Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc - Is it worth the hype?
Reze Arc is set in Tokyo (Erik Eastman via Unsplash)
By Jamie Bain
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc has been the highlight of movies released over the past year. Collecting over 17 million USD alone in its opening weekend, it has been argued as “A visual feast to the fans of CSM”.
Despite the recent praise for MAPPA Studios so called “best movie of 2025”, many fans believe it was a letdown following the controversy of the original animated series. It barely improved due to its “ultimately shallow” plot and adaptation to the manga.
Currently, the movie has received a perfect Rotten Tomato score and demolished box office reviews, generating over 100 million USD since its release on the 24th in the UK. It has a higher rating than the first season of the original manga TV series adaptation. Released in October 2022, the series was controversial amongst anime fans, but generally well received.
Fans attended an exclusive screening of the film before release on October 12 via Getty Images
The movie follows on from the ending of the first season, featuring the defeat of the Katana Devil and moving towards a new character named Reze (hence the Reze Arc). It follows Denji, the protagonist, meeting Reze and their relationship, before revealing she was a double agent all along, planning to steal Denji’s ‘Chainsaw Heart’.
The series is well known for its phenomenal animation throughout the episodes and interesting power system. The movie has been said to pass expectations on these and in almost all aspects which has led it to its fast-rising popularity after release.
With the 3rd spot in the box office over revenue right now, the movie has earned its spot and is comparable to some of the most popular films in anime such as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle which has been regarded as “a stunning, heart wrenching masterpiece.”
Overall, the movie has exceeded expectations and skyrocketed up the box office. Millions of fans worldwide agree that this movie is one of the most visually stunning and entertaining pieces of fiction produced this year, earning its spot as a fantastic anime of “bittersweet perfection”.