For decades, anime existed largely on the fringes of Western pop culture, a beloved secret among a dedicated few. Yet, in a remarkable cultural ascension, Japanese animation has transitioned from a niche fascination to a global entertainment juggernaut. This isn’t just about “cartoons” anymore. This transformation signifies more than just an expansion of viewership; it marks anime’s profound integration into mainstream consciousness.
From Niche to Mainstream
Anime’s journey to global ubiquity is a testament to its enduring storytelling and evolving accessibility. What began as a cult fascination in the ’80s and ’90s, with series like Mobile Suit Gundam Z and Sailor Moon finding limited distribution in the West, has exploded into a cultural cornerstone. Back then, anime was often a niche pursuit, found on imported VHS tapes or late-night cable slots, catering to a devoted but relatively small audience. Fast forward to today, the landscape is dramatically different.
A pivotal force in this shift was Crunchyroll, which emerged in 2008 as one of the first platforms to legally license a broad range of anime for Western audiences, often simulcasting new episodes shortly after their Japanese broadcast. This commitment to official access fueled rapid growth for the platform itself. From a modest 10,000 subscribers in 2009, Crunchyroll reached 1 million by 2017, surging to 10 million by 2022 and most recently, 17 million by May 2025.
This exponential rise mirrors broader market trends, as Netflix also played a significant role. Although some anime titles like Knights of Sidonia appeared as early as 2014, Netflix began heavily investing in anime in 2015, adding a mix of originals and library titles such as Castlevania (2017), Devilman: Crybaby (2018) and Aggretsuko (2018). Netflix’s recent figures also further highlight this shift: in 2024, anime was viewed over 1 billion times on Netflix alone, with viewership tripling over the past five years. This isn’t just growth; it’s a seismic shift, pushing anime from niche interest to a mainstream entertainment powerhouse, hitting over 50% of Netflix’s audience — that’s more than 300 million people globally.
This expansion has been significantly propelled by increased global access, with the latest anime titles launching simultaneously in 190 countries, complete with dubbed audio in up to 33 languages on Netflix. This unprecedented reach has dismantled traditional barriers, with 80-90% of Netflix members watching dubbed anime, further broadening its appeal. Beyond the sheer numbers, the quality and diversity of anime content have captivated new audiences. While pioneering works by Hayao Miyazaki, like Spirited Away, earned global acclaim and even Academy Awards, other genre-defining series such as Akira, Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion gained delayed but cult-like followings in the West. Now, blockbusters like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen routinely dominate conversations and charts. In the first half of 2025 alone, eight anime titles, including My Hero Academia and The Apothecary Diaries, made it into Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English) List, showcasing the medium’s widespread appeal across diverse genres.
Star Power: Celebrities and Their Anime Fandom
The surging popularity of anime is undeniable, but nothing quite validates a cultural shift like celebrity endorsement. Today, an increasing number of artists and public figures are not merely casual viewers; they are passionate and vocal fans who openly express their appreciation for anime. Take Megan Thee Stallion, for instance, whose visible dedication to anime is a cornerstone of her public persona. From championing her favorite genre in “Otaku Hot Girl” to sporting anime-inspired looks at awards shows and cosplaying her favorite characters for photoshoots, Megan Thee Stallion consistently demonstrates her affinity for the medium to her fans and followers.
Actor and director Michael B. Jordan, also a long-time anime enthusiast, notably infused elements from series like Naruto and Dragon Ball Zinto the fight choreography and rival dynamics of Creed III, his directorial debut. Similarly, Keanu Reeves has cited Japanese culture and anime as significant inspirations for the John Wick franchise. This open embrace by high-profile personalities signals a significant evolution from anime’s once-niche standing, transforming it into a mainstream touchstone that resonates across various demographics.
The Intersecting Worlds of Anime and Gaming
The symbiotic relationship between anime and gaming has long been a driving force in both industries, blurring the lines between interactive and passive storytelling. For decades, classic anime IPs found their way into video games, creating immersive experiences that extended beloved narratives. Conversely, popular game franchises like Devil May Cry and Castlevania successfully transitioned into anime series, reaching new audiences and deepening their lore.
More recently, this cross-pollination has become even more pronounced. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 received acclaimed anime spin-offs (like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners on Netflix) that not only enhanced the game’s universe but also introduced the franchise to viewers who may not have even heard of the game. This trend continues with exciting announcements such as the upcoming animated feature based on Hideo Kojima‘s Death Stranding, demonstrating the immense potential when these two creative fields collide.
Anime’s Cultural Imprint and Brand Crossovers
Beyond its on-screen presence, anime has profoundly integrated itself into the fabric of global popular culture, visibly shaping fashion trends, consumer preferences, and high-profile brand collaborations. This extensive cultural impact is perhaps most evident in the widespread appearance of anime and manga graphics on streetwear, transforming everyday apparel into statements of personal fandom.
The influence extends across the fashion spectrum. High-fashion brands have notably embraced anime, with luxury labels like Loewe launching highly coveted Studio Ghibli collections – spanning My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle – that seamlessly merge artisanal craftsmanship with beloved animated worlds. Other significant luxury crossovers in recent years also include Doraemon x Gucci and the recent FRGMT x Pokémon x FENDI collaboration.
This trend is equally pervasive in streetwear and high-street labels, with examples such as mastermind JAPAN x Tokyo Revengers, Princess Mononoke x Levi’s, to various UNIQLO UT collaborations. Footwear brands are also active participants, as seen with ASICS’ Naruto Shippuden-inspired GEL-NYC sneakers, to PUMA’s ONE PIECE collection. Similarly, tech accessory brand CASETiFY also frequently releases collaborations featuring popular anime series, enabling fans to personalize their devices with iconic characters and motifs.
This broad spectrum of collaborations, from mass-market to high-end, underscores anime’s versatile appeal and its power as a commercial driver. It demonstrates that anime isn’t just content to be consumed; it’s a lifestyle, a means of self-expression and a powerful force that transcends entertainment to influence identity and foster community.
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