"Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" Slices Through IMAX China Records with $12.3 Million Opening Weekend
IMAX Captures 38% of Midnight Screenings as the Go-to Destination for Franchise Fans
SHANGHAI, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX China (HKSE: 1970) today announced that "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" cut a path to $12.3 million across IMAX theatres in China over the weekend, capturing 23% of the film's nationwide box office while representing roughly 1% of total screens. The performance shredded all previous IMAX China records for a Japanese-language title, posting highest-ever figures for opening weekend gross, attendance and index as fans turned out in force for the franchise's long-awaited big-screen debut in the Chinese mainland.
Over the weekend, audiences across China flocked to a total of 745 IMAX theatres as their go-to destination for experiencing this cinematic sensation. IMAX theatres dominated the film's footprint across the market, making up 86 of the top 100 highest-grossing cinemas nationwide. One in every five tickets sold for "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" was a ticket for IMAX.
The phenomenal buzz surrounding the film's release breathed new life into the long-dormant tradition of midnight screenings in China. IMAX captured 38% of nationwide box office for midnight screenings, grossing $1 million and setting a new IMAX record for midnight screenings of a Japanese film in China. Peak IMAX midnight show occupancy nationwide reached 100%, with 60 IMAX theatres completely selling out. Within 24 hours of pre-sales, IMAX represented a staggering 48% of the film's nationwide pre-sale box office.
"Pre-sales and midnight screenings are typically driven by the core fanbase of a franchise, audiences who hold the highest standards for how their favorite IP is experienced on big screen," said Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China, "IMAX's record index at these two early touchpoints shows how deeply the brand has anchored itself in audience mindset, not only as the definitive way to experience a major release, but as a collective celebration around it. It also reaffirms our ability to eventize films and elevate them into true cultural phenomena. We extend our congratulations to Maoyan Films and Aniplex for their strong support. The opening-weekend results highlight the significant social and emotional value that can be created only when premium content meets the IMAX experience."
Year-to-date, strong brand preference for IMAX has driven the company's market share in China to a record high of 5.2%. As "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" continues its run across IMAX theatres nationwide, the film is set to be followed by a rich and diverse slate of titles including Bi Gan's Cannes-winning "Resurrection", Disney's "Zootopia 2", "Avatar: Fire and Ash", and director Shen Ao's Filmed for IMAX blockbuster "Escape From The Outland".
About IMAX China
IMAX China is a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation and was incorporated as a limited liability company under the laws of Cayman Islands. IMAX China was established by IMAX Corporation specifically to oversee the expansion of IMAX's business throughout Greater China. Shares of IMAX China trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970".
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo and Shanghai. As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,829 IMAX systems (1,759 commercial multiplexes, 10 commercial destinations and 60 institutional locations) operating in 89 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970."
IMAX®, IMAX 3D®, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX Live®, IMAX Enhanced® and IMAX StreamSmart™ are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You can also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/company/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/imax), X (www.twitter.com/imax), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
SOURCE IMAX
Share this article