Netflix Dominates Anime Streaming Worldwide, New Study Shows
According to a recent international survey by Dentsu, Netflix dominates anime streaming both in the United States and globally. The study, which surveyed 8,600 consumers across 10 countries, revealed that 48% of viewers choose Netflix as their primary platform for watching anime — outperforming other giants like Disney+, Hulu, and even Crunchyroll, which holds about 75% of all available anime content.
Netflix Dominates Anime Streaming Worldwide, New Study Shows
The findings place Netflix firmly at the top, with 48% of global users preferring it for anime. Disney+ follows at 32%, while Prime Video ranks third with 29%. In the U.S. specifically, Netflix holds an even stronger lead with 63% of anime viewers choosing the platform. Hulu and Disney+ are tied in second with 46%. Surprisingly, Crunchyroll — despite being a dedicated anime platform with an extensive catalog — was not mentioned in the core results of the report.
The study, part of Dentsu’s Consumer Navigator Research, also highlighted that 31% of global consumers watch anime at least once per week. This underscores how anime is now a major factor when people decide which streaming services to subscribe to.
The report also found that anime fans are financially committed: 28% of them spent more than $200 on anime-related merchandise in the past year. U.S. fans topped the spending chart with 40%. Additionally, 29% of viewers expressed “fatigue with Hollywood sequels and remakes.” Instead, 39% said they enjoy anime for its “unique worlds and stories,” while 36% appreciate the “variety of genres” anime offers.
Additional insights from Bernstein and Parrot Analytics confirm the same trend: Netflix dominates anime streaming on multiple fronts. In 2023, Netflix held a 42% market share in global anime streaming, narrowly edging out Crunchyroll at 40%. Analysts predict the anime streaming market could reach $16 billion by 2030.
In terms of revenue, Parrot Analytics reported that Netflix generated approximately $2.074 billion from anime streaming by the end of 2024 — nearly double the earnings of Crunchyroll. This accounted for 38% of the world’s total anime streaming revenue.
While Crunchyroll continues to serve as a niche hub for anime fans, it has recently struggled with growth targets and partnerships with Japanese studios. Meanwhile, Netflix has gained an edge by locking in major exclusives. These include the One Piece remake, Sakamoto Days, Delicious in Dungeon, and the upcoming adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died, all secured through a partnership with Shueisha.
Such aggressive acquisitions and broad appeal explain why Netflix dominates anime streaming, drawing in fans from Millennials to Gen Z who consistently prefer the platform for anime content.
via Variety
