Anime becomes Hollywood's hottest business as Crunchyroll subscribers reach 21 million
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 8
Anime becomes Hollywood's hottest business as Crunchyroll subscribers reach 21 million
8 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 8
Sony said Crunchyroll's subscriber base rose nearly 25% in a year, while US anime viewing climbed to 22% last year from 10% in 2020.
North American anime entertainment and merchandise spending is projected to rise to $5.19 billion this year, as studios chase younger audiences and broader streaming growth slows.
Sony, which bought Crunchyroll for $1.2 billion in 2021, is betting on anime as a growth driver, even as Netflix expands competition and anime consumption on its platform triples.
Are streaming giants alienating the loyal fans who made anime a global phenomenon?
As anime becomes a global gold rush, why are its Japanese creators not getting rich?
Can AI and shorter seasons solve anime's production crisis, or will they kill its creativity?
Crunchyroll Surpasses 21 Million Subscribers in 2026, Cementing Sony’s Global Anime Dominance
Overview
Crunchyroll has surpassed 21 million paid subscribers globally as of March 2026, driven by its vast anime library and availability in over 200 countries. Since Sony's 2021 acquisition, Crunchyroll has integrated Funimation and Wakanim, expanded original content through Hayate Inc., and connected deeply with PlayStation, Sony Music, and merchandising channels, creating a powerful monetization flywheel. Aggressive localization efforts, especially in India and Southeast Asia, have doubled viewer engagement and helped combat piracy. These strategies fuel strong subscriber growth and contribute significantly to Sony Pictures Entertainment's income. With a clear focus on emerging markets and expanding content, Sony aims for global anime dominance by 2031.