Let’s be honest here… Our beloved anime and manga has become mainstream now… There is virtually NO denying it whatsoever. Now, obviously, when I talk about the mainstream appeal of anime and manga, I am well aware that the mainstream appeal is exclusively towards anime and manga series that people only talk about. Example, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dadadan, and Chainsaw Man. Have you noticed a pattern here? All Shounen. In other words, while I am greatly aware that this mainstream appeal mainly applies to anime and manga that’s considered typical of the shounen trope, it doesn’t remove the fact that anime and manga as a whole has become ridiculously popular. Indeed, it has… Especially when you are about to hear what happened…

Demon Slayer: Castle Infinity has made history. Not just history, but MULTIPLE achievements in Japan, and worldwide. The movie has now earned a WHOPPING $550 million at the box office. Guess what? That number has now updated to $556 million. In fact, it could be more as I’m typing in this article. This movie is SO popular, that Crunchyroll is working to get this movie to win the Oscars… That’s how ambitious they are… The movie has broken records left and right. The question is, which records have Castle Infinity broke? What does Disney and Hollywood have to do with this topic? Well, that’s when the important part kicks in…

So, as stated before, Castle Infinity has a whopping box office record of $556 million. The first milestone achievement it made was becoming the top grossing film of 2025 in Japan (¥33.1 billion). Surpassing all other competitors, including other animated films and live action films. Castle Infinity (¥33.1 billion) also overtook Spirited Away (¥31.68) to become the second highest grossing film ever in Japanese cinema history. Only previous installment, Mugen Train, is higher (¥40.75 billion). Although many predict that Mugen Train will be eventually surpassed. It also enjoyed having the biggest opening weekend for any Japanese film in history ($49.4 million (¥7.2 billion). Surpassing Mugen Train for that record $38.6 million). Finally, it held the top spot for NINE CONSECUTIVE WEEKS! Up until September 15. It held off Hollywood releases and local films. A streak that remains ultimately unmatched.

Now, what about international success? Well, beyond better than what any of us could have imagined. So successful that even Hollywood analysts are in shambles… Castle Infinity has become the highest grossing Japanese film ever in history. A total of $558 million worldwide and Eclipsed Mugen Train’s $507 million; includes $220M from Japan and $338M internationally. Castle Infinity is also the highest grossing anime film of all time worldwide. Meaning, It has repeated its record achievement of Solidified the franchise’s dominance, outpacing all prior anime releases globally. Castle Infinity is also the 9th highest grossing film of 2025. Ranks behind tent poles like Avatar 3 but ahead of several Marvel/DC entries. For an anime movie, that’s a record in the making. While this may sound similar to Japan, but, check this out, Castle infinity has also broken the record for the biggest animated opening weekend in North American box office history with at least $70 million. Remember, not anime, “ANIMATED”, meaning, Demon Slayer just beat animated classics in American cinema history. This is an absolute milestone for Japanese animation. Finally, Castle Infinity crossed $500 million worldwide and that was achieved in under 10 weeks, with strong IMAX and premium format earnings in 40+ territories. Let that sink in…

So now you are probably wondering, how significant is this? Well, the truth is, it’s more than significant, it’s a milestone for the anime industry. Mark my words, if Castle Infinity was made 10 years ago and this was movie was to play in movie theaters, it wouldn’t even enjoy the success it has today. Heck, it probably would have been ignored, shunned, perform moderately and relegated only towards the niche. You know…? Like the old days. Remember when some anime movies a decade ago were coming to the US and you literally had to travel 35 miles just to arrive at some faraway movie theater and sit with just 5–10 people to watch the film? Yeah, I remember those days dearly, LOL! Ever since the success of Your Name back in 2016-2017, anime movies have enjoyed a new golden age like no other. This is partially attributed to the mainstream success of many anime series known today. Demon Slayer, is one such example. Not only that, but the unprecedented growth of anime’s popularity worldwide is what’s also contributing to this new massive success that anime films nowadays enjoy. Of course, that’s not the only reason why this is happening. There’s more to it than just Demon Slayer or other anime films being good.

The first issue that people have to be aware is the fact that most modern day American films are bad. Let’s be honest here… Hollywood, which consists of other well known companies like Disney, D/C, Marvel, and other well known giants, are bankrupt of creativity. What was once considered the epicenter of entertainment worldwide, American cinema just can’t produce new creative works that amaze the people like it use too in the past. Nowadays, all you see are either remakes, reboots, or sequels to already successful past works that everyone remembers fondly and are sick and tired of seeing them get rehashed over and over again all in the name of profit. Compare legendary years like 1977, 1985, 1994, or 1999, and even 21st century years like 2001, 2007, or 2015 and you’ll see how things have dramatically declined for American cinema. the difference is STARK… The truth is, Hollywood can’t produce something that amazes the people in America and worldwide. To think that billion-dollar companies are getting beat by a Japanese studio that doesn’t even match the length of what Hollywood has says a lot about how the movie industry in America has declined to atrocious levels.

Another reason why this is happening is because American cinema reuses the same genre, the same trope, and the same theme over and over again. As I said before, it’s either a sequel of a movie that was made 8 years ago, a superhero film that adds in the unpopular themes that alienates viewers, or a reboot of a classic that is done in poor fashion, terrible quality, inferiority to its original installment, altars and adds unwanted themes in the name of personal agenda, disrespects its lore, and simply exists as a cash grab. The American movie industry also loves to make throw away films that are forgotten a week later. In other words, they can’t make anything that wow’s it’s viewers anymore. There are some good ones, but, the truth is, what was once considered unimaginable in 2012, has now become a reality, anime has topped Hollywood. Just like how manga topped D/C and Marvel…

Speaking of that, when it comes to the animation side of Hollywood, aka, Disney, the situation is actually a lot worse. While Disney is still safe financially, its creative hub isn’t. The once giant company that held a monopoly over animation and fantasy stories both through drawings or live action, now finds itself in dirty mud. Disney finds itself getting beat by other animated movies, one recently from China. Whether it be drawing, or 3D. The thing is, this issue isn’t anything new. This has been going on now since I’d say the pandemic has happened. It only got worse since the start of 2023. Either box offices of highly anticipated movies under perform, flop, or suffer from intense negativity by the audiences. Similar to most modern Hollywood movie themes, Disney can’t come up with anything that’s successfully new. Either, they remake an old animated classic that’s already beloved by many, or create new installments with a poor story, terrible characters, bad CGI, and insert progressive political themes, aka, woke, done in HORRIBLE fashion. What was considered the beacon of animated brilliance, Disney can’t even beat a Japanese animated film that doesn’t have the budget that Disney has.

And here’s the thing, there’s nothing with political themes or narratives being added to a story. Many famous works of the past, specifically anime since that’s what I specialize in, have a heck load of political themes. Look no further than Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki is well known for his political themes in his anime movies. Take Nausicaa as an example. The movie was about the dangers of war, the destruction of the environment, and the potential for hope and peace midst conflict and ecological devastation. Castle in The Sky was inspired by the UK’s Miner Strikes of 1984. Porco Rosso was literally an anti-fascist film. In fact, that movie was where the famous quote: “I’d rather be a pig than a fascist” originated. Spirited Away was based on the economic greed of Japanese capitalism, most evidently when they turned into pigs, and the lost identity of Japan as the economy was going through a recession during that year. Howl’s Moving Castle was literally Miyazaki’s negative response to the US’s military intervention in Iraq during the Iraq War. The Wind Rises caused a MASSIVE stir among both right wing and left wing groups for Miyazaki denouncing Japan’s atrocities during the war, but also felt that the country should be proud of its inventions. What do these films have in common? They are all successful-animated films that everyone loves. Regardless of your political position, there is one thing all of us can agree on, Miyazaki films are a masterpiece, and none of us can deny that. It’s not about political themes being inserted, it’s how you implement them. Tons of anime and manga have political themes, but, they do in a manner that makes all of us amazed. Heck, some of my top 10 favorites are based on real world political issues. Just look at Code Geass and Gundam 00 as examples.

All of these issues mentioned are exactly why anime and manga have grown into unprecedented levels. It’s not just the brilliance of what anime and manga has to offer, but, it’s also looking at the fact that western entertainment in general has declined. When I mean declined, I BADLY MEAN IT… While not entirely in despair, one has to take a look at and see what’s successful among many viewers. Japan’s soft power has reached new heights of greatness, and has now taken the crown of being the country that people are most obsessed with. Of course, it’s not just Japan, but South Korea as well. Let’s use one example of a movie hit sensation that everyone is talking about.

Kpop Demon Hunters is another prime example of east Asian soft power in action. Yes, I’m well aware that Netflix, an American company made Kpop Demon Hunters. The thing is, we need to see what MADE this movie so successful? it wasn’t just the fact that it was a good movie and did exactly what a GOOD MOVIE SHOULD DO, but the fact that it was based on South Korean pop culture. That’s arguably reason. South Korea, like Japan, has become a sensation worldwide. Korean soft power is also experiencing a golden age. Why? Because like Japan, South Korea also produces quality entertainment that’s not only good, but dethrones western entertainment that once use to be amazing. Kpop Demon Hunters wasn’t just a good film for many including myself, but bought back elements in a film that American entertainment once USE to have… Kpop, beautiful girls, cool looking guys, music industry, unique animation, you name it. This is why the movie did so well. The only question is, what if it wasn’t based on Korean pop culture? My theory, the movie’s reception would have been a LOT different to be honest… In fact, I don’t think this film would have been so successful if it wasn’t about Korean Pop culture, but because it is, look at the reception? Not only was this film beloved and broke box office records, but the characters have become an icon for many. Especially Jinu himself…

Finally, another reason is because, lets be honest here, we have to acknowledge the success of what anime and manga is doing, and what anime has become. I am justified in saying this because I’ve been watching anime for over 14 years now, starting in 2011. Next year will be my 15th anniversary of being an otaku. I am very WELL familiar with the landscape of anime and manga. Whatever you feel about modern anime and manga is purely subjective. Me? I’m still enjoying it like I did a decade ago. Actually, MORE than ever.

Anime and manga’s success has to be acknowledged. Anime and manga are DIVERSE as heck. You can look for ANY story that you want. Action, romance, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, sports, you name it… The medium is one of the very few that’s focused more in making good stories, good characters, and high quality works for the viewer. The thing is, these individuals aren’t low in numbers, they are in abundance. While there are some cheeky individuals who like to fabricate such works in the name of similar beliefs that we see here in the west, Like Bocchi as an example, it doesn’t ruin it entirely, as Bocchi’s censorship isn’t entirely unique as other anime even before the modern day era, have gone through a similar thing before. Just compare Hunter x Hunter 1999 vs 2011 and you’ll see what I’m talking.

Back to the topic, many creators focus on their big name franchises becoming successful. Either through a normal traditional story that uses genres or demographic themes like Shonen, common quantity titles, niche works, or other types of diverse works that anyone can find. The thing is, it’s not just the quality, but it’s the way they do it. What do I mean? Simple… Appeal. lets be honest, anime and manga look cool. Their designs are awesome, the animation is unique, the story and themes tend to be either serious or mature, they contain a concept of design that any person can relate too, and they have this aura that can make one feel a strong personal attachment to the medium of anime and manga in general.

Compare something like Jujutsu Kaisen vs Lilo and Stich, of course a majority will take Jujutsu Kaisen. Not to mention Gen Z’s infinite growth of their love for anime and manga. It’s literally everywhere, and while earlier generations like Millennial’s and Generation X took a major role in popularizing anime and manga, Gen Z is just doing it in arguably a perfect time where everything is digital nowadays. We grew up with anime and manga right in front of our faces. We preferred Pokemon over Mickey Mouse, Naruto over Superman, and Gundam over Transformers. Hence why our community became such a POWERFUL impact both physically and digitally. Especially in terms of social atmosphere…

Now, we talked about the positives, but, unfortunately, as a consequence, all of this has lead to us otakus getting an influx of refugees from other mediums entering into our fandoms and causing the landscape to massively change. The decline of western entertainment is why anime and manga have become so successful. It’s not only because of what anime and manga is doing, but because the decline of western entertainment. There are mostly little to no stories anymore where people can look and say, “hey, I wanna get hooked onto this”. Anime and manga have become a refuge for people looking for what they use to enjoy with what loved in the past. Anime has now eclipsed what Disney and Hollywood once use to do. Manga has eclipsed what comics once use to do. The thing is, this isn’t new, I’ve been noticing this trend I’d say since the late 2010s, specifically 2017 and onward.

While some have become die-hard otakus, others continue to stay viewing anime and manga casually, losing interest and leaving later on, or, act as vile tourists that continue to plague the community. This is sadly something that all of us have to accept. Anime and manga’s mainstream success comes with a cost. The thing is, it’s nothing complex at all. This just happened simply because not only did anime and manga continue to pump out high quality entertainment, but also the fact that western entertainment, specifically American entertainment, declined. They can’t produce the quality content that attracts Gen Z nowadays. They are creatively bankrupt, but anime and manga mostly aren’t.

Not only that, but it’s VERY easy to access anime and manga nowadays. A lot more easier than what movies or comics do. Not only that, but, because Japanese soft power has become such a sensation, the Japanese theme of anime and manga is what fuels to become fans of the medium. Different culture, language, and different country in general is what appeals to many people. We can’t deny that Shounen is the front-runner with this success that anime and manga are enjoying nowadays. Demon Slayer Infinity is not only a milestone for the industry, but a symbolic reminder of how much of a long way anime and manga have become among those of the mainstream audiences. It’s definitely a bitter-sweet feeling, but, we have to acknowledge the success of what anime and manga have become. I for one, am extremely proud, but, I also acknowledge that circumstances take a role on why this movie was successful. Either way, Demon Slayer is awesome, and it makes me very happy to see how successful the film is. It truly symbolizes the brilliance of what anime and manga offer for everyone… I, as an otaku, can’t help, but feel very emotional on how anime and manga have come a LONG way for artistic recognition. I sincerely hope this movie wins the Oscars! As an otaku, I can’t help but feel great pride in witnessing Demon Slayer’s success. Nothing changes for me. In fact, it only gets better.

Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think in the comment section?