The Big 3 Anime: Then, Now, and What’s to Come

Kapanlagi.com - For those of you who grew up with shounen anime, the term The Big 3 immediately brings to mind the long list of anime that used to air every week and became a must-talk topic. This title is not just about popularity, but about anime that truly dominated a generation, from the number of episodes, cultural impact, to the size of its fanbase.

Over time, the anime world has changed. Once, only a handful of titles really 'dominated everything', while now many big anime come and go. Because of this, the concept of the Big 3 has also evolved. Let’s discuss from the past to the possibilities of the future.

1. The Real Big 3

In the 2000s, Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach were the three main pillars of shounen anime. All three had long runs, expansive story worlds, and iconic characters that were easily recognizable even by those who rarely watch anime.

Naruto excelled in themes of friendship and the struggle against fate, Bleach stood out with its visual style and cool sword fights, while One Piece thrived through its world-building and evolving emotional story. During this time, the Big 3 truly felt like a 'gateway' into the world of anime.

There are also debates about Dragon Ball Z being one of The Big 3. However, looking at the timeline, the release year of Dragon Ball Z is much older compared to the three titles above, so its era is different. Still, a legendary anime.

2. Honorable Mention The Big 3

Hunter X Hunter anime poster (Credit: IMDB)

Although not officially part of the Big 3, some anime are often mentioned as nearly entering the ranks of the Big 3. Hunter x Hunter is famous for its complex power system and unexpected dark story. Fullmetal Alchemist is praised for its neat plot and strong themes of humanity.

Meanwhile, Black Clover is often seen as a successor to the classic long anime style. Although initially underestimated, this anime slowly built a large fanbase thanks to character development and increasingly solid battles.

3. The Big 3 Now

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime poster (Credit: IMDB)

In the modern era, fans often refer to Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia as the current Big 3. All three are globally popular, have significant sales, and regularly trend with each episode or movie release.

Demon Slayer dominates in visual appeal and box office, Jujutsu Kaisen excels with fast-paced action and edgy characters, while My Hero Academia successfully brings the superhero concept to the shounen anime world with a story that is easy for many to follow.

Additionally, there is a debate about whether Chainsaw Man should also be on the list, replacing My Hero Academia. Well, what do you think?

4. Who Will Be The Next Big 3?

Dandadan anime poster (Credit: IMDB)

In the future, determining a new Big 3 will become increasingly difficult. The anime industry is changing rapidly now, and seasonal anime can go viral and then be over in just a few months. However, some titles like Dandadan, Solo Leveling, Sakamoto Days, and even new anime that have yet to emerge could become icons of the next generation.

Perhaps in the future, the Big 3 will not be about three anime dominating for over a decade, but rather about who is the most influential in their time. One thing is for sure, the anime world will continue to give birth to 'new giants', even though the form of their dominance is different from before.

(kpl/jpg)