Why Sukuna and Muzan are more popular than heroes in Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer

Time of India

4 days ago

Source: IMDb
Villains like Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen and Muzan Kibutsuji from Demon Slayer are dominating anime fan discussions, often surpassing the popularity of the very heroes they oppose.
With their overwhelming power, magnetic screen presence, and complex personalities, these antagonists have become cultural sensations. While protagonists like Yuji Itadori and Tanjiro Kamado embody courage and morality, it's the villains who intrigue audiences with unpredictability, aesthetic brilliance, and emotional depth. This shift signals a new era in anime storytelling, one where chaos and charisma take centre stage.
So why do Sukuna and Muzan captivate viewers more than the heroes? Let's find out.
Sukuna and Muzan's unmatched charisma makes them unforgettable
Sukuna and Muzan both exude a magnetic screen presence. Sukuna, with his mocking grin and unshakable confidence, commands attention every time he appears. He doesn't just fight; he toys with his enemies, enjoying the destruction he causes. Similarly, Muzan's calm and calculated menace gives him a mysterious edge. His dark appearance, cold gaze, and chilling dialogue make his scenes unforgettable.
Unlike some protagonists who struggle, hesitate, or doubt themselves, these villains act with complete authority.
They never seek approval. They don't apologize. This unapologetic dominance makes them undeniably captivating.
Source: IMDb
The mystery and power fantasy behind Sukuna and Muzan's appeal
People are intrigued by mystery and power. Sukuna, known as the King of Curses, is a character shrouded in ancient legend. Even in 2025, Jujutsu Kaisen fans are still learning the full extent of his abilities and past.
Similarly, Muzan, as the origin of all demons, holds an almost godlike status in Demon Slayer. His shape-shifting ability and influence over his demon subordinates give him a supernatural aura that's hard to ignore.
While heroes often grow slowly and struggle for power, these villains are already at the top of the food chain. This makes them the ultimate power fantasy, a representation of strength without limits.
Sukuna and Muzan reflect the darker side of human nature
What makes villains like Sukuna and Muzan even more compelling is how they reflect the darker side of human nature: ambition, ego, cruelty, and freedom from moral constraints. Fans often find themselves drawn to characters who act on impulses we suppress in real life. It's not about endorsing their actions but being fascinated by their complexity.
Sukuna doesn't care about morality. He lives for battle and chaos. Yet, sometimes, we catch glimpses of twisted logic or strange codes of honor in his decisions.
Muzan, on the other hand, fears death more than anything, a deeply human fear, and has gone to horrifying lengths to avoid it. In their darkest moments, these characters are weirdly relatable.
Why Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer heroes feel predictable
In contrast, many anime protagonists, especially in shonen genres, follow familiar arcs. They suffer, grow, learn friendship, and eventually defeat evil. While this is uplifting, it can also be predictable. Characters like Tanjiro (Demon Slayer) or Yuji (Jujutsu Kaisen) are noble and kind, but sometimes their optimism feels one-note.
Villains, by contrast, are unpredictable. You never know what Sukuna will do next, and that's part of the thrill.
In some cases, it's the villains who create the emotional and narrative stakes that make the heroes compelling. Without Sukuna's presence, Yuji Itadori's internal struggle, sharing his body with the King of Curses, would lose much of its urgency and psychological depth. Sukuna isn't just an enemy; he's a constant threat embedded within the protagonist, amplifying every decision Yuji makes.
Similarly, without Muzan Kibutsuji's looming menace in Demon Slayer, the sacrifices, trauma, and resilience of the Hashira wouldn't carry the same emotional weight.
Muzan's cruelty gives purpose to their pain, making each battle not just a fight for survival, but a deeply personal stand against evil. In essence, these villains don't just drive the plot; they define the heroes.
The aesthetic and cultural obsession with
anime villains
There's no denying the aesthetic factor: the designs, voices, and overall styling of these villains are top-tier.
Sukuna's intricate tattoos and chilling voice acting are instant fan favorites. Muzan's polished and elegant outfits, often changing gender or appearance entirely, make him stand out visually.
Pop culture is also embracing the 'villain era'; audiences across media are rooting for morally grey or flawed characters. From Breaking Bad to Death Note, we're living in an age where viewers seek complexity, not perfection.
Sukuna and Muzan fit this bill perfectly.
The rise in popularity of villains like Sukuna and Muzan signals a shift in how we view storytelling in anime. It's no longer just about rooting for the good guy; it's about being fascinated by the chaos, charisma, and complexity that well-written villains bring to the table. While we may not agree with their actions, we can't deny it: when Sukuna or Muzan enters the scene, we sit up straighter, eyes glued to the screen.
Heroes might save the world, but villains, they steal the spotlight.
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