Demon Slayer Faces Golden Globes Showdown With Netflix’s Banned Hit
Two animated blockbusters, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, are leading the race for Best Animated Film at the Golden Globes. But controversy and cultural clashes could tip the scales in this high-stakes competition.
As the Golden Globe Awards gear up for their next ceremony, the spotlight is shining on two animated powerhouses: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Netflix ’s KPop Demon Hunters. Both films have landed nominations for Best Animated Film, joining a competitive field that also includes Arco, Little Amelie, Elio, and Zootopia 2. The buzz is building as fans and critics alike debate which movie will take home the coveted trophy.
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters Stirs Up Controversy
KPop Demon Hunters, a musical fantasy packed with K-pop beats, action, and colorful characters, has become a global sensation. The film shattered streaming records, quickly becoming Netflix’s most-watched movie ever and making waves far beyond its core audience. Its blend of music and supernatural adventure has resonated with viewers around the world, giving it a strong shot at the top prize.
Yet, the movie’s popularity hasn’t come without backlash. At a Church of England school in Poole, UK, administrators banned students from singing songs from the film, citing concerns about maintaining a “Christian ethos.” The school objected to lyrics performed by the Saja Boys, a fictional demon group in the story, pointing to references to temptation and seduction as inappropriate for young children. The decision sparked debate among parents, with some calling the ban “unfair and silly.” School officials responded by emphasizing the need to respect the diverse beliefs of their community and encouraging students to be mindful of classmates with different values.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Breaks Records and Eyes Awards
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has taken the world by storm, smashing box office records and redefining what’s possible for anime films. The movie has soared to become the highest-grossing Japanese film ever and the top-earning R-rated animated feature. Its emotional storytelling and stunning visuals have captivated longtime fans and newcomers alike, propelling it into the awards spotlight.
With a Golden Globe nomination in hand, the team behind Demon Slayer is setting its sights even higher. Executives at Crunchyroll are planning a major push for the film during awards season, hoping to build on the legacy of anime legends like Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai. As Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini put it,
It’s important for them to pay attention to and be part of and consider it seriously. But the other thing I will say is, going back to be being in a privileged position, we have some giants that have taken anime to the Oscars that we get to build off of Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai, with his last movie Suzume.
Mitchel Berger, the company’s EVP of Global Commerce, echoed these thoughts, saying that recognition at major awards shows helps elevate the entire anime genre and showcases the artistry behind these films.
Who Will Win Best Animated Film?
With both Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and KPop Demon Hunters making waves in the industry and among fans, the race for Best Animated Film at the 2026 Golden Globes is wide open. Each film brings something unique to the table—one with its record-breaking box office run and the other with its cultural impact and controversy. As the ceremony approaches, all eyes are on which animated feature will come out on top.
KPop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix.