The Chainsaw Man phenomenon has officially hit theaters, and the results are nothing short of explosive. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc premiered in North America on October 24, 2025, immediately dominating the box office with a stunning $14 million opening weekend—surpassing all industry expectations. But this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of anime's most beloved franchises.
The Reze Arc Movie: A Box Office Juggernaut
Studio MAPPA's theatrical debut for Chainsaw Man has been met with unprecedented critical and audience acclaim. The film currently holds a perfect 100% critics score and an astounding 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—a rare achievement that even surpasses the recent Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle film.
The movie earned an impressive $3.4 million from Thursday preview screenings alone, signaling massive fan enthusiasm. Since launching in Japan last September, the film has already amassed over $64 million globally, cementing anime's continued dominance at the box office.
Critics have praised the film's spectacular blend of brutal action sequences, emotional depth, and MAPPA's stunning animation quality. The Hollywood Reporter noted the film's "flawless 100 percent rating from critics and an astonishing 99 percent score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes", while reviewers highlighted how director Tatsuya Yoshihara transformed the Reze Arc into "one of the year's best animated movies".
What is Chainsaw Man? A Quick Primer
For newcomers wondering what all the hype is about, Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a poverty-stricken teenager forced to work as a Devil Hunter to pay off his deceased father's debts to the yakuza. His only companion is Pochita, an adorable chainsaw-powered devil dog who helps him survive by hunting devils and selling their remains.
Denji's grim existence takes a dark turn when the yakuza betray him in a deal with the Zombie Devil, leaving him brutally murdered. In his final moments, Pochita makes a contract with Denji, fusing their bodies together and reviving him as Chainsaw Man—a powerful hybrid entity who can transform by pulling a cord in his chest, sprouting chainsaws from his head and arms.
Rescued by the enigmatic Makima, a high-ranking member of the Public Safety Devil Hunters, Denji joins the government agency tasked with protecting Japan from devil threats. The series follows his journey as he battles devils, foreign assassins, and sinister conspiracies—all while trying to live the simple life he's always dreamed of.
The Reze Arc: Love, Betrayal, and Explosive Action
The movie adapts one of the manga's most emotionally charged storylines. After the intense Katana Man arc that concluded Season 1, Denji encounters Reze, a charming barista who works at a café he frequents. Unlike the manipulative Makima, Reze seems genuinely interested in Denji as a person, not just as the powerful Chainsaw Man.
Their budding romance takes Denji on an emotional rollercoaster. Reze encourages him to attend school, teaches him about normal teenage life, and even takes him on dates—including an atmospheric nighttime visit to a school with a memorable pool scene that the movie extends beautifully. For the first time, Denji experiences what it's like to be treated as a regular person rather than a weapon or pet.
However, the romance takes a devastating turn when Reze's true identity is revealed: she is the Bomb Devil, a weapon hybrid created by the Soviet Union. Trained from childhood as an assassin, Reze was sent to capture Chainsaw Man's heart—literally. She transforms by pulling a grenade pin on her neck choker, gaining the ability to create massive explosions, detonate body parts remotely, and propel herself through the air with explosive force.
The betrayal sends Denji into one of his most intense battles yet. With help from his allies—including Beam the Shark Fiend, Aki Hayakawa, and the Angel Devil—Denji must confront both his feelings for Reze and the deadly threat she represents. The film's second half delivers spectacular action sequences featuring explosive battles across Tokyo's streets and skies, showcasing why MAPPA is considered one of the industry's premier animation studios.
MAPPA's Animation Excellence
Studio MAPPA has outdone itself with the Reze Arc movie. The animation quality has been universally praised as some of the best work the studio has ever produced—which is saying something considering their track record with Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Vinland Saga.
The film maintains the experimental visual approach from Season 1 while ramping up the action intensity. Critics noted that while some sequences feel more straightforward than the TV series' boldly cinematic style, the movie compensates with "a compelling romance and one of the best soundtracks of the year". Composer Kensuke Ushio returns to deliver a pulsating score that perfectly complements the explosive visuals.
Reviewers specifically highlighted the pool scene's emotional impact, where subtle animation work and soundtrack choices transform what could have been simple fan service into "an emotional climax in the budding relationship between Denji and Reze". The film's ability to balance brutal, bloody action with tender, vulnerable moments showcases MAPPA's mastery of the medium.
The First Season Recap
Season 1 of Chainsaw Man aired from October 12 to December 28, 2022, covering 38 chapters of Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga across 12 episodes. The season adapted four major arcs: the Introduction Arc, Bat Devil Arc, Eternity Devil Arc, and Katana Man Arc.
The series introduced viewers to Denji's transformation into Chainsaw Man, his recruitment into Public Safety Division 4 under Makima's command, and his partnerships with the fiery Blood Fiend Power and the serious Devil Hunter Aki Hayakawa. Together, this unlikely trio faced increasingly dangerous devils and foreign assassins, all while Denji struggled with his feelings for Makima and his desire for a normal life.
The season concluded with the Katana Man arc, where Denji faced off against a Gun Devil fragment and experienced devastating losses that set the stage for the Reze Arc. With only the first 22 pages of Chapter 38 adapted, there's still substantial source material remaining from Part 1 of the manga.
Where to Watch Chainsaw Man
The first season of Chainsaw Man is available for streaming on multiple platforms. Fans can watch it on Hulu (both subbed and dubbed), Crunchyroll, Disney+, and various other services.
Crunchyroll even hosted a special free marathon of the entire first season on YouTube in October 2025, giving fans a chance to catch up before the Reze Arc movie's theatrical release. The movie is currently playing exclusively in theaters, distributed by Sony and Crunchyroll in North America.
Chainsaw Man Season 2: What We Know
While fans celebrate the Reze Arc movie's success, the burning question remains: when will Chainsaw Man Season 2 be announced?
Here's what we know so far:
Official Confirmation: In September 2025, reports emerged that Chainsaw Man Season 2 production has been confirmed, with MAPPA returning as the animation studio. However, no official release date has been announced yet.
MAPPA's Plans: At Anime Expo 2025, MAPPA President and CEO Manabu Otsuka revealed that the studio already has a clear plan for what comes after the Reze Arc movie. When asked about Season 2, Otsuka stated: "We have plans for what we want to do after the film. We really can't say. We do have something in mind. We do have the best way of doing whatever comes next, but we really can't say".
Release Date Speculation: Industry analysts estimate that Season 2 will likely premiere in mid-to-late 2026 or even 2027. This timeline is based on MAPPA's typical production schedules, which usually involve a three-year gap between seasons for their major series. Given that Season 1 aired in late 2022 and the Reze Arc movie released in 2025, a 2026-2027 release window seems plausible.
Jump Festa 2026: The upcoming Jump Festa event scheduled for December 20-21, 2025 in Japan will feature Chainsaw Man on the Jump Super Stage. Many fans are hoping for an official Season 2 announcement at this event, similar to how other major Shonen Jump series have revealed new projects at past Jump Festa conventions.
What Season 2 Will Cover
Season 2 will likely continue adapting the remaining chapters of Part 1, starting with the aftermath of the Reze Arc and moving into the International Assassins Arc. This storyline intensifies the stakes dramatically, introducing new devil hunters from around the world who are all targeting Denji.
The manga's Part 1, also known as the Public Safety Saga, currently has 97 chapters, meaning there's still plenty of material left to adapt even after the movie. Eventually, the anime will need to address the devastating revelations about Makima's true nature as the Control Devil and the climactic battles that conclude Denji's first major journey.
Beyond Part 1, the manga's Part 2 (which began in 2022) introduces a new protagonist, Asa Mitaka, and the War Devil Yoru, who possesses Asa in a manner similar to how Pochita fused with Denji. Part 2 takes place during the "Academy Saga" and explores themes of war, fame, and identity while bringing back Denji in a new role.
The Creative Mind Behind Chainsaw Man
Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, has become one of the most celebrated manga artists of the modern era. Born on October 10, 1992 or 1993, in Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, Japan, Fujimoto studied Western painting at Tohoku University of Art and Design.
His previous work, Fire Punch, already showcased his talent for blending dark themes with emotional storytelling. However, Chainsaw Man has elevated him to superstar status. The series is known for its unpredictable narrative, willingness to kill beloved characters, and unique blend of horror, comedy, and genuine emotional depth.
Fujimoto's unconventional personality deeply influences his work. He's known for creating intensely personal stories that explore themes of exploitation, desire, and the human condition through the lens of supernatural horror. His manga Look Back was adapted into a film that premiered in 2024 and achieved a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the same feat the Reze Arc movie has now accomplished.
Critics note that Fujimoto's "outlandish nature" and "unconventional personality" make him one of the most fascinating creators in manga. He's mentioned that Reze was one of his favorite characters, partly inspired by the concept of Denji falling for someone other than Makima, only for Makima to cruelly intervene.
The Anime Boom Continues
The success of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is part of a larger trend of anime dominating theatrical box offices worldwide. Just weeks before Chainsaw Man's debut, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle opened with a massive $70 million in North America and has since earned over $588 million globally.
These theatrical releases demonstrate that anime has transcended niche appeal to become a major force in mainstream entertainment. Distributors like Sony and Crunchyroll are capitalizing on dedicated fanbases willing to pack theaters for premium anime experiences.
Forbes noted that "anime films have experienced notable achievements at the box office recently," with both Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man proving that "distributors increasingly rely on anime enthusiasts to fill theaters". The strategy of adapting popular manga arcs into theatrical films rather than traditional TV episodes allows studios to maintain higher animation quality while generating substantial revenue.
Why Chainsaw Man Resonates
What makes Chainsaw Man stand out in the crowded anime landscape? Several factors contribute to its massive appeal:
Complex Characters: Denji isn't your typical shonen protagonist. He's crude, simple-minded, and driven by basic desires—food, shelter, and physical affection. His journey from exploited child to powerful hybrid explores themes of identity, manipulation, and the search for genuine human connection.
Unpredictable Storytelling: Fujimoto isn't afraid to subvert expectations, kill major characters, or take the story in unexpected directions. The Reze Arc exemplifies this—just when viewers think Denji might finally find happiness, everything falls apart in spectacular fashion.
Stunning Visuals: MAPPA's commitment to high-quality animation has set new standards for TV anime. The muted color palette, experimental cinematography, and fluid action sequences create a distinctive visual identity that fans instantly recognize.
Emotional Depth: Beneath the gore and chaos, Chainsaw Man tells genuinely moving stories about loneliness, trauma, and the desperate human need for connection. The relationship between Denji and Reze works because both characters are broken people seeking something real in a world of devils and deception.
Perfect Soundtrack: Each episode of Season 1 featured a different ending theme by various artists, creating a unique musical identity for the series. Kensuke Ushio's score combines industrial sounds with emotional piano pieces, perfectly capturing the series' tonal contrasts.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The Chainsaw Man fanbase has enthusiastically embraced the Reze Arc movie. Social media erupted with praise following early screenings, with fans celebrating both the spectacular action and the emotional weight of Denji and Reze's relationship.
One fan event in Fort Lauderdale even offered anime-style drawing lessons specifically focused on Chainsaw Man characters, demonstrating how the series has inspired creative engagement beyond just watching. Reddit discussions and social media threads overflow with theories about Season 2, speculation about future arcs, and debates about character motivations.
The character of Pochita, Denji's chainsaw devil companion, has become one of anime's most beloved mascots despite appearing primarily in just the first episode. His adorable design—basically a small dog with a chainsaw for a nose and a pull cord tail—has spawned countless fan arts, merchandise, and even tattoos.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Chainsaw Man
With the Reze Arc movie conquering theaters and Season 2 production confirmed, Chainsaw Man's future looks incredibly bright. The franchise has proven it can deliver both critically acclaimed animation and commercial success—a combination that ensures continued investment from MAPPA and its partners.
The December 2025 Jump Festa event will likely provide the next major update on the franchise's direction. Whether that's an official Season 2 announcement with a release window, news about additional movies, or details about adapting Part 2 of the manga, fans are eagerly counting down the days.
Industry observers note that MAPPA's decision to adapt the Reze Arc as a theatrical film rather than TV episodes was strategic. The arc's explosive action sequences and emotional intensity benefit from the big-screen treatment, allowing the studio to allocate movie-level budgets to animation quality. This approach could become the blueprint for adapting future arcs as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc represents everything that makes modern anime cinema exciting: spectacular animation, emotionally complex storytelling, and the courage to take beloved manga arcs and elevate them through cinematic treatment. MAPPA has delivered a film that satisfies longtime fans while showcasing why this series has become a cultural phenomenon.
As Denji continues his chaotic journey through a world of devils, hunters, and impossible choices, audiences worldwide are strapped in for the ride. The Reze Arc proves that Chainsaw Man can deliver both explosive action and genuine heartbreak—often in the same scene. With Season 2 on the horizon and the franchise's momentum building, there's never been a better time to pull the cord and experience the chainsaw-fueled mayhem for yourself.
Whether you're a longtime manga reader or a curious newcomer drawn by the perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores, Chainsaw Man offers something truly special: a dark, brutal, hilarious, and surprisingly tender exploration of what it means to be human in a world designed to strip away your humanity. And sometimes, that exploration comes with chainsaws attached to your limbs.
The movie is currently playing in theaters, Season 1 is streaming now, and Season 2 is coming. There's no better time to join Denji's wild ride through hell and back. Just remember: in the world of Chainsaw Man, getting your heart broken might be literal.
