Netflix Reveals Anime Viewership Soars to 50% of Global Users, Announces Expanded Slate
Netflix announced that over 50% of its global subscribers – exceeding 150 million households, or an estimated 300 million viewers – now watch anime, demonstrating the genre’s explosive growth on the platform.
Anime’s Global Rise on Netflix
The streaming giant revealed the significant viewership milestone at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, alongside a slate of new and returning anime titles. Netflix reports that anime viewership has tripled over the past five years, with 2024 being a record-breaking year, seeing 33 anime titles chart in the Global Top 10 (Non-English) rankings – more than double the number in 2021.
Viewership Statistics and Dubbing Trends
In 2024 alone, anime content on Netflix was viewed over 1 billion times globally. The platform also noted a strong preference for dubbed audio, with 80-90% of users opting to watch anime with dubbing enabled. To cater to this demand, Netflix now offers anime titles with dubbed audio and descriptions in up to 33 languages.
Upcoming Anime Titles & Sequels
Among the announced titles are new weekly episodes of Sakamoto Days, beginning July 14th, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2022 series. Other upcoming releases include My Melody & Kuromi, a stop-motion series based on Sanrio characters, as well as Record of Ragnarok III, Beastars Final Season, and The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity.
Expanding Beyond Niche Appeal
This growth signifies a major shift, establishing Netflix as a leading destination for anime fans, surpassing competitors like Disney+, Hulu, and Crunchyroll, according to a recent Dentsu study surveying 8,600 consumers across 10 countries. Netflix’s success with anime extends across diverse genres, including action (Jujutsu Kaisen), sci-fi (Gundam), fantasy (Delicious in Dungeon), and romance (My Happy Marriage).
Key Takeaways
- Over 50% of Netflix’s global subscribers now watch anime, totaling over 150 million households.
- Anime viewership on Netflix has tripled in the past five years, with 2024 marking a record year for Top 10 appearances.
- Netflix is expanding its anime offerings with new seasons, sequels, and original titles.
- The platform is prioritizing accessibility with dubbed audio and localized descriptions in 33 languages.
- Netflix has emerged as a dominant force in the global anime market, surpassing competitors in viewership.
