Anime is big on Netflix. In 2023, the streaming service ranked number one in global anime revenue contribution, generating approximately $2.07 billion. In comparison, Crunchyroll, ranked second, bringing in $1.16 billion. This means that Netflix accounted for 38% of the total global anime streaming revenue. Having a hit anime on Netflix is a big deal, naturally begging the question of which shows are actually bringing in the viewers?
A recent presentation by anime industry advisor Pascal J. Bonnetprovides a breakdown of the biggest anime shows on Netflixin the second half of 2024, along with the hours people watched. Some popular titles performed as expected, but the number one spot for the most-watched anime on Netflix was held by a certain ninja named Naruto.
Naruto Tops Netflix Anime with 330M Hours Watched
Pokémon and Shonen Anime Stay Strong on Netflix
Narutotopped the list of most-watched anime on Netflix in 2024, with 330 million hours watched, proving that the series, which started in 2002, remains a massive fan favorite.One Piecesecured the second spot, which may not be surprising given the series' popularity, especially following thesuccess ofOne Piece’shit live-action adaptation, also streaming on Netflix.Demon Slayerspent all of 2024 in third place, positioning it well ahead of theInfinity Castlefilm trilogy set to launch later this year.
1
330m
2
316m
3
208m
4
170m
5
138m
6
7
128m
8
127m
9
97m
10
Jujutsu Kaisen
87m
Pokémonranked fourth, demonstrating that the multimedia franchise, now celebrating its 29th anniversary, remains a powerhouse in anime. Shonen anime continues to dominate, withBlack Clover,Hunter x Hunter,The Seven Deadly Sins, andMy Hero Academiarounding out the next spots. The last two shows on the list,DandadanandJujutsu Kaisen, made their first appearance in the top 10, proving that newer series can still compete with decades-old hits likeNarutoandOne Piece.
Major Anime Drop from Netflix’s Top 10 in Late 2024
Naruto’s Popularity Fuels Live-Action Adaptation
The presentation also includes slides for the top 10 anime of the first half of 2024 and the second half of 2023. It’s interesting to see which shows have held steady and which have dropped out of the top 10. For instance,Haikyu!!,Delicious in Dungeon,Record of Ragnarok, along with fighting series likeBaki the GrapplerandKengan Ashura, have all gone missing in action during the second half of 2024.
Naruto Live-Action Movie: Writer & Everything We Know
A live-action adaptation of the Naruto anime and manga series was announced by Lionsgate but has since gone quiet. What’s happening with the project?
For now, the victor remains Naruto Uzumaki. However, it’s important to note that the top 10 ranking, sourced from Netflix’s “What We Watched” report, also includes episodes ofBorutoin the hours watched forNaruto. Still, the franchise is in a great place for its ownlive-action adaptation, now in development. WillNarutostill be the champion of Netflix anime in 2025? We’ll see, but when it comes to 2024, you better believe it!
