1st Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Film Overtakes One Piece Film Red as Japan’s Sixth Highest-Grossing Film

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle has been on a dominant stretch for less than a month, debuting in just Japan. You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through box office numbers and suddenly stop dead in your tracks?

That’s exactly what happened when Demon Slayer Infinity Castle, as it decided to casually stroll past One Piece Film Red like it was standing still on the highway of Japanese cinema success.

Let’s be real here, we’re talking about a movie that just made One Piece look like the opening act at its own concert. After just 25 days in theaters, this animated powerhouse has raked in an absolutely staggering 22.07 billion yen, officially claiming the number six spot on Japan’s all-time highest-grossing films list. Not bad for a month’s work, right?

The Numbers Don’t Lie (Unlike Some Movie Executives)

Here’s where things get genuinely wild. While everyone was busy arguing about which streaming service has the best anime selection, Infinity Castle was quietly breaking records faster than a shonen protagonist powers up during the final battle. The film sold 15,698,202 tickets, which is more people than the entire population of several countries combined.

But wait, there’s more drama than a soap opera finale. Remember Demon Slayer: Mugen Train? That little film that basically rewrote the rulebook for anime movies? Well, its baby brother just showed up to the family reunion and started flexing harder than a bodybuilder at a beach photoshoot.

Infinity Castle vs. The World (Or At Least Japan)

What makes this whole situation deliciously ironic is how Infinity Castle managed to set new records while simultaneously living in the shadow of its older sibling. The film became the fastest movie in Japanese history to hit the 10 billion yen mark, beating Mugen Train’s previous record. That’s like showing up to your high school reunion and casually mentioning you’ve surpassed your valedictorian brother’s achievements.

The opening weekend numbers are particularly savage. While Mugen Train had three days to prove itself, Infinity Castle had four days and absolutely demolished the competition. It’s the cinematic equivalent of being given extra time on a test and using every single second to write the most comprehensive answer possible.

Why Infinity Castle Hits Different Than One Piece

Now, don’t get me wrong, One Piece Film Red wasn’t exactly chopped liver. It held that sixth-place spot with dignity and respect. But there’s something almost poetic about how effortlessly Infinity Castle slid into that ranking, like a samurai unsheathing their blade in one fluid motion.

The emotional weight of the Infinity Castle arc brings a different energy than One Piece’s more adventure-focused narrative. While Luffy and his crew are busy being pirates with hearts of gold, Tanjiro and company are dealing with family trauma, loss, and the kind of psychological depth that makes viewers question their life choices at 2 AM.

The Global Takeover Begins

Here’s where the story gets even more interesting. While Japan is already completely under the spell of Infinity Castle, the rest of the world is still waiting for its turn. The film is set to hit over 150 countries and regions. That’s more coverage than most world leaders get during election season.

American audiences will get their chance on September 12, and honestly, the anticipation is so thick you could cut it with a Nichirin blade. Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Aniplex are pulling out all the stops with IMAX screenings and premium formats. It’s the kind of theatrical experience that makes you remember why people used to dress up for movies.

What This Means for the Anime Industry