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.
| Series Title | Original Author | Anime Debut | Current Number of Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Piece | Eiichiro Oda | October 20, 1999 | 1,093+ |
| Naruto | Masashi Kishimoto | October 3, 2002 | 720 |
| Bleach | Tite Kubo | October 5, 2004 | 392+ |
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.
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.
