1 Anime Officially Outgrossed Every Superhero Film of 2025 — & It’s Not Done Yet

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I’ve always been a big fan of keeping up with when new anime seasons start, checking out what’s coming each season. But lately, I’ve noticed everyone is *also* super excited about anime movies! Movies have been around for a while, of course, but they’re really taking off now. The recent *Demon Slayer* movie is a perfect example – it’s been a massive hit, and everyone’s rushing to get tickets. It’s awesome to see so much excitement!

With the huge success of the *Demon Slayer* series, *Infinity Castle* was expected to do well, but its remarkable performance reveals a lot about how audiences watch movies today. It highlights the strength of the *Demon Slayer* franchise, the current trend of anime-based films, and how pre-existing expectations can influence a movie’s success in theaters. Hollywood should pay attention to what *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* is achieving, and studio executives need to reconsider their outdated and inaccurate views on animation.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Is One of the Most Profitable Films of 2025

The *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* movie is a classic heroes-versus-villains action film. It’s most comparable to recent superhero movies like Marvel’s *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* and DC’s *Superman*. While those films helped address recent struggles for both Marvel and DC, they weren’t groundbreaking successes – they mainly proved that superhero movies can still draw an audience. Interestingly, *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* actually performed better financially than both of those films, despite being an animated feature.

There are several reasons why *Demon Slayer* is currently performing better than recent movies from Marvel and DC. One key factor is the increasing quality of anime films. While anime isn’t as widely known in the West as superheroes or *Star Wars*, it’s made huge strides in recent years. Though Tanjiro Kamado isn’t a household name like Superman, anime is becoming increasingly popular. Shows like *Dragon Ball Z* and *Pokémon* paved the way, and now anime isn’t just a niche interest—it’s a major force in pop culture, and that success is extending to theatrical releases.

I’m seriously excited about how far anime has come! We’re seeing manga on the New York Times bestseller list and Netflix is really investing in anime, but honestly, I think seeing anime *in theaters* is the best sign of its current success. Take *Demon Slayer*, for example – it’s a perfect illustration, and it’s happening right now! A huge part of this is simply the quality – anime movies are better than ever before. This isn’t just for standalone films by directors like Makoto Shinkai, either. For years, tie-in movies for popular series like the ‘big three’ shonen anime were just little bonus treats for hardcore fans, and nobody else really cared. But over the last five years, things have changed! Movies like *Jujutsu Kaisen 0* and both *Demon Slayer* films have become massive hits, appealing to a much wider audience – and that’s amazing!

While anime films haven’t yet reached the box office heights of Hollywood blockbusters in the U.S., they’re making significant progress. It’s unlikely a film like the next *Demon Slayer* movie will surpass giants like *Avengers: Endgame* or *Avatar*, but if it can outperform films such as *Fantastic Four: First Steps* and *Superman*, that would be a strong sign for the future of action anime movies. These films are raising the bar with their high-quality animation, compelling stories, and exciting energy, attracting a growing audience. This isn’t a threat to the dominance of Marvel and DC, but it does mean Hollywood needs to recognize anime as a serious competitor and potentially learn from its success.

The Dominant Reign of Superhero Movies Is Slowly Tapering Off

Anime films are becoming increasingly popular, with great movies like *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle*. Meanwhile, superhero movies are facing challenges. Marvel Studios dominated the 2010s thanks to strong leadership from Kevin Feige, talented directors, and a fantastic cast, creating hits like *Guardians of the Galaxy*, *Captain America: Civil War*, *The Avengers: Endgame*, and the original *Iron Man*. These films broadened the appeal of superheroes beyond just comic book fans. *Endgame* in 2019 was the peak of this success, earning huge box office numbers and rave reviews. However, things have been declining since then. While the magic isn’t completely gone, the recent films haven’t been as strong, and the studio may be facing a critical moment to regain fan interest and recapture the excitement of *Endgame*.

Many factors contribute to the struggles of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), but a key issue seems to be audience and creator fatigue. The MCU was at its best during Phases Two and Three, but after the high point of *Endgame*, the franchise lost direction. The defeat of Thanos left many wondering what came next – or even why the story continued. This uncertainty, combined with the sheer number of superhero movies being released, has led to burnout for both those making the films and those watching them. The MCU now feels stale and past its prime, while the DCEU has faced challenges from the beginning. Anime, like *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle*, offers a refreshing alternative.

Compared to the often-recycled content in Hollywood, anime offers a genuinely fresh experience for viewers. While many stories exist, anime boasts thousands of unique narratives, many of which are deserving of attention and offer something different from what American studios typically produce. Series like *Demon Slayer* feel innovative, with distinct visuals, a unique cultural perspective, and a lack of decades-long franchise fatigue. Anime simply feels *new* in ways that matter, and when combined with high quality, it makes superhero movies seem stale. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe tries to innovate with things like the retro style of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, it’s unlikely to ever feel as fresh as a new anime like Tanjiro’s quest to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.

Anime is Respected More By Fans Than By Hollywood Execs

There’s a real gap in understanding between those who create anime in the West and those who enjoy it. Unfortunately, Hollywood often doesn’t take animation seriously, seeing it as just for kids while considering live-action as the more mature storytelling format. But quality storytelling isn’t limited by animation style – live-action can be silly, while animated shows and movies can be incredibly deep and meaningful. This perception in Hollywood that animation is inferior is a cycle that’s hard to break, but anime fans know the truth. And they’re proving it with strong ticket sales, showing that anime can be just as powerful and impactful as any live-action film.

Anime films like *Jujutsu Kaisen 0* and *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* demonstrate that animation can deliver mature and well-crafted stories. While some might dismiss cartoons or simplistic animation, these films prove there’s no reason serious storytelling and animation can’t coexist. *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* is a prime example – the dedication of its animators, actors, and composers resulted in a truly exceptional movie. This film’s impact is even greater because it challenges perceptions about animation, making it feel unique and revitalizing. Anime fans appreciate the storytelling potential of this medium, and Hollywood should take notice to create more compelling animated features of their own.

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2025-10-11 06:40