7 contenders for the "new gen anime Big 3" title, ranked least to most popular

One of the most pervasive conversations in the anime community across the last decade-plus has been about what the new gen anime Big 3 is, which can be a difficult statement to decipher. New gen refers to those manga series that began after 2010, like My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and so on. The anime Big 3 references the original Big 3 of One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, called so for the international popularity they had and gave to the anime medium in turn.

In essence, fans are debating what they think the new gen anime equivalents to the original anime Big 3 will be, which is certainly a tall order. Ignoring the debate of whether or not the Big 3 can even be replicated, there are a few new gen anime series that seem to be legitimate contenders for the next generation’s shared throne.

Disclaimer: This article represents the author's opinions and their opinions only. Readers' discretion is requested.

New gen anime Big 3 contenders include Boruto, Frieren, and more

7) Boruto

Boruto as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot)

While Boruto is the least likely contender in the new gen anime Big 3 race among those series included here, it’s not necessarily in a bad spot. Admittedly, the anime’s first part is plagued by a muddled mix of filler and anime canon, as well as shoddy animation thanks to a weekly schedule. The story’s first part is also not very captivating from a narrative perspective in many areas.

However, Boruto deserves mention for what will eventually become the Two Blue Vortex anime, if nothing else. This will mark the start of the series’ second part, which is approaching nearly a year of serialization in the manga and hitting impressive benchmarks, like beating out One Piece in certain readership numbers. With this in mind, the series may be starting with something of a handicap, but it is undoubtedly still a contender in the current landscape.

6) Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man's titular hero as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Following an impressive debut in the Fall 2022 anime season, fans immediately began discussing Chainsaw Man as a candidate for the new gen anime Big 3. The series’ unique power system, dark fantasy art style, and character-driven narrative were all major boons to its popularity, even if other aspects of the anime were divisive.

In addition to these points, the longevity the series has also makes it a contender, with the original anime Big 3 all running for extremely long periods of time. The manga is currently making its way through its second part with no signs of stopping anytime soon, and creator Tatsuki Fujimoto has previously expressed a desire to make the series into three parts. For perspective, the anime is less than halfway through the first part as of this article’s writing.

5) Black Clover

Protagonist Asta as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot)

Like Boruto, Black Clover is another Pierrot product that suffered from maintaining a weekly schedule over several years. While it found more success than Boruto did, the anime was eventually put on the shelf, as the manga has since continued. However, recent reports from Pierrot suggest the series could be coming back on a seasonal basis, making it a definitive contender for the new gen anime Big 3 title.

That being said, there are other reasons why the series is a contender. An exciting power system, lovable and well-developed main and side characters, fantastic fight scenes with memorable and logical conclusions, and more are all what make the series great. Many fans saw this in the anime’s original run, and hopefully even more will recognize this upon its return.

4) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Upon premiering during the Fall 2023 anime season, the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End anime took the medium’s world by storm and was all anyone could talk about as it was airing. Further proof of its success and popularity is the fact that it dethroned long-time MyAnimeList champion Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as the site’s top-rated anime by roughly 0.3 stars.

Part of what makes Frieren so unique is its framed narrative, which hinges on the lifespan of the series’ titular elven protagonist and her long life. This creates an enjoyable story that may delay answers for fans but always delivers satisfactory ones in a quick time period. Beyond this, stellar animation from Madhouse Studios, the potential for longevity, lovable main and side characters, and more all help to cement it as a true contender.

3) My Hero Academia

Protagonist Deku as seen in the anime (Image via BONES)

As likely the third most popular contender for the new gen anime Big 3 title, one can very reasonably argue that My Hero Academia is the series to beat for a spot. However, this will prove incredibly difficult, as creator Kohei Horikoshi’s tale is one of the most beloved in recent memory. A significant part of what makes Horikoshi’s story so popular is its protagonist, Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, who is one of the most humanized and relatable characters in recent memory.

The Quirks power system also helps with the series’ popularity, putting a new and exciting twist on the classic “humanity evolved into having superpowers” trope. Additionally, the villains are just as well written and detailed as the heroes, with Studio BONES also providing great animation, a nearly perfect OST, and the story itself having many memorable picture-perfect moments.

2) Demon Slayer

Protagonist Tanjiro as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Without a doubt, Demon Slayer deserves to be a top contender for the new gen anime Big 3 title, and the biggest reason is that it is responsible for the medium’s Western renaissance. Thanks to the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic and American lockdown, many new anime fans cite their exposure to Demon Slayer during this time as what made them begin to like anime. The original Big 3 have also received similar comments, emphasizing the feat’s significance.

Unsurprisingly, Demon Slayer’s additional strengths are very similar to those already mentioned. This includes a lovable and well-developed cast in its entirety, a unique power system with enchanting visuals, stellar animation from Ufotable studios, a relatable story, even with how fantastical it is, and more. Without a doubt, creator Koyoharu Gotouge’s series is firmly in control of a spot amongst the next anime Big 3.

1) Jujutsu Kaisen

Protagonist Yuji as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA Studios)

However, the most popular contender for the next installment of the anime Big 3 is none other than author and illustrator Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen series. It has the most unique and inventive power system of the series mentioned here, with the system’s freedom also allowing for truly unique and irreplicable powers and move sets. Combined with an emphasis on action and choreography, it’s likely the most successful battle shonen of the 2010s decade.

Beyond this, the series’ story is not as deep as others on this list but is also much more enthralling than any of them by nature of protagonist Yuji Itadori and his journey. Lovable side characters like Satoru Gojo, truly cruel villains who are unique in the lengths they’ll go to, and the exploration of identity and purpose in life, the series does also solidify its dominance in the medium today.

In summation

While the argument of whether or not the anime Big 3 can be replicated is a hotly debated topic, it’s clear that the above series are the best candidates for the new gen’s version of the group. That being said, more and more anime and manga are released each and every season, meaning that the new gen anime Big 3 candidates are liable to shake up at any point without warning.