10 Highest-Grossing Anime Films in the American Box Office

The anime industry has long been a global cultural force, but in recent years, its financial power in the American box office has truly exploded. Japanese animated films are no longer seen as niche entertainment but as cinematic events that can directly compete with Hollywood productions.

The year 2025 will bear witness to the massive anime fan base in the US, where titles from legendary franchises like Dragon Ball and Pokémon must fiercely compete with modern franchises like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. Here is a list of the 10 highest-grossing anime films in the American box office.

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1. Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid Of Light

A spin-off film from the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime of the 2000s. This film was made at the request of 4Kids Entertainment, and the massive popularity of Yu-Gi-Oh! in the early 2000s is the main reason this film managed to gross nearly 20 million USD.

2. Pokemon The Movie 2000

Pokemon The Movie 2000 (credit: x.com/@Toon Hive)

The second theatrical film of Pokemon featuring Ash's adventure in the Orange Islands to save the world from a destruction threat involving Lugia. This film is considered one of the most iconic Pokemon films, and its visuals are still very satisfying to this day, having grossed nearly 43.76 million USD.

3. Pokemon: The First Movie

Pokemon: The First Movie (credit: x.com/@DiscussingFilm)

The first Pokemon film that tells the story of Ash and his battle against Mewtwo. With a gross of 85.74 million USD, this film holds the record as the highest-grossing anime film in America for several decades due to its emotional and action-packed narrative.

4. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (credit: x.com/@PasTPourChien)

A direct sequel to Season 1 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. With stunning visuals and an emotional storyline, particularly focusing on the character Kyojuro Rengoku, Mugen Train became a massive hit in America, dominating the box office for years before being overtaken by other titles, grossing nearly 49.51 million USD.

5. Jujutsu Kaisen 0

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (credit: pinterest.com/@Anime)

A prequel film to the anime Jujutsu Kaisen that focuses on the character Yuta Okkotsu and the curse that binds him. This film was a huge success thanks to spectacular action and stunning animation, solidifying Jujutsu Kaisen as a modern masterpiece.

6. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 (credit: pinterest.com/@Annette)

The first part of the trilogy Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. This film leads the list as the highest-grossing anime film in America. The incredible hype, inventive animation, and touching narrative ensure that this Part 1 sets a fantastic record of 133.74 million USD, proving the dominance of Demon Slayer on the global stage.

7. Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc

Chainsaw Man: The Movie ” Reze Arc (credit: pinterest.com/@Sony Pictures)

The highly anticipated sequel film of the anime Chainsaw Man. With a gross of 40.06 million USD, this film proves the franchise's success in the US thanks to its creative visuals and tragic romance that continues from Season 1.

8. Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Dragon Ball Super: Broly (credit: pinterest.com/@Shycka)

The first animated sequel of Dragon Ball Super that reintroduces the character Broly. This film received praise for successfully reworking the controversial character Broly into one of the best, supported by truly stunning fight animation.

9. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (credit: pinterest.com/@ishow rock)

The latest film in the Dragon Ball series that focuses on Piccolo and Gohan fighting the Red Ribbon Army. Despite using 3D visuals, this film was a huge success thanks to the action and surprising character writing, grossing 38.11 million USD.

10. The Boy And The Heron

The Boy And The Heron (credit: pinterest.com/@yunnanea)

The latest work from maestro Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. This film has been a huge success at the box office in the US, earning 46.83 million USD, thanks to its beautiful visuals and emotional story about overcoming loss. This film is considered one of the best from Studio Ghibli.

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