Oscar Shock: Anime Blockbusters 'Demon Slayer' and 'Chainsaw Man' Miss Out
Two of 2025’s most celebrated anime films were left off the 2026 Oscars shortlist, leaving fans stunned. Find out which titles missed out and why the decision has sparked such a reaction.
The 2026 Oscars nominations have landed, and it didn’t take long for film buffs to start voicing their frustration over some glaring omissions. In the animated feature category, a few expected contenders like KPop Demon Hunters and Little Amélie or The Character of Rain made the list. But two of last year’s most talked-about Japanese animated films were nowhere to be seen, and punters aren’t taking it quietly.
When the nominations were read out, neither Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle nor Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc scored a nod. Both are follow-ups to popular anime series and have been praised for their top-notch animation and storytelling. Demon Slayer, in particular, managed a near-perfect 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Chainsaw Man wasn’t far behind with a 96% rating. Fans have taken to social media to vent, with one X user, Luiz Fernando, summing up the mood:
“How can two of the best anime films get snubbed while Disney gets two spots?”
The absence of these titles has left many scratching their heads, especially given the Academy’s history of overlooking anime, though many thought this year might buck the trend.
Box Office Triumphs Overlooked
Both films didn’t just win over critics—they cleaned up at the box office too. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle pulled in a staggering $779 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Japanese anime film ever. Its omission from the Oscars ballot has only fuelled the debate about the Academy’s attitude towards anime.
Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc also made a strong showing, raking in $184 million globally. Despite not matching Demon Slayer’s numbers, it was still widely regarded as one of the year’s standout films, animated or otherwise. The snub has left many fans and industry watchers wondering what more these films could have done to earn recognition.
Streaming Status and Storylines
For those keen to catch these films at home, there’s a bit of a wait. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle hasn’t yet been given a digital or streaming release date. Since its Japanese cinema debut in July 2025, it’s only been available on the big screen, and Crunchyroll hasn’t announced when it’ll hit streaming. Most expect it to land online later this year, probably around spring.
The story follows Tanjiro Kamado and his mates in the Demon Slayer Corps as they battle their way through the Infinity Castle, the lair of the top demon, Muzan Kibutsuji. Meanwhile, Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc has been up for digital rental or purchase since 9 December 2025, with a streaming release on Crunchyroll tipped to arrive before Demon Slayer’s. This film picks up after the first season, with Denji facing his most dangerous enemy yet, the Bomb Devil.
Chainsaw Man: Plot in Brief
Chainsaw Man’s big-screen debut brings a wild, action-packed continuation of the hit anime. Denji, once a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, was left for dead after a betrayal. As he faded, his loyal devil-dog Pochita made a pact, saving Denji’s life and fusing with him to create the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, caught in a brutal fight between devils, hunters, and shadowy foes, Denji meets the mysterious Reze and faces his toughest challenge yet—a battle driven by love in a world where survival is never guaranteed.