Conan and Demon Slayer Lose! The #1 Anime Masterpiece Loved by Taiwanese Revealed: Characters and Plot Twists So Powerful, Viewers Were Moved to Tears

Anime has long permeated the daily lives of people in Taiwan. Chasing new episodes, watching theatrical releases, and competing for limited-edition collaborations have become common ways for many to relieve stress and socialize. Amid fierce competition between classic Japanese IPs, long-running national favorites, and new-generation healing characters, which work truly captures the attention of Taiwanese netizens?

According to an analysis by Net Temperature DailyView using the KEYPO Big Data Key Engine sentiment analysis software, 'Chiikawa: These Small and Cute Creatures' emerged as the top 'popular anime' in terms of public sentiment volume over the past month (analysis period: June 30, 2026 – July 29, 2026). It is the only title to surpass 80,000 mentions, significantly outpacing the second-place entry and becoming the month's most talked-about phenomenon. What other works made the list? Let’s unveil the rankings.

10th Place: Anpanman

'Anpanman' recorded 15,946 mentions, with the keyword 'Baikinman' (the classic villain). Neutral sentiment reached 75%, and negative sentiment was only 4%, making it the most emotionally balanced entry on the list—highlighting its decades-spanning appeal as a family-friendly franchise. Created by Japanese picture book author Takashi Yanase, Anpanman first appeared in a 1973 picture book and was adapted into a TV anime in 1988. With his round face, rosy cheeks, and ever-warm smile, this hero has accompanied multiple generations of children worldwide.

Netizens commented: 'The movies (plus special episodes) I watched with my younger brother weren’t simplistic like typical children’s cartoons—the plots were dramatic and the songs were great.' 'I also feel that works assumed to be for kids often turn out to be surprisingly deep when rewatched as an adult.'

9th Place: My Hero Academia

'My Hero Academia' ranked 9th with 17,339 mentions, with popular character 'Katsuki Bakugo' as a key keyword. Created by manga artist Kohei Horikoshi, the series was a massive hit in Weekly Shonen Jump since its 2014 serialization. It concluded its 10-year legendary run with Chapter 430 (the final chapter) published in the August 5, 2024 double issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, born in a world where everyone has unique superpowers called 'Quirks,' yet he is one of the rare individuals born without any. Despite this, he dreams of becoming a hero like the world’s number one hero, All Might. After demonstrating his heroic instinct to save others at all costs, he earns All Might’s recognition and inherits the legendary power 'One For All,' which accumulates and transfers strength across generations. The story centers on Izuku’s journey at U.A. High School, training to become a hero alongside classmates and facing powerful enemies. The narrative begins with 'How can Izuku become the greatest hero?' and delivers a satisfying conclusion for every character, complete with future outlooks.

Netizens said: 'If you enjoy热血 and growth stories, this is perfect—the transformation in both strength and mindset is palpable. Character development is excellent, and it’s rare for an anime to truly excite me lately.' 'Almost every character’s growth arc is visible and impactful. Each battle pulls you in—tension when they’re about to lose, joy when they win.' 'It captures pure热血—acting for others in a selfish world, sacrificing oneself to save lives. That raw, heroic spirit, smashing evil with a single punch.'

8th Place: Pokémon

'Pokémon' recorded 17,796 mentions, with the keyword 'decode.' With 40% positive sentiment—the second-highest on the list—its national IP appeal is evident. The Pokémon universe is built on a world where humans coexist with special creatures called Pokémon. 'My goal is to become a Pokémon Master!' The adventures of Ash and Pikachu have accompanied countless childhoods. In 2023, the anime officially passed the torch with the new series 'Pokémon Horizons.' Pikachu, as the brand’s mascot, with its cute yellow body and red cheeks, has become a global pop culture icon. In recent years, the franchise has seen explosive global popularity, combining high-strategy competitive gaming with significant collectible and investment value, maintaining consistently high热度.

User reviews: 'If you’re unfamiliar with the main Pokémon series and just want to enjoy catching Pokémon, light training, and story, choosing the offline-focused Let’s Go or Legends: Arceus makes it easier to get started.' 'The original Pokémon anime production team truly had storytelling talent.'

7th Place: Naruto

'Naruto' recorded 22,070 mentions, with the keyword 'Naruto.' Created by manga artist Masashi Kishimoto, it was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1999 to 2014, alongside 'One Piece' and 'Bleach,' forming the 'Big Three' of 2000s Japanese anime. The world is built on 'chakra,' with powerful ninja villages forming a vast universe. Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist, had the destructive Nine-Tails beast sealed inside him as a child and was ostracized by villagers. Yet, he pursued his dream of becoming Hokage (the village’s strongest leader), gradually earning everyone’s respect. The dual core of the story is Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha, a genius burdened by clan massacre trauma. From rivals to comrades, their bond evolves as Sasuke seeks power to avenge his brother Itachi, while Naruto vows to 'bring back his friend.' Though the original manga ended years ago, the 'Naruto' IP remains highly active.

Netizens said: 'I’ve watched it three times in total since childhood.' 'When the Fourth Hokage and Kurama gave their final words to Naruto, I truly felt how great parents are—completely broke down in tears.' 'Now, watching Naruto as a father in the Boruto movies is deeply moving.'

6th Place: HUNTER×HUNTER

'HUNTER×HUNTER' recorded 24,403 mentions, with the keyword 'Kurapika.' Neutral sentiment reached 56%. Created by manga artist Yoshihiro Togashi starting in 1998 in Weekly Shonen Jump, the story revolves around 'Hunters,' elite professionals with high-paying jobs. Protagonist Gon Freecss seeks his father, Jin, and decides to become a Hunter by taking the Hunter Exam. He befriends Killua from an assassin family, Kurapika seeking revenge, and Leorio aiming to become a doctor—forming a deep bond. If you ask Taiwanese or global anime fans what comes to mind about Kurapika today, many will ask, 'Has he gotten off the ship yet?' Due to the author’s health issues causing frequent hiatuses, the 'Black Whale' voyage to the Dark Continent remains unresolved, spawning internet memes like 'Has Kurapika disembarked?' and 'Kurapika has been stuck on the ship for X years,' keeping his name highly relevant even during hiatuses.

Netizens said: 'HUNTER×HUNTER is one of the few manga I’ve finished that truly satisfied me—Togashi unreservedly portrays all aspects of human nature.' 'I personally love the Chimera Ant arc—the King, Komugi, and the Chairman made me reflect deeply.' 'Beyond emotional depth, Togashi doesn’t hesitate to kill off characters, perfectly reflecting the world’s cruelty and the terror of top-tier power.'

5th Place: Demon Slayer

'Demon Slayer' ranked 5th with 28,821 mentions, with 'Tanjiro' as the key keyword. Positive sentiment at 34% is relatively strong among the top five. Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, the series is set in a 'Taisho Romanticism' era, telling an epic tale of family bonds, sorrow, and redemption. Tanjiro Kamado lived peacefully with his family until they were slaughtered by demons, and his sole survivor sister Nezuko turned into a demon. To turn her back into a human and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the unofficial 'Demon Slayer Corps' and embarks on a grueling journey. The 2020 film 'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train' broke records during the pandemic, grossing 40.4 billion yen and surpassing Studio Ghibli’s 'Spirited Away' to become Japan’s highest-grossing film ever.

Netizens said: 'The story has a clear goal driving it forward. Most of the time is spent on battles and training, and the training process is well-executed—no long-winded explanations or dragging scenes.' 'Many battle scenes are exquisitely animated, but I also felt…'