For the first time in a quarter-century, an international film is about to topple one of Hollywood’s most enduring records, and it’s not a live-action epic, but an anime phenomenon. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is closing in on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s monumental $128.5 million US box office record, set back in 2000. The milestone represents not just a financial triumph but a cultural one, proving that anime has become a permanent part of America’s cinematic landscape.
With Infinity Castle already earning an astonishing $124.6 million domestically, it’s only a matter of days before it breaks through that legendary ceiling, according to @Luiz_Fernando_J on X. The film’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down, despite a typical post-premiere dip. For anime and global cinema fans alike, this marks a turning point and the moment a Japanese animated film fully overtook one of the most celebrated international blockbusters in modern film history.
Demon Slayer’s Record-Breaking Momentum
In its fourth weekend, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle grossed an impressive $3.5 million, the biggest fourth-weekend haul for any anime in US history. Even with a roughly 50% drop from the previous week, that total is still outpaced The Boy and the Heronwhich pulled in $2.4 million. The numbers prove Demon Slayer has unmatched staying power, especially for a subtitled release.
Part of this success stems from how Demon Slayer bridges fandom and filmgoing culture. Anime movies used to be niche events, but the Infinity Castle phenomenon mirrors how superhero and fantasy franchises dominate the box office. With word-of-mouth praise, repeat viewings, and high emotional stakes, the film continues to attract both hardcore fans and curious newcomers.
The series’ cinematic presentation also gives it an edge. Infinity Castle is not just another anime sequel, it is a visual and emotional experience rivaling the scope of blockbuster filmmaking. Its sweeping animation and devastating story arcs turn theaters into arenas for communal catharsis, the same energy that powered Mugen Train to its own record-breaking run in 2020.
A Cultural Shift 25 Years in the Making
When Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became a global sensation in 2000, it set the gold standard for international cinema success in the US Few believed another foreign-language film, let alone an anime, could challenge its dominance. Yet Demon Slayer’s surge to the top reflects just how much American audiences have evolved in their appetite for non-English storytelling.
Streaming and social media have helped fuel that change, making anime more accessible than ever. What was once an underground fandom has become a mainstream cultural movement, with Demon Slayer leading the charge. Its rise is not just about breaking box office barriers, it is about redefining what kinds of stories audiences will show up for on the big screen.
f Infinity Castle crosses the $130 million mark, it won’t simply dethrone Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, it will cement anime’s transformation from cult favorite to cinematic powerhouse. After 25 years, a new era of global storytelling dominance is emerging, and it is painted in the bold, emotional strokes of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.
- Release Date
-
July 18, 2025
- Runtime
-
155 Minutes
- Director
-
Haruo Sotozaki, Hikaru Kondo
- Writers
-
Koyoharu Gotouge, Hikaru Kondo
-
Natsuki Hanae
Tanjiro Kamado (voice)
-
Akari Kito
Nezuko Kamado (voice)
