We already knew that the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train anime film was smashing records in Asia and the Pacific region. So we expected that it would do well here in the US and Canada as well. We just never expected it to do this well.

Although maybe we should have, if this trailer is any indicator.

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train premiered in US and Canadian theaters last Friday on April 23, 2021, with over 1,600 theaters in total screening this long-awaited anime film. Over the ensuing weekend of April 24-25, Mugen Train then proceeded to earn a total of $21,144,800 at the box office, breaking yet more records in its long string of record-breaking. This time, the film not only became Funimation’s biggest 3-day opening weekend ever, but it’s also now the #1 Foreign Language Film debut in US box office history. Let me make it clear: in the entire history of the US box office, there now isn’t a single Foreign Language film that tops Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train for opening day box office results. I don’t know about you, but that is impressive.

It got to the point where even the Aniplex staff have to comment on Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. “With every milestone reached and every achievement the film has gained, we know that it is all thanks to the fans who have supported the series and the tireless work by the staff and cast,” said Atsuhiro Iwakami, president of Aniplex. “We are truly humbled and honored by how much the film has resonated with people from all over the world and to be able to play a part in nurturing this deep bond we all share as fans of anime.”

Demon Slayer: Record Train

Hashira Rengoku, ready to burn some demons in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
Oh yeah, someone’s excited. ©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

For comparison, the closest foreign language film to ever come close to Demon Slayer: Mugen Train was Pokemon: The First Movie. Ash’s battle against Mewtwo “only” managed to gross $10.1 million on its Wednesday opening day in 1999. Compared to Mugen Train‘s $21.1 million though, this isn’t even a close contest.

Pokemon: The First Movie poster.
Mewtwo, eat your heart out.

Heck, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train actually managed to outdo virtually every other film in the US and Canada. Only Mortal Kombat managed to do better at $23.3 million. It’s a pretty slim margin though. It’s very likely going to get even slimmer as time passes.

Mortal Kombat poster.
No, you get over here.

Conclusion

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train just became the number 1 highest grossing foreign language film on its opening day in US box office history in its list of records slashed. On top of that, this anime film is Funimation‘s biggest 3-day weekend theatrical opening ever. It just goes to show you: Tanjiro and co. have been seriously practicing their breathing. Interested? Then check out Mugen Train in theaters near you. Or if you’re not up for theaters just yet, you can wait for this film to come out digitally on June 22, 2021 on Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Vudu, Google Play, PlayStation Store, and Amazon. Or, if you’re interested in merch: check out the official website or Funimation Shop.

Source: Funimation, Aniplex