What Are The Big Three Anime? These Shonen Anime Are Still Popular

A select few anime series have ascended to the pinnacle of the industry, earning recognition as some of the best and most beloved titles of all time.

Series like Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Death Note have led the way, while among modern anime, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia stand as dominant forces.

Yet, despite their immense popularity, no definitive consensus exists on what an official top three or even top ten ranking would look like. However, in the past, things were much clearer, thanks to the legendary “Big Three” of shonen anime.

During their prime, the “Big Three” were One Piece by Eiichiro Oda, Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, and Bleach by Tite Kubo. These series weren’t simply fan favorites; they were the undisputed giants of their time, dominating in sales and profoundly influencing the next wave of shonen manga and anime.

Though their peak popularity was in the 2000s and early 2010s, their impact remains strong even today, with their successors now in the spotlight. Their lasting appeal is due to several compelling factors.

10. The Big Three Have Meaningful Themes

Most great anime incorporate strong thematic elements, with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood often being celebrated for its deep and thought-provoking themes.

However, the Big Three possess some of the most resonant and widely appealing themes in anime history. Shonen series like these feature clear and powerful messages that not only connect with their intended audience but also captivate anime fans across the board.

For instance, One Piece centers around the theme of freedom, both on an individual level and as a broader societal ideal.

While Luffy is not on a mission to save the world, he seeks to live life on his own terms. At the same time, he is willing to fight for the freedom of others, as seen in arcs like Alabasta and Dressrosa.

Naruto, on the other hand, is a story about the power of hard work and believing in others, while Bleach places a strong emphasis on the power of friendship, a theme particularly evident in the Soul Society arc.

9. The Big Three Raised the Standard for Action Sequences

Many modern shonen and seinen anime showcase incredible action scenes, with standout moments like Kyojuro Rengoku’s battle against Akaza in Demon Slayer or All Might’s final showdown with All For One in My Hero Academia.

Yet, despite the high quality of today’s fight sequences, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach still set the gold standard, featuring some of the most legendary battles in anime history.

Each series boasts masterfully written and beautifully animated fights that helped define an entire generation of anime. In One Piece, Luffy’s clashes with formidable foes like Sir Crocodile and Donquixote Doflamingo remain unforgettable.

Meanwhile, Naruto delivered emotionally charged showdowns, with Naruto vs. Sasuke standing out as a defining rivalry. Bleach also left its mark with the high-stakes battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki, an intense fight that remains etched in the minds of anime fans.

8. Nostalgia Keeps the Big Three Alive

The passage of time treats anime series differently—some fade into obscurity, while others persist in the hearts of fans. Nostalgia plays a crucial role in keeping certain anime alive, and for many, the Big Three remain as cherished as ever. However, nostalgia isn’t merely about longing for the past; it ensures these classics stay relevant in the present.

A prime example of this is the Millennial generation, which grew up watching Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach, often through Toonami and other anime programming blocks. Alongside Dragon Ball Z, these series served as an introduction to anime for many fans. As Millennials keep these series alive within the fandom, younger anime enthusiasts—such as Generation Z—continue to discover and embrace them.

7. The Big Three Embrace Optimistic Storytelling

Every generation of pop culture has its share of dark and gritty narratives, from Berserk to Tokyo Ghoul, yet audiences also seek out uplifting and feel-good stories. While the Big Three certainly have their serious and intense moments, they remain fundamentally optimistic and lighthearted at their core.

This optimistic tone is what sets them apart from modern, darker series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, which emphasize brutality and morally ambiguous antiheroes.

In contrast, the Big Three hail from a simpler era of shonen, where themes of hope, perseverance, and friendship were at the forefront, making them deeply appealing to fans who crave a more uplifting story.

6. The Big Three’s Success is Backed by Record-Breaking Sales

While raw sales numbers alone don’t determine a series’ value, they undeniably shape public perception and reputation. Some anime fans gravitate toward underrated gems, but when a series sells over 100 million volumes, it’s clear that it has struck a chord with a massive audience.

The Big Three stand among the best-selling manga of all time, and their widespread availability further enhances their legendary status. Just as Demon Slayer skyrocketed in popularity due to its staggering manga sales and hit anime adaptation, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach cemented their places in history through their commercial success.

The Big Three Anime

5. The Big Three’s Merchandise Keeps Them Relevant

The longevity of these series isn’t just due to their extensive episode counts and manga volumes—merchandising plays a significant role. Anime fans today can purchase everything from Blu-rays and manga to keychains, sneakers, hoodies, mugs, and figures featuring their favorite characters.

While newer anime like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer dominate the merchandise market, the Big Three remain ever-present. Naruto headbands, Bleach-themed apparel, and One Piece accessories are still widely available, reinforcing the cycle of popularity that keeps these series alive.

4. Movies and Games Keep Fans Engaged

Beyond physical merchandise, the Big Three also thrive through their extensive catalogs of anime films and video games. Even non-canon movies help keep their respective franchises fresh, much like how Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and My Hero Academia’s film trilogy expanded their universes.

For instance, One Piece Film: Red was a massive success, and the Naruto series remains widely beloved for its Ninja Storm video game franchise, providing fans with thrilling ways to continue experiencing their favorite stories.

3. New Series Continue Their Legacy

The Big Three aren’t just relics of the past—each franchise has found ways to continue evolving. Bleach made a stunning return with the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Naruto remains active through Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and One Piece has successfully entered live-action territory with Netflix’s widely praised adaptation.

These ongoing projects ensure that new generations of fans continue discovering thee legendary series.

2. The Big Three Feature Some of the Best Combat Systems

A well-crafted combat system can define an action anime. While modern series like My Hero Academia and Chainsaw Man introduce innovative battle mechanics, the depth and creativity of the Big Three’s combat systems remain unmatched.

From Naruto’s chakra-based jutsu and summoning techniques to One Piece’s Haki and Devil Fruits, and Bleach’s zanpakuto transformations, each series has crafted an iconic and evolving battle system that keeps fans invested.

1. The Big Three Shaped the Future of Shonen Anime

Much like Dragon Ball inspired them, the Big Three laid the foundation for modern shonen. Their influence can be seen in newer series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, proving that their legacy continues to shape the anime landscape for years to come.

Marvel Comics is filled with numerous intricate settings and universes, each home to unique and mysterious locations. One such location that has drawn attention from both comic book fans and enthusiasts is Celestial Island. This secretive and mystical place holds ties to the Celestials, some of Marvel’s most powerful and ancient cosmic beings. The island is more than just a simple piece of land; it’s a place that plays a significant role in Marvel’s larger cosmic mythology.

The Origins of Celestial Island

Celestial Island, often referred to as the “Island of the Celestials,” is a fictional location in Marvel Comics that holds great significance within the cosmic elements of the Marvel universe. It is tied to the Celestials, an ancient and god-like race of cosmic beings. These beings have existed for millions of years, creating and manipulating life across the cosmos. The island itself is directly connected to these cosmic entities and has ties to their mysterious and often destructive role in shaping life on Earth.

Celestial Island (Image via Getty)

The Celestials are known for their immense power and their ability to alter the fate of entire planets. They were responsible for the creation of various life forms throughout the universe, including the Eternals and Deviants. Celestial Island is said to be a place where these beings once gathered, possibly to discuss their grand cosmic designs or to conduct experiments on life and evolution. The island itself is a site of great importance, and it holds knowledge and secrets tied to the Celestials’ purposes.

The Significance of Celestial Island

Celestial Island is not only significant because of its connection to the Celestials but also due to its impact on Earth’s history. Over the years, the island has become a focal point for many significant Marvel storylines. In some versions of Marvel Comics, it is depicted as a place where the Celestials have hidden their most dangerous secrets, including knowledge that could change the fate of entire civilizations.

In the comics, the island has been seen as a mysterious and potentially dangerous place. Its existence has often been linked to cosmic-level events that threaten the entire universe. In one famous storyline, the island serves as the setting for a confrontation between Earth’s heroes and the Celestials, with both sides struggling to understand the larger implications of the Celestials’ power and influence.

The island is often shown as a powerful, mystical, and unknowable place. It can be difficult to access and is not always easy to locate. The Celestials themselves are elusive, and their motives remain unclear. Because of this, Celestial Island has become a symbol of mystery and hidden knowledge, representing the unknown aspects of the universe that Marvel’s heroes and villains are often trying to understand or control.

Key Events Involving Celestial Island

Over the years, Celestial Island has played a pivotal role in several major story arcs in Marvel Comics. Some of the most significant events connected to the island involve the Eternals and the Celestials themselves. The island has served as a battleground, a place of discovery, and sometimes even a setting for catastrophic events that could alter the balance of the entire Marvel universe.

Celestial Island (Image via Getty)

The Arrival of the Celestials

One of the most important moments in Marvel’s cosmic history is when the Celestials first arrived on Earth. This event is key to understanding Celestial Island’s significance. The Celestials are said to have visited Earth eons ago, and during their stay, they made profound alterations to life on the planet. The Celestials are responsible for creating the Eternals, a race of near-immortal beings, as well as the Deviants, another group of genetically altered creatures.

The Celestials’ experiments on Earth were not limited to just creating life; they also performed other tests on humanity and the planet itself. This included the creation of the “Progenitor” Celestial, whose body remains buried beneath the surface of the Earth. This body became a critical part of the larger mythology surrounding Celestial Island, as it is said to hold power that could potentially reshape the fate of the universe.

The Eternals’ Connection to Celestial Island

The Eternals, who are deeply connected to the Celestials, have a direct relationship with Celestial Island. They were created by the Celestials, and their purpose is often tied to ensuring the stability of Earth and the continuation of life. The island serves as a focal point for many of the Eternals’ struggles and their understanding of their origins. For the Eternals, Celestial Island is not just a physical location; it represents their purpose and the larger cosmic designs that they were created to fulfill.

In some storylines, the Eternals must protect the island from various threats, including the Deviants, who seek to use the knowledge of the Celestials for their own gain. The Eternals’ connection to Celestial Island is a central theme in many of their stories, as they seek to understand the full scope of their origins and what the Celestials’ presence means for the future of Earth.

The Celestials’ Grand Design

Celestial (Image via Getty)

A recurring theme in the stories of Celestial Island is the idea of the “Grand Design.” The Celestials are not just random beings; they have a carefully crafted plan for the universe. Their actions are often based on a larger cosmic purpose that is beyond the comprehension of most beings. Celestial Island is one of the key locations where this grand design is revealed or hinted at.

In various storylines, the Celestials are depicted as seeking to create or destroy life as part of their grand plan. This includes evaluating the potential of various civilizations, including humanity, and deciding whether they should continue to exist. The mystery surrounding Celestial Island often revolves around this idea—what role does Earth play in the Celestials’ larger plans, and how will it affect the balance of the universe?

Celestial Island’s Connection to Other Marvel Storylines

While Celestial Island has its roots in cosmic storylines, its influence extends far beyond the Celestials. Many other major Marvel characters and groups have interacted with the island or sought to understand its mysteries.

For example, the Avengers have crossed paths with Celestial Island several times, often encountering situations where they must face off against the Celestials themselves. The X-Men, too, have been involved in events surrounding the island, especially in relation to their cosmic-level battles and interactions with powerful beings like the Celestials.

The island’s power is also of great interest to many Marvel villains, such as Thanos, who seeks to harness the energy and knowledge of the Celestials to further his own goals. These power struggles between heroes and villains often lead to dramatic confrontations that impact not just Earth, but the entire universe.