Over 50% of Gen-Z Now Identify as Anime Fans, Says New Crunchyroll Study!

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Summary

  • Anime is now a leading force in popular culture, particularly among Gen-Z, with fans considering it a core part of their identity.
  • Anime’s rise is attributed to passionate fandom, increased accessibility, and diverse, emotionally rich narratives.
  • Social media and high-profile fans contribute to the increased visibility of anime, making it more mainstream than ever.

On May 20th, Crunchyroll unveiled the results from a study they conducted jointly with the US National Research Group (NRG), involving 29,000 participants aged between 18 and 54 across several countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, India, Germany, France, Brazil, and Mexico. Among these 29,000 individuals, around 3,500 identified themselves as anime enthusiasts or regular viewers who tune in at least once a month. The research found that members of Generation Z view anime on par with renowned figures in sports and music, two areas historically favored by young adults (18-35).

Based on Crunchyroll’s research findings, it appears that anime has moved beyond the margins of mainstream culture among Generation Z, taking on a significant role that shapes the identity of many fans. A key query that arises from this is: What sets anime apart, and what can we anticipate for its future development?

In my world, anime transcends the realm of simple amusement; it deeply intertwines with who I am at my core. You might be surprised to know that more than one-third of us passionate fans consider anime as an integral aspect of our existence – providing an unexpected joy and enchantment that few other genres can match.

The Parameters of the Study

The Basic Method

To fully grasp why Crunchyroll arrived at their significant findings in the study, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and indicators they used. Previously, I mentioned that they primarily relied on surveys for data collection, which were answered by 29,000 general entertainment consumers (those who watch an hour or more of TV content weekly) from different nations. Out of these 29,000 participants, a substantial 3,500 demonstrated interest, liking, or even passion for anime.

The surveys were conducted during March. For our research purposes, we categorized Generation Z as individuals aged 13 to 28, millennials as those between 29 and 44, and Gen X as people from 45 to 54. Unfortunately, the specifics of our research methodology are not detailed here, and there is limited information available about the methods used. Additionally, it’s worth noting that we have minimal data from large anime communities in Latin American countries and Africa, which are increasingly significant contributors to animation and long-standing consumers of anime content.

Understanding these generational labels is crucial for interpreting data more profoundly and deriving meaningful insights from it. One fascinating finding from our research is the significant role anime plays in shaping identity, especially within Generation Z. The study suggests that a staggering 88% of teenage anime enthusiasts view the medium as a significant aspect of their personal identity, while an impressive 93% of this age group take pride in being anime fans.

The prevalence of anime is particularly notable among Generation Z, and upon examination of the study, it’s evident that there’s a strong pattern showing a growing affinity for anime across generations. While Generation X were pioneers in the world of anime, they still find other significant forms of entertainment, celebrities, and sports more impactful than anime. Interestingly, the inclination towards watching subtitled anime rather than dubbed anime has grown over time, with Gen-Z being the demographic most likely to enjoy anime in its original Japanese language.

The rise of anime from a niche preference to a powerful global cultural phenomenon wasn’t by chance; it’s due to dedicated fanbases, improved accessibility, and tales that strike a chord regardless of location or age group.

From being considered an obscure genre, anime has grown to rival the impact of major music artists and sports teams worldwide. It fosters emotional bonds, social identity, and cultural exploration in every region on Earth. As fans yearn for narratives that are diverse, inclusive, and deeply emotional, anime is adapting to cater to a growing, international audience.

This is more than a medium. It’s a movement. And it’s only just getting started.

Why Is Anime So Big Among Gen-Z?

The Digital Age Has Facilitated Immense Reach

It’s common for anime fans across generations to express their love for anime in face-to-face discussions (approximately 58% of anime fans have spoken about anime with friends or coworkers). However, the era of streaming has greatly facilitated access to anime, and around 47% of Gen-Z anime fans have found or developed an interest in a specific title through social media discussions or “fan-edits” – a contemporary version of AMVs. This is in contrast to only 33% of millennials and 24% of Gen-X fans.

Fan-edited versions of anime have significantly boosted its popularity among Generation Z, and while social media has been instrumental in spreading anime content during and post COVID-19 pandemic, the genuine storytelling nature of anime is what makes it more appealing to fans across generations compared to Western animation or television. One of the factors that distinguish anime from other genres in our current cultural climate where sincerity seems rare is its dedication to emotional authenticity, without holding back or adopting cynicism.

The widespread popularity of anime, fueled by prominent figures who are fans, plays a significant role in appreciating its influence and prevalence among Gen-Z. Notable celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion, Samuel L. Jackson, athletes like Noah Lyles, and football personalities including Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham), Ibrahim Kounate, and Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) have contributed significantly to the ‘cool’ factor associated with anime.

In terms of recognizing anime’s potential to expand into larger markets, not many brands outside its sphere have attempted to engage with it. Football, however, seems particularly open in the sports world, largely due to the deep-rooted link between football and anime, as exemplified by series like Blue Lock. Essentially, the popularity of anime among Gen-Z is a complex phenomenon that arises from its accessibility, frequent exposure through influential figures and fellow fans, and considering the sustained fandom of anime among millennials and Gen-X, it appears that anime culture is still in the early stages of a significant cultural shift.

The Crunchyroll x NRG study can be found here.

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2025-05-26 19:34