Demon Slayer's awards loss suggests it may no longer be the greatest anime

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle lost a high-profile Golden Globe in 2026 to KPop Demon Hunters, and critics have treated that outcome as a turning point in how the franchise is seen.

For years Demon Slayer was widely viewed as a defining anime phenomenon thanks to record-breaking box office returns, broad mainstream appeal, and cinematic spectacle. In 2026 the franchise faced a notable shift when Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, despite a historic Golden Globe nomination, lost to KPop Demon Hunters during awards season. That defeat did not erase the series' achievements but did prompt a reassessment of its standing among new, widely praised works. Noted developments: - Demon Slayer achieved substantial commercial success and broad cultural visibility in prior years. - Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle received a Golden Globe nomination but was defeated by KPop Demon Hunters in the 2026 awards season. - Infinity Castle is described as R rated and nearly three hours long, while KPop Demon Hunters runs around ninety minutes and was praised for accessibility. - KPop Demon Hunters earned strong critical consensus, including a notably high Rotten Tomatoes score reported in reviews. - Demon Slayer continues to appear on major awards longlists, indicating ongoing recognition within the industry. Summary: The Golden Globe result shifted conversation about Demon Slayer's position, showing other recent releases can take prominent recognition. This outcome reframes the franchise as part of a broader field of acclaimed anime rather than an uncontested leader. Undetermined at this time.