New Crunchyroll Data Report Reveals Anime’s ‘Pop Culture Chokehold’ on Gen Z & Millennial Fans

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Ever since the surge in popularity of Japanese animation during the 1990s, often referred to as the “Anime Boom,” the global appeal of this art form has skyrocketed, particularly among younger generations. As per recent findings from a study sponsored by the organization, anime has managed to exert a strong influence on Generation Z, capturing their interest with millions of viewers worldwide finding solace, self-expression, and ethical guidance in this medium.

In a recent international survey by the National Research Group (NRG), it was found that even individuals who are not avid anime followers may still recognize its name. The objective of this study was to measure the societal and psychological influence of anime. A total of 29,000 participants aged between 13-54 from various countries such as the U.S., UK, Brazil, France, Germany, India, and Mexico were surveyed by a leading global insights and strategy firm. The findings revealed that both millennials and Generation Z have employed anime in shaping their personal identities.

Anime Has Biggest Emotional Impact on Gen Z According to New Crunchyroll-Commissioned Study

From being a specialized passion, anime has grown into a widespread influence in the realm of media. As per a survey conducted by Crunchyroll, about 44% of general entertainment consumers aged 13-54 consider themselves anime enthusiasts. Interestingly, over half (59%) of teenagers acknowledge their fandom for anime, a number that equals or surpasses the fanbase of contemporary celebrities like Kendrick Lamar (48%), Beyoncé (62%) and LeBron James (60%). This fondness for anime isn’t limited to males, as female teenage fans account for 44%. Furthermore, around 54% of Gen Z anime viewers publicly display their affection by engaging in online discussions, purchasing merchandise or attending events such as Anime Expo.

A considerable number of millennials and Generation X individuals grew up watching ’80s classics, as well as popular anime series such as ‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ and ‘Dragon Ball’, among others. The study reveals that about half of these generations have been linked to this medium for over a decade. Interestingly, Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, shows an emotional bond with anime similar to their predecessors. Approximately 40% of teenage anime enthusiasts view anime as a significant aspect of their identity, while 30% believe it has shaped their perspective on life. Moreover, a staggering 78% of respondents claim that anime has fortified their personal relationships. This is particularly noteworthy for Gen Z, who actively utilize platforms like TikTok and YouTube to interact with both content and fellow fans.

Modern anime series like “Demon Slayer” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” which focus on characters striving to grow stronger in order to safeguard their loved ones, resonate strongly with Generation Z. This preference is indicative of how anime functions as a medium for self-expression and identity formation among today’s youth. As per Punnoose Issac, Senior Vice President at the Center of Data and Insights at Crunchyroll, research from NRG supports the notion that anime plays a significant role in shaping the culture of emerging generations. Issac further explains that anime helps build identity, fosters community, and provides a sense of connection in an increasingly complex world. He adds that while the data offers new insights into the ‘why,’ the passion for anime has always been evident.

Crunchyroll, a worldwide anime streaming service with over 1,000 titles available, plans to utilize NRG’s report as a blueprint for future endeavors. As Gita Rebbapragada, COO of Crunchyroll, stated, “These findings echo our own observations over time and offer a data-backed perspective on anime’s global and intergenerational influence.” This report serves to enhance our understanding of our audience, enabling us to serve them in more impactful ways moving forward.

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2025-05-21 00:21