The anime market has been experiencing rapid growth since its origins.
With the rise of streaming and network broadcasting, anime has established itself as a global phenomenon. This industry, generating several billion dollars, shows no signs of slowing down and is undoubtedly the most significant and influential Japanese cultural export.
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With an almost unlimited range of series and universes, even the most dedicated fans struggle to keep up with all the new releases. The success of a franchise can be measured in many ways, but the most obvious remains its commercial performance and revenue generated.
Anime is a booming industry where some franchises generate billions of dollars through manga, merchandise, and other media. While popular new releases continue to captivate, iconic franchises have stood the test of time. This list has been updated to match the current editorial standards of CBR, including more of the most lucrative franchises.
25. Astro Boy, one of the oldest and most iconic anime franchises
Estimated revenue: 3 billion dollars
Created by the genius Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy is a pioneering series that paved the way for many anime classics. It features a young android with extraordinary powers who fights for justice and peace, vowing to protect humanity.
The franchise started in 1951 as a manga, achieving immediate success, quickly becoming one of the most popular mangas ever created and propelling Tezuka onto the global stage. Since then, many adaptations have emerged, including the original 1963 anime that reinforced its fame.
24. Hamtaro, a huge success among Japanese fans
Estimated revenue: 3.02 billion dollars
For anime fans outside Japan, Hamtaro had a meteoric rise upon its launch in 2000, but its popularity quickly faded abroad. In the United States especially, the Ham-Hams were largely forgotten by the mid-2000s.
Despite this international failure, Hamtaro remains one of the most profitable franchises thanks to its massive success in Japan. Besides the anime, the franchise includes four films, several video games, and a multitude of merchandise still present in the Japanese market. Its adorable aesthetics and nostalgic charm make it an essential children's brand in Japan.
23. Beyblade rekindles fans’ passion with a Transformers collaboration
Estimated revenue: 4.16 billion dollars
Beyblade follows the adventures of the Bladebreakers in their quest for the world championship. Launched in September 1999, the original manga series was accompanied by the release of the famous spinning tops. Created by Takao Aoki, the franchise saw immediate success, followed by an animated series in 2001. Beyblade regained popularity thanks to several sequels and spin-off mangas.
There are four types of Beyblades: Endurance, Attack, Balance, and Defense. Distributed by Hasbro in the West, the franchise sold nearly 5 billion tops in the United States in 2003. Fans particularly appreciate the new Beyblade X Transformers line launched in July 2024.
22. Slam Dunk, an influential sports anime series
Estimated revenue: 4.81 billion dollars
Slam Dunk is one of the first sports anime franchises, helping shape the genre. The manga, launched in 1990, was hugely successful, selling over 170 million copies. The 1993 anime adaptation propelled the franchise to a new level.
Today, Slam Dunk remains a must-see sports anime, especially loved in Asia, influencing basketball culture. Its worldwide return in 2022 with the film "The First Slam Dunk" was a huge success, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated movies alongside Demon Slayer and Studio Ghibli productions.
21. Detective Conan, one of the oldest and most popular animated series
Estimated revenue: 6.06 billion dollars
Detective Conan is an anime franchise with impressive success, started in 1994 in Weekly Shonen Sunday. The anime, launched in 1996, quickly gained worldwide fame.
With over 1,000 episodes and an ongoing manga (107th volume planned for April 2025), Detective Conan remains one of the major anime franchises. The series has sold about 270 million copies.
20. Digimon returns in 2024 with a new web novel series
Estimated revenue: 6.3 billion dollars
The Digimon franchise began in 1997 with the Digital Monster toy. A one-shot manga followed, then several animated series and movies, the first in 1999.
Over 24 million original toys have been sold. A 20th-anniversary edition revived fan interest. The latest game Digimon Survive was released in 2022, followed by the movie Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning in 2023. In March 2024, Digimon Con unveiled a new web novel series, Digimon Liberator, launched in April.
19. Bleach continues its success with a final arc and new video game
Estimated revenue: 7.24 billion dollars
Bleach tells the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with Shinigami powers, who protects his town from evil spirits. The manga was published from 2001 to 2016, and the original anime aired from 2004 to 2012. The sequel, started in 2022, covers the final arc.
With 74 volumes and 130 million copies sold, Bleach is among the most popular mangas. Over 20 video games have been released, and a new title, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, is planned for 2025.
18. Doraemon, Japan’s most profitable cinematic franchise
Estimated revenue: 7.29 billion dollars
Doraemon, the time-traveling robot cat, is a Japanese cultural icon. In 2008, it was named the first “anime ambassador” by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promoting Japanese culture to children worldwide.
Doraemon originated as a children’s manga published from 1969 to 1996. Three animated series (1973, 1979, 2005) followed, as well as a spin-off manga and an animated series aired from 1995 to 2001, inspired by the movie Doraemon 2112: The Birth of Doraemon (1995). The franchise continues with weekly episodes and annual movies, making Doraemon the country’s most lucrative cinematic franchise.
17. Pretty Cure, the flagship magical girl of the 2000s
Estimated revenue: 8 billion dollars
Although less known outside Japan, Pretty Cure is one of the most profitable anime franchises in the country. Launched in 2004, it became the reference for magical girls in the 2000s.
Most revenue comes from merchandise, with nearly 9 billion dollars generated. Each new series targets a new generation, ensuring the franchise’s longevity and popularity, which remains in the last quarter of this ranking.
16. Demon Slayer sold over 150 million manga volumes
Estimated revenue: 9.32 billion dollars
Thanks to remarkable animation and a gripping story, Demon Slayer went from a surprise hit in 2019 to the most lucrative animated series ever created, boosting sales of Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga.
Over 150 million copies of the 23 volumes have been sold worldwide. The anime ended in June 2024, while Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Mugen Train remains the highest-grossing film in Japan.
15. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure revolutionized Shonen storytelling
Estimated revenue: 9.8 billion dollars
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure saw a real anglophone boom in 2012 thanks to its anime, but in Japan, it has been profitable since 1987. With 190 episodes, it follows the Joestar family’s adventures across generations. The manga sold over 120 million copies.
The franchise expanded into video games and live adaptations, deeply transforming Shonen storytelling, influences still visible in current anime.
14. Rilakkuma, an iconic Japanese mascot
Estimated revenue: 10 billion dollars
Like Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma is a beloved mascot in Japan, with numerous merchandise, toys, and TV series. Fans love the bear and friends, who have adventures as captivating as Sanrio characters.
Its popularity skyrocketed after the Netflix stop-motion series, followed by a sequel. Rilakkuma is now everywhere, with collaborations, pop-up shops, and themed cafés. A third anime is in production by the studio behind Ghost in the Shell.
13. Naruto, an anime of worldwide cultural importance
Estimated revenue: 10 billion dollars
Thanks to its global cultural significance, Naruto is one of the most profitable anime. Its success mainly relies on the manga, but the anime, recognized as one of the three greats of Shonen Jump, greatly contributed to its fame.
Movies, video games, and crossovers with other franchises have boosted its popularity. The controversial sequel Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has also added to the franchise’s profitability. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, determined to overcome prejudice to establish peace and become a hero.
12. Neon Genesis Evangelion brought new depth to the Mecha genre
Estimated revenue: 12 billion dollars
Neon Genesis Evangelion innovated by revealing the dark side of piloting giant robots. Following teenagers fighting monsters with their Evangelions, the series revolutionized the mecha genre, becoming one of the greatest anime of all time. The 23-episode anime dates from 1996, complemented by 1997 films offering alternative endings.
Evangelion remains highly profitable, notably due to pachinko machines and music royalties. Its total sales approach 9 billion dollars.
11. Sailor Moon, a major pioneer of anime
Estimated revenue: 14 billion dollars
Sailor Moon, aired since 1992, has maintained its status as the first shojo and magical girl anime. Centered on Usagi Tsukino, the series marked a turning point in a male-dominated universe, becoming one of the most profitable anime. Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2016) is a more faithful manga adaptation.
Several movies accompany the series, including Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos The Movie, released in 2023 in Japan and expected on Netflix in August 2024. Most current revenue comes from merchandise.
10. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, a historic institution of Japanese animation
Estimated revenue: 16 billion dollars
KochiKame is little known outside Japan but is one of the country's most profitable and historic anime. Its serialization lasted from 1976 to 2016, and the franchise continues to generate income through reprints, merchandise, and anniversary reruns.
Although it produces few new works, KochiKame remains an influential sitcom and cultural icon, even if less famous in the West than the three big shonen titles.
9. Ultraman sparks renewed interest with Avengers Team-Up
Estimated revenue: 20 billion dollars
The Ultraman franchise, born in 1966 with Ultra Q, saw its main character appear in the following season. It includes more than 100 series, films, and video games. The Ultraman manga, launched in 2011, is inspired by the original series.
The Ultraman anime aired on Netflix from 2019 to 2023, followed by the movie Ultraman: Rising in 2024. The franchise was spotlighted at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, with the presentation of Ultraman X Avengers by Marvel, scheduled for August 2024.
8. Yu-Gi-Oh!, the Duel Monsters card game
Estimated revenue: 20 billion dollars
Yu-Gi-Oh! stood out thanks to its card game, around which the franchise was built. Originally a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump, the anime tells the story of Yugi Muto, a legendary duelist, but mainly serves to promote the game.
Card game sales have exceeded 11 billion dollars, constituting the main revenue source, although the anime and movies have also seen financial success.
7. One Piece, a steady audience since 1999
Estimated revenue: 21 billion dollars
One Piece is one of the longest-running anime, with over 1,112 episodes aired. Its popularity relies on a huge fanbase and a never-ending story following Monkey D. Luffy and his crew in their quest for the legendary treasure.
Since 1999, the audience and revenues have never faltered. Merchandise and video game sales represent a major part of the franchise, which is seeing a resurgence of popularity in the West in 2024. As One Piece enters its final arc, revenues are expected to continue growing.
6. Fist of the North Star helped anime establish internationally
Estimated revenue: 22 billion dollars
Fist of the North Star, born in the 80s, helped establish anime worldwide. In a post-apocalyptic world, Kenshiro, a martial arts expert, protects the innocent. Published in 1983, the manga rapidly succeeded at the box office and expanded to other media.
Despite its age, the franchise remains very profitable, mainly thanks to pachinko machines which generated 14 billion dollars. Recent releases remain rare but respectable.
5. Dragon Ball, a still epic and popular franchise
Estimated revenue: 23 billion dollars
Dragon Ball is a classic shonen, following Son Goku from childhood to adulthood around mystical Dragon Balls. Born in the 80s, it maintains intact popularity.
Video games and merchandise make up a large share of revenue. Recent movies have reinforced its status as one of the most profitable anime, with many projects ahead. Few series have generated more revenue.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam owes its success to toys and model kits
Estimated revenue: 26 billion dollars
Mobile Suit Gundam is famous for its Gunplas model kits, which outsell any other franchise product. Each new anime adapts to its era, renewing interest generation after generation.
In 2024, the franchise recorded its best annual sales, confirming its enduring success.
3. Anpanman, an extremely popular children’s anime in Japan
Estimated revenue: 60 billion dollars
Little known outside Japan, Anpanman tells the story of a superhero with a filled cake face, protecting the world from the germ Baikinman. Launched as a manga in 1973, followed by the animated series in 1988, it is still ongoing.
Almost all revenue comes from children’s merchandise and the Anpanman Museum in Yokohama, which generated nearly 14 billion dollars.
2. Hello Kitty, cartoons serving merchandising
Estimated revenue: 80 billion dollars
More mascot than anime character, Hello Kitty owes most of its revenue to merchandise. Cartoons were often simple advertisements for these products. The character appeared on a coin purse long before the first animated series in 1987.
In 2014, its annual revenue was estimated at 8 billion dollars, a figure likely higher now. Series and movies are not the main source of income.
1. Pokémon, the most profitable animated franchise of all time
Estimated revenue: 100 billion dollars
Appearing in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Blue, followed by the first animated series and mangas, the franchise surpassed 100 billion dollars in net worth by 2022.
Despite a diverse offering of anime, card games, and video games, licensed merchandise remains Pokémon’s main driving force. Merchandise sales far exceed those of other media, securing Pokémon’s status as the most profitable animated franchise, a title likely to endure.
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