For nearly a quarter-century, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon stood as the undisputed champion of international cinema in the US in a record so enduring it seemed untouchable. But in a stunning turn of events, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has officially surpassed Ang Lee’s martial arts masterpiece to become the highest-grossing international film ever released in North America.
According to box office reports from Deadline, Infinity Castle has earned over $128.6 million domestically, narrowly edging past Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by roughly $70,000. It is an unexpected yet historic moment that cements Demon Slayer not just as an anime juggernaut, but as a global cultural phenomenon capable of dethroning icons that once defined foreign cinema in America.
The Fall of Martial Arts Legend Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
When Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon premiered in 2000, it redefined what international film could achieve in Western theaters. Directed by Ang Lee, the wuxia epic blended romance, poetic storytelling, and breathtaking action. With stars like Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, the film captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over $217 million against a modest $17 million budget.
Beyond its box office success, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became a critical darling. It swept the awards season with more than 50 wins, including four Oscars, and introduced Western audiences to the elegance of Chinese martial arts storytelling. For 25 years, no international film, not even Parasite, Your Name, A Silent Voice, hrs Spirited Awaymanaged to surpass its North American total.
Its legacy even continues today with a Prime Video series adaptation in development. Yet, Demon Slayer’s victory shows how anime has risen from niche entertainment to a cinematic force rivaling Hollywood’s biggest franchises. The record’s fall is not just about numbers as it marks a generational shift in global film power.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’s Historic Box Office Run
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is the latest installment in Ufotable’s visually stunning anime saga. As the first of three films closing out the series, it premiered in Japan to record-breaking crowds before taking the global stage by storm. The film has already earned more than $648 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, which is a testament to its massive fanbase and storytelling power.
Critics and audiences alike have praised Infinity Castle for its emotional storytelling, breathtaking animation, and cinematic scale. It currently holds a near-perfect 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an achievement that reflects both critical acclaim and fan devotion. Even minor criticisms of pacing and character focus have not slowed its incredible momentum.
What makes this milestone even more remarkable is how Demon Slayer has outperformed traditional Hollywood far. While films like Throne: Ares and The Conjuring: Last Rites struggled to meet expectations, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle dominated theaters worldwide. Its success proves that anime is no longer just a niche import, it is a global box office powerhouse capable of rewriting cinematic history.
- Release Date
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July 18, 2025
- Runtime
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155 Minutes
- Director
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Haruo Sotozaki, Hikaru Kondo
- Writers
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Koyoharu Gotouge, Hikaru Kondo
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Natsuki Hanae
Tanjiro Kamado (voice)
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Akari Kito
Nezuko Kamado (voice)
