Anime makes up at least half of the content they watch for 82% of surveyed viewers aged 13 to 17, according to a new study commissioned by Crunchyroll. The findings highlight how strongly anime features in the viewing habits of existing teenage fans, although they do not indicate what percentage of teenagers in the general population watch anime.
The Global State of Anime Fandom 2026 study was conducted by National Research Group and presented at the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum in New York. Researchers surveyed 5,000 anime viewers aged 13 to 54 across 10 international markets, alongside an additional 500 viewers in Japan.
The research also suggests that younger anime fans are particularly interested in creative experimentation, fantastical settings, and stories featuring unfamiliar worlds and characters. Meanwhile, the findings show that anime fandom extends well beyond watching episodes, with many viewers engaging with manga, music, and merchandise.
ANIME FANDOM EXTENDS BEYOND STREAMING AS MANGA AND MUSIC ATTRACT YOUNG VIEWERS
The study found that anime engagement often continues outside streaming platforms. More than half of respondents, or 52%, listen to anime music or soundtracks at least once a week. Meanwhile, 66% read manga, manhua, or webtoons monthly, and 48% purchased anime-related collectibles during the previous year.
The findings also indicate that anime fans actively introduce others to the medium. Some 77% of respondents said they had recommended anime to someone who had never watched it, while 70% wanted more people to become fans.
When asked what gives anime its distinctive identity, respondents most frequently identified its characters, with 54% selecting them. Japanese source material followed at 46%, while 45% pointed to predominantly hand-drawn animation and 41% highlighted storytelling.
The survey also found that younger viewers were more drawn to creative experimentation than older audiences. Among respondents aged 13 to 17, 46% preferred stories that push anime in new directions, 43% favored fantastical settings, and 41% expressed interest in unfamiliar worlds, cultures, or characters.
These findings offer insight into the preferences of existing anime viewers across different generations. However, because the research focused on people who already watch anime at least monthly, it should not be interpreted as a measure of anime’s popularity among all teenagers.
