The phenomenon of ‘Demon Slayer’ continues to dominate, and its latest cinematic installment is already making history.
A Monumental Release
Demon Slayer: The Infinity Fortress, the latest film in the Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise, premiered in Japan on July 18 and has already broken multiple box office records in under three weeks. The anime movie has not only achieved immense commercial success but has also secured its place among the top ten highest-grossing anime films of all time.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The film enjoyed the biggest opening weekend in Japanese history, setting a new benchmark for anime releases. According to Anime News Network, The Infinity Fortress has grossed over ¥17.64 billion (approximately €103.6 million) and sold more than 12.55 million tickets to date.
This astounding performance has propelled the movie to the 10th spot on Japan’s all-time box office list, overtaking Bayside Shakedown 2, which previously held that position with ¥17.35 billion.
Ghibli in the Crosshairs
Next on the leaderboard are two legendary Studio Ghibli films: Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke, both directed by the iconic Hayao Miyazaki. Given the momentum behind The Infinity Fortress, it wouldn’t be surprising if it surpasses both Ghibli classics in the coming days. And with only 19 days in theaters so far, its rapid rise is nothing short of extraordinary.
Facing Off With Itself
Ironically, the toughest competition for The Infinity Fortress might be its own predecessor. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, released in 2020, remains the highest-grossing film in Japanese history—anime or live-action—with ¥40.43 billion (around €237.5 million) in revenue. At the time, it famously overtook both Your Name and Spirited Away, setting a new standard for anime films.
Now, all eyes are on whether Demon Slayer can outdo itself once again. At this pace, the franchise appears to be an unstoppable cultural and commercial force.