December 13, 2024
Anime | The Highest Grossing Anime Series Of All Time
Anime is quickly becoming one of the most profitable entertainment sectors. How much money do the most popular series make? Find out here!
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The anime industry has evolved from being another niche form of entertainment into a multi-billion dollar industry. It attracts fans and audiences with its imaginative worlds, colorful visuals, and engaging stories. Several popular anime shows have an unarguable cultural impact all over the world, thrilling viewers with various themes and concepts that have also helped them generate significant revenue from a lot of mediums.
This list explores the top 20 highest grossing anime series of all time, showcasing the series that has left a significant mark on fans and viewers around the world. Remember, most of these are franchises with many series, games, manga, merchandise, and so on. So, have you ever wondered if an anime franchise makes as much money as western movie franchises? Read on, and find out how much they’ve made! It will probably surprise you!
|
Rank |
Title |
Revenue (USD) |
|
20 |
Beyblade |
$4.16 billion |
|
19 |
Digimon Adventures |
$6.3 billion |
|
18 |
Bleach |
$7.24 billion |
|
17 |
Doraemon |
$7.29 billion |
|
16 |
Pretty Cure |
$8 billion |
|
15 |
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer |
$9.32 billion |
|
14 |
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure |
$9.8 billion |
|
13 |
Naruto |
$10 billion |
|
12 |
Neon Genesis Evangelion |
$12 billion |
|
11 |
Sailor Moon |
$14 billion |
|
10 |
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops |
$16 billion |
|
9 |
Ultraman |
$20 billion |
|
8 |
Yu-Gi-Oh! |
$20 billion |
|
7 |
One Piece |
$21 billion |
|
6 |
Fist of the North Star |
$22 billion |
|
5 |
Dragon Ball |
$23 billion |
|
4 |
Mobile Suit Gundam |
$26 billion |
|
3 |
Sore Ike! Anpanman |
$60 billion |
|
2 |
Hello Kitty |
$80 billion |
|
1 |
Pokémon |
$100 billion |
20. Beyblade
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Beyblade |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$4.16 billion |
|
Premiered |
2001 |
|
Number of Episodes |
793+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
The Beyblade franchise, launched in 1999 by Takara (now Takara Tomy after its merging), is a popular line of battling spinning-top toys, inspired by traditional Japanese beigoma tops. Together with the toys, the first Beyblade manga series was released in September 1999, created by Takao Aoki. In 2001, soon after its immediate release and popularity, Takao’s work was adapted into the Beyblade anime series by Madhouse. Along with the other spin-off series, it has helped Beyblade maintain its popularity several times over the last 20 years.
19. Digimon Adventures
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Digimon Adventure |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$6.3 billion |
|
Premiered |
1999 |
|
Number of Episodes |
519 |
|
Status |
Completed |
The Digimon franchise has made significant revenue thanks to its anime, trading cards, and video games standing out as its main sources of earnings. Initially introduced with digital pet devices and an anime series, it quickly grew in popularity through its diverse range of video games. The Cyber Sleuth series and other RPGs continue to resonate with both nostalgic fans and new audiences on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch.
In addition to games and cards, Digimon achieved significant popularity through its anime and manga, particularly with long-running series that fascinate a worldwide audience. The franchise's recent resurgence of its trading card game, coupled with anniversary editions of original Digimon content, continues to contribute to its ongoing financial success.
18. Bleach
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Bleach |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$7.24 billion |
|
Premiered |
2004 |
|
Number of Episodes |
366+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Starting in the early 2000s, the Bleach franchise centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who transforms into a Soul Reaper, facing various challenges as he protects his community from malevolent souls (or hollows). The original anime series adapted from the manga aired from 2004 to 2012, whereas the manga itself was published from 2001 to 2016, with its final arc being adapted into the current anime sequel series.
With 70 volumes, Bleach's manga has remarkable sales of 130 million copies. Unsurprisingly, Bleach emerged as one of the highest-grossing anime franchises. The Bleach anime has consistently ranked in the top 10 of Japanese TV rankings and has frequently appeared on the Japanese DVD Rankings.
17. Doraemon
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Doraemon |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$7.29 billion |
|
Premiered |
1973 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1787+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Doraemon has emerged as one of Japan’s most cherished cultural symbols and a leading anime series with impressive global earnings. First introduced as a manga in 1969, Doraemon is the tale of a robotic cat from the future who helps a young boy, Nobita, overcome life's challenges. The franchise has attained significant success across multiple platforms, including anime, film, and manga, with over 300 million manga copies sold worldwide by 2024.
16. Pretty Cure
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Pretty Cure |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$8 billion |
|
Premiered |
2004 |
|
Number of Episodes |
968+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
With over 960 episodes spread over 21 TV series and 19 generations, the Pretty Cure anime series, also known as PreCure, is one of the longest-running magical girl anime series. Starting with Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart, each Pretty Cure series has had an animated film, with Max Heart even receiving two. From 2009 onward, the franchise began releasing annual crossover movies, bringing together characters from different seasons, with 12 such movies now available. The eleventh crossover movie, Hugtto! Precure Futari wa Pretty Cure: All Stars Memories, set a Guinness World Record for the “Most Magical Warriors in an Anime Film,” featuring 55 Cures with speaking roles.
15. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Kimtesu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$9.32 billion |
|
Premiered |
2019 |
|
Number of Episodes |
63+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
The Mugen Train movie, released as a direct sequel to the first season of Demon Slayer, has elevated the franchise to a leading position in the anime world. It achieved both commercial and critical acclaim, breaking multiple box office records and grossing over $500 million, even exceeding Spirited Away. Additionally, it is the quickest film to earn over $100 million in merely 10 days and also emerged as a box office leader in 2020.
In addition to the film, the Demon Slayer manga ranks as the 9th best-selling manga, having sold over 100 million copies. In 2020, the franchise brought in an estimated revenue of $8.75 billion and has received numerous accolades, including Da Vinci’s Annual Book of the Year award.
14. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$9.8 billion |
|
Premiered |
1987 |
|
Number of Episodes |
194 |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Hirohiko Araki's long-running manga and anime series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is known for its striking visuals, unique character poses, and creative battles featuring "Stands," which are magical powers that reflect the character's deepest feelings. The series, running since 1987, includes nine storylines centered around a character named JoJo. It has sold over 120 million copies and has emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon.
13. Naruto
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Naruto |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$10 billion |
|
Premiered |
2002 |
|
Number of Episodes |
720 |
|
Status |
Completed |
Naruto is a series that shaped the cultural landscape of Shonen anime in the last generation. One notable part of the series is the “ninja” aspect of the show. Each technique had depth and quality, with the training arcs highlighting the essential aspects of how all forms of Jutsu function in the Naruto universe.
Created by Masashi Kishimoto, the series has celebrated great success and made its mark as one of the highest-grossing anime series ever made, with an estimated $10 billion in revenue made from sales of merchandise, and anime viewings, among others. Also, its manga is one of the best-selling series out there, with over 250 million copies in circulation.
12. Neon Genesis Evangelion
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Neon Genesis Evangelion |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$12 billion |
|
Premiered |
1995 |
|
Number of Episodes |
26 |
|
Status |
Completed |
Evangelion, as it is popularly known, quickly made its mark in the marketing world, generating over $400 million in sales within just two years of its debut. Famous for being a favorite among grown-ups, it sparked a variety of merchandise, including cell phones, laptops, action figures, and even an official collection of Japanese coins. At first, manufacturers were skeptical about the success of its unique mecha designs. However, SEGA eventually obtained licensing rights for toys and video games, which greatly increased sales.
When Death & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion films came out, merchandise earnings exceeded $300 million, largely driven by video sales. In the end, Evangelion transformed Japan’s anime market and played a significant role in redefining the mecha anime genre.
11. Sailor Moon
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Sailor Moon |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$14 billion |
|
Premiered |
1992 |
|
Number of Episodes |
200 |
|
Status |
Completed |
One of Sailor Moon’s standout features are the vibrant protagonists in fast-paced, adventurous plots, which has helped it revitalize the magical girl genre. In the 1990s, Sailor Moon led the charge in bringing the magical girl genre to a global audience.
Sailor Moon redefined the genre by fusing Shoujo aspects with action-packed fights against evil, in contrast to previous shows like Creamy Mami, which employed magic for whimsical, daily adventures. This creative strategy revolutionized tales of magical girls and solidified Sailor Moon's position as a genre pioneer among fans worldwide.
10. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$16 billion |
|
Premiered |
1996 |
|
Number of Episodes |
382 |
|
Status |
Completed |
Since its debut in 1976 through 2016, KochiKame has been serialized without interruption in Weekly Shonen Jump, making it the magazine's longest-running manga. Set in modern-day Tokyo, it focuses on life in and around a neighborhood police station, offering a comedic take on urban life and law enforcement.
While KochiKame has no new content to offer, it remains a cultural touchstone and comedic gem in the Shonen genre. The series has brought considerable popularity to Kameari Koen Park and its environs in the Katsushika ward in Tokyo. Aside from erecting statues of Ryo-san at the two opposite gates of the Kameari Station, anniversary reprints of the manga (usually one-shots), and reruns of the films and anime are now commonplace. These help to continually generate revenue for the franchise, while keeping their place in the charts and hearts of fans.
9. Ultraman
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Ultraman |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$20 billion |
|
Premiered |
1966 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1,120+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
After its debut in 1966, many thought Ultraman would be another mediocre superhero anime, but right from the start, the series demonstrated a genuine respect for its audience. The storyline invites the viewer to sit back and enjoy the experience without asking too many questions. One of the series’ strengths is its appealing graphics and animation. Its perfect blend of heroic with sci-fi themes has helped it capture the attention and love of fans through a legacy of TV shows, movies, and innovative merchandise. By pioneering the “giant hero” concept, Ultraman gave rise to popular collectibles like action figures, statues, and various tie-ins.
8. Yu-Gi-Oh!
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Yu-Gi-Oh! |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$20 billion |
|
Premiered |
1998 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1,227+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Yu-Gi-Oh! is an anime series that had a relatively large following since its inception as a manga and its evolution through anime and to trading card games. Later on, Konami capitalized on the franchise's loyal fan base to increase its earnings through a plethora of mediums. Its competitive gameplay, nostalgic appeal, and continuing popularity have made Yu-Gi-Oh! one of the highest-grossing anime series ever.
7. One Piece
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
One Piece |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$21 billion |
|
Premiered |
1999 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1122+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Undoubtedly one of the best Shonen anime series ever made, One Piece is an icon in the anime universe and has been since it started in 1999. Following the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the manga and anime series is one of the longest-running series ever made, and has successfully influenced the creation of over fifty video games.
Minus all other One Piece-inspired toys, books, and merchandise that’s raked in a whole lot for the franchise, the manga and anime series is considered one of the greatest. It’s well earned owing to its epic world-building, impressive character depth, themes of friendship and freedom, the series’ longevity and consistency, and the cultural impact and success.
6. Fist Of The North Star
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Fist of the North Star |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$22 billion |
|
Premiered |
1984 |
|
Number of Episodes |
152 |
|
Status |
Completed |
In the 1980s, Fist of the North Star became a major force in manga, selling over 100 million copies worldwide and ranking among the top titles in Weekly Shonen Jump. Its grim themes and extreme brutality revolutionized the genre, inspiring artists such as Makoto Yukimura (Vinland Saga) and Kentaro Miura (Berserk). Additionally, the series influenced video games like Double Dragon and gave rise to innovations like Mortal Kombat's "fatality" idea. The tagline "Omae Wa Mou Shindeiru" became a viral internet meme, demonstrating how its famous animation, despite criticism for its violence, achieved lasting worldwide recognition.
5. Dragon Ball
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Dragon Ball |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$23 billion |
|
Premiered |
1986 |
|
Number of Episodes |
847+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
The Dragon Ball series has been around for a long time and has thrived well with its funny moments, interesting quests, and strong character relationships. In the beginning, the story is mostly about going on exciting adventures to collect Dragon Balls, with short fights and exaggerated power levels. The show creatively mixes fun and action with well-planned fights and delightful comedic moments. Even though the visuals are aged, fans still watch it because of its timeless chemistry and unique charm. The franchise has spawned tons of videogames, merchandise, manga spin-offs, anime series, movies, and so much more, leading to a massive estimated revenue of $23 billion.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Mobile Suit Gundam |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$26 billion |
|
Premiered |
1979 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1,058+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
A large percentage of anime fans must have heard about Mobile Suit Gundam. While some adore and applaud the franchise that this original series gave rise to, others felt that it fell short. In any case, it is undeniably a groundbreaking work that has improved anime in general. It is a genuinely iconic series that has influenced, or rather, continues to influence anime.
With its simple, straightforward storyline as one of its major strengths, it enjoyed a very good welcome, but fell on the verge of being cancelled when it first aired in 1979. However, Bandai’s plastic model kits and replays helped revive it, sparking a huge surge in popularity, making it a cultural phenomenon.
3. Sore Ike! Anpanman
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Sore Ike! Anpanman |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$60 billion |
|
Premiered |
1973 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1,640+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Since its debut, Anpanman has continued to thrive, and that is easy to understand. The animation is fantastic, its design is adorable despite its simplicity, the world-building is fantastic, and everything (including everyone) is drawn with ease and without any harsh details. Its theme song “Anpanman no Machi” is so great that it resonates with even people who haven’t seen the series, and also works to distinguish the series from other anime in the Kodomo genre.
It’s one of the most entertaining anime ever made. In its 40+ years of existence, it has grossed an estimated $60 billion from sales of merchandise, manga, anime, TV shows, movies, and other mediums.
2. Hello Kitty
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Hello Kitty |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$80 billion |
|
Premiered |
1974 |
|
Number of Episodes |
117+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
While it is a fantasy anime made for kids, Hello Kitty has moved up the ladder and become a favorite among an older audience. The success and popularity of the franchise is almost unbelievable. It started small as a cute and simple figure on a coin purse and is currently a worldwide phenomenon with a wide range of merchandise and products propagating its name and brand.
The franchise has generated revenue from high-end products, clothing, and its five different anime series. Another large source of revenue is from Hello Kitty cafes opened in various locations around the world. These cafes can be seen in cities like Adelaide in Australia, Seoul in South Korea, Bangkok in Thailand, among others.
1. Pokémon
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
Pokémon |
|
Estimated Total Revenue (USD) |
$100 billion |
|
Premiered |
1997 |
|
Number of Episodes |
1,269+ |
|
Status |
Ongoing |
Pokémon is easily the highest-grossing anime series and franchise in the world. Understandably so, as it is known and beloved by children all around the world. As one would expect from a Shonen anime aimed at younger audiences, the show presents an epic journey of harsh battles, friendship, and other things.
The franchise's popularity across generations and around the world has made it a business powerhouse as well as a household and cultural phenomenon. Pokémon's "Gotta Catch 'Em All!" catchphrase also helped the game break sales records. The series has interesting cartoons, fun games, and a nostalgic draw, which is why Pikachu, the series' mascot, was chosen to be Japan's official mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest grossing anime franchise of all time?
+What are the top 20 highest grossing anime?
+Are all of these numbers exact?
+Does the estimated revenue only include anime sales?
+Are all of these anime based on manga?
+Do all anime make over $1 billion?
+How do anime series make money?
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