Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is set to hit IMAX screens worldwide, but fans in North America are facing a major hurdle: they'll have to travel abroad to catch the film.
The blockbuster anime movie will be shown exclusively in its expanded 1.43:1 extended aspect ratio at two theaters in Japan - the Grand Cinema Sunshine in Tokyo and 109 Cinemas Osaka Expo City in Osaka - starting February 6. The move marks the first-ever IMAX release of an anime film, although it's unclear whether other venues will follow suit.
As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,829 IMAX systems operating globally, with more than $722 million already accumulated in box office sales worldwide. The film has topped Japan's charts as the second-highest-grossing movie of all time, earning over $246.9 million locally.
Despite its massive success, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle was snubbed for an Oscar nomination in the Best Animated Feature category and did not receive a nomination for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures from the Producers Guild of America.
The film's IMAX release comes as it awaits a streaming release on Crunchyroll, which is part of Sony Pictures Entertainment. When it finally hits the platform, fans can expect to see an English dub and original Japanese dialogue for the first time in North America.
The decision to limit the film's availability to two theaters in Japan raises questions about accessibility for global fans. With IMAX screens already operating in 89 countries and territories worldwide, it's unclear why these venues are being singled out for a unique release format.
Regardless of this limitation, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated anime films of the year, with its expanded IMAX ratio offering fans an immersive viewing experience.
The blockbuster anime movie will be shown exclusively in its expanded 1.43:1 extended aspect ratio at two theaters in Japan - the Grand Cinema Sunshine in Tokyo and 109 Cinemas Osaka Expo City in Osaka - starting February 6. The move marks the first-ever IMAX release of an anime film, although it's unclear whether other venues will follow suit.
As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,829 IMAX systems operating globally, with more than $722 million already accumulated in box office sales worldwide. The film has topped Japan's charts as the second-highest-grossing movie of all time, earning over $246.9 million locally.
Despite its massive success, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle was snubbed for an Oscar nomination in the Best Animated Feature category and did not receive a nomination for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures from the Producers Guild of America.
The film's IMAX release comes as it awaits a streaming release on Crunchyroll, which is part of Sony Pictures Entertainment. When it finally hits the platform, fans can expect to see an English dub and original Japanese dialogue for the first time in North America.
The decision to limit the film's availability to two theaters in Japan raises questions about accessibility for global fans. With IMAX screens already operating in 89 countries and territories worldwide, it's unclear why these venues are being singled out for a unique release format.
Regardless of this limitation, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated anime films of the year, with its expanded IMAX ratio offering fans an immersive viewing experience.
I don't think it's fair to single out those two Japanese theaters for showing the film in IMAX format. I mean, it's not like they're trying to hold back the rest of the world from experiencing this epic anime movie 
. The thing is, Japan already has a huge following for Demon Slayer and they've been craving more content 
. Those theaters might as well capitalize on the hype and give fans what they want.
. Two theaters in Japan can do it justice without hurting anyone's feelings or limiting access for global fans 
. The rest of us might have to wait a bit longer for the streaming release, but I'm sure it'll be worth the hype when we finally get our hands on it 
.
And what's up with the snub from the Oscars? Is Sony Pictures Entertainment trying to limit its own exposure or something? The lack of availability on streaming platforms for North America fans, not having an English dub or original Japanese dialogue option... it just feels like a calculated move to keep the film under wraps. 
I mean, shouldn't anime movies be available to everyone, regardless of location? It's 2025, after all! 
. I mean, we've got IMAX screens poppin' up all over the place worldwide, but North America is stuck with nothin' 
. It's just so... exclusive 
. Maybe they should consider streaming it online first and then release it in theaters if that's how much they want to make a splash.
. And what about the streaming part? Won't that be a better option for people who can't make it to Japan or don't wanna spend all that cash on tickets? Still, I'm hyped to see Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle in IMAX - it's gonna be lit! 