Netflix: Over 50% of Users Watch Anime

Netflix dropped bombshell revelations at Anime Expo 2025 that shook the anime community. The streaming giant disclosed that anime viewership now makes up a staggering portion of its subscriber base - with every other Netflix account enjoying Japanese animated content.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

During their Anime Expo showcase, Netflix casually mentioned in a blog post that "more than half of our members" regularly watch anime. While they didn't provide granular breakdowns, this casual statistic reveals anime's explosive growth from niche to mainstream. Imagine - over 150 million viewers if we go by their January 2025 report of crossing 300 million subscribers!

This aligns perfectly with third-party research. Dentsu's global survey (via Variety) found anime capturing 48% of Netflix viewers worldwide. Compare this to Disney+'s 32% and Prime Video's 29%, and you'll see why Netflix keeps doubling down on anime investments.

From Gamble to Goldmine

Netflix's anime journey began humbly a decade ago, but their gaming adaptations proved revolutionary. Who would've thought Castlevania would spark a golden era including Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf? Original productions like the provocative Devilman Crybaby and poignant Pluto further cemented their reputation.

What's Next for Anime on Netflix?

The streaming giant unveiled an ambitious roadmap at Anime Expo:

• Dan Da Dan Season 2 currently airing weekly episodes
• Leviathan and Sakamoto Days premiering this month
• Record of Ragnarok returning this December
• The Beastars finale coming 2026
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 in development

For complete Anime Expo 2025 coverage, explore Crunchyroll's major announcements or browse our ranking of the all-time greatest shonen anime series.