The Term ‘The Big Three’ – Is It Hurting Manga and Anime?

The phrase The Big Three is often thrown around in manga and anime fandom, referring to three titles that many believe shaped a major era of popularity in the West: One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. You might have come across this term a lot, especially if you first got into manga in the late 2000s or early 2010s.

At first glance, it seems simple: three hugely popular manga series, the defining titles that everyone should know about. But if you look deeper, the label begins to fall apart. It became an outdated term, misleading many fans about what really counts as the biggest or most influential manga and anime. Here’s why this phrase should be retired, and why it matters for fans and newcomers alike.

What Does "The Big Three" Actually Mean?

The Big Three is a fan-created term that points to three manga series that stood out in their golden moment of popularity. Most commonly, this trio consists of:

1. One Piece
2. Naruto
3. Bleach

These series were particularly well-known in Western communities starting around 2009, during the height of their manga serialisation and anime broadcasts. Because they were so widely discussed and influential, many Western fans dubbed them the "biggest" or “most important” manga of their time.

However, this term implies more than just popularity; it suggests these are the three definitive giants of manga and anime—a claim that doesn't quite hold up when you examine sales figures and viewership data. The phrase also tends to ignore many other incredible series that have had massive success and lasting impact.

Breaking Down the Popularity of The Big Three

Manga Sales Tell a Different Story

• One Piece
  This series absolutely lives up to its billing in the sales department. It recently broke the impressive milestone of selling over 500 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling manga of all time. By sheer numbers, One Piece definitely deserves a spot at the top.
• Naruto
  Naruto is often second in the conversation, but it's not as simple as it seems. When you look closer at manga sales, Naruto actually ranks lower than some might expect. It ties for fourth place, trailing behind huge names like Dragon Ball and Golgo 13, as well as other classics like Doraemon and Detective Conan.
• Bleach
  Bleach’s sales, while still impressive, are further down the list. With around 130 million copies sold, it ranks 12th in terms of manga sales, below other series such as Slam Dunk, Kochikame, Demon Slayer, and Oishinbo.

Manga Series	Approximate Copies Sold (Millions)	Sales Rank Globally
One Piece	500+	1
Dragon Ball	250+	2
Golgo 13	250+	3
Naruto	~250 (tie)	4
Doraemon	250+	4 (tie)
Detective Conan	230+	4 (tie)
Bleach	130	12

Even though 130 million copies is no small number, it’s clear Bleach doesn’t quite fit the “biggest” label as strongly as the term suggests.

When It Comes to Anime Popularity

The picture gets even murkier when we shift focus to anime viewership, especially in Japan where the industry thrives. None of the Big Three regularly rank among the most-watched anime episodes ever.

Popular series like Astro Boy, Chibi Maruko-chan, Dr. Slump, and Touch have historically topped viewership charts, often pulling in more viewers than episodes from Naruto, Bleach, or even One Piece.

• One Piece does appear fairly often in the top 10 weekly rankings for anime viewership but rarely dominates.
• Naruto and Bleach have often struggled to consistently make it into the top 10.

This doesn’t mean the Big Three aren’t popular. They certainly have strong fan bases worldwide. But positioning them as the absolute giants of anime viewership is misleading, especially in comparison to classic and other popular modern series.

The Shifting Landscape of Manga and Anime Popularity

The term The Big Three feels stuck in a particular period of manga history—roughly the mid-2000s to early 2010s. But the recent landscape has shifted considerably.

New Series Taking the Spotlight

Recent years have seen newer manga capture mass attention and fandom, sometimes overshadowing Naruto and Bleach’s legacy:

• Demon Slayer
  Rising spectacularly in popularity, both manga and anime for Demon Slayer have broken records and entered mainstream conversations globally.
• Jujutsu Kaisen
  Known for gripping storytelling and excellent animation, it quickly cemented itself as a favourite among new and veteran fans alike.
• Chainsaw Man
  This series has gained international acclaim and a rapidly growing fan base thanks to its unique style and storytelling.

These titles have, in many ways, become more culturally relevant for today’s audiences. Meanwhile, Naruto completed its manga run years ago, and the only ongoing presence is through Boruto (Naruto’s sequel). Bleach’s manga and anime ended some time ago, though there is a new anime arc adapting the last part of the manga.

Why the Term The Big Three Should Be Retired

Confusion and Outdated Information

The term often misleads both new and casual fans into assuming these are unquestionably the absolute biggest or best manga and anime available. That misinformation skews perceptions and excludes recognition of other worthy series.

This phrase has continued circulating even as the manga and anime community has expanded dramatically. It’s a quick way to pigeonhole these three series, but the reality is more complex.

Unintended Negative Effects

Some fans use The Big Three in a way that feels exclusionary or judgmental, implying that people who haven’t watched or read these series are missing out or less knowledgeable. This can create a gatekeeping mentality, which is unwelcoming to newcomers exploring the wide world of manga and anime.

The phrase might have started as a simple way to group popular series, but its longevity in the fandom has fostered unnecessary divisions.

Origins and Evolution of the Term

No one seems quite sure who coined the term The Big Three or why exactly these three series were chosen. One theory suggests it originated because One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach were the most visible manga in Western fandom during their peak. However, this visibility doesn’t equal definitive popularity or quality—and it certainly doesn't reflect the current manga scene accurately.

Terms like this stick around because they’re easy to say, share, and remember, but that doesn’t mean they should remain. Fandom terms evolve, and some need to fade away when they no longer fit.

Shifting Perspectives on the Big Three

Those of us who’ve enjoyed these series understand their importance personally. While I’ve read and watched parts of the Big Three and appreciate their contributions, they don’t make my personal top list of favourites. Plenty of other series have touched me more deeply or impressed me with storytelling and artistry.

It’s good to pause and rethink what we mean when we say The Big Three. Are they still relevant? Should we move past the idea because the manga and anime world has grown so much since?

If you’ve got thoughts on this—or if you know more about how the term began—sharing them helps the community have a wider understanding.

Supporting the Manga and Anime Industry Today

Whether you’re a fan of the Big Three or newer titles, supporting creators matters. Buying manga and anime officially through stores or links helps the industry continue making diverse and quality content.

You might find it useful to shop for manga and related items through trusted sources like The Manga Menagerie that supports the creators. This not only supports the artists but helps the industry thrive in Australia and beyond.

The term The Big Three is a relic from a specific era in manga and anime fandom. While One Piece undeniably holds a record-breaking position, Naruto and Bleach no longer stand as clear leaders in the vast ocean of manga and anime entertainment. Using this term without context misrepresents the current scene and risks alienating fans who enjoy other series.

Instead of sticking to outdated labels, embracing the breadth of great manga and anime titles will make the community richer and more welcoming. Whether you love classics or the newest hits, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond The Big Three.