Hell's Paradise Is the Best Breakout Anime Since Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer has had a killer run since its enormously successful anime launched in 2019, but since then, the medium got an explosive boost in popularity after 2020. While common subsequent action-fantasy hits are frequently discussed for their excellently-produced adaptations like Jujutsu Kaisen, one other MAPPA series is only getting better lately on Crunchyroll.

Balancing a dark fantasy adventure where convicts unearth the mysteries of a society created to favor a malevolent twist on cultivation fiction, there’s a lot going on in Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku. Even after its 2023 debut, it’s gone surprisingly underhyped compared to its action anime cohort, but with an even better season 2, change is on the horizon.

Hell’s Paradise Returns as a Crunchyroll Hit with Little Fanfare

The return of Hell’s Paradise for season 2 has sparked little in the way of discourse compared even to MAPPA’s other tentpole release, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3. This is especially surprising, as Hell’s Paradise fans waited several months longer between installments than JJK, but it’s not for a lack of quality.

As is shown on Crunchyroll’s popularity metrics, as vague as they may be, Hell’s Paradise may seem like it’s lagging behind even out-of-season heavy-hitters like Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries. However, other international tracking, like on FlixPatrol, indicates Crunchyroll’s global viewership favors Hell’s Paradise over Jujutsu Kaisen as of February 23, 2026.

This indicates greater nuance to Hell’s Paradise’s popularity among its global audience. It’s had the time to marinate after a successful first season, cultivating nearly 14,000 more ratings overall than even Crunchyroll’s current new darling, Gachiakuta, despite still having released fewer episodes. The audiences who watch it on the platform love it, and it’s hard to see why not.

Crunchyroll’s Returning Hit Proves Its Audience Crave Darker Adventures

While perhaps not as ruthless as recent gems like Clevatess when it comes to particular extremes in its violence, Hell’s Paradise’s reception and subject matter show audiences are really craving dark fantasy. This has already been shown to be the case with viral new hits like Sentenced to Be a Hero, but in season 2, Hell’s Paradise really shows its chops.

With the fast-paced introduction to Shinsenkyō complete, season 2 introduces fans to the deeper lore of its island. While Gabimaru’s allies have largely gathered under one banner, Aza Chōbei remains rogue. Even the earlier episodes showing him willing to sink further into a sticky entanglement with the Tensen so that he can survive and return home with his brother, Tōma.

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This quickly leads to dark near-fatal confrontations between Chōbei and Gabimaru, and even him surrendering to Tensen Rien’s Bochu Jutsu as a pragmatic choice for survival. But it’s not just Chōbei put into these complex positions: Mei-san is forced to make a horrific choice to ensure her survival. All this happens as the crew learns Shinsenkyō’s deeper secrets.

These are all benefits of a full season having passed, and a testament to MAPPA’s execution in adapting Yuji Kaku’s gorgeous Shōnen Jump+ smash hit. Characters’ backstories have had a chance to grow on the viewers, with painful losses now feeling earned and properly raising the stakes. Now, as the crew learns about the Grandmaster and Shinsenkyō’s residents, the plot grows thicker.

Hell’s Paradise is no stranger to its own quirks. Its nudity is censored, but its ultra-violence stays largely intact. It’s likely the right concession to make, as Hell’s Paradise’s action is often visually stunning. But these changes are undeniably distracting, while not totally taking away from an enthralling experience. It indicates a bright anime future beyond more typical shōnen hits.