'Demon Slayer' movie all set to topple Studio Ghibli’s 'Spirited Away' at Japan's box office

The tale of a band of sword-wielding demon fighters debuted in comic-book form in 2016, and reached breakout status this year after the animated movie hit theatres. Photo: Handout

An anime epic in which a teenager hunts down and beheads demons has become the surprise sensation of Japanese cinema during the pandemic, and could soon be the Japan’s top-grossing film of all time.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, a full-length flick based on the hit manga series is threatening to dethrone Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, the fantastical 2001 tale that won an Oscar for Best Animated Film.