The cinematic adaptation of the popular anime series Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has taken the global box office by storm, earning over $108 million worldwide while achieving a rare perfect score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The film successfully captured the top spot in North American theaters during its opening weekend, demonstrating the growing mainstream appeal of anime.
What Is The Chainsaw Man Reze Arc Movie?
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is a direct sequel to the first season of the Chainsaw Man anime series. The story follows the main character, Denji, a young man who can transform into the Chainsaw Man. His simple life becomes complicated when he meets a mysterious girl named Reze who works at a coffee shop. Their budding romance quickly spirals into a dangerous conflict as Reze is revealed to be the Bomb Devil, a deadly assassin with her own mission.
The film adapts one of the most celebrated story arcs from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga. It was produced by the renowned animation studio MAPPA, with Tatsuya Yoshihara serving as director. The movie had a staggered global release, first opening in Japan on September 19, 2025, before expanding to North America and other international markets throughout October.
A Box Office Success Story
The movie’s financial success was both rapid and impressive. After its initial release in Asia, the film had already earned $61 million before it even opened in the United States. In its domestic opening weekend, the film debuted at number one, pulling in $17.25 million from 3,003 theaters.
This strong performance demonstrates the film’s powerful draw. As one box office analysis noted:
“Anime was once again king this weekend… ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ to best all the live-action films opening this weekend.”
The film’s global total has now reached $108 million, far exceeding its production budget. This profitability underscores a larger trend of anime films performing exceptionally well in theaters worldwide.
Critical and Audience Praise
Beyond its box office numbers, the film has been a major hit with both critics and viewers. On the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has achieved a perfect 100% critic score and an near-perfect 99% audience score.
Critics have praised the film’s stunning animation and compelling story. One review highlighted that the film is “bloodfueled action balanced by romance in a way that captures the very best parts of Fujimoto’s story… Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc isn’t spectacle, it’s storytelling.”
Another review celebrated the animation quality, stating the film has “some of the most dynamic and creative animation I’ve seen all year.”
On IMDb, fans have been equally enthusiastic. One viewer called it “the best animated film I’ve seen this year,” while another described it as “peak storytelling, peak animation, peak everything.” The film also received an “A” grade from audiences in CinemaScore polls, indicating strong word-of-mouth support.
Why This Movie Is a Hit With Fans
For those familiar with the Chainsaw Man series, the Reze arc is often a favorite, and the film’s adaptation has satisfied long-time followers. The movie delivers the intense action and violence the series is known for, but also explores deeper emotional themes of romance, betrayal, and personal connection.
The film successfully translates the core relationship between Denji and Reze from page to screen. Their tragic story resonates with viewers, blending heart-pounding action with genuine character development. The movie also features returning fan-favorite characters like Power, Makima, and Aki Hayakawa, alongside new additions like the Shark Fiend Beam.
The high-quality animation from studio MAPPA has been a significant point of praise. The action sequences are described as visceral and creatively choreographed, making the most of the cinematic format. The film’s technical achievements, combined with its faithful storytelling, have made it a must-see event for anime fans.
Anime’s Rise in Mainstream Cinema
The triumph of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is part of a larger pattern of anime films achieving major success in global theaters. Earlier this year, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle also dominated box office charts, earning hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.
Sony Pictures, through its ownership of Crunchyroll, has been strategically releasing these anime films to growing international audiences. Their commitment to the genre is paying off, as demonstrated by the strong performance of Chainsaw Man. This film’s success confirms that anime is no longer a niche market but a powerful force in mainstream entertainment.
The film’s ability to open at number one in the U.S., competing directly with major live-action films, signals a shift in viewer preferences and the expanding reach of Japanese animation.
Where to Watch
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is currently showing in theaters globally. The film is available in multiple formats, including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, offering viewers an immersive experience. The movie has an R rating for strong bloody violence and gore, and some nudity, in keeping with the tone of the original series.
Also Read: Wandance Anime Release Date and Time for Every Region
