A new «Global State of Anime» report by Crunchyroll, drawing insights from a survey of 29,000 general entertainment consumers aged 13 to 54 across seven key markets (US, UK, India, Germany, France, Brazil, and Mexico), highlights anime’s formidable presence and consistent growth as a global entertainment force. The findings reveal a robust and deeply engaged fanbase, with notable demographic reach and evolving viewing habits that are increasingly surpassing other pop-culture passions, particularly among younger audiences.
The report underscores anime’s widespread appeal, especially among teen and young adult demographics. For Gen Z (defined as 13- to 28-year-olds), approximately 54% expressed a «fanship» for anime, placing it significantly ahead of other popular cultural phenomena like K-pop band BTS (39%) and major sports leagues such as the NFL (48%). Anime also outpaces K-dramas (43%) and Bollywood titles (39%) within this crucial audience segment. Even more strikingly, about 60% of 13- to 17-year-olds identify as anime fans. The report highlights that the genre plays a «meaningful» role in self-identity for 40% of these younger fans, with 30% indicating it has even influenced their overall outlook on life.
Streaming platforms and social media have become instrumental in anime’s growth and discovery. More than half of fans report discovering new anime on streaming platforms. Notably, 40% say they find new series through fan edits on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, underscoring the significant, community-driven role of fandom in popularizing the genre.
Anime has successfully transitioned from a niche interest to a major player in global entertainment, notably outpacing K-dramas and Bollywood in both scale and overall engagement. Its popularity is further cemented by its ranking as the #1 genre out of 24 that resonates directly with fans and their generation. Additionally, anime is recognized as the #2 genre capable of offering new and unique television shows. This dual strength in audience connection and content innovation positions anime as a permanent fixture in the cultural landscape, where fans actively seek out both classic titles and fresh narratives. The fandom itself cultivates a powerful sense of community and cultural connection, contributing significantly to its enduring appeal. While anime’s global embrace is accelerating, the report notes varying paces of adoption across different markets; for instance, countries like the US, Brazil, and France boast long-standing anime fandoms, while markets such as the UK are still in earlier stages of growth.
