The Chainsaw Man phenomenon has officially crossed another milestone. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has been named the highest-rated overall film of 2025 on Letterboxd, a platform known for its passionate and often brutally honest movie community. For an anime film to top the charts across all genres is no small feat, and it confirms what fans already suspected: this was not just another adaptation, but a cultural moment.
A Movie Event That Went Beyond the Anime Bubble
Anime films often perform well within fandom circles, but Reze Arc managed to break through that boundary. Letterboxd users, many of whom are not regular anime viewers, praised the film for its emotional weight, visual direction, and sharp storytelling.
What helped the movie stand out is that it works both as a continuation of the series and as a self-contained story. Viewers unfamiliar with Chainsaw Man could still connect with its themes of love, manipulation, and identity, while longtime fans were rewarded with one of the manga’s most beloved arcs brought to life.
Why the Reze Arc Resonated So Strongly
At the heart of the film is Reze, a character whose charm and tragedy leave a lasting impression. Her relationship with Denji is awkward, sincere, funny, and devastating, often all within the same scene. That emotional contrast is a big reason the arc has always stood out in the manga.
The movie leans into these moments without rushing them. Quiet conversations feel just as important as explosive action scenes, and that balance gives the story room to breathe. The result is a film that hits hard emotionally, not just visually.
Denji at His Most Human
While Chainsaw Man is known for chaos, gore, and dark humor, Reze Arc strips Denji down to something more vulnerable. His desire for a normal life, simple happiness, and genuine connection becomes painfully clear here.
This version of Denji is relatable in a way that resonates beyond anime fans. He’s not chasing glory or power, just affection and meaning, which makes the emotional payoff of the film especially effective.
Animation That Elevates the Source Material
MAPPA’s animation work has been widely praised, and Reze Arc may be its most refined Chainsaw Man project to date. The film combines cinematic framing, dynamic camera movement, and carefully paced action sequences that feel purpose-built for the big screen.
Explosions feel heavy, fight choreography is brutal but readable, and character expressions carry real emotional weight. The movie doesn’t rely on nonstop spectacle; instead, it uses action as punctuation for character-driven moments.
The soundtrack also deserves credit. Music choices enhance tension and heartbreak without overpowering the scenes, reinforcing the film’s moody, sometimes melancholic tone.
Letterboxd Recognition and What It Means
Being named the highest-rated film of 2025 on Letterboxd is significant because of how the platform works. Ratings are driven by active movie fans who are quick to voice criticism. For Reze Arc to maintain such a strong score suggests broad appeal, not just fan loyalty.
This recognition places the film alongside live-action dramas, blockbusters, and award contenders, proving that anime cinema can compete at the highest level when given proper care and vision.
The Chainsaw Man: The Movie — Reze Arc team share a message of thanks to the Letterboxd community for making the film the Highest Rated of the Year for our 2025 Year in Review 🧡💚🩵 @Chainsaw_EN #ChainsawMan pic.twitter.com/PKCkr9k71O
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) January 13, 2026
A Win for Anime Films Worldwide
The success of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc reflects a larger shift in how anime films are perceived globally. No longer treated as niche side projects, they are increasingly viewed as legitimate cinematic experiences.
This achievement may encourage studios to invest more confidently in theatrical anime releases, especially adaptations that take creative risks rather than playing it safe. For fans, that means better productions, wider releases, and stronger storytelling.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
Online discussions have been intense since the Letterboxd ranking went public. Fans have praised the film’s faithfulness to the manga while celebrating its cinematic enhancements. Reze herself has seen a resurgence in popularity, dominating fan art, cosplay, and discussion threads.
Even viewers unfamiliar with the original series have shared how unexpectedly emotional the film felt, often recommending it as an entry point into Chainsaw Man.
Final Thoughts
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc earning the highest Letterboxd rating of 2025 isn’t just a win for the franchise, it’s a statement. It shows that anime films can deliver emotional depth, technical excellence, and mainstream appeal all at once.
For fans, it’s a beautifully painful reminder of why this arc mattered so much. For the industry, it’s proof that when anime is treated like cinema, audiences respond. And for anyone still unsure whether anime films deserve a seat at the big table, Reze Arc has already revved the chainsaw and cleared the space.
