For nearly 30 years, James Cameron’s Titanic held an iconic position as one of the highest-grossing films in Japan. Released in 1997, it maintained a top-three ranking in the country’s box office for almost three decades. Recently, this longstanding record was broken by an unexpected contender: the anime blockbuster Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle.
Infinity Castle has officially displaced Titanic from Japan’s all-time top three highest earners. With this achievement, the Demon Slayer franchise has firmly established itself as a dominant force in Japanese cinema, reshaping the box office landscape and challenging Hollywood’s traditional hold on blockbuster success.
Record-Breaking Performance of Infinity Castle in Japan
Titanic amassed an impressive 27.77 billion yen during its theatrical run in Japan, a figure that kept it among the nation’s top three highest-grossing films for nearly 30 years. However, Infinity Castle grossed 28.08 billion yen within just 38 days, drawing nearly 20 million viewers and pushing Cameron’s film out of the elite rankings.
Demon Slayer’s clash with Titanic is not new. In 2020, its predecessor, Mugen Train, overtook Titanic to claim the number one spot in Japan, even surpassing Studio Ghibli’s beloved Spirited Away. Now, with Infinity Castle, the franchise has fully excluded Titanic from the top three altogether.
The rapid pace of Infinity Castle’s success is notable. It surpassed major hits like Your Name and One Piece Film: Red to claim third place in a short amount of time. Industry watchers suggest that if the current momentum continues, it could challenge Titanic’s ultimate record of 40.75 billion yen.
Infinity Castle Expands Demon Slayer’s Global Box Office Influence
Beyond Japan, the Demon Slayer films have transformed expectations for anime’s performance worldwide. Infinity Castle set numerous records on its opening weekend, including the biggest opening day and the fastest film to reach 10 billion yen in box office revenue, hitting that mark in just eight days. This pace even exceeded that of Mugen Train, which had seemed unbeatable.
International interest in Infinity Castle is equally strong. In the United States, Fandango reported that this film became the best first-day ticket pre-seller for an anime movie ever, outperforming titles like Mugen Train and Jujutsu Kaisen 0. The North American release is scheduled for September, with advance screenings already generating substantial excitement among fans.
The influence of Demon Slayer goes far beyond the box office. The original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge has sold over 220 million copies globally, and the anime series has become a worldwide streaming triumph. Infinity Castle marks the conclusion of the series’ film trilogy, solidifying Demon Slayer not only as a record-breaking franchise but also as a pivotal force shaping the future of anime cinema globally.
The Story Behind Infinity Castle‘s Impact
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle continues the intense battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demon king Muzan Kibutsuji. As protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, voiced by Natsuki Hanae, and fellow Hashira confront their foes within the ominous Infinity Castle, the film builds toward a decisive showdown against dark forces threatening humanity.
Directors Haruo Sotozaki and Hikaru Kondo, along with writers Koyoharu Gotouge and Hikaru Kondo, have crafted a gripping narrative that intertwines breathtaking animation with emotional depth. The film’s blend of action, fantasy, and thriller elements engages audiences fully, contributing to its immense box office performance and cultural resonance.
Why Demon Slayer‘s Success Matters for the Industry
Demon Slayer’s triumph over Titanic at the Japan box office signals a broader shift in entertainment trends, where anime is achieving unprecedented commercial success and cultural influence. This progress highlights a growing global appetite for Japanese storytelling and animation styles, challenging Western dominance in the blockbuster arena.
With the franchise’s momentum still building, Demon Slayer could soon approach or surpass Titanic’s longstanding record of 40.75 billion yen. This would not only be a milestone for anime films but also a landmark event demonstrating the power of dedicated fanbases and creative storytelling in shaping cinematic history.
The continued success of Infinity Castle and the Demon Slayer franchise points toward an exciting future in which anime films claim even greater international presence and impact, redefining what blockbuster success looks like in the modern era.
