Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (2025) – A Stunning Anime with Emotional Backstories

How do you end one of the biggest anime series in the world? With an epic, feature-length trilogy, that’s how. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is not just another movie—it’s the spectacular first chapter of the grand finale we’ve all been waiting for. As the Hashira are plunged into the demons' multi-dimensional stronghold, this film delivers breathtaking action and, true to the series’ heart, devastatingly human backstories that will make you empathize with even the most terrifying foes. It’s an outstanding animation achievement, though the long runtime and the agony of waiting for parts two and three are real costs of admission. I was hooked from the first minute and give it a 9/10. Let’s descend into the Castle.

The Plot: The Final Battle Ignites

Picking up directly after the Hashira Training arc, the Demon Slayer Corps’ headquarters is attacked by the ultimate evil, Muzan Kibutsuji. In a terrifying instant, Tanjiro and the elite Hashira are not just defeated—they’re transported. Their new battleground is the Infinity Castle, a shifting, labyrinthine fortress that serves as the demons’ stronghold. This is it: the final war.

The plot focuses on desperate, high-stakes duels as the slayers are scattered and forced to face the remaining Upper Rank demons one-on-one. We witness brutal fights where Hashira live, die, and unlock new powers. But the core of this film is the epic rematch between Tanjiro and Upper Rank Three, Akaza. Their battle is more than just clashing blades; it’s a collision of tragic histories. The movie masterfully weaves in the backstories of both Tanjiro and Akaza, revealing the pain and choices that forged a hero and a monster. This is the magic of Demon Slayer: even amidst world-class animation and relentless action, it never forgets that every character, hero or villain, has a soul.

What Makes It Stand Out: Heart Amidst the Havoc

The visuals and action scenes are, as expected from Ufotable, absolutely spectacular. The fluidity of the combat, the intricate design of the ever-changing Castle, and the explosive Color effects are a feast for the eyes. But for me, what makes this anime series—and Infinity Castle in particular—so special is how the story is told.

In a usual story, you have a clear good side and evil side. Here, we have that too. But what’s different is how the story takes time to reveal the past of each character. In Infinity Castle, we see a new past story for Tanjiro and, most importantly, for the Upper Rank demon Akaza. The way the anime shows how he became a demon makes you empathize and even feel sorry for him. He’s a tragic figure, yet the film never lets you forget he is a demon who has devoured many humans. This complexity adds a profound emotional weight that elevates the entire experience. The film hooked me from its first minutes, and I loved both the fierce fights and these poignant past stories.

A Minor Critique: The Price of a Trilogy

For me, this is an amazing anime film. My tiny issue is twofold. First, at over two and a half hours, it’s a long sit. The pacing, while mostly gripping, can feel exhaustive. Secondly, and more personally, I really don’t like when one story is divided into three parts. Knowing I have to wait another year (or more) to see how it continues and finally ends is its own kind of demonic torture! It’s the bittersweet reality of experiencing a finale delivered in such ambitious, cinematic chapters.

Ratings and Box Office: A Global Phenomenon

• IMDb: 8.4/10 (from 62,000 votes) 
• Rotten Tomatoes: 98% Critics & 98% Audience 
• Box Office: $779.5 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.

The scores say it all—universal acclaim. Critics and audiences alike are praising its stunning execution and emotional depth. Its box office, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2025 globally and a record-breaker for an international film in the U.S., proves Demon Slayer is a cultural titan. My 9/10 fits right in; it’s a near-perfect start to the end.

A Must-Watch Gem for Fans and Newcomers Alike

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is more than a movie; it’s an event. It masterfully balances spectacular shonen action with the series’ signature emotional depth, making you care deeply about both the heroes and the villains. The promise of the finale is immense, and this first part delivers on every front.

So, at 9/10, it’s a breathtaking cinematic experience. Dive into the Castle if you’re ready for an emotional, visually stunning war where every clash of steel tells a story.

What did you think of Infinity Castle? Did Akaza’s backstory change how you saw him? Which Hashira fight had you on the edge of your seat? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and here’s my ask: suggest a movie for my next review! I’m craving more epic animation or fantasy. If you enjoyed this hunt through the Castle, please like, follow, and share so you don’t miss the next review. Thanks for reading—see you in the next one!