Anime dominated theaters around the world this autumn with the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. These films drew unprecedented attention and achieved milestones that caught the entertainment industry off guard. Demon Slayer has broken records left and right, and Chainsaw Man’s theatrical release has cemented the fact that anime has become a global powerhouse.
In one season alone, 2025 has proven that anime has evolved from a niche interest into an industry capable of shattering box-office records and redefining cinematic expectations for the future of anime. Studios around the world have taken notice of anime’s rise, making it clear that the industry is entering a bold new era.
Two Anime Films Just Redefined the Box Office
This year’s fall box office had an unexpected pair of films that went above and beyond all expectations. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc pulled in strong numbers and redefined what global success for anime can look like. Both films shattered expectations, especially Infinity Castle, which became the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
Earning more than $667 million worldwide, Infinity Castle set multiple records and stands as one of 2025’s biggest global releases, a ranking that is often only seen with superhero films or billion-dollar franchises. Its explosive debut in Japan and North America confirmed that anime has the potential to compete with Hollywood’s large-scale productions.
Just over a month after Infinity Castle’s release, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc cemented that fact by proving that the substantial success wasn’t limited to one series alone. Reze Arc was originally projected for a modest release, yet it surged past even the updated estimate, becoming the fastest anime film to reach $100 million worldwide.
Together, these two films proved to the global film industry that anime is becoming an increasingly powerful force. Their combined impact broke records and clearly shows a shift in viewers’ habits and expectations for cinematic releases. With anime growing in popularity, it’s become impossible for Hollywood not to notice the change.
Infinity Castle and Reze Arc Proved Anime Can Compete With Hollywood
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle set a new benchmark for what anime could achieve on the global stage. With over $667 million in earnings and a record-breaking run in Japan and North America, the film proved that large-scale animation could dominate box offices worldwide. Infinity Castle may even become the first $1 billion anime following its release in China.
Arriving on the heels of Infinity Castle, Reze Arc surpassed all expectations. Initially, the film was projected to earn a modest $7–10 million opening; however, this was quickly revised to $11–15 million due to the unprecedented success of Demon Slayer and fans’ anticipation. In Japan alone, the film reached beyond $17 million upon its release.
As Reze Arc crossed $100 million worldwide at a rapid pace, the anime industry has proven that audiences are eager for fresh, high-quality animation. By crossing that threshold faster than any previous anime release, including Demon Slayer, Reze Arc solidified its place in anime history, as well as making it clear that anime is only going to get stronger.
Infinity Castle primed audiences for Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, blowing the doors wide open for the film to achieve rapid success. Both films, from their opening day to international release schedules, have shown the world that anime is a category Hollywood studios need to start taking more seriously in order to compete with its exponential rise.
Anime Movies Are Exploding at the Box Office
The success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc has done more than shatter box office expectations. Together, they are redefining how studios approach anime and paving the way for more theatrical releases in the future, especially for hit shōnen series. With Reze Arc solidifying anime’s potential, fans can expect greater theatrical runs in the coming years.
In the past, anime screenings in theaters were typically reserved for special events or limited runs, often lasting around two weeks at most. However, both Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man have set a new standard by remaining in theaters for weeks at a time. With earnings that far exceeded the film’s budget, more hit series may follow suit.
Part of what makes these films stand out is the level of artistry involved in these productions. Modern techniques enhance these stories with immersive sound design, jaw-dropping visuals, experimental camera work, and narratives that hook the audience from start to finish. For Chainsaw Man, its tight pacing, high-stakes action, and emotional storytelling created a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
Anime Has Become a Global Powerhouse and Hollywood Knows It
For decades, Hollywood largely ignored anime, treating it as a niche or children’s medium with no real potential for growth. However, in recent years, this perspective has evolved radically. With the success of anime franchises and films like Infinity Castle and Reze Arc, studios around the world are recognizing that anime isn’t a passing trend.
This can be seen in the U.S. with major companies actively investing in and collaborating with anime. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney are expanding their anime catalogs with anime originals, while other studios are exploring theatrical releases, live-action adaptations, or merchandise collaborations. In response to recent box office numbers, more studios and platforms may greenlight anime projects.
That said, the increased involvement is being met with mixed reactions among anime fans. While fans are thrilled by the attention anime has garnered in recent years, some worry that the growth may lead to over-Americanization, which could dilute the medium, and that Western corporate control could lead to a monopoly over it, diminishing anime’s cultural roots and authenticity.
With films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc redefining what anime can achieve, it’s impossible for Hollywood not to notice. The unprecedented success of these films is proof that the entertainment industry is undergoing a massive shift in regard to anime, allowing the medium to compete with Hollywood’s biggest franchises.
