki Mansion, Tanjiro and the elite Hashira are drawn into the Infinity Castle—a shifting, labyrinthine fortress that serves as the demons’ headquarters. The film weaves three interconnected combat storylines, each brimming with emotional weight and jaw-dropping action.
Tanjiro teams up with Giyu to face Akaza, the Upper Rank Three demon, and during their clash, he awakens the “Transparent World” technique—unlocking a new level of combat precision that complements his Water Breathing and Fire God Dance. Shinobu’s quest for revenge against Doma (who killed her sister Kanae) takes a tragic turn, as she sacrifices herself to poison the Upper Rank Two demon, her Insect Breathing moves blending grace and lethal intent. Meanwhile, Zenitsu confronts Kaigaku, his former mentor turned demon, in a thunderous duel that forces the once-cowardly swordsman to embrace his courage.
The film also delves deep into Akaza’s tragic backstory, flashing back to his life as Hakuji, a human martial artist torn from his fiancée Koyuki by tragedy. This character exploration elevates him beyond a mere villain, adding layers of sorrow and regret that make his final showdown with Tanjiro and Giyu all the more impactful.
Visual & Audio Excellence: Ufotable’s Mastery
Ufotable, the studio behind the franchise’s iconic animation, has outdone itself with Infinity Castle Part 1, pushing the boundaries of what animated cinema can achieve. The Infinity Castle itself is a character unto itself—680+ 3D shots create a disorienting, ever-morphing labyrinth of traditional Japanese architecture, shifting corridors, and floating chambers that immerse viewers in the chaos of the demon stronghold.
The fight sequences are nothing short of revolutionary. Each major battle averages 2,000 hand-drawn frames, with the Tanjiro-Akaza clash requiring over 5,000 individual sketches—resulting in fluid, hyper-detailed combat that feels both visceral and artistic. The color palette is striking, contrasting the warm oranges and reds of Tanjiro’s Fire God Dance with the icy blues of Akaza’s demon aura, creating visual moments that leap off the screen.
The audio experience matches the animation’s grandeur. Composers Yuki Kajiura (known for Madoka Magica) and Go Shiina craft an orchestral score that swells with emotion, underscoring every sacrifice and triumph. LiSA’s “Bloom in the Cruel Night” and Aimer’s “A World Where the Sun Never Rises” serve as dual theme songs, their haunting melodies capturing the film’s blend of tragedy and hope.
Box Office & Critical Acclaim
The film’s commercial success is unparalleled. In Japan, it grossed ¥37.7 billion ($282 million), cementing its status as the country’s second-highest-grossing film of all time. North America proved equally receptive, with $133 million in ticket sales—shattering Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s 25-year record as the highest-grossing foreign-language film in the region. China’s opening weekend brought in $24 million, while Europe and Southeast Asia contributed millions more, pushing the global total past $675 million—30 times its estimated $20 million budget.
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s balance of action and heart. Rotten Tomatoes critics lauded its “breathtaking animation and emotional depth,” while audience reviews highlight the “satisfying payoffs for long-time fans” and “universal themes of redemption.” Metacritic’s 75/100 score notes that the film “transcends anime tropes, offering a cinematic experience that rivals live-action blockbusters.”
Why It Matters: A Cultural Milestone
Infinity Castle Part 1 is more than just a successful anime film—it’s a cultural phenomenon that bridges borders. It marks the first time a Demon Slayer title has received a near-simultaneous global release, breaking down barriers for Japanese animation in Western markets. Its themes of sacrifice, family, and the resilience of the human spirit resonate universally, appealing to viewers who’ve never watched an anime before.
For the franchise’s dedicated fanbase, the film delivers on years of anticipation, wrapping up character arcs that began in the manga while setting the stage for the final showdown with Muzan. It also solidifies Ufotable’s reputation as a leader in animated storytelling, proving that anime can compete with Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters in terms of technical innovation and emotional impact.
Viewing Tips for Maximum Impact
To fully immerse yourself in the Infinity Castle’s magic, opt for IMAX or premium large-format theaters—their expansive screens and immersive sound systems bring the fortress’s shifting architecture and combat sequences to life like no other format. While the English dub is polished, many fans and critics recommend the original Japanese audio with subtitles to experience the nuance of the voice cast’s performances, especially Akira Ishida’s haunting portrayal of Akaza.
If you’re new to the franchise, spend time watching the Hashira Training Arc (from the TV series) beforehand—familiarity with the characters’ relationships and recent growth will deepen your emotional investment in the film’s battles and sacrifices.
What’s Next for the Infinity Castle Trilogy
The story isn’t over yet—Infinity Castle Part 2 is set to focus on Tanjiro’s final confrontation with Muzan, while Part 3 will wrap up the epic final war. With the first film setting such a high bar, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting updates on release dates, though Ufotable has remained tight-lipped about specifics. What’s certain is that the trilogy will continue to redefine animated cinema, cementing Demon Slayer’s legacy as one of the most influential franchises of the 21st century.