The global anime phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba continues its unprecedented streak of critical and commercial success. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has officially announced that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle has been longlisted for the 2026 Best Animated Film category.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for the franchise, placing it among the elite contenders for one of cinema's most prestigious honors. The nomination follows a string of accolades for the ufotable-produced epic, including a recent Golden Globe nod for Best Motion Picture – Animated.
A Box Office Titan
Since its UK release on September 12, Infinity Castle has rewritten the history books. Distributing partners Aniplex, Crunchyroll, and Sony Pictures Releasing International have overseen a theatrical run that has amassed over $793 million at the worldwide box office. This staggering figure makes it the highest-grossing Japanese film and the 5th highest-grossing non-English film of all time.
Remarkably, it has outpaced some of Hollywood's biggest 2025 blockbusters, including Superman and Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, to become the 7th highest-grossing film of the year globally.
Shattering Records in the UK and Beyond
The film’s impact in the UK and Ireland was immediate and profound. During its opening weekend, it delivered a record-breaking £3.4 million, the highest ever for an anime title in the region. Across nearly 500 screens, it maintained a £7,000 per-screen average—the highest in the territory for its debut window.
The momentum isn't limited to the UK; it also became the highest-grossing international film ever released in North America. Beyond the financial success, the film remains a critical darling, boasting a 98% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Final Chapter Begins
Infinity Castle serves as the first installment in a high-stakes cinematic trilogy designed to conclude the beloved saga. Fans eagerly awaiting the next steps in Tanjiro Kamado’s journey can watch previous installments on Crunchyroll.
The film world now turns its eyes toward London, where the winners of the 2026 BAFTA Awards will be revealed at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, February 22.
