2025 has been a landmark year for anime, with countless new and returning releases and a film that dominated the global box office, marking a historic moment for the anime industry. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle delivered an intense, jaw-dropping spectacle, and its success proved anime’s growing influence and reach around the world.
Yet, there’s another film released shortly after the anime giant. Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc has officially premiered in U.S. theaters and proves once again what anime storytelling is capable of. The cinematic presentation and narrative approach to the arc make it a must-watch film that anime fans can’t afford to miss out on.
Demon Slayer Is 2025’s Highest-Grossing Anime Film
Since its debut in 2019, Demon Slayer has grown from a new generation shōnen title to one of anime’s most defining franchises. Since the beginning, the storyline has steadily expanded in scale and cinematic scope, creating an unforgettable, thrilling experience for fans around the world. Now that Infinity Castle has been released, the series has been a global box-office hit.
Released in Japan on July 18, 2025, the film, only the first in a trilogy, has broken multiple records. In Japan, it achieved the highest single-day opening gross in history, the highest opening day and opening weekend, the fastest film to earn over 10 billion yen, and became the highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide.
Within weeks, Infinity Castle overtook Mugen Train to become the highest-grossing anime film ever, earning more than $600 million worldwide. In North America, the film broke more records, including the biggest opening weekend for an anime film in North America. It became the highest-grossing international film in the United States.
Many believe that the momentum will continue with the film’s Chinese release slated for November 14, 2025, propelling it to become the first anime film to approach or surpass the billion-dollar threshold. However, even if it does not reach that milestone, its impact and achievements are undeniable, historic, and legendary. Infinity Castle has redefined what anime is capable of.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Was Phenomenal, but One Thing Holds It Back
Infinity Castle stands as Demon Slayer’s crowning achievement and most ambitious arc yet. Visually, it pushes boundaries and sets a new standard for animation, with fluid choreography and stunning backgrounds that enhance viewers’ experience. The film delivers on expectations through its emotional exploration of its characters, reminding audiences that tragedy sits at the heart of every battle.
That remains one of the series’ greatest strengths and heightens the experience as the film explores Shinobu’s lingering pain and grief, the tension between Zenitsu and Kaigaku, and finally, Akaza’s tragic past. These moments in Infinity Castle reinforce the story’s themes of perseverance and compassion, ensuring that the story remains loyal to its roots.
Despite the impact these backstories offer, the way in which it was handled felt as if they were halting the film’s momentum.
However, those same strengths have also given rise to the film’s greatest and most talked-about flaw. Infinity Castle’s pacing is often staggered, with its high-stakes action often interrupted by flashbacks and emotional reveals. Despite the impact these backstories offer, the way in which it was handled felt as if they were halting the film’s momentum.
The result led to a storyline that became contemplative when it should have felt intense and accelerated. Akaza’s flashback, in particular, might have been a masterful storytelling moment, offering viewers a deeper understanding of his character. However, its placement during the film’s climactic battle divided audiences. Some saw the pause as necessary, while others felt it disrupted the film’s rhythm.
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc Surpassed Expectations
On the heels of Demon Slayer’s explosive success, Chainsaw Man returned in 2025 with The Movie: Reze Arc, adapting one of the manga’s most beloved storylines. Released in Japan in September and in the U.S. a month later, the film carried immense anticipation. Suffice to say that expectations were not only met, but further redefined what anime storytelling could achieve.
Taking place shortly after season one, originally released in 2022, the film introduces Reze, a charming café worker who quickly forms a close bond with Denji. Their connection naturally grows, grounded in quiet, warm moments as well as moments of shared joy and understanding. However, when Reze’s true identity as the Bomb Devil is revealed, their blossoming romance turns tragic.
Directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara and animated by MAPPA, Reze Arc delivered some of the most beautiful and cinematic anime experiences yet. The action choreography is crisp, the pacing tight, and the emotional journey of the characters makes the film an easy 10/10. Each sequence, from the direction to the sound design, was carefully crafted to evoke emotion in the audience.
Critics and fans alike have praised the film for its balance of chaos and tenderness between the two leads. It captures Chainsaw Man’s trademark absurdity and crude humor while deepening the emotional stakes and character arcs. Reze Arc offers deeper insight into Denji’s journey, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what comes next.
The Reze Arc Achieved What Demon Slayer Didn’t
Whereas Infinity Castle stumbled under the weight of its scale through inconsistent pacing, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc thrived with its theatrical release. In comparison to Demon Slayer, its pacing was consistent, never felt like it was dragging the storyline, and allowed the narrative’s emotional beats to breathe without sacrificing momentum.
Every scene felt purposeful and engaging, guiding Denji and Reze’s story toward an inevitable heartbreak. The film’s emotional undercurrent never felt suffocating or overshadowed the action sequences. Instead, it enhanced them, allowing the quieter moments to lay the groundwork for the tense battles. That balance allows the narrative to flow naturally, rewarding viewers with an emotional payoff.
Beyond pacing, Reze Arc’s character exploration outshines expectations. Denji’s yearning for connection and Reze’s tenderness feel well-developed and explored in the film. When their arcs came together, it offered insight, drove conflict, and eventually led to a heartbreaking emotional resolution. By exploring the intimacy between Denji and Reze before the violence escalates, the story effectively enhances the tragedy that follows.
The film’s finale ties every thread together with a melancholic, haunting end that stays true to Chainsaw Man’s ambitions. While Demon Slayer has record-breaking success and a larger global fan base, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc offered a stronger experience. Through its depth, pacing, and character exploration, Reze Arc stands out as the best anime film of 2025.
