Netflix recently put a spotlight on its booming anime presence, showcasing new data and upcoming titles at a major industry event. The streaming giant revealed compelling statistics that underscore anime’s transformation from a niche interest to a global entertainment powerhouse. This strategic focus highlights how integral Japanese animation has become to Netflix’s content library worldwide.
Gathered at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the company shared striking viewership numbers. According to Netflix’s internal data, more than 50 percent of its global subscribers now watch anime. This translates to an immense audience, exceeding 150 million households and an estimated 300 million individual viewers. This significant penetration demonstrates anime’s widespread appeal across diverse demographics and regions.
Netflix reports that anime viewership on its platform has seen dramatic growth, tripling over just the past five years. The year 2024 stands out as a record-breaker for the genre on the service. So far this year, 33 different anime titles have appeared in Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for Non-English content. This figure is more than double the number seen in 2021, indicating accelerating popularity and success for anime releases. Global users collectively viewed anime content for over 1 billion hours on the platform in 2024 alone.
To cater to this massive and engaged audience, Netflix has heavily invested in localization efforts. The company noted that a remarkable 80 to 90 percent of anime viewers on the platform opt to watch content dubbed rather than relying on subtitles. Responding to this clear preference, Netflix now offers anime titles with dubbed audio and descriptions in up to 33 different languages, making the content accessible to a truly global base.
Exciting New Anime Slate Unveiled
Capitalizing on surging demand, Netflix previewed a robust lineup of upcoming anime releases and returning series at Anime Expo. This slate features diverse genres and builds on established fan favorites while introducing promising new adaptations.
Sakamoto Days Adaptation Leads the Charge
Among the most anticipated new series is Sakamoto Days, an action-comedy based on the hugely popular manga. The story follows a legendary hitman who retires to become a family man running a convenience store. Its first season proved a global success on Netflix, charting in 54 countries, including major markets like Japan, South Korea, France, and Argentina. Sakamoto Days spent 10 weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10. Fans won’t have long to wait for more, as new weekly episodes begin streaming on July 14. The creative team behind the show hinted at even more intense action and the introduction of new characters, including a significant battle involving the character Yoichi Nagumo, in these upcoming episodes.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Returns with a Sequel
Fans of the critically acclaimed 2022 dystopian series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners received exciting news: a sequel is officially in the works. Titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, this follow-up is set in the gritty universe of CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 video game, returning in collaboration with the renowned Studio Trigger. The new series will feature a standalone story with completely new characters, expanding the narrative possibilities within Night City. Showrunner Bartosz Sztybor, returning from the first series, teased that Edgerunners 2 will be a “raw chronicle of redemption and revenge,” aiming for a “sadder and darker,” as well as “more bloody, and more raw” tone compared to its predecessor. Kai Ikarashi takes on directorial duties for this 10-episode series, building on his work from the original. A first teaser and new key art were debuted at the event.
Blue Eye Samurai Season 2 Teased
The Emmy-winning action-adventure series Blue Eye Samurai also featured prominently, with co-creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green offering insights into its highly anticipated second season. They confirmed protagonist Mizu’s central drive for revenge remains her “religion.” Green revealed a significant setting shift for the upcoming season, stating Mizu believes at least two of her targets are now in London. Season two is expected to begin with Mizu “breaking in somewhere to kill someone.” Viewers can anticipate the return of key characters such as the Swordmaker, Ringo, Taigen, and Akemi. Noizumi also tantalizingly suggested that some characters presumed dead might potentially still be alive, adding intrigue for the new episodes.
Kawaii Culture and More Anime Reveals
For enthusiasts of ‘kawaii’ culture, Netflix announced the premiere of My Melody & Kuromi on July 24. This stop-motion series brings Sanrio’s beloved characters to life in an original adventure focused on saving their homeland, Mariland.
The Anime Expo presentation also teased additional upcoming anime titles, including Record of Ragnarok III and the final season of Beastars, which is scheduled to deliver its second part exclusively on Netflix in 2026. The romance series The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity was also previewed, alongside unique titles like The Summer Hikaru Died.
Netflix’s diverse anime offerings span a wide spectrum of genres, reflecting the platform’s strategy to appeal to various tastes within the growing anime audience. Recent hits on the service showcase this breadth, ranging from high-octane action like Jujutsu Kaisen and SPY x FAMILY to compelling sci-fi (Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance), imaginative fantasy (Delicious in Dungeon), and heartwarming slice-of-life romance (My Happy Marriage, Pokémon Concierge). This variety ensures there’s anime content for every type of viewer, solidifying its position as a core component of Netflix’s global content offering. The data released at Anime Expo confirms that anime is no longer a niche category but a mainstream entertainment force for the streaming giant, prompting continued investment and strategic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Netflix users watch anime, and how has that viewership grown?
Netflix revealed that over 50 percent of its global members now watch anime, representing more than 150 million households or an estimated 300 million viewers. The company also reported that anime viewership on the platform has tripled over the past five years. This significant growth highlights anime’s expanding mainstream appeal worldwide.
Which major new or returning anime series did Netflix announce at Anime Expo?
Netflix announced several key titles at Anime Expo. New weekly episodes of the manga adaptation Sakamoto Days begin July 14. A sequel, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, is coming with a new story and characters. My Melody & Kuromi, a stop-motion series, premieres July 24. Season 2 of the Emmy-winning Blue Eye Samurai was also previewed, with a teased shift to London. Additional titles included Record of Ragnarok III and Beastars Final Season.
Why is Netflix investing so heavily in dubbing and localization for anime?
Netflix’s data shows that a vast majority, between 80 and 90 percent of anime viewers on the platform, prefer watching dubbed content. To meet this strong user preference and make anime accessible to its global audience, Netflix is offering dubs and descriptions in up to 33 languages. This investment removes language barriers and significantly expands the potential reach and enjoyment of anime for viewers worldwide.
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