Surprising Crunchyroll Study: Over 50% of Gen Z Worldwide Are Anime Aficionados
Discover how anime fandom among ages 13-28 now rivals the passion for Beyoncé and the NBA—see what’s fueling this pop culture surge!
Anime's Popularity Rivals Major Celebrities and Sports Among Gen Z, Study Finds
A new study by Crunchyroll and the National Research Group (NRG) highlights anime's growing influence, especially among younger audiences. The findings reveal that for people ages 13 to 28, fandom for anime now rivals enthusiasm for leading musicians and top athletes like Beyoncé and the NBA.
Study Overview
On May 20, anime streaming service Crunchyroll and NRG released a study titled "How Anime Became a Worldwide Cultural Force." The research surveyed 29,000 entertainment consumers aged 13 to 54 from the United States, United Kingdom, India, Germany, France, Brazil, and Mexico. Out of these, 3,500 were identified as anime fans—people who said they "like" or "love" anime and watch it at least once a month.
Cosplayers dress as Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke from the Entertainment District Arc at AX 2024
Photography by MrAJCosplay
Key Findings: Anime vs. Celebrities
According to Crunchyroll's press release:
"Anime now stands shoulder to shoulder with the biggest icons in music and sports among Gen Z. Globally, 54% of Gen Z make their love for anime known, putting it ahead of Kendrick Lamar (48%), nearly on par with Beyoncé (56%), and just behind LeBron James (59%) and Taylor Swift (60%)."
- Among ages 13-28, 54% state they like or love anime, just two points under Beyoncé.
- Anime is just five points under LeBron James, and 17 points behind Lionel Messi—the top-rated celebrity among Gen Z in the study.
Image via view.ceros.com
© National Research Group
How Other Generations Compare
- Millennials (29-44 years): 42% stated they are anime fans
- Gen X (45-54 years): 24% declared themselves anime fans
Anime is less popular with these generations than celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Lionel Messi, or Beyoncé. However, it outperforms The Kardashians, BTS, and even Kendrick Lamar among Millennials.
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| Millennial Graph - Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG | Gen X Graph - Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG |
Anime vs. Sports
For Gen Z, only traditional sports heavyweights like the Olympics, FIFA (soccer), UEFA Champions League, and the NBA surpass anime in fandom percentage.
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| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X |
| Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG | Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG | Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG |
How Fans Share Their Love for Anime
The study also explored how anime enthusiasts spread their passion:
- 58% talk about anime in person with friends, family, or colleagues
- 43% discuss it online via social media
- 42% watch anime with others in person
Image via view.ceros.com
© National Research Group
What Drives People to Watch Anime?
Top reasons for watching anime by generation:
Gen Z
- High-quality animation (37%)
- Compelling characters and relationships (35%)
- Imaginative and creative storytelling (34%)
Millennials & Gen X
- Imaginative and creative storytelling
- High-quality animation
- Compelling characters and relationships
 |  |  |
| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X |
| Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG | Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG | Image via view.ceros.com, © NRG |
Industry Reactions
While detailed methodology has not yet been shared, Grady Miller, CMO at NRG, commented:
"Anime is emerging as a truly global genre for young audiences, and a growing force for fandom in many countries around the world. Our research shows how increased accessibility and brilliant artistry have helped young audiences embrace anime not just as entertainment, but as a part of their identities."
Crunchyroll executives Gita Rebbapragada (COO) and Punnoose Isaac (Senior VP, Center for Data and Insights) also weighed in:
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Rebbapragada: “As a brand rooted in anime, we've long understood the depth of connection fans have with the anime medium. These findings underscore what we've seen firsthand for a long time and provide a data-driven view of anime's global and generational impact."
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Isaac: “This study reinforces what anime fans, and we at Crunchyroll, have always known: anime is a powerful cultural force that resonates on a deep emotional level. It helps shape identity, creates community, and offers connection in an increasingly complex world."
Sources: Email correspondence, National Research Group Study