A new global study shows that Netflix is now the most popular streaming platform for anime, beating out longtime anime leader Crunchyroll and other major services like Disney+ and Prime Video.
The study, conducted by Dentsu, surveyed 8,600 people in 10 countries. It found that 48% of global viewers watch anime on Netflix, compared to 32% for Disney+ and 29% for Prime Video.
In the United States, Netflix’s lead is even stronger, with 63% of anime fans using the platform, while Hulu and Disney+ each got 46%. Surprisingly, Crunchyroll — which holds about 75% of all anime content — did not appear in the top rankings.
The study also found that 31% of viewers worldwide watch anime weekly. Many fans prefer anime for its original stories and wide range of genres, especially compared to Hollywood’s frequent sequels and remakes. In fact, 29% of U.S. anime fans said they were tired of Hollywood content, while 39% liked anime for its unique worlds.
Fans are also spending big. About 28% of anime viewers globally spent over $200 on anime merchandise last year. In the U.S., that number rises to 40%.
While Crunchyroll remains the biggest anime-specific platform, its growth is slowing. Reports say it is struggling to meet targets and is facing challenges with Japanese studios.
Meanwhile, Netflix has built strong partnerships, including with Shueisha, to bring top shows like the One Piece remake, Sakamoto Days, and Delicious in Dungeon.
Other studies back up Netflix’s success. In 2023, Netflix held 42% of the global anime streaming market, just ahead of Crunchyroll’s 40%. A later report estimated that Netflix earned $2.07 billion from anime streaming in 2024 — nearly double Crunchyroll’s revenue.
With exclusive deals and a growing anime catalog, Netflix is now the global leader in anime streaming, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
