The success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has taken Japan by storm once again, marking another huge achievement for the beloved franchise. The film has officially overtaken One Piece Film Red in Japanese box office earnings, making it the sixth-highest-grossing movie of all time in Japan.
This milestone has reignited one of the most passionate debates among anime fans: which series truly deserves the title of “king” of shōnen, Demon Slayer or One Piece?
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continues the saga that began with the original anime and its first movie, Mugen Train. The franchise has consistently broken records since its debut, surprising even industry veterans with its massive popularity.
With breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and characters that connect deeply with audiences, Demon Slayer has become a symbol of modern anime’s global rise. Its latest success at the box office only strengthens its position as one of the most powerful franchises of the generation.
When One Piece Film Red was released, it dominated theaters and seemed unbeatable for a time. The movie, centered on the beloved character Uta and her connection to Shanks, became a cultural phenomenon in its own right, pulling both long-time fans and newcomers into theaters.
For a while, it appeared that One Piece had set a bar that would stand for years. But Infinity Castle has now surpassed it, proving that the Demon Slayer fandom’s enthusiasm remains as strong as ever.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Surpasses One Piece Film Red at Japan’s Box Office
The rivalry between Demon Slayer and One Piece fans has been a recurring theme online. As soon as news broke about Infinity Castle surpassing Film Red, social media platforms were flooded with reactions.
Fans of Demon Slayer celebrated the achievement, declaring that the series had officially dethroned One Piece as the top shōnen franchise of the modern era. On the other hand, One Piece supporters were quick to defend their favorite, arguing that the two series represent different eras and that One Piece still holds a far greater cultural legacy.
Some fans pointed out that One Piece has been running for more than two decades and has built its reputation over time, while Demon Slayer achieved its record-breaking success in a relatively short span.
They see this as proof of Demon Slayer’s modern appeal, particularly among younger fans who appreciate faster pacing and high-quality animation. Others argued that while Demon Slayer has incredible visuals and emotional moments, One Piece remains unmatched in world-building, story depth, and consistency.
Industry experts have also weighed in on the phenomenon. Many attribute Demon Slayer’s success to a perfect combination of timing, emotional storytelling, and technical brilliance. The involvement of Ufotable, known for its exceptional animation, played a major role in making every scene feel cinematic and immersive. In contrast,
One Piece Film Red thrived on nostalgia, music, and the emotional connection fans have developed with the series over decades. Each film reflects what makes its franchise special, but their differing approaches highlight how anime storytelling has evolved.
Fan Debate Erupts Over Which Series Is the True “King” of Shōnen
The debate about which series is the “king” of shōnen goes beyond box office numbers. It touches on generational differences within the anime community. Older fans grew up with One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, the “Big Three” that dominated the 2000s.
Younger fans, however, often see Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man as the new faces of mainstream anime. For them, Demon Slayer represents a new standard for animation and emotional storytelling. The rivalry between these generations of fans has become a defining feature of anime discussions today.
Despite the competition, many agree that both series have contributed greatly to anime’s growing popularity worldwide. One Piece continues to tell its epic story, which remains one of the most ambitious in manga history.
Meanwhile, Demon Slayer has captured the hearts of millions with its visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of family, courage, and loss. Both have raised the bar in their own ways, influencing how anime is produced and consumed globally.
As Infinity Castle continues its strong box office run, it’s clear that Demon Slayer’s momentum is far from over. Its victory over Film Red is not just a matter of numbers, it reflects how deeply the story has resonated with audiences. Whether fans see it as a passing trend or a sign of a new era in anime, the impact is undeniable.
In the end, debates about which series is the true “king” may never end, and perhaps they shouldn’t. Rivalries like these keep the anime community alive and passionate. Both Demon Slayer and One Piece have earned their place in history, each representing different strengths of the medium.
What unites fans, despite all the arguments, is the shared love for storytelling that moves people and worlds that inspire imagination.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
Demon Slayer recently created a storm among anime fans when it surpassed One Piece in Crunchyroll ratings by fan votes. The sudden change in rankings became a major discussion topic across social media, with viewers divided over what this meant for both series.
Many fans of Demon Slayer saw this as proof of the anime’s strong impact, calling it one of the most polished and emotionally gripping shows in modern anime history. Others, particularly long-time One Piece supporters, argued that comparing the two was unfair because One Piece has been running for over two decades while Demon Slayer has only been around for a few years.
The debate quickly grew beyond ratings and became a clash of generations. Demon Slayer’s supporters often pointed out that its story is short, structured, and visually stunning, making it easier for new viewers to enjoy.
Its arcs are focused, the pacing is quick, and every episode feels cinematic. Studio Ufotable’s animation has received endless praise for its smooth fight choreography and detailed backgrounds. Fans also say that Demon Slayer’s emotional storytelling and its focus on family, grief, and determination help it connect with audiences in a way few modern shows do.
However, One Piece fans were not pleased by the comparison. Many have pointed out that One Piece has been building its world and story since 1999, and that its true strength lies in the depth of its characters and the complexity of its narrative. The slow pacing, they argue, comes from the challenge of adapting a massive ongoing manga with hundreds of characters and interconnected plotlines.
One Piece’s emotional moments, such as the Going Merry’s farewell, Ace’s death, and the crew’s long journeys, have left deep impressions on generations of viewers. To them, the idea that Demon Slayer could surpass such a legacy based on temporary ratings felt disrespectful to the series’ long-standing contribution to anime.
One Piece Franchise (Creidts: Eichiro Oda)
Demon Slayer Overtakes One Piece in Crunchyroll Ratings, Sparks Fan Debate
The discussion also revealed differences in what fans value most in anime. Younger audiences often lean toward shorter, high-quality series that deliver strong visuals and emotional punch within a few seasons.
Older fans or long-time viewers tend to prefer shows with in-depth storytelling, character development, and world-building, even if they unfold at a slower pace. This generational gap plays a large part in why arguments like these flare up whenever rankings change.
Some neutral fans tried to find a middle ground, saying that both shows excel in different ways. Demon Slayer may not have the length or depth of One Piece, but it raises the bar for production quality and cinematic storytelling in modern anime.
On the other hand, One Piece continues to prove that long-running stories can maintain heart and ambition even after a thousand episodes. Both are success stories that helped expand anime’s global reach, inspiring countless new viewers to explore Japanese animation.
Industry observers also pointed out that online ratings do not necessarily reflect long-term popularity or cultural influence. Crunchyroll votes can fluctuate based on new episodes or current hype. When a particularly stunning Demon Slayer episode airs, fans rush to vote, boosting its position temporarily.
In contrast, One Piece’s long-term fan base tends to remain stable rather than reactive. These short bursts of attention are common in anime communities and often lead to temporary spikes in popularity.
Visual Brilliance vs Legacy Storytelling: The New Age Anime Rivalry
Despite the heated debates, the situation shows how passionate anime fans are about their favorite series. Whether defending a modern hit like Demon Slayer or a legendary franchise like One Piece, fans share the same love for storytelling, animation, and emotional impact. Some even admitted that while they preferred one over the other, both series deserve respect for what they bring to the medium.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
The argument may eventually fade, but it highlights a broader trend in anime fandom, the constant comparison between new and old, short and long, quality and legacy. Demon Slayer’s achievement in surpassing One Piece, even temporarily, speaks to the changing tastes of modern audiences and the growing global recognition of high-quality production. Meanwhile, One Piece continues its epic journey, proving that longevity and depth remain powerful traits in storytelling.
In the end, both shows represent different strengths of anime. Demon Slayer shines through its beauty and focus, while One Piece stands tall for its legacy and worldbuilding. The rankings may rise and fall, but both series continue to define different eras of anime excellence.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
