What Are The Big Three Anime?

Anime has been a popular cultural trend over the last decade. The introduction of a slice-of-life style story has attracted millions to this cultural phenomenon. As a result, many anime have become outstanding franchise that has garnered commercial success. 

Out of all the anime series until now, there are three which are the foundation of them. These franchises are known as the “big three anime”.

For the present era, these are:

1) Bleach

2) One Piece

3) Naruto

In this article, we will discuss What Are The Big Three Anime and go over some of the most relevant information about each series including its origins and critical reception.

What Are The Big Three Anime?

Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece are the three most popular anime. They are also known as “The Big Three Anime”. These series have been around for many years and continue to be popular today. Although these three anime were created for a wide audience, each one has its unique appeal that anyone can enjoy.

• Bleach

“Bleach” is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The series has been running since 2004 and was published by Shueisha in “shonen” manga form. It is currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine. It was adapted into an anime series of the same name created by Studio Pierrot. The anime first premiered with 25 episodes that aired from October 6th, 2005 to March 29th, 2006 with a total of 366 episodes.

The origins and critical reception of Bleach can be seen as the first “big three” anime. The series was created by Tite Kubo in 2004 and ran for 366 episodes until its conclusion in 2012. The series follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a Soul Reaper, a guardian of the souls of the deceased from life-threatening situations as well as a Detective.

The main characters, Ichigo and Rukia, investigate supernatural phenomena. They work in the Soul Society to protect the human world from evil beings.

“Bleach” has been popular among college students because of its intelligent storyline and ability to capture viewers with every episode.

• One Piece

One Piece is a Japanese manga created by Eiichiro Oda which was first published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in July 1997.

The series focuses on the life of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who gains power from eating a Devil Fruit. As he travels with his Captain and crew, Luffy sets out to become Royal Navy by finding the secret to obtaining the world’s greatest treasure, One Piece. The series has been adapted into a highly successful anime of the same name.

The origins and critical reception of One Piece can be seen as the second of the “big three” anime.

One Piece was created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997 and ran for over a decade before finishing its first saga in 2013. The series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, as he searches for the world’s greatest treasure known as One Piece, with his crew by his side. Their goal is to obtain the treasure and become royalty.

One Piece has been popular among students because of its interesting storyline and popularity among avid fans. Each episode contains a main story with a vast amount of side stories that are also significant. The series also contains many memorable characters that have grown during the show’s run.

It is rare for a show to be able to draw in an audience from every age category. From young children to teenagers, “One Piece” appeals to all ages of people. The series is full of action, humor, and intrigue, and has won numerous awards over the years.

• Naruto

Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The series was first published by Shueisha in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1999. The series follows the tale of Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village.

The origins and critical reception of Naruto can be seen as the third “big three” anime. Naruto was created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999 and run for a total of 220 episodes until its conclusion in 2017. With 220 episodes, Naruto is the longest-running series in Japanese anime history. 

Naruto is one of the most popular anime series of all time. Naruto has been popular among high school students and college students because of its epic storyline and diverse characters. Thought-provoking plot and mind-blowing ideologies of characters with their unique views of life.

While each chapter may not be equally action-packed, there is always another exciting story waiting to be told after each episode.

The series has been deemed one of the most famous anime because it depicts real-world issues such as friendships, responsibility, and love. 

Is DBZ in the Big 3?

Dragon Ball Z is certainly not one of the “big three” in the current era.

Big 3 anime is not an official term with some facts backing it up, but actually, a fan-made term by those who’ve experienced hundreds of anime. Although Dragon Ball Z is not one of the Big 3 now, it was considered to be there once.

Big 3 anime are different for different eras due to the reason for it not being declared an official entity. Dragon Ball Z was in the big 3, alongside Sailor Moon and Yu Yu Hakusho.

Recently Big 3 were considered Bleach, One Piece, Naruto, while upcoming days are promising more selection of big 3 like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia.

There are no specific criteria for the selection of the big 3, and that’s why these have been selected by Fandom based on their present popularity, the volume of audience, and mostly, the sales potential of merchandise and products of that specific series.

Although Dragon Ball Z is loved by a majority of fans worldwide and considered the most likable anime of all time by many due to the nostalgia and emotional attachment, and also because it being one-of-the-few anime that provided exposure and fame to the anime industry, it still isn’t in the big three in present time because of above-mentioned reasons.

This anime was created by Akira Toriyama in 1989 and ran for 291 episodes until 1996. It was produced by Toei Animation and aired on Fuji TV.

While Dragon Ball Z is not in the “big three“, it is arguably one of the most popular anime of all time. It has been popular among both children and teenagers because of its interesting storyline, relatable characters, and action-packed fight scenes.

DBZ has been popular among students because of the way it can situate real-world issues in a different world, through a unique lens. Each character is unique and contains characteristics that you can easily relate to or want to be like.

While the anime may be reaching its 20-year mark, it is still watched by many today. The series has been praised for its ability to capture viewers with every episode and keep them wanting more.

Conclusion

These are the three most popular anime in the world. They have had an immense impact on the entertainment industry, becoming popular among all age categories. These series are well known among fans and critics alike as some of the best anime of all time. 

They are all well known for their realistic and intelligent storylines, as well as their ability to engage fans with their shocking endings. These series have also gained extensive commercial success, with many of them running for over a decade. All three series have different styles and themes, but they are all very popular.

Thanks for reading. Please comment below if you’ve enjoyed this article or have any questions or recommendations! Peace.