One Piece Officially Dethrones Dragon Ball, and Toei Animation Backs It Up

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For much of the 21st century, one anime has risen above all others, quickly becoming the most popular. While Dragon Ball had long been a huge success for Toei Animation, starting with its debut in 1986, it seemed inevitable that a new champion would eventually emerge.

I’ve been following the numbers at Toei Animation, and it’s pretty interesting to see how things are changing. For a long time, Dragon Ball was their biggest money-maker, but One Piece has now taken the lead. It’s a clear shift in what’s driving revenue for them. However, I think things could swing back if Dragon Ball Super makes a comeback before One Piece finishes its run.

One Piece and Dragon Ball Have Always Been Toei Animation’s Top Titles

Founded in 1948, Toei Animation has grown into one of the biggest names in anime. They’re behind incredibly popular series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk, Pretty Cure, Saint Seiya, and Digimon. Remarkably, all of these shows are still popular in 2026, and Toei’s recent financial reports show they continue to perform well in key markets.

I was looking over Toei Animation’s latest financial report, and their earnings were incredible – $593 million for the year ending in March 2026. They make money through licensing their properties both in Japan and abroad, and also through international film releases. Last year, Dragon Ball was the big earner in licensing, but this year One Piece really took over, topping the charts in all three areas. Other popular franchises that contributed significantly were Sailor Moon, Digimon, Pretty Cure, and Saint Seiya, but the real battle for the top spot always seemed to be between those two.

One Piece brought in approximately $176.9 million in revenue, representing over a third of Toei’s total earnings, while Dragon Ball generated $134.2 million. Even though no new One Piece movies have been released since One Piece Film: Red in 2022, the franchise still earned over $64 million internationally, maintaining its popularity as the anime moves into the Elbaph arc. Revenue from international licensing was particularly strong at nearly $78.5 million, demonstrating One Piece’s widespread global appeal, while domestic licensing contributed a solid $32.2 million.

One Piece’s 2026 Triumph Establishes It as an Unstoppable Force

While Dragon Ball is still one of the most successful anime series ever, One Piece surpassing it in popularity shows how tastes are changing. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has become a global hit, boosted by streaming, international deals, live-action shows, and exciting future projects.

The competition between One Piece and Dragon Ball is still ongoing, with new series like Daima and the possible return of Dragon Ball Super keeping things interesting. However, One Piece is currently thriving. A recent decision to slow down the anime’s release schedule will allow the manga to stay ahead in its final story arc. This change is expected to boost the show’s quality, build excitement, and keep viewers engaged, solidifying One Piece’s position as a leading anime franchise.

Netflix’s live-action One Piece series was a huge hit with both of its seasons, even though there was a two-year wait between them. Plus, selling One Piece merchandise has continued to make it Toei’s most successful property.

Today, One Piece isn’t just another action series competing for viewers and sales. It’s become a major cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences across different generations and in various forms of media. With its growing global popularity and excitement for the upcoming conclusion, One Piece appears poised to remain Toei Animation’s most valuable property for many years to come.

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2026-05-23 23:42