Demon Slayer is Now Being Called the New King of Anime Over One Piece

The image is a vibrant and intense anime collage. On the left, a character with black hair and a scarred, bloody face is depicted with a fierce expression, surrounded by fiery red and orange energy. Another character's profile is visible behind them, also engulfed in red tones. On the right, a white-haired, muscular anime character is sitting with a staff, seemingly in a more relaxed pose but with an aura. The background is dark with a bright, fiery glow. The "UNBOX DIARIES" logo is at the top right. A yellow banner at the bottom reads "Demon Slayer is Now Being Called the New King of Anime Over One Piece". Social media icons and text are present at the very bottom.

For years, One Piece ruled as the king of shonen anime, holding its place at the top of the industry.

By: Sly Juan
October 24, 2025

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For years, One Piece ruled as the king of shonen anime, holding its place at the top of the industry. But now, according to a new report from GameRant, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has taken that crown.

Demon Slayer is Now Being Called the New King of Anime Over One Piece
‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle’

The claim may sound bold, but it reflects just how massive Demon Slayer has become in recent years. Its latest movie, the first part of the Infinity Castle trilogy, took over the box office and became a global hit. It is not just an anime anymore, it is a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

Why Demon Slayer Is Leading the Pack

  • Visual Quality – Studio ufotable continues to deliver stunning animation. The Infinity Castle movie reminded everyone why Demon Slayer is seen as the gold standard of anime visuals.
  • Box Office Power – The film’s success made headlines across Japan and abroad, making it one of the top anime movies of all time.
  • Mass Appeal – While most anime build their audience slowly, Demon Slayer exploded into mainstream culture almost overnight.

According to reports from GameRant, ScreenRant, and People, its combination of cinematic storytelling, emotional depth, and incredible visuals has cemented its place in anime history.

What About One Piece?

Despite all this, One Piece is far from finished. It remains one of the best-selling manga series in history and still dominates the long-form anime scene.

The debate is not really about who is better. It is about which show defines the current moment in anime. Demon Slayer is leading in theaters and visual spectacle, while One Piece continues to set the standard for world-building and storytelling.

As noted in GameRant’s analysis, Demon Slayer’s recent momentum shows how anime has evolved. It is no longer just about long series and arcs, but also about big cinematic experiences that capture global attention.

This shift signals an exciting time for anime lovers.

Demon Slayer represents the modern face of anime excellence, while One Piece continues to carry the torch of legacy storytelling. Both coexist, but their strengths highlight different sides of what makes anime truly special.

While One Piece still sails strong, Demon Slayer is leading the charge in how anime captures the modern audience. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, it is a good time to be watching.

Which anime deserves the title of “King of Anime”?

Let us know!

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