The anime film “Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc” debuted at No. 1 in U.S. theaters and grossed $108 million worldwide last weekend. Coming less than two months after “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Infinity Castle” set records as the highest-grossing Japanese film ever with $70 million in North America, it underscores anime's dominance over Hollywood blockbusters. This builds on the blueprint established by the 2020 release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie — Mugen Train,” which showed animated adaptations of TV arcs could achieve massive overseas success.
The success of “Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc” symbolizes the global rise of the anime industry. As an animated feature adapted directly from a TV arc, it attracted both die-hard fans and casual moviegoers. The 2020 release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie — Mugen Train” proved that such adaptations could deliver blockbuster numbers overseas, establishing a blueprint for studios.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Infinity Castle,” released less than two months ago, became the highest-grossing Japanese film ever and set a $70 million North American record. This has transformed anime from a niche subculture into a global mainstream phenomenon. The No. 1 U.S. opening and $108 million worldwide gross for “Chainsaw Man” represent not an isolated triumph but a continuation of the audience boom ignited by the “Demon Slayer” franchise.
The performances of “Demon Slayer” and “Chainsaw Man” demonstrate that anime can not only compete with Hollywood blockbusters but dominate them.