Recent findings from Parrot Analytics have highlighted a stark disparity in anime revenue generation between Netflix and Crunchyroll. In 2023, Netflix generated $2.07 billion globally from anime content, nearly twice as much as Crunchyroll’s $1.16 billion.
This gap is significant, especially when considering Crunchyroll’s status as the leading platform dedicated solely to anime content. Crunchyroll has long been seen as the primary hub for anime fans, providing simulcasts, exclusive titles, and a vast library of classic series.
However, Netflix’s approach, leveraging its massive audience and global infrastructure, has allowed it to outpace Crunchyroll in revenue contributions from anime.
The Numbers Behind the Report
The 2023 data from Parrot Analytics provides a comprehensive view of how anime contributed to the revenue of various streaming platforms globally. Netflix, as a generalist platform, led with $2,073.9 million in revenue from anime. In comparison, Crunchyroll, despite its niche focus, earned $1,161.0 million.
Other platforms also played significant roles in the anime ecosystem. Hulu, generated $903.0 million. Amazon Prime Video followed with $515.1 million, capitalizing on its diverse audience base and increasing investment in anime.
Platforms like iQIYI ($217.7 million), Bilibili ($153.9 million), and Tencent Video ($137.3 million) highlighted anime’s growing appeal in Asia, where these platforms have established strong footholds.
Meanwhile, Disney+ entered the anime market more recently, earning $130.9 million. Max (formerly HBO Max) and MangoTV rounded out the list with $74.1 million and $72.4 million, respectively, showing how anime is expanding across a variety of platforms, even those not traditionally associated with the medium.
Netflix’s broad reach plays a significant role in its dominance. With over 230 million global subscribers, the platform has access to a much larger and more diverse audience than Crunchyroll’s 15 million subscribers. By offering anime alongside mainstream programming, Netflix introduces the medium to casual viewers who may not typically engage with anime.
Additionally, the platform’s investment in exclusive anime titles, such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean and Delicious in Dungeon, has solidified its position as a key player in the anime streaming space.
Localization efforts have also played an important role in Netflix’s success. By providing multilingual dubs and subtitles, the platform has made anime accessible to audiences in regions where language barriers may have previously limited its reach.
In 2023, anime’s global revenue was heavily driven by North America and Asia, which together accounted for over 72% of the total. North America contributed $2.2 billion to streaming revenue (41% of the global total) and $4.97 billion in merchandise sales.
Asia generated $1.6 billion from streaming (29%) and led merchandise revenue with $5.46 billion, according to Parrot Analytics.
Source: Parrot Analytics
