In the vibrant world of cinema, Asian stars continue to shine brightly, with two standout films capturing global attention and earning prestigious accolades. The Critics Choice Association recently unveiled the honorees for the 4th annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle and KPop Demon Hunters.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, the inaugural film in the highly anticipated trilogy, has garnered the International Animation Award. This cinematic masterpiece has not only captivated audiences but also set new records at the box office. As of September 28, the film has sold an astounding 23.652 million tickets, amassing 34,011,490,700 yen (approximately US$230 million). This monumental success has positioned it as the second highest-earning film in Japanese box office history, surpassing the iconic Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
The film’s predecessor, Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, released in October 2020, remains the highest-earning film in Japan, with a staggering total take of 40.75 billion yen (about US$277 million). The latest installment’s global impact is equally impressive, with estimated worldwide earnings reaching US$555 million as of September 21. This remarkable feat makes it the highest-earning anime film of all time worldwide and the highest-earning Japanese film globally. Additionally, it secured the #9 spot on the list of highest-grossing films worldwide for 2025, surpassing notable titles such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Captain America: Brave New World.
The film is directed by Haruo Sotozaki at ufotable, which is also credited with the screenplay. Aimer performs the song “Taiyล ga Noboranai Sekai” (“A World Where the Sun Never Rises”), while LiSA delivers the powerful track “Zankoku no Yoru ni Kagayake” (“Shine in the Cruel Night”).
ยฉKoyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
Another standout film, KPop Demon Hunters, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has received the Animation Award. This animated feature premiered on Netflix on June 20 and made history as the first Netflix film to top the U.S. weekend box office. The KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Event opened in 1,700 theaters, generating US$19.2 million at the end of August. This success propelled it to become Netflix’s most streamed film of all time globally, with 236,000,000 views, surpassing Red Notice’s 230,900,000 views. The film’s soundtrack also achieved a remarkable milestone, with four songs simultaneously ranking in the top 10 of the weekly Billboard Hot 100 songs chart in the United States.
The animated feature has maintained its popularity, appearing in Netflix’s Top 10 for English-language films for 15 consecutive weeks. It has also become the first title on the Netflix platform to surpass 300 million views, according to Netflix’s official site Tudum.
ยฉNetflix
The 4th annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television will take place on November 14, honoring these exceptional films and their contributions to the industry.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
