The anime market has seen exponential growth since its beginnings.
Thanks to streaming and network distribution, it has become a global phenomenon. A multibillion-dollar industry showing no signs of slowing down, anime is likely Japan's most important and influential cultural export.
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With an seemingly endless array of series and stories, even the most dedicated fans couldn't keep up with all the releases. There are many ways to measure the success of a franchise, but the most obvious is its commercial success and financial earnings.
Updated February 26, 2025 by Chelsea Steele: Anime is an expanding market, with franchises generating billions of dollars in sales through manga, merchandise, and more. While popular new titles continue to be big sellers, the most iconic franchises have endured for decades. We’ve updated this list to reflect current CBR publishing standards, adding even more of the most profitable anime franchises.
25. Astro Boy is one of the oldest and most iconic anime franchises
Estimated revenue: $3 billion
Created by the brilliant Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy is a pioneering series that paved the way for many iconic anime. The series features the young eponymous hero, an android boy with incredible powers, who fights for justice and peace, vowing to use his abilities to protect humanity.
Astro Boy began in 1951 as a manga, which became an instant hit upon release. It quickly became one of the most popular manga series ever created, propelling Tezuka to global fame. Since its debut, Astro Boy has seen numerous adaptations, including the original 1963 anime, which solidified its iconic status.
24. Hamtaro saw huge success with Japanese fans
Estimated revenue: $3.02 billion
For foreign anime fans, Hamtaro is a franchise that experienced rapid growth. When it debuted in 2000, it seemed promising, but its popularity waned after a year or two outside Japan. The United States, in particular, quickly lost interest in Hamtaro, and by the mid-2000s, the Ham-Hams were nearly forgotten.
Given that most Western fans have long forgotten about Hamtaro, it may come as a surprise that it remains one of the most profitable franchises. Despite its failure abroad, the series enjoyed massive success in Japan for years. Besides the anime, Hamtaro has spawned four films, at least six video games, and numerous merchandise still available in Japan. Today, Hamtaro continues to be appreciated for its cute aesthetic and nostalgic charm, making it one of Japan's strongest children's brands.
23. Beyblade brings back fans with a Transformers collaboration
Estimated revenue: $4.16 billion
Another successful toy franchise, Beyblade follows a group of friends, the Bladebreakers, in their quest for the World Beyblade Championship. In September 1999, the original Beyblade manga was released alongside the iconic spinning tops. The manga, created by Takao Aoki, was an instant hit, and an anime series was developed shortly after in 2001. Beyblade has regained popularity several times over the past two decades through multiple manga and spin-off anime series.
There are four main types of Beyblades: Endurance, Attack, Balance, and Defense. Hasbro distributes Beyblade in the U.S. and most Western countries, releasing numerous collections of Beyblades over the past two decades. It’s no surprise that the ever-growing selection of toys represents a significant portion of the franchise's revenue, with nearly 5 billion Beyblades sold in the U.S. in 2003. Fans currently enjoy the new Beyblade X Transformers figurines, released in July 2024.
22. Slam Dunk remains one of the most influential sports anime series
Estimated revenue: $4.81 billion
Slam Dunk is one of the first sports anime franchises and helped shape the genre as it is today. The Slam Dunk manga debuted in 1990 and quickly became a massive success with anime fans. The series sold over 170 million copies, making it one of the best-selling manga titles. Shortly after its release, the original anime adaptation aired in 1993, propelling the franchise to new heights.
Even after all these years, Slam Dunk remains a cornerstone of the sports genre. The franchise is particularly popular with Asian audiences, and its influence on basketball culture in the region is still felt today. Slam Dunk made a worldwide return in 2022 with the release of the film The First Slam Dunk, the first new media from the franchise in some time. The film was so successful that it became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, alongside Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Infinity Train and Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron.
21. Detective Conan is still popular as one of the longest-running anime series
Estimated revenue: $6.06 billion
Detective Conan is a phenomenally successful anime franchise and one of the longest-running manga series of all time. The series began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 1994 and achieved near-instant success. The Detective Conan anime series began in 1996, quickly earning it worldwide fame.
To this day, the Detective Conan franchise remains one of the largest in the anime industry, with both the manga and anime still in production. The anime series has released over 1,000 episodes over the years, making it one of the longest-running titles in the market. Similarly, the Detective Conan manga, still regularly published, is set to release its 107th volume on April 18, 2025. In total, the series has sold approximately 270 million copies.
20. Digimon returns with a new web novel series in 2024
Estimated revenue: $6.3 billion
The Digimon franchise first appeared in 1997 with the release of the Digital Monster virtual pet toy. A one-shot manga, C'Mon Digimon, based on the original game, was published in Japan shortly after. Numerous anime series and films followed, with the first airing in 1999.
Over 24 million original Digimon Digital Monster toys have been sold worldwide. A special 20th-anniversary edition was created and launched in Japan in 2017 (and globally in 2019), sparking renewed interest in the franchise. Digimon Survive, the latest Digimon game, was released in 2022, and the latest animated film, Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning, was released the following year. The Digimon Con was held in Japan on March 10, 2024, where fans discovered a new online novel series, Digimon Liberator, which released the following month.
19. Bleach continues its legacy with its final arc and a new video game
Estimated revenue: $7.24 billion
The Bleach franchise, which debuted in the early 2000s, tells the story of high school student Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the power of a Shinigami and faces challenges to protect his city from evil spirits. The manga ran from 2001 to 2016, and the original anime series, based on the manga, aired from 2004 to 2012. The sequel, which began in 2022, covers the final arc of the manga.
With 74 volumes published, Bleach has sold over 130 million copies. As one of the best-selling manga of all time, it's no surprise that Bleach is one of the most lucrative anime franchises. Video games also significantly contribute to the franchise's success, with more than 20 games released. A new Bleach video game, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, was announced at Anime Expo 2024 and is set to release in 2025.
18. Doraemon is Japan's most profitable film franchise
Estimated revenue: $7.29 billion
Doraemon, the time-traveling robot cat and main character of the Doraemon franchise, has captured the hearts of millions of viewers and become a cultural icon in Japan. In 2008, Doraemon was even named Japan's first "anime ambassador" by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As an ambassador, Doraemon introduces children around the world to Japanese culture.
Doraemon started as a children's manga, running from 1969 to 1996. Three anime series were aired (in 1973, 1979, and 2005), based on the original manga. A spin-off manga and anime series, Les Doraemon, aired from 1995 to 2001, adapting the story of characters first introduced in the film Doraemon 2112: The Birth of Doraemon (1995) and leading to several other animated films. The series is still ongoing in Japan, with episodes airing weekly. Doraemon also releases films annually in Japan and has become the country's most profitable film franchise.
17. Pretty Cure was the Dominant Magical Girl Anime of the 2000s
Estimated Revenue: $8 billion
Pretty Cure may not be well-known outside Japan, but it's one of the country's most profitable anime franchises. Launched in 2004, it quickly became the dominant magical girl franchise of the 2000s. The series owes much of its revenue to merchandise sales, earning nearly $9 billion from this alone. Its continued success is fueled by each new iteration appealing to a new generation of viewers, keeping Pretty Cure as one of the most profitable franchises in the industry.
16. Demon Slayer Sold Over 150 Million Manga Volumes
Estimated Revenue: $9.32 billion
With exceptional animation, compelling storytelling, and perfect timing, Demon Slayer rapidly transformed from a surprise anime hit in 2019 to the most profitable animated series ever. The success of the anime boosted the sales of Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, making it a bestseller. As of now, Demon Slayer has sold over 150 million copies of its 23 manga volumes worldwide. The series has also achieved record-breaking viewership, and its movie, 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
For many English-speaking fans, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure truly took off in 2012 with its anime adaptation. However, in Japan, the franchise had already been one of the most profitable anime since its debut in 1987. Following the adventures of the Joestar family across generations, the series has now expanded to 190 episodes. Before its anime, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure was a successful manga that sold over 120 million copies. Its cultural influence is immense, transforming the way shonen stories are told and continuing to impact modern anime.
14. Rilakkuma is a Recognizable Japanese Mascot
Estimated Revenue: $10 billion
Much like the iconic Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma is a beloved and widely recognizable mascot in Japan. While not solely an anime, the franchise has expanded to include toys, merchandise, TV series, and more. Fans adore the cute little bear and his friends, who have as many exciting adventures as their Sanrio counterparts.
With Japan's deep love for all things cute, it's no surprise that Rilakkuma is a successful franchise. The character’s popularity skyrocketed after the release of Rilakkuma and Kaoru, a stop-motion animated series on Netflix, which quickly led to a sequel, Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure. Since then, Rilakkuma has become ubiquitous, with numerous collaborations, pop-up shops, and themed cafes. The franchise is also preparing for its third anime, produced by the studio behind Ghost in the Shell and Kaiju No. 8.
13. Naruto is Culturally Significant for Audiences Worldwide
Estimated Revenue: $10 billion
Given its cultural significance to global audiences, it’s no surprise that Naruto’s fortune has made it one of the most profitable anime of all time. The martial arts adventure Naruto owes much of its success to its manga, but it’s undeniable that its anime, immortalized as one of the "big three" of Shonen Jump, helped make it a household name.
Naruto strengthened its success through movies, video games, and crossovers with other important anime franchises. Part of its continued success lies in its seemingly endless story. Even though Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has been one of the most controversial sequels, it has contributed to the franchise’s profitability. The poignant tale of the determined protagonist Naruto Uzumaki, who overcomes prejudice and hatred to bring peace to the world and become a great hero, remains a central theme that resonates worldwide.
12. Neon Genesis Evangelion Brought a Sense of Gravity to the Mecha Genre
Estimated Revenue: $12 billion
Neon Genesis Evangelion ingeniously portrayed the darker side of piloting a giant robot, subverting the traditional mecha genre. Following teenagers forced to fight monsters with their Evangelions, the anime introduced an unprecedented depth to the mecha genre. As a result, Evangelion is considered one of the greatest anime of all time. Completed in 1996, the anime consists of a single season of 23 episodes. Fans dissatisfied with the series' ending can turn to the 1997 films, which offer alternate conclusions.
Despite its continued success, Evangelion remains one of the most profitable anime, thanks to a lucrative range of merchandise. A substantial portion of its earnings also comes from pachinko machines. Additionally, the franchise has benefited significantly from royalties from its iconic music. Total revenue from Evangelion has reached nearly $9 billion.
11. Sailor Moon Was One of the Most Important Pioneers of Anime
Estimated Revenue: $14 billion
Sailor Moon, which began airing in 1992, has never lost its title as the premier shojo and magical girl anime. Centered around Usagi Tsukino's fight to protect Earth as the titular magical girl, Sailor Moon was one of the most significant pioneers of anime. It was one of the first successful shojo anime to break through in a field dominated by male-centric shows, becoming one of the most profitable anime of all time. A second anime, Sailor Moon Crystal, aired from 2014 to 2016, offering a closer adaptation to the original manga than the first series.
Several films have accompanied the anime, with the most recent being Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos The Movie. The film was released in Japan in June 2023 and will arrive on Netflix in August 2024. Since the conclusion of the main Sailor Moon anime series, most of its revenue now comes from merchandise sales.
10. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops is a Historical Institution in Japan's Animation Industry
Estimated Revenue: $16 billion
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops is an anime that most people outside of Japan are unfamiliar with. Despite its lack of international fame, KochiKame was one of the most profitable anime in Japanese history. More importantly, it became a true historical institution both in the animation industry and within the country.
The serialization of KochiKame began in 1976 and ran until 2016. Even after its conclusion, the series continues to generate revenue through reprints, merchandise sales, and anniversary reruns of its anime and films. While KochiKame no longer produces much new content today, it remains an influential sitcom and a cultural icon. Thus, KochiKame is still one of the most profitable animated series of all time, even if it is less known in the West than the "big three" of shonen (One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach).
9. Ultraman Sparks New Interest with Avengers Team-Up Comic
Estimated Revenue: $20 billion
The Ultraman franchise, also known as the Ultra Series, made its debut in the tokusatsu TV series Ultra Q in 1966. Interestingly, the titular Ultraman character did not appear on screen until the second season, Ultraman, which aired later that same year. The franchise has since grown to include more than 100 TV series, films, and video games. The Ultraman manga, released in 2011, is based on the original series of the same name.
The Ultraman anime series premiered on Netflix in April 2019, concluding with its third season in 2023. It was followed by the fan-favorite animated film Ultraman: Rising, released in 2024. The growing popularity of the Ultraman franchise was evident at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, where the franchise was celebrated for several days. Attendees enjoyed movie screenings, character meet-and-greets, and a panel providing more details about Ultraman X Avengers from Marvel, which is set to release on August 14, 2024.
8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Is All About the Duel Monsters Card Game
Estimated Revenue: $20 billion
A franchise focused on a card game was always going to have an edge over other anime, and Yu-Gi-Oh! is a prime example of this success. The franchise first appeared as a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump before the anime was created. The anime was intended to tell the story of Yugi Muto, who becomes a legendary duelist, but the main focus was not just the story. In reality, the series primarily served as a promotion for its namesake card game.
It’s no surprise that the promotion of Yu-Gi-Oh! paid off. The sales of the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game alone have exceeded $11 billion, making it the largest and most profitable source of revenue for the franchise. While the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime and films have also been financially successful, they generate only a fraction of the revenue compared to the cards.
7. One Piece Has Never Seen a Drop in Audience Since 1999
Estimated Revenue: $21 billion
One Piece is one of the longest-running anime of all time, with over 1,112 episodes recently aired. Its popularity is partly due to its massive and dedicated fanbase, as well as a seemingly endless story. The anime follows Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates on their quest to find the One Piece treasure and make Luffy the Pirate King.
Since it began airing in 1999, One Piece has never seen a drop in audience or revenue. Despite the massive success of the anime and films, the sales of One Piece merchandise and video games represent a significant portion of the franchise's net worth. The recent surge in popularity in the West has further strengthened its legacy, with fans dubbing it one of the best series of 2024. As One Piece enters its final arc, the franchise is expected to generate even more revenue before it concludes.
6. Fist of the North Star Helped Anime Find an International Foothold
Estimated Revenue: $22 billion
Fist of the North Star was a groundbreaking franchise born in the 1980s that helped anime find its place on the international stage. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Kenshiro, a fearsome martial artist on a mission to protect the innocent and defenseless from various villains. Fist of the North Star first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1983, and fans began discovering the story in theaters the following year. The franchise expanded into films and now includes several other mangas and anime series.
Despite its age, Fist of the North Star remains one of the most profitable anime of all time. Surprisingly, much of its financial success comes from pachinko machines, which have generated $14 billion in sales. While Fist of the North Star, a product of the 1980s, is only sporadically released today, its outings continue to perform well.
5. Dragon Ball Franchise Remains Epic and Popular as Ever
Estimated Revenue: $23 billion
Dragon Ball is one of the most popular and profitable anime of all time. Born in the 1980s, it remains as beloved today as ever. Dragon Ball is a classic shonen anime that follows Son Goku from childhood to adulthood, centered around the mystical Dragon Balls that grant wishes when all seven are gathered.
Video games and merchandise sales make up a significant portion of Dragon Ball's revenue. Recently, successful films have cemented its status as one of the most profitable anime franchises in history. With its exceptional animation, Dragon Ball shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by its future projects. Its universal appeal among action fans worldwide ensures that only a few truly prestigious and popular anime have generated more revenue than Dragon Ball.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam's Success Relies on Toys and Model Kits
Estimated Revenue: $26 billion
It’s no secret that Mobile Suit Gundam became one of the most profitable anime franchises in history due to its toys. While the classic Mobile Suit Gundam anime and its many adaptations have certainly been successful, the franchise owes much of its existence to its model kits (also known as Gunpla), which continue to outsell any other product in the franchise.
Another key to Gundam's ongoing success is its ability to adapt to the times. Even though the fundamental themes and events of Gundam remain unchanged, each new Gundam anime has been tailored specifically for the younger audiences of its era. This has allowed the franchise to tell a new Gundam story for each decade and generation. In 2024, the franchise saw record-breaking sales, making it the most financially successful fiscal year for Gundam to date.
3. Anpanman is an Extremely Popular Children's Anime in Japan
Estimated Revenue: $60 billion
Most people outside Japan have likely never heard of Anpanman, but it is an immensely popular children's anime within the country. Anpanman tells the story of a superhero whose face is made of an anpan, a traditional Japanese sweet filled with red bean paste, who protects the world from the villain Baikinman. Anpanman first appeared as a manga in 1973, followed by the anime series Soreike! Anpanman in 1988, which is still ongoing.
Anyone with children knows that their devotion to their favorite characters is boundless. Not surprisingly, nearly all of Anpanman’s revenue comes from the retail sale of children’s products featuring the character. The franchise also earned nearly $14 billion from ticket sales at the Anpanman Children's Museum in Yokohama.
2. Hello Kitty Cartoons Have Served as Advertisements for Licensed Products
Estimated Revenue: $80 billion
For most people, Hello Kitty is more of a mascot for licensed products than a character from an anime. Not surprisingly, Hello Kitty owes most (if not all) of its revenue to the sales of merchandise. In fact, the numerous Hello Kitty cartoons, often overlooked, can be seen as advertisements for licensed products and clothing. Hello Kitty, the main character of the franchise, actually first appeared on a coin purse more than ten years before the first animated series aired in 1987.
This sentiment was confirmed in 2014 when it was estimated that the character Hello Kitty could generate $8 billion annually. It is safe to say this rough estimate has likely increased since. While Hello Kitty cartoons and films may not be major cash cows, that was probably never the franchise’s primary goal.
1. Pokémon is the Most Profitable Anime Franchise of All Time
Estimated Revenue: $100 billion
The franchise first appeared in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Blue, quickly followed by the first anime series and manga. The Pokémon Company stopped publishing the total value of Pokémon in 2019. At that time, the franchise’s net worth was estimated to be around $71 billion. By 2022, the total net worth of the franchise was believed to have exceeded $100 billion, making it the most profitable anime franchise of all time.
Despite an incredibly lucrative range of anime, trading card games, and video games, licensed merchandise has been the primary driver of Pokémon's success. Sales of licensed products, such as toys and books, consistently outpace those of Pokémon's video games, manga, cards, and anime. It’s no surprise that Pokémon has become the most profitable anime franchise of all time, and it is likely to remain so for many years to come.
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