Demon Slayer Faces Stiff Golden Globes Competition from Netflix’s Banned Hit
Two animated blockbusters, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, are up for Best Animated Film at the Golden Globes. But controversy and global buzz could tip the scales.
The Golden Globe Awards have announced their latest round of nominations, and the animated category is shaping up to be a real nail-biter. Among the contenders, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters are grabbing all the attention, both making the shortlist for Best Animated Film. They’re joined by Arco, Little Amelie, Elio, and Zootopia 2, but it’s the first two that have punters talking.
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters: A Global Sensation with a Twist
KPop Demon Hunters, a musical fantasy from Netflix, has taken the world by storm. Mixing K-pop beats, action-packed scenes, and a cast of lively characters, it’s smashed streaming records and become Netflix’s most-watched film to date. Its massive reach and cultural impact have made it a hot favourite for the top prize, even as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continues to impress with its stunning visuals and heartfelt story.
Despite its popularity, KPop Demon Hunters has stirred up a bit of drama. A school in the UK, Lilliput Church of England Infant School in Poole, has banned students from singing songs from the film, citing concerns about maintaining a “Christian ethos.” Some in the community were uneasy about the film’s demon themes, and the school also flagged lyrics from the Saja Boys—a fictional group of five demons in the story—for references to temptation and seduction, which they felt weren’t suitable for the school environment.
Community Reactions to the School Ban
The school sent a note to parents, asking them to discourage their kids from singing the songs at school, out of respect for those who might find the themes at odds with their beliefs. Not everyone was on board with the decision, though. Some parents called the move “unfair and silly,” arguing that the songs actually carry positive messages. Acting Head Teacher Lloyd Allington acknowledged the pushback, pointing out that several parents had highlighted the uplifting nature of tracks like “Golden.”
The school clarified that the ban was about respecting the diverse beliefs in their community and encouraging students to be mindful of their mates who might see things differently. The whole situation has sparked a lively debate about where to draw the line between creative expression and community values.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’s Awards Ambitions
Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has been smashing records of its own. It’s now the highest-grossing Japanese film ever and holds the title for the top-earning R-rated animated feature. The film’s runaway success has landed it a Golden Globe nomination, and Crunchyroll is keen to ride this wave all the way to the Oscars.
Crunchyroll’s President, Rahul Purini, reckons it’s time for the big awards to take anime seriously.
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 EVP of Global Commerce, echoed the sentiment, saying that getting involved in awards season helps shine a light on the skill and care that goes into making anime.
With both films making waves in their own ways, the race for Best Animated Film at the 2026 Golden Globes is wide open. KPop Demon Hunters is streaming now on Netflix.