Oscar Shocker: Anime Blockbusters 'Demon Slayer' and 'Chainsaw Man' Overlooked

The 2026 Oscar nominations have sparked a wave of frustration among moviegoers, especially those in the anime community. As the list of contenders for Best Animated Feature was revealed, two of the most talked-about animated releases of the past year were nowhere to be found. While titles like KPop Demon Hunters and Little Amélie or The Character of Rain secured their spots, the absence of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc has left fans stunned and disappointed.

Fan Outrage Over Major Anime Omissions

During the live announcement, the Animated Feature category notably excluded both Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man, despite their massive popularity and critical success. Each film is a follow-up to a beloved anime series, and both were praised for their stunning visuals and compelling storytelling. Demon Slayer achieved an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Chainsaw Man followed closely with a 96% score. Social media quickly lit up with reactions, as users voiced their disbelief and frustration. One user, Luiz Fernando, commented,

"It 's unbelievable that two of the best anime films got snubbed while Disney 's Elio and Zootopia 2 made the list."

Many had hoped this year would mark a turning point for anime at the Oscars, given the overwhelming praise and commercial success of these films. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle shattered records, grossing $779 million worldwide and becoming the highest-earning Japanese anime film ever. Its omission from the nominations has only fueled the debate about the Academy's ongoing disregard for anime.

Box Office Triumphs and Critical Acclaim

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc also made a significant impact, earning $184 million globally and earning a spot among the year's most celebrated movies, animated or otherwise. Both films not only drew massive audiences but also received glowing reviews from critics, making their absence from the Oscars even more puzzling for fans and industry watchers alike.

Despite the Academy's history of overlooking Japanese animation, the sheer success of these two films had many expecting a different outcome this year. Instead, the nominations have reignited conversations about the challenges anime faces in gaining recognition from major Western awards.

Streaming Status and Story Highlights

For those eager to watch Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle at home, the wait continues. The film premiered in Japanese theaters in July 2025 and has yet to receive a digital or streaming release date. Crunchyroll is expected to announce availability later this year, likely in the spring. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps as they battle their way through the Infinity Castle, the stronghold of the formidable demon Muzan Kibutsuji.

Meanwhile, Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc has been available for digital purchase or rental since December 9, 2025, and is set to stream on Crunchyroll before Demon Slayer's home release. The film continues Denji's journey as he faces his most dangerous adversary yet, the Bomb Devil, in a high-stakes battle fueled by love and survival instincts. The official synopsis reads:

"For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action- fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules."