The hit anime film Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 has won the International Animation Award at the Critics’ Choice Association’s 2025 AAPI Cinema & Television Awards. This victory marks the first major award for the record-breaking movie, confirming its status as a global cinematic event and a significant moment for anime on the world stage.
What the Award Represents
The International Animation Award was presented to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle during the Critics Choice Association’s 4th annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television. This event specifically honors excellence in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in film and television. The award recognizes the film’s exceptional quality and its impact as a leading piece of international animation. The win is seen as a sign that anime has fully transcended its niche origins to become a major force in global entertainment.
A Record-Breaking Box Office Run
Even before its award win, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 was making headlines with its historic financial success. The film has achieved a staggering global box office, with earnings reported to be over $633 million. This performance has shattered multiple records, making it the highest-grossing anime film of all time worldwide.
The movie’s success was immediate and overwhelming. It scored the biggest international opening weekend for a foreign-language film in U.S. box office history, earning $70 million and dethroning a record that had stood for years. The film also claimed the largest global anime opening ever, earning $132.1 million across international markets in its first weekend. In Japan, the film had the highest opening day in the country’s cinema history and has become Japan’s second-highest-grossing domestic film.
Fan Celebration and Critical Reception
The award news has been met with celebration from the global fanbase, who have taken to social media to express their pride. One fan commented on the film’s competitive success, saying, “Demon slayer is competing with Hollywood movies and crushing it in their own domain. The anime industry is growing very fast.” Another fan looked to the future, stating, “We’re aiming for the Oscars next.”
Critics have praised the film for its visual spectacle and emotional depth. Reviews highlight the movie’s “visually dazzling” animation and “top-tier” action sequences. The film’s direction, by series veteran Haruo Sotozaki, and animation by studio Ufotable have been singled out for elevating the franchise to new cinematic heights. While some critics noted that the use of flashbacks, particularly for the demon Akaza’s backstory, occasionally affected the film’s pacing, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
When You Can Watch It at Home
For those who haven’t seen the film or are eager to watch it again, there is a wait for its home release. The Executive Vice President of Crunchyroll has confirmed that Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 will not be available for streaming until 2026. Throughout the remainder of 2025, the only way to see the movie will be in theaters. This strategy underscores the film’s massive ongoing theatrical appeal.
The Trilogy
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 is just the beginning of the finale. It is the first film in a planned trilogy that will conclude the entire Demon Slayer saga. While official release dates have not been announced, industry reports suggest that fans can expect Part 2 to arrive in 2027, followed by Part 3 in 2029. The voice cast, including English-language Tanjiro actor Zach Aguilar, is signed on for the entire trilogy. Aguilar shared his excitement about the future, saying:
“This first one’s already blown my mind. I cant even imagine the second and third one – it’s going to be insane. It’s only going to get bigger and bigger from here on out.”
Also Read: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Streaming Release Window Estimated for Early 2026
