In the realm of entertainment franchises, few could have predicted the meteoric rise of One Piece. While many might jest about Luffy mastering his Gear 5th to outshine the wizards of Harry Potter and the crew of Star Trek, the reality is that One Piece has surpassed these iconic franchises in a different arena.
According to Deadline, the straw-hatted pirate’s adventures have resonated so profoundly that One Piece now stands as the third most popular franchise globally.
The Rise of One Piece
Credit: Crunchyroll
READ MORE: Reacher Season 2 Release Date, Casting News, Plot, Theories & Predictions
Surpassing Giants
A recent survey targeting “gaming and entertainment fans” from the US and UK unveiled that One Piece has clinched the title of the third most popular franchise in the world. This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the franchises it has outpaced, including Harry Potter, Star Trek, and DC Comics. The only two franchises that managed to stay ahead were Marvel, securing the second spot, and Star Wars, reigning supreme at number one.
The Weight of Legacy
Originating in 1997, One Piece has managed to hold its own against Western franchises backed by the colossal marketing machinery of Disney. Its consistent popularity, even in the face of such stiff competition, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the depth of its narrative. The fact that it has managed to rank higher than franchises like Harry Potter and Star Trek, both of which boast incredibly loyal fan bases, speaks volumes about its global impact.
The Factors Behind One Piece’s Success
Credit: Crunchyroll
READ MORE: Rings Of Power Season 2 Casting News, Release Date, Plot, Theories & Predictions
A Staggering Volume of Content
The anime has produced an astonishing 1,075 episodes and counting. This vast amount of content has allowed the anime to maintain its relevance, consistency, and intricate world-building over the years. Such an ambitious level of storytelling is rare and has undoubtedly played a significant role in its sustained popularity.
Meeting the Criteria of Popularity
The survey that crowned One Piece as the third most popular franchise assessed various factors, including world-building, high ratings from critics and fans, fierce fanbases, cultural relevance, and consistency. One Piece excels in all these categories, making its high ranking on the survey logical and well-deserved.
The Future of One Piece
Credit: Netflix
READ MORE: Surviving Summer Season 3 Release Date, Cast, Plot, Theories & Predictions
The Netflix Phenomenon
Adding to its list of achievements, the live-action show recently made its debut on Netflix. The series managed to win over even the most sceptical of fans so swiftly that Netflix greenlit a second season almost instantly. This success on a global streaming platform indicates that the franchise’s popularity is set to soar even higher in the coming years.
Final Thoughts on the Franchise
Credit: Netflix
READ MORE: Wilderness Season 2 Release Date, Cast, Plot, Theories & Predictions
The hugely popular franchise has not only carved a niche for itself in the annals of entertainment history but has also set a benchmark for other franchises to aspire to. Whether you’re a fan of the manga, anime, or the live-action adaptation, now is the perfect time to set sail with Luffy and his crew. And for those looking to join the ever-expanding community of Straw Hat enthusiasts worldwide, the seas have never been more welcoming.
Whatever ends up happening with the future of this hugely popular franchise, I think we can all agree that people love it right now, and I have a feeling that it’s going to get bigger with time. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became the world’s most popular franchise.
What do you make of this news? Are you a fan of the franchise? Have you read the mangas and watched the anime and the Netflix series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
You can stream the first season of the live-action One Piece series on Netflix right now.
There are no comments
Add yours