Product Info

Studio

Aniplex

Genre

Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi

Rated

R

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Sep 12, 2025

Film Length

2h 35m

Purchase From

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle is the first film in the finale trilogy of the Demon Slayer series. The film has broken several box office records in Japan and poised to make a similar impact in North America. There is a good chance it can do so, as the film was animated spectacularly well.

Rising High in the Rising Sun

©Copyright ©Koyoharu Gotoge SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

The latest Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba film screened in 443 theaters in Japan on July 18, 2025 by Aniplex and Toho. The film was later released in other parts of Asia and territories in September by Crunchyroll through Sony Pictures. It has already broken several box office records and grossed $294 million worldwide within its first 38 days. The movie has become the highest grossing film of 2025 in Japan and the third highest grossing film in Japan’s history. The anime series and movies are directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable. The manga was written by Koyoharu Gotouge and published by Shueisha with over 220 million copies of the manga in circulation including digital versions, making it the best-selling manga series of all time. With the combination of the manga, anime series and movies, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise is one of the highest grossing media franchises of all time. Expect big results when the film arrives in North America and for the remaining trilogy in the future.

Continuing the Battle

©Copyright ©Koyoharu Gotoge SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

Infinity Castle follows the events of the series fourth season finale, where Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization that eliminates demons, set up a trap to subdue the demon doctor Tamayo and take out the series’ antagonist, Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of the demons. The plan forces Muzan to retreat into his dimensional stronghold, the Infinity Castle, where he sets a trap to capture the majority of the Demon Slayer Corps inside its walls. Finishing the centuries long battle with the organization to a conclusion.

The Demon Slayers and the remaining Hashiras, high-ranked Demon Slayers, are separated and begin to battle within the demon’s dimension at a serious disadvantage. The scenes of the Hashiras and Corps members falling through spaces onto floors and through walls feature amazing 3D special effects of smoke and debris that blend together seamlessly. The animation team did a splendid job combining both 2D and 3D animation.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The film, which is just over two and a half hours long, will satisfy Demon Slayer fans with plenty of juicy, animated scenes featuring smooth animation and a unique art style of attacks. Fans who have watched the previous season will understand what they are about to witness. For example, Tanijiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka’s Water Breathing attacks resemble traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, animated fluidly like the famous “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” painting but in motion. On the big screen, it flows smoothly like water. Other prominent characters from the Demon Slayer Corps showcase their own special techniques with animations just as smooth as the Water Breathing style. Zenitsu Agatsuma’s lightning attacks are vibrant and flashy, resembling a lightning bolt striking its target.

©Copyright ©Koyoharu Gotoge SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

The film delves into various scenarios focusing on specific characters. While the audience gets to see their favorite characters have some dialogue, they may not get enough and are left waiting for the next film. However, fans receive more dialogue and backstory for many of these main characters from both the Demon Slayer Corps and demons.

For example, Shinobu Kocho, one of the Hashiras, finds Upper Rank Two, Doma, and realizes he was the one responsible for her older sister, former Hashira Kanae Kocho’s death. Fans familiar with the series know Shinobu for creating poisons and can expect more about this character in her battle against her toughest foe. However, things may not go as planned, and the power of the Upper Rank demons should not be underestimated. The same scenario unfolds for Tanijiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka as they face off against the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza, a demon remembered from earlier series and the previous 2020 film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train.

The soundtrack is solid, featuring vast orchestrated tracks that set the tone during intense battles or transitions before significant events. From start to finish, there is a sense of intensity throughout those two and a half hours. The only breaks from this intensity come during the character’s backstories.

A Story for Everything

©Copyright ©Koyoharu Gotoge SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

The Demon Slayer series is known for telling backstories of characters pivotal moments, and this film is no exception. Not only do we get flashbacks of some of the Hashira, but the demons also get a significant amount of screentime. These flashbacks occur frequently between battles, and some are quite lengthy. While they may disrupt the flow and annoy some viewers, they serve a purpose beyond just showcasing action. These stories provide sentimental moments that explain why these characters are who they are today. Even the most despicable demon has a gut-wrenching past. Akaza, a well-known demon in the series, is given a lengthy backstory that lasts about twenty minutes but is emotionally compelling.

Given the vast number of characters in the Demon Slayer Corps and among the demons, it’s understandable why the film will be split into three parts to conclude the fight in the Infinity Castle. For those worried about the films following the manga, rest assured that Aniplex and the team are sticking closely to the original story. It could even be said that, in this rare instance, the anime has surpassed the original manga. The beginning of the Infinity Castle film is truly exceptional.

The Final Path

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle is considered one of the best anime films of 2025, and one of the best animated films overall. The ongoing storytelling from the famous series feels satisfying, even though this movie is just the first part. Get ready with your blade for the start of the end!

An early screening provided for this review. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle arrives in theaters on September 12, 2025. Fans can visit the official website for tickets and information.