U.S. Anime Market (By Type: T.V., Movie, Video, Music, Internet Distribution, Merchandising, Pachinko; By Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy) - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

The U.S. anime market size was estimated at USD 2.24 billion in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 9.09 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 15.03% from 2024 to 2033. The U.S. market is seeing a boom in events and goods, which highlights the thriving fan culture. Anime gatherings, product shops, and crossover partnerships between popular anime series and mainstream corporations are becoming more commonplace.

Key Pointers

• By Type, the internet distribution sector held the largest revenue share of 24% in 2023.
• By Type, the merchandising segment is poised to experience a notable CAGR from 2024 to 2033.
• By Genre, the sci-fi and fantasy segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

U.S. Anime Market Overview

The anime industry has experienced remarkable growth and evolution within the United States over the past few decades. What was once considered a niche interest has now become a mainstream phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In this overview, we'll delve into the current landscape of the U.S. anime market, examining key trends, growth factors, and the vast opportunities it presents for stakeholders.

U.S. Anime Market Growth

The growth of the U.S. anime market can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the widespread availability of streaming platforms has made anime more accessible than ever before, allowing viewers to explore a vast catalog of titles at their convenience. Additionally, the increasing cultural acceptance of anime has led to a surge in mainstream recognition, attracting a broader audience base beyond traditional fan demographics. Furthermore, strategic partnerships between content creators and distributors have facilitated the localization and promotion of anime for Western audiences, driving market expansion. Moreover, the passionate and engaged fan community plays a significant role in fueling demand and generating buzz around new releases, contributing to sustained growth and longevity in the market. Overall, these factors combined have created a fertile environment for the continued expansion of the U.S. anime market, presenting lucrative opportunities for stakeholders across the industry.

U.S. Anime Market Trends:

• Streaming Dominance: Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix continue to dominate the U.S. anime market, offering a vast library of titles accessible to subscribers on-demand. This trend is expected to persist as these platforms invest in exclusive content and expand their user base.
• Localization and Dubbing: The trend of localizing and dubbing anime for Western audiences has gained momentum, making content more accessible and appealing to a broader demographic. High-quality dubbing and localization efforts enhance viewer engagement and broaden the market appeal of anime.
• Original Content Production: With the success of original anime series like "Attack on Titan" and "Demon Slayer," there's a growing trend towards producing original content tailored specifically for the U.S. market. This trend not only caters to the preferences of Western audiences but also strengthens the industry's presence in the global market.
• Cross-Media Collaborations: Collaborations between anime creators and other industries such as fashion, gaming, and music are on the rise. These cross-media collaborations not only diversify revenue streams but also serve to expand the reach of anime by tapping into different fan bases and consumer markets.
• Emergence of Niche Genres: While mainstream genres like shonen and shojo continue to dominate, there's a growing interest in niche genres such as isekai, slice of life, and psychological thriller. This diversification of content caters to the varied tastes of audiences and ensures a more inclusive and dynamic market landscape.
• Globalization and Cultural Exchange: Anime's global reach has led to increased collaboration and cultural exchange between Japanese creators and international audiences. This trend is fostering a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and storytelling while also influencing the creative direction of future anime productions.
• Increased Merchandising Opportunities: The popularity of anime has led to a surge in demand for related merchandise such as figurines, apparel, and collectibles. This trend presents lucrative opportunities for licensing and merchandising, further driving revenue growth within the U.S. anime market.
• Fan Engagement and Community Building: The passionate and engaged fan community continues to play a crucial role in shaping trends within the U.S. anime market. Social media platforms and fan conventions provide avenues for fan interaction, fostering a sense of community and driving enthusiasm for upcoming releases.

Type Insights

In 2023, the internet distribution sector emerged as the market leader, accounting for 24% of total revenue. This surge can be attributed to the evolving landscape of content consumption patterns. The rise of online streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Crunchyroll, has significantly influenced this growth by providing unparalleled convenience and accessibility. With a vast library of anime titles available for on-demand viewing, consumers now have the freedom to access a diverse array of content at their leisure. This transition from traditional broadcasting to internet distribution is in line with the preferences of modern audiences, who prioritize flexibility in their viewing experiences. The seamless streaming experience, coupled with a rich content selection, has propelled internet distribution to the forefront, making it the preferred choice for many anime enthusiasts and driving its substantial market share in 2023.

Looking ahead, the merchandising segment is poised to experience a notable CAGR during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the thriving fan culture and the escalating demand for tangible connections to beloved anime franchises. As mainstream acceptance of anime continues to expand, fans are not only consuming content but actively seeking avenues to engage with their favorite series and characters. Merchandising serves as a conduit for enthusiasts to express their passion through the acquisition of collectibles, apparel, accessories, and more. Moreover, collaborations between anime franchises and mainstream brands further enhance the allure of anime merchandise. This trend underscores a growing desire for immersive experiences and tangible connections, thus driving the growth of the merchandising segment in the foreseeable future.

Genre Insights

In 2023, the action and adventure segment emerged as the top revenue generator within the market. This achievement can be attributed to the widespread appeal and enduring popularity of its dynamic and thrilling storytelling. Action and adventure anime often boast intense and captivating narratives, intricate character developments, and visually stunning animation, which collectively attract a broad audience. The genre's knack for blending compelling plotlines with adrenaline-pumping sequences resonates strongly with both seasoned anime enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Furthermore, the success of streaming platforms in facilitating easy access to a diverse array of anime titles contributes significantly to the genre's growth. Viewers can effortlessly explore and engage with a wide range of action-packed series, solidifying its position as the foremost revenue contributor in the market.

Looking ahead, the sci-fi and fantasy segment is poised to achieve the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the enduring allure of imaginative and otherworldly narratives that captivate viewers. Sci-fi and fantasy anime often delve into innovative and futuristic storylines, exploring unique concepts and fantastical worlds that resonate deeply with a diverse audience. As technology and animation techniques continue to advance, the genre benefits from visually stunning depictions of futuristic landscapes and supernatural elements, further enhancing the overall viewing experience. The popularity of iconic sci-fi and fantasy anime franchises in the U.S. has also contributed to the genre's growth, drawing in both long-time enthusiasts and new viewers seeking innovative and immersive storytelling experiences.

U.S. Anime Market Key Companies

• Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.)
• Discotek Media
• Sentai Holdings, LLC (AMC Networks)
• Viz Media, LLC
• Atomic Flare
• Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
• The Walt Disney Company
• Toei Animation USA
• Lions Gate Entertainment Inc.
• Eleven Arts
• Good Smile Company, Inc.
• Bioworld Merchandising, Inc.

U.S. Anime Market Segmentations

By Type

• T.V.
• Movie
• Video
• Internet Distribution
• Merchandising
• Music
• Pachinko
• Live Entertainment

By Genre

• Action & Adventure
• Sci-Fi & Fantasy
• Romance & Drama
• Sports
• Others