By Trix’art | Updated Weekend Box Office Report
The box office battlefield this weekend was nothing short of a cinematic showdown. On one side stood the unstoppable force of anime, represented by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle. On the other, Jordan Peele’s highly anticipated psychological thriller Him attempted to carve out its place in the spotlight.
In the end, the anime juggernaut emerged victorious, once again proving that anime is not just a niche subculture but a mainstream global phenomenon that can challenge — and even outshine — Hollywood’s biggest names.
But beneath the surface of ticket sales, audience scores, and critic reviews lies a deeper story — one about shifting audience preferences, the challenges of original storytelling in a franchise-dominated market, and what this weekend means for the future of cinema.
🔥 Demon Slayer’s Relentless Momentum: The Anime Juggernaut
A Record-Breaking Opening
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle stunned box office analysts with a $70 million domestic debut, making history as one of the biggest openings ever for a non-English-language film. The anime community turned out in full force, buying out IMAX showings and driving social media buzz across platforms like TikTok, Twitter (X), and YouTube.
Despite a 77% drop in its second weekend, the film still pulled in $17.3 million, enough to secure the No. 1 spot again. For anime films, this steep second-weekend drop is typical — the fanbase often rushes to theaters during opening week. What’s remarkable is that Demon Slayer managed to hold off a major Hollywood release in its second frame, showing the staying power of the franchise.
Global Domination
On the global stage, Infinity Castle has now grossed over $555 million worldwide, surpassing classics like Spirited Away and Your Name. This cements it as the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s a cultural milestone that signals a shift in entertainment consumption worldwide. Once confined to niche fandoms, anime has now entered the mainstream.
Why Audiences Connect
So, what makes Demon Slayer such a powerhouse?
- Visual Spectacle: Ufotable’s animation studio delivers breathtaking fight sequences and stunning landscapes.
- Emotional Depth: The story blends action with deep emotional themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience.
- Global Accessibility: Thanks to streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu, anime has never been easier to discover.
- Community Hype: Social media trends, cosplay events, and fan theories amplify excitement.
Anime has officially proven that it can compete with — and sometimes surpass — franchises like Marvel and DC.
🧠 Him: Jordan Peele’s Brand Faces a Challenge
High Expectations, Mixed Results
Him entered the weekend with massive hype. Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and distributed by Universal, the film promised another dose of psychological horror that Peele has become famous for.
However, it’s important to note: Peele did not direct this film. The director’s chair belonged to Justin Tipping, while Peele only served as executive producer. That distinction may explain some of the film’s struggles.
With a debut of $13.5 million and a C- CinemaScore, the film underperformed compared to expectations. Audiences felt the story — about a rising NFL star (Tyriq Withers) navigating trauma after a brutal attack, with mentorship from a legendary quarterback (Marlon Wayans) — was intriguing but unevenly executed.
The Limits of Brand Power
Jordan Peele’s name alone attracts attention. But as Him shows, brand recognition doesn’t guarantee success. Audiences today are savvy; they can tell when a project doesn’t carry the full vision of its marquee name.
This mirrors past examples like Guillermo del Toro’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or J.J. Abrams’ Overlord — where producer branding generated buzz, but the films didn’t resonate at the same level.
Still, Him deserves credit for tackling themes of masculinity, fame, and trauma — subject matter that Hollywood rarely explores in mainstream horror. It may find a second life on streaming platforms, where viewers are often more open to slower-burn, experimental stories.
💔 The Romantic Fantasy That Couldn’t: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
While Demon Slayer soared and Him stumbled, the weekend’s other wide release — A Big Bold Beautiful Journey — barely made a mark.
Starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, the romantic fantasy was envisioned as a poetic exploration of love, memory, and second chances. Directed by Kogonada (After Yang) and written by Seth Reiss (The Menu), the film had all the creative ingredients for indie success.
Unfortunately, audiences weren’t convinced. The film opened to just $3.5 million with a B- CinemaScore. Its abstract narrative and low-key marketing campaign failed to cut through the noise of blockbuster season.
It’s a reminder that in today’s market, star power alone isn’t enough — especially for films that lack franchise backing or clear marketing hooks.
🧟♂️ Horror Holds Steady: Reliable Box Office Fright
While Him struggled, other horror films showed their resilience:
- The Conjuring: The Last Rites brought in $12.1 million in its third weekend, proving the franchise remains one of Warner Bros.’ most consistent moneymakers.
- The Long Walk, based on the Stephen King novel, earned $6.3 million in its second weekend. Though critics were divided, the film has carved out a loyal fanbase among those who enjoy slow-burn, cerebral horror.
Horror continues to deliver reliable box office returns, even when other genres stumble.
🏰 Downton Abbey Bows Out Gracefully
Period dramas may not grab headlines like anime or horror, but they still have an audience. Downton Abbey: The Finale added $6 million to its domestic tally, offering closure to longtime fans of the beloved British series.
It may not be a juggernaut, but it’s proof that niche audiences remain valuable in today’s entertainment landscape.
📊 Weekend Box Office Recap
Here’s how the top films stacked up:
| Rank | Film | Weekend Gross | Domestic Total | Weeks Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle | $17.3M | $235M | 2 |
| 2 | Him | $13.5M | $13.5M | 1 |
| 3 | The Conjuring: The Last Rites | $12.1M | $85M | 3 |
| 4 | The Long Walk | $6.3M | $22M | 2 |
| 5 | Downton Abbey: The Finale | $6M | $40M | 3 |
| 6 | A Big Bold Beautiful Journey | $3.5M | $3.5M | 1 |
🌍 The Global Picture: Anime’s Ascendance
Anime’s dominance at the global box office isn’t an accident. The rise of streaming platforms has created a pipeline of fans worldwide, introducing millions of viewers to shows like Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
Unlike many Hollywood franchises, anime films often offer standalone experiences that are accessible to newcomers while still rewarding loyal fans. This dual appeal has been crucial to their success.
With Infinity Castle now leading globally, the anime industry has proven that it’s not only here to stay — it’s reshaping global box office rules.
🎭 Lessons from the Weekend
- Anime is mainstream – No longer a subculture, anime is competing directly with Marvel, DC, and major Hollywood studios.
- Original storytelling struggles – Films without franchise backing face uphill battles, no matter the star power.
- Horror remains bulletproof – Scary stories continue to deliver consistent profits.
- Branding has limits – Jordan Peele’s name generated buzz, but execution is what truly matters.
🔮 Looking Ahead
Next weekend, audiences can look forward to:
- Chrono Drift – a sci-fi epic aiming to lure in Interstellar and Dune fans.
- Monster High: Ghoul School – an animated comedy targeting families and young audiences.
- The Last Library – an indie darling generating buzz on the festival circuit.
The question remains: Can Demon Slayer hold the No. 1 spot for a third straight weekend? If it does, it won’t just be another win — it will mark a historic cultural milestone for anime worldwide.
❓ FAQs: Demon Slayer vs. Him – Weekend Box Office
Is Demon Slayer Infinity Castle the highest-grossing anime of all time?
👉 Yes, with $555M worldwide, it has surpassed Spirited Away and Your Name.
Why did Him underperform at the box office?
👉 Mixed reviews, a C- CinemaScore, and audience confusion about Jordan Peele’s limited involvement contributed to its weaker debut.
What genres are performing best in 2025?
👉 Anime, horror, and franchise-driven films remain dominant, while indie and abstract romances struggle to find traction.
Will Him do better on streaming?
👉 Likely yes. Psychological thrillers often gain more appreciation on streaming platforms where audiences are more patient.
🏆 Final Takeaway
The weekend box office tells us one clear story: anime is no longer the underdog. With Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle leading the way, the genre has cemented itself as a global box office titan.
Meanwhile, Him highlights the risks of relying too heavily on branding without strong execution, and smaller films like A Big Bold Beautiful Journey show the challenges of standing out in a market dominated by franchises and spectacle.
The future of cinema may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: audiences are hungry for stories that surprise, inspire, and connect emotionally — and anime is delivering exactly that.