Anime is growing in popularity recently due to the increased availability of anime on various platforms in the recent years. Anime brings you into a whole new world of entertainment with it’s bright colors, entertaining characters, and intriguing plot line. The growing fanbase of anime is no doubt a result from the easier access, the increase in dubbed versions, and it’s unique storylines!

Popular streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and Funimation had been introducing anime on their platform to their fanbase or subscribers, which in turn made anime more accessible to a wider global audience. With animes such as Pokemon, The Seven Deadly Sins, Bleach, and Death Note on Netflix, America’s most popular subscription-based streaming device, the anime industry skyrocketed.

“Through Haikyuu, Naruto, and other popular animes being available on widely renowned platforms like Netflix and others, anime definitely became more well-known in not just the United States but worldwide as well,” said Andrea Yang (‘23).

The influx for dubbed versions of anime out of the increased demand and popularity of anime no doubt opened the world of anime to America. Since many prefer to watch anime in a language they understand, the two coincide with each other for more people to enjoy.

“Anime tends to keep you on the edge of your seat, with dramatic dialogue and lots of tension before important moments, having us excited for what’s coming next,” said Bavana Pydipati (‘24).

Besides the increased availability for anime, the dramatic story line and vibrant colors is undeniably one of the factors that contributed to the popularity of anime. Popular series such as My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, or Sailor Moon accumulate both immense virality and a fanbase for it’s plot line and characters. 

“The animation and colors work perfectly with what’s going on in the anime scene, the sharp and clean art style definitely brings a sort of gravity to the scenes that are important,” said Pydipati (‘24).

 While watching anime used to be something that people tease you for, the growing popularity of anime in America has contributed to the inclusion for anime as a form of entertainment and art. If you’ve been running out of shows to binge watch during your free time, give anime a try on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix!