In recent years, Demon Slayer and One Piece have dominated award ceremonies, fan polls, and popularity rankings, but not everyone is happy about it. While both series have earned global fame and commercial success, some fans are growing frustrated with how frequently they win, arguing that this constant recognition overshadows other anime and manga that deserve equal praise.
What started as admiration for their achievements has turned into a wider discussion about fairness, variety, and how popularity affects recognition in the anime community.
Demon Slayer became a massive hit after its anime adaptation by Ufotable brought stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and powerful music to audiences around the world. It broke box office records, earned critical acclaim, and became a household name even outside anime circles.
Similarly, One Piece, with its long legacy and ongoing impact, continues to collect awards, merchandise deals, and cultural recognition even after more than two decades. Together, these series have defined what success looks like in modern anime.
Titles like Made in Abyss, Attack on Titan, or Vinland Saga are often mentioned as examples of shows that deliver incredible quality but don’t always receive the same level of recognition.
To Your Eternity Franchise (Credits: Yoshitoki Ōima)
Fans Grow Frustrated as Demon Slayer and One Piece Dominate Anime Awards
For many fans, the problem isn’t with Demon Slayer or One Piece themselves but with how the industry and media seem to favor what is most popular or marketable. Award shows, magazine rankings, and even streaming service features tend to highlight big names because they attract views and engagement.
This creates a cycle where already-famous titles get more exposure, while smaller or riskier series are overlooked, no matter how impressive they are creatively. Fans describe this as the “popularity bias” of the anime world.
The frustration has also sparked heated debates online. Some fans accuse the community of confusing popularity with quality, saying that just because something sells well doesn’t mean it is the best. Others defend Demon Slayer and One Piece, arguing that their consistent wins are proof of their craftsmanship, emotional depth, and appeal across audiences.
The divide has turned what could be a simple awards discussion into a passionate back-and-forth about what defines “good anime.”
Another aspect of the debate focuses on the criteria behind anime awards. Many voting systems rely on fan participation, which naturally benefits larger fanbases. Demon Slayer and One Piece each have massive global audiences, so when fan votes decide the outcome, they are almost guaranteed to win.
Critics suggest that more expert panels or diverse judging systems could give lesser-known titles a fair chance at recognition. On the other hand, supporters believe that fan-based awards reflect the voice of the people and that there’s no reason to punish success.
Debate Rises Over Popularity Bias and Lack of Recognition for Underrated Series
Creators themselves rarely comment on the controversy, but some have hinted that constant competition for awards can be stressful. A few smaller studios have even joked in interviews that they no longer expect to win anything as long as Demon Slayer or One Piece are in the same category.
While said humorously, it highlights a real issue, when the same titles dominate year after year, others can struggle to gain visibility, even when their work is excellent.
Fans also worry that this imbalance might influence future productions. If studios and publishers see that awards and profits go mainly to big, safe franchises, they might hesitate to fund experimental or original projects.
This could lead to less creative diversity in the long run, as studios stick to formulas that are known to succeed. Some anime watchers fear this might make the industry predictable, filled with sequels and spinoffs of popular series rather than bold, new stories.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Franchise (Credits: Kanehito Yamada)
Despite all the debates, many agree that both Demon Slayer and One Piece have earned their success through hard work, skill, and emotional storytelling. The problem isn’t that they win too much, it’s that the recognition system in anime might need to evolve to celebrate a wider range of works. The growing frustration among fans isn’t just jealousy; it’s a call for balance and appreciation of variety in an industry built on creativity.
As discussions continue online, fans hope for a future where award shows can honor both blockbuster hits and underrated gems. The anime world is vast, and while Demon Slayer and One Piece shine brightly, countless other stories are waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Recognizing them doesn’t take away from the big names; it simply reminds everyone that anime thrives best when all kinds of creativity are given room to be seen.
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.
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.
