At this year’s AnimeNYC event, the newly launched Anime & Manga International Awards (AMI) made its debut, aiming to honor anime works that achieve global impact. In a surprise twist, the legendary series Dragon Ball Z did not take home the top title.
According to Anime News Network, AMI’s inaugural ceremony was held during the event’s “Cosplay Masquerade” segment. Among the awards was one called “Most Iconic Anime” (often billed as Most IcoNYC Anime), and it was the fans attending who took part in the vote. The winner? One Piece, produced by Toei Animation.
One Piece Overtakes Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z finished in second place, ranking in the same league as other legendary titles such as Attack on Titan (by Wit Studio / MAPPA), Naruto (Studio Pierrot), and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Studio BONES). While it did not claim the top spot, Dragon Ball Z still demonstrated its legendary reputation, given that One Piece and it are both broadcast in over 80 countries and retain massive brand recognition around the globe.
The AMI Awards are organized by a team including Stephanie Heaston, Aaron Cooke, and Morgan Kellum. Cooke and Kellum co-founded Digital Cinema Collective (DCC), which specializes in coordinating large-scale media competitions and events. Heaston, formerly the global experience director at Crunchyroll, remarked:
“AMI Awards is the first award in the US voted by fans and for fans. We want to honor the creators, the artists, the cosplayers, and dreamers who bring anime and manga to life — just as cinema, theatre, and music are celebrated.”
The Rise of One Piece + What’s Next
One Piece has long reigned as a behemoth in the manga and anime world. Launched in 1997 by Eiichiro Oda, it follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy as he strives to become the “Pirate King.” With over 570 million copies sold worldwide, One Piece repeatedly tops charts as one of the best-selling manga franchises ever.
In recent years, One Piece has pushed beyond print and animation. In 2023, Netflix partnered with Oda to produce a live-action adaptation starring Inaki Godoy (as Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), and Jacob Romero (Usopp). The series was warmly received by both critics and fans alike.
That’s not all — Netflix is also collaborating with Wit Studio (known for Spy × Family) to reimagine the One Piece anime, promising smoother visuals, tighter pacing, and fewer filler episodes.
Starting in 2026, the AMI Awards will become an annual event staged in Los Angeles, scheduled to coincide with Anime Expo — the largest Japanese culture expo in North America.
While the first AMI is now behind us, fans are encouraged to revisit and stream Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super on platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll. Meanwhile, One Piece remains accessible via Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu.
Reflection: Dragon Ball Z’s Timeless Legacy
Even though Dragon Ball Z missed out on the title, it still retains a strong place in the hearts of fans worldwide. As the article puts it: “Goku may not be No. 1, but he’s certainly the first one in our childhood television memories.”
The contest result is a reminder of how vibrant and evolving the anime world is today. Tastes shift, new works emerge, and fan communities help shape what’s celebrated. Yet, legacy properties like Dragon Ball Z remain pillars — classics that newer series build upon.
Winning or losing doesn’t diminish Dragon Ball Z’s cultural status. Even as newer franchises gain traction, Z’s influence — in shaping anime fandom globally, inspiring countless creators, and remaining deeply nostalgic — endures.
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