This weekend marked a significant milestone for the anime film industry as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle made its highly anticipated debut in the U.S. and other international markets through Sony/Crunchyroll. Following its record-breaking success in Japan earlier this summer, the film achieved a remarkable global opening weekend gross of $132.1 million, setting a new benchmark for the largest anime opening of all time.
The impressive global figure comprises $70 million from North America, $29 million from Latin America, $17.4 million from Europe, $6 million from the Middle East, $5.2 million from India, and $3.2 million from Australia, alongside earnings from smaller markets. It's noteworthy that Sony does not hold distribution rights in Korea, Taiwan, or China, where Infinity Castle has already amassed $34.7 million, making it the third highest-grossing film of the year in that market.
The success of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is reminiscent of the phenomenon witnessed with its predecessor, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which soared to incredible heights in 2021. This upward trend underscores the growing popularity of the anime genre worldwide. In Latin America, the film achieved record-breaking openings in several countries, including $9.8 million in Mexico, $4.4 million in Brazil, and $2.8 million in Peru, among others.
In Europe and the Middle East, Infinity Castle also set records as the top anime film ever in various markets, with notable openings such as $4.6 million in the UK, $3.7 million in Spain, and $2.8 million in Saudi Arabia. India celebrated a remarkable launch with $5.2 million, marking the largest opening weekend for any anime or animated film in the region. Australia also witnessed a strong start with $3.2 million, securing the highest opening for an anime movie in the country.
In Japan, where Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle is distributed by Toho/Aniplex from Ufotable, the film had already grossed over $282 million by last weekend. With Sony's reported earnings, the total revenue is expected to rise well above $400 million. It is essential to note that official figures from Japan are typically not confirmed until the following Monday, but the projections indicate a successful trajectory for the film.
The top-performing markets for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle include Hong Kong with $11.7 million, Indonesia at $7.2 million, and Thailand with $7 million, among others. These figures showcase the film's overwhelming appeal and the expanding audience for anime worldwide. French-speaking and German-speaking markets are set to open next weekend, which could further enhance the film's global earnings.
Following the success of Demon Slayer, New Line/Warner Bros' The Conjuring: Last Rites had a strong sophomore performance, adding $60.5 million across 76 markets, bringing its international total to $201.8 million and a global gross of $332.9 million as of Sunday. This film opened in France and Belgium with record-breaking figures for the franchise while also becoming the biggest horror release ever in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale made a successful entry into 31 international markets, grossing $12.3 million, surpassing the previous installment, Downton Abbey: A New Era. The film's global start reached $30.4 million, with the UK leading the charge at $6.3 million. France also reported a solid opening with $1.4 million across 423 screens, showcasing strong interest in the beloved franchise.
As the international box office landscape continues to evolve, the success of films like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle and The Conjuring: Last Rites highlights the growing appetite for diverse cinematic experiences among audiences around the globe. With key markets still to open, the coming weeks will be crucial for many of these titles.
