Netflix has released its second edition of «What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report,» detailing the platform’s viewership from July to December 2023. This comprehensive report, which covers 99% of all platform viewing, reveals significant trends in animated content, underscoring its enduring appeal across various demographics.
Animated series and films captivate audiences
The staying power of Netflix‘s animated stories is evident, with older seasons continuing to captivate audiences, particularly when new seasons are released. For instance, the popular children’s series Cocomelon amassed nearly 200 million views across its eight seasons. Other animated hits included the critically acclaimed Arcane and Castlevania, which have maintained strong viewership numbers long after their initial premieres.
Netflix‘s expansion into diverse animated content has also seen significant success. The live-action adaptation of One Piece not only garnered 72 million views but also revitalized interest in the original anime series, more than doubling its viewership. This demonstrates the platform’s ability to cross-promote and boost engagement across different formats and adaptations.
Global reach and diverse offerings
The report highlights the global appeal of Netflix‘s animated content, with non-English shows and movies making up nearly a third of all viewing. Korean animation, in particular, has seen a significant rise, with titles like Mask Girl attracting 19 million views. Japanese animation continues to be a major draw, exemplified by Yu Yu Hakusho which garnered 17 million views.
Streamer’s investment in diverse genres within animation is paying off. The platform’s animated films, such as Leo, which became the biggest animated film to date with 96 million views, and The Monkey King with 43 million views, showcase a wide range of storytelling styles and cultural narratives.
Animated content driving engagement
People watched a staggering 90 billion hours of Netflix in the second half of 2023, with animated content playing a significant role. Titles like Gabby’s Dollhouse (90 million views) and Family Switch (62 million views) highlight the strong performance of family-oriented animated series and films. The success of animated reality competition series like Squid Game: The Challenge, which drew 33 million views and boosted the original Squid Game viewership by 34%, further exemplifies the genre’s impact on audience engagement.
Licensed animated titles also continue to perform well, with classics like Young Sheldon (88 million views) and Grey’s Anatomy (51 million views) maintaining high viewership. These figures underscore the lasting popularity of animated content across various formats and target audiences.
