Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has taken the U.S. theaters by storm this weekend, surpassing initial expectations and making a significant mark on the anime film scene.
This latest installment of the beloved shonen fantasy series is raking in an estimated $70 million (approximately €66 million) domestically, nearly doubling the predictions of $35-40 million (around €33-37 million) from analysts, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Sony’s aggressive marketing coupled with the franchise’s established popularity has undoubtedly contributed to this remarkable success. Infinity Castle marks the highest opening ever for an anime film in North America and for any animated feature in September. Additionally, with another $30 million (about €28 million) from international sales, the film’s worldwide box office hit a staggering estimated total of $468 million (roughly €442 million).
Demon Slayer understands how to make waves. The 2022 release of the Mugen Train arc was a record-breaking success, previously holding the distinction of the highest-grossing foreign film in U.S. history. While Mugen Train was not the top-grossing film during its opening weekend, it played a vital role in revitalizing U.S. theaters post-COVID-19 and emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2020.
Now, contrasting Infinity Castle with last weekend’s big release, The Conjuring: Last Rites, which saw a dramatic 69% drop in domestic earnings, is telling. The horror film, now with a domestic total of $131.1 million (around €123 million) and an additional $60.5 million (approximately €57 million) from overseas markets, stands as the second highest-grossing movie in its franchise, overshadowed only by the first Nun movie, which garnered $366 million (nearly €349 million).
In other news, the weekend’s other anticipated title, The Long Walk, based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel, earned around $11.5 million (about €10.7 million) domestically. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this adaptation features talents like Cooper Hoffman and Mark Hamill but fell short of expectations when compared to other adaptations of King’s works like The Monkey and Doctor Sleep, according to Deadline. Its international performance is not yet reported, leaving fans curious about its global appeal.
Update (9/13/2025 @ 4:23 PM ET): Check back for more updated numbers on Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.
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Is Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle the highest-grossing anime film in history? Yes, it currently holds that record in North America, with impressive box office numbers that far exceeded initial forecasts.
How did Demon Slayer succeed where others have failed? Its strong narrative, beloved characters, and extensive fanbase provide a rich foundation that attracts viewers, along with Sony’s strategic marketing efforts.
What does the future hold for the Demon Slayer film trilogy? With ambitious plans for the franchise, fans can expect more thrilling adaptations that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Does The Long Walk meet expectations compared to previous Stephen King adaptations? Its opening numbers are indeed lower than other recent adaptations, but fans are waiting to see how its international performance might bolster overall earnings.
Want to find out more about other blockbuster releases? Dive into related content and stay updated on the latest happenings in the cinematic world! For even more insights, check out Moyens I/O.