Netflix and Crunchyroll: Kings of the Anime Boom
As global demand for Japanese anime and the manga that inspires it continues to rise, two key streaming platforms—Netflix and Crunchyroll—are increasingly dominating the international market. According to a recent Bernstein report, the two companies control over 80% of the global anime streaming market, which generated $3.7 billion in revenue in 2023.
Crunchyroll, which has evolved from a niche platform to the leading anime streamer in the U.S., has seen its subscriber base triple in just three years, surpassing 15 million by August 2024. The platform’s success is driven by its ability to release new anime titles to international audiences almost immediately after their Japanese broadcast. Netflix, on the other hand, has steadily expanded its anime catalog, reaching 240 anime titles in its U.S. library by 2024. While this is far fewer than Crunchyroll’s 1,800+ titles, Netflix leverages its vast financial resources and global reach to strengthen its position, particularly in Japan, where anime plays a crucial role in its growth strategy.
The real opportunity, however, lies in the international market. Overseas anime streaming revenue is expected to triple by 2030, reaching $12.5 billion, while the overall anime streaming market is projected to hit $16 billion.
Despite Netflix’s growing investment in anime, Crunchyroll remains firmly positioned as the go-to anime platform, bolstered by its merger with Funimation under Sony’s ownership. The platform is expected to generate 40% of Sony Pictures’ operating profit within the next two years.
Yet, the relationship between Netflix and Crunchyroll is not strictly adversarial. Bernstein analysts believe the two platforms can coexist, each with unique advantages. In fact, Crunchyroll has even licensed content to Netflix. As Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini stated, Netflix’s inclusion of anime helps expand the audience, ultimately leading more fans to Crunchyroll.
With the anime market rapidly expanding, Netflix and Crunchyroll are poised to lead the industry’s global evolution—each in its own way.
Sourec: Variety +
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As global demand for Japanese anime and the manga that inspires it continues to rise, two key streaming platforms—Netflix and Crunchyroll—are increasingly dominating the international market. According to a recent Bernstein report, the two companies control over 80% of the global anime streaming market, which generated $3.7 billion in revenue in 2023.
Crunchyroll, which has evolved from a niche platform to the leading anime streamer in the U.S., has seen its subscriber base triple in just three years, surpassing 15 million by August 2024. The platform’s success is driven by its ability to release new anime titles to international audiences almost immediately after their Japanese broadcast. Netflix, on the other hand, has steadily expanded its anime catalog, reaching 240 anime titles in its U.S. library by 2024. While this is far fewer than Crunchyroll’s 1,800+ titles, Netflix leverages its vast financial resources and global reach to strengthen its position, particularly in Japan, where anime plays a crucial role in its growth strategy.
The real opportunity, however, lies in the international market. Overseas anime streaming revenue is expected to triple by 2030, reaching $12.5 billion, while the overall anime streaming market is projected to hit $16 billion.
Despite Netflix’s growing investment in anime, Crunchyroll remains firmly positioned as the go-to anime platform, bolstered by its merger with Funimation under Sony’s ownership. The platform is expected to generate 40% of Sony Pictures’ operating profit within the next two years.
Yet, the relationship between Netflix and Crunchyroll is not strictly adversarial. Bernstein analysts believe the two platforms can coexist, each with unique advantages. In fact, Crunchyroll has even licensed content to Netflix. As Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini stated, Netflix’s inclusion of anime helps expand the audience, ultimately leading more fans to Crunchyroll.
With the anime market rapidly expanding, Netflix and Crunchyroll are poised to lead the industry’s global evolution—each in its own way.
Sourec: Variety +
Share:
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