Banned Netflix Contender Poised to Eclipse Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle at the Golden Globes
Golden Globes set the stage for an animated showdown as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters lead the Best Animated Film race, joined by Arco, Little Amelie, Elio, and Zootopia 2.
Two very different demon-driven crowd-pleasers just hijacked the Golden Globes animated race. One is a glossy Netflix K-pop fantasy that blew up worldwide; the other is Demon Slayer going big and gunning for awards. And yes, one of them just got banned at a UK primary school. Let’s unpack.
The animated lineup at the Globes
The Golden Globes dropped their animated nominees for the upcoming ceremony, and it’s a spicy mix:
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
- KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
- Arco
- Little Amelie
- Elio
- Zootopia 2
KPop Demon Hunters: the mainstream rocket
Netflix’s musical fantasy KPop Demon Hunters turned into a global phenomenon: K-pop bangers, splashy action, bright character work, the whole package. It also set a platform record as Netflix’s most-viewed movie ever, which is the kind of stat awards voters notice. If you’re trying to guess a frontrunner, the sheer reach and cultural footprint give this one a very real edge.
About that school ban
Here’s the odd twist: a Church of England infant school in Poole, UK — Lilliput Church of England Infant School — told families it was asking kids not to sing songs from the film on campus. The school said some in the community were uncomfortable with the movie’s demon themes and wanted to uphold a Christian ethos. Staff also flagged lyrics from the Saja Boys — the in-story group of five demons — citing references to temptation and seduction as not ideal for a school setting.
In its initial note to parents, the school asked that children be guided not to sing the songs at school out of respect for those who see the themes as clashing with their faith.
Parents pushed back, calling the move 'unfair and silly.' Acting Head Teacher Lloyd Allington acknowledged the complaints and pointed out that several parents had highlighted positive messages in tracks like 'Golden.' The school’s follow-up made the intent clear: the restriction is about respecting a range of beliefs in the community and encouraging kids to understand classmates who hold different values.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle: the awards push
On the other side, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has been steamrolling its way into the conversation, pairing big emotion with the franchise’s usual eye-melting animation. It’s being credited with shattering records — including becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time and the highest-grossing R-rated animated film — and now it has a Golden Globe nomination to match.
Crunchyroll is leaning in. The company is launching a serious awards campaign off the film’s momentum, and their top brass is openly courting broader industry attention.
'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.'
That’s Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini laying out the case. Mitchel Berger, the company’s EVP of Global Commerce, echoed it in less quotable but very clear terms: getting into awards conversations helps elevate anime and shine a light on the craft behind it.
So who wins?
Both films make a strong play for Best Animated Film at the 2026 Golden Globes. Demon Slayer brings the artistry and numbers; KPop Demon Hunters brings overwhelming mainstream heat. If voters ride the zeitgeist, Netflix’s juggernaut could sneak it.
KPop Demon Hunters is streaming on Netflix right now. Who do you think deserves the Globe?