Anime has undeniably taken center stage in 2025, solidifying its position in mainstream culture. With incredible box office successes and a thriving fanbase, the question isn’t whether anime is popular; it’s what direction it will take moving forward. Despite a year filled with remarkable films, the format of theatrical preview events is drawing scrutiny, as fans wonder if they truly deliver the cinematic experiences they crave.
Major Highlights of 2025: Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man
This year, anime films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc have taken the spotlight. These films not only met but exceeded fans’ expectations. Demon Slayer set the stage as a cinematic experience with its stunning animation and fast-paced action, marking it as the first of a trilogy aimed at concluding the beloved series.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc combined high-quality visuals with a complete story arc, creating a lasting impression that will resonate with fans for years. This illustrates that anime can be more than episodic storytelling—it can be a true movie-going experience.
Emerging Films Worth Noting
Aside from the blockbusters, audiences were treated to a variety of new theatrical releases curated by GKids. They’ve been working hard to ensure that anime films are more than just remastered versions of classics like Princess Mononoke. Titles like Science Saru’s The Colors Within and 100 Meters, based on Uoto’s emotional track-and-field story, received considerable attention, showcasing that creativity is thriving in the anime landscape.
Struggles with Theatrical Preview Events
However, not all formats have been well-received. The rise of theatrical preview events—where audiences catch compilations of episodes or sneak peeks of upcoming series—has started to feel less exciting. These formats were initially meant to attract fans who wanted a sneak peek of hits like Dan Da Dan or Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, but they might be overstaying their welcome.
People initially enjoyed these preview events, but the thrill has faded. Fans are left feeling as if they’ve paid a premium ticket price for an episode or two, often losing that weekly build-up excitement. Such cinematic experiences often leave moviegoers feeling disconnected from the broader conversation.
Is This the Future of Anime Films?
Every year, the landscape continues to evolve. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution served as an example of this struggle between pre-existing content and the desire for something new. Instead of showcasing the season’s high points, it felt like a rushed compendium, missing the emotional beats that keep fans engaged.
While these formats aren’t all bad, many fans are searching for films that deliver complete stories rather than stitched-together sneak peeks. As the industry stands at this crossroad, the question remains: will future anime films follow the successful models set by Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man, or continue with preview events that most fans find unsatisfying?
What have been the most successful anime films in 2025?
The standout films include Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, both of which have garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim.
Are theatrical previews worth it for anime fans?
The appeal of theatrical previews is waning as fans seek full cinematic experiences rather than compilations of episodic content that leave narratives feeling incomplete.
How is the anime film industry evolving?
As anime continues to gain mainstream success, the industry faces the challenge of delivering complete films while balancing the demand for ongoing series. The future looks bright for fully realized cinematic stories.
What impact do films like Demon Slayer have on the perception of anime?
Films like Demon Slayer elevate the perception of anime, showcasing it as a legitimate cinematic art form that can compete with traditional films in terms of storytelling and production quality.
As we witness this evolution, it’s clear that fans are eager for robust, complete stories that resonate on screen. Let’s hope the direction shifts towards delivering genuine cinematic experiences rather than mere previews. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!