Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns (Japanese: 劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編 第一部: 猗窩座帰還) is a 2025 Japanese animated dark fantasy action film directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, based on the Infinity Castle arc of Koyoharu Gotouge’s acclaimed manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2016–2020). Serving as a direct sequel to the fourth season of the anime series, the film continues the saga that began with Mugen Train (2020) and the feature compilations To the Swordsmith Village (2023) and To the Hashira Training (2024).

The story begins after the Demon Slayer Corps fall into Muzan Kibutsuji’s dimensional fortress—the Infinity Castle. Separated and surrounded by demons, Tanjiro Kamado, Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and others confront the most dangerous foes they have ever faced. The narrative centers on three major battles: Shinobu’s fatal confrontation with Doma, Zenitsu’s emotional duel against his former comrade Kaigaku, and the climactic showdown between Tanjiro, Giyu, and Akaza—the Upper Rank Three demon.

As Tanjiro and Giyu unleash their full power, Akaza’s tragic past unfolds: once a desperate youth named Hakuji, his transformation into a demon stemmed from loss, guilt, and rage. In a stirring conclusion, Akaza regains his humanity and sacrifices himself, marking a turning point for both the Demon Slayers and the demons’ hierarchy. The film ends with Muzan tightening his control within the Infinity Castle, setting the stage for the next chapter in the trilogy.

Unlike the episodic Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs, Infinity Castle is conceived as a cinematic trilogy, each entry crafted as a standalone film rather than a compilation. The animation once again showcases Ufotable’s industry-defining blend of traditional artistry and digital innovation, delivering breathtaking battles and emotional depth that have become synonymous with the franchise.

The film premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025, distributed by Aniplex and Toho, before opening internationally through Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Releasing across Asia, Europe, and North America in August and September. Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns shattered box office records, grossing $633 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time and the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2025.

Critics lauded the film’s animation, choreography, and emotional storytelling, with particular praise for Akaza’s redemption arc and Ufotable’s technical brilliance. While some noted pacing issues in the first act, Infinity Castle – Part 1 was widely celebrated as one of the year’s most visually stunning and emotionally resonant anime films.