In a landmark year for anime, two of 2025’s most buzzworthy arcs—Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man’s Reze Arc—have charged to the forefront of the upcoming 2026 Saturn Awards. The Saturns, traditionally focused on genre television and cinema in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, continue to expand their recognition of anime’s growing global impact. With visually stunning animation, rich storytelling, and swelling fanbases, these franchises are not just topping streams—they’re redefining what genre storytelling looks like in animated form.
The selection of these arcs among the top anime entries this year reflects a dynamic shift toward acknowledging serialized anime as key players in global pop culture. Both arcs brought not just continuation, but evolution within their respective stories: pushing character development, plot complexity, and visual fidelity to cinema-level standards. Whether it was the emotional weight of Tanjiro’s journey through Muzan’s final fortress or the volatile romance and tragedy embedded in Denji’s brush with Reze, these narratives captivated fans and critics alike. As the 2026 Saturn Awards draw closer, all eyes are on how the field of animation is being redrawn.
Overview of Anime Picks at the 2026 Saturn Awards
| Category | Nominee | Studio | Key Arcs/Narratives | Release Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Animated Series (Broadcast/Streaming) | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle | ufotable | Infinity Castle Arc | Winter 2025 |
| Best Animated Series (Broadcast/Streaming) | Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc | Mappa | Reze Bomb Girl Storyline | Fall 2025 |
| Best Home Entertainment Release | Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident | Mappa | Shibuya Arc | Summer 2025 |
| Best Youth-Oriented Series | Spy x Family Season 3 | WIT Studio/CloverWorks | Operation Strix expands | Spring 2025 |
What changed this year for anime
While anime has had representation at the Saturn Awards in the past, it has largely been limited to feature-length films or occasional standout releases. However, 2026 marks a pivotal moment. The inclusion of multiple arcs from ongoing serialized shows underlines a broader industry pivot—to place serialized anime alongside traditionally recognized Western animation. This means serialized shows with deep narrative arcs and sustained character development are no longer genre footnotes, but integral to the cultural heartbeat of genre storytelling.
Major streaming platforms’ involvement in distributing anime globally has contributed to this change, as has the rise of fandoms that rival those of Marvel or Star Wars. These aren’t niche titles anymore—they are global titans. What distinguishes 2025’s standout anime arcs is not just narrative quality, but their ability to reflect mature themes through the lens of animation. That shift has not gone unnoticed by voters at the Saturn Awards.
Why Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is leading the pack
Demon Slayer has been a cultural juggernaut since its debut, and its Infinity Castle arc took everything up several notches. Directed with surgical precision and animated with extraordinary detail by Ufotable, the arc dives headfirst into the final confrontation with Muzan Kibutsuji and the Twelve Kizuki. The arc’s momentum, emotional stakes, and stunning visuals redefined what animated action can look like.
What made this arc particularly award-worthy was its thematic exploration of sacrifice, legacy, and rage. Each episode unveiled backstories, strategic fights, and gut-wrenching losses that built to a crescendo that few shows—animated or live-action—managed to rival in 2025. Critics have lauded it for blurring the lines between cinema and television. As one analyst aptly stated:
“Infinity Castle didn’t just continue Demon Slayer—it transcended it. We saw animated storytelling operate on a mythic, almost operatic level.”
— Hiroko Matsuda, Animation CriticAlso Read
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The volatile, tragic romance of Chainsaw Man’s Reze Arc
Following a strong debut season, Chainsaw Man’s Reze Arc flipped the narrative script. Instead of only focusing on brutal devil hunting, this arc invited viewers into Denji’s emotional vulnerability and the intoxicating danger of a blooming romance with Reze—a mysterious transfer student with intentions far darker than they appear.
What got this arc noticed was the combination of narrative misdirection, masterful soundtrack layering, and a devastating emotional payoff. It presented violence not just as spectacle but as commentary on intimacy, manipulation, and freedom. Mappa leaned into stylistic choices that enhanced thematic subtext. According to animation specialist Yuki Takahara:
“Chainsaw Man’s Reze Arc asks what it means to trust when you’re bred to kill. It’s a brutal, beautiful dissection of youth and trauma.”
— Yuki Takahara, Anime Director
Other anime that stood out in 2026 nominations
While Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man may headline the nominations, several other anime titles rounded out a strong field. Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shibuya Incident arc continues to receive accolades for its unrelenting pace and reinvention of shonen tropes. Its home entertainment sales broke internal records, validating its Saturn nod as Best Home Entertainment Release.
Spy x Family Season 3 also merits a mention for its place in the Best Youth-Oriented Series category. Amid the chaos of super agents and world-threatening diplomacy, this show retains an emotional center through its pseudo-family dynamic. It underscores anime’s ability to blend heart with high-concept storytelling in a format accessible to global audiences of all ages.
How anime adapted to the streaming-first landscape
One of the most transformative elements in this Saturn Awards cycle is how anime now thrives in a streaming-dominated ecosystem. The shift to digital-first distribution has democratized anime access globally. Episodes from Japan are now simulcasted or released within hours worldwide, allowing fandoms to grow in real time and driving viewership numbers even higher.
In this model, serialized narratives gain power: continuity matters, theories thrive, and audience engagement deepens. This new pipeline has enabled arcs like Infinity Castle and Reze’s to not only exist but flourish under constant audience scrutiny and praise. Their resonance was built one episode at a time—but consumed by millions instantly.
Winners and Potential Game-Changers
| Anime | Category | Impact Score | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle | Best Animated Series | 9.8/10 | Sets a high bar for cinematic anime storytelling |
| Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc | Best Animated Series | 9.5/10 | Reframes shonen action through emotional subtext |
| Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident | Home Entertainment | 9.2/10 | Breakthrough in physical & digital anime sales |
| Spy x Family Season 3 | Youth-Oriented Series | 8.9/10 | Bridged anime’s appeal to multigenerational families |
Short FAQs about the 2026 Saturn Awards Anime Picks
What is the Saturn Awards’ focus on anime in 2026?
In 2026, the Saturn Awards are giving expanded recognition to serialized anime titles, heralding a shift from prioritizing only feature films to including acclaimed story arcs and episodes.
Why is Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle arc widely praised?
Infinity Castle is praised for its intense storytelling, visual excellence, and emotional weight, marking a high point in both the series and modern anime generally.
What makes Chainsaw Man’s Reze Arc special?
Beyond action, it delves into emotional vulnerability and psychological themes, blending dark romance and tragedy with high-stakes conflict.
Has Jujutsu Kaisen been nominated before?
Yes, but this year marks a significant nod to its Shibuya Incident arc, recognizing its commercial success and narrative innovation through a home media lens.
Why Spy x Family for youth-oriented category?
Its balance of espionage antics, comedy, and heartfelt moments make it appealing to both kids and adults, solidifying its multigenerational resonance.
Can anime compete equally with Western animation at the Saturns?
This year’s nominations suggest they not only compete—but often lead—with the strongest global storytelling trends emerging from anime arcs.
Do the 2026 nominees point toward a trend?
Absolutely. Serialized, emotionally intricate anime is on the rise, and the Saturn Awards are catching up to that evolution in genre storytelling.
When will the winners be announced?
The 2026 Saturn Awards ceremony is scheduled for early spring, with official announcements expected shortly before the event date.
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