Animehas brought to life some of the most lucrative and influential franchises in the entertainment industry. While many series have achieved remarkable success,only a select few have generated staggering revenue that far exceeds typical benchmarks. These intellectual properties extend their reach beyond television and manga through merchandise, video games, movies, and global licensing deals. The sheer scale of their financial impact reflects both their storytelling appeal and the massive fan base surrounding them.
The immense profitability of these franchises showcases a distinctive combination of creativity, marketing, and fan engagement. Their ability to consistentlyattract new generations of fans while retaining the loyalty of longtime followers speaks volumesabout the enduring legacy of each one of them. The highest-grossing IPs are evidence that anime is a global powerhouse, and its influence will only continue to expand.
Naruto
Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is one of the most popular shōnen anime and manga. Following the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, a spirited ninja striving to become Hokage,the series is filled with action, adventure, and humor.Since its debut,Narutohas expanded into multiple anime series, movies, video games, and merchandise. With an estimated $10 billion in revenue, its global reach and commercial success are undeniable.
What sets the series apart is itsexploration of themes such as perseverance, friendship, and identity. The story’s emotional depth, combined withhigh-stakes battles and memorable character arcs, made the series a favorite among fans.Its ability to balance action with moments of humor and vulnerability has created a compelling and unforgettable narrative that fans enjoy revisiting to this day.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon, created by Naoko Takeuchi, is amagical girl series that revolutionized both the genre and the entire anime industry.Debuting in the early 1990s, it follows Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon, and the Sailor Guardians as they combat evil forces while navigating their everyday lives. The franchise has expanded into a vast empire, covering anime, manga, stage musicals, merchandise, and video games, amassing roughly $14 billion in total revenue.
At its core,Sailor Mooncombinesthemes of friendship, love, and empowerment with vibrant, action-packed storytelling.The series merges coming-of-age struggles with cosmic battles, allowing it to resonate with a diverse audience. Its focus on strong, complex female leadsbroke new ground in anime, setting a high standard for future series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Created by Hideaki Anno,Neon Genesis Evangelionis much more than just another mecha anime. It’s acultural phenomenon that played a role in globalizing the genre.Originally airing in 1995, the series revolutionized the genre through its incorporation of giant robots alongside psychological and philosophical themes. Its influence stretches far beyond anime, encompassing decades of merchandise, films, and collaborations, and earning approximately $16 billion in revenue.
The appeal ofNeon Genesis Evangelionlies in its complex narrative and immense depth. It explores themes of identity, trauma, and existentialism,challenging traditional storytelling with its dark tone and ambiguous symbolism.Fans are drawn to its intricate characters and the philosophical questions it raises. With its emotional intensity and innovative storytelling,Neon Genesis Evangelionranks easily among anime’s most influential series.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh!was created by Kazuki Takahashi and follows the adventures of Yugi Mutou,a teenager who becomes the host for a powerful ancient spirit, as well as the iconic Duel Monsters card game. Since its debut in the late 1990s, the franchise has grown through spin-off series, trading card games, movies, and an endless array of merchandise. With estimated earnings of around $20 billion,Yu-Gi-Oh!stands as one of the highest-grossing anime properties worldwide.
The franchise’s enduring popularity stems from itsability to blend strategic gameplay with engaging storytelling.Fans are captivated by the thrill of the card battles, along with the evolving character arcs and lore expansions throughout the series. Its appeal spans generations and is fueled by both the card game and new media expansions.
One Piece
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is a significant landmark in the anime industry. Centering on Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat pirates, the seriesfollows their quest for the treasure known as the One Piece.Since its debut in the late ’90s, the franchise has grown considerably, includingan ongoing anime series, movies, video games, and extensive merchandise. With around $20 billion in revenue and a dedicated fan base,One Pieceis a strong contender for the highest-grossing intellectual property.
The series stands out for its world-building, memorable characters, and engaging themes of freedom, friendship, and perseverance. Fans are drawn in by the series’ humor, adventure, and emotional depth, which is balanced by epic battles.One Piece’sability to expand its narrative while maintaining a strong connection with its audience is an impressive featand leaves no doubt regarding its financial success.
Fist of the North Star, created by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara, isset in a post-apocalyptic world centered on martial arts.The series debuted in the 1980s and follows Kenshiro, a master of the Hokuto Shinken fighting style, as he battles ruthless warlords in a devastated landscape. The franchise has expanded into anime, movies, video games, and merchandise, accumulating an estimated $22 billion in total revenue.
The series captured audiences' attention withits intense action, unforgettable catchphrases, and gritty atmosphere.Its themes of justice, survival, and fighting against oppression resonate with fans around the globe. With its combination of memorable characters and a dystopian setting, the franchise continues to attract new generations of fans and influences an entire genre.
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, isa foundational pillar of shōnen anime and manga that has left an undeniable mark on global pop culture.The series begins with the adventures of Goku as he and his friends search for the Dragon Balls before evolving into the high-stakes epic fans know today. The franchise has expanded through spin-offs, films, video games, and, of course, a vast array of merchandise. With estimated earnings of $23 billion,Dragon Ballstands as one of the highest-grossing and most influential anime properties in history.
The series isbest known for its explosive battles, memorable characters, and a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.Its themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-improvement resonate with fans across multiple generations. The iconic transformations and epic showdowns create a compelling experience that keepsDragon Ballfans around the world fully engaged and hungry for more.
Gundam
Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino,Gundamis a large and influential franchise that hashelped define the mecha genre since its debut in the late 1970s.While the originalMobile Suit Gundamintroduced fans to a realistic and complex vision of war through giant piloted robots, the franchise has since expanded into countless sequels, spin-offs, films, video games, and more. Its wide reach has contributed to its staggering revenue of around $26 billion, making it one of the most profitable anime properties in the world.
The enduring appeal ofGundamlies in itsability to blend political and human drama with technological innovations. Fans love how the franchise explores complex moral dilemmas and the cost of war while also delivering thrilling mecha battles. With its rich storytelling and loyal fanbase,Gundamhas built a legacy that’s difficult to defeat.
2Anpanman
Estimated Revenue: $60 Billion
Created by Takashi Yanase,Anpanmanis a beloved children’s franchise that has become a cultural icon in Japan.The story centers around Anpanman, a superhero with a head made of red bean bread, who teaches values such as kindness, courage, and the importance of helping others.Anpanmanhas expanded into a multimedia empire, including toys, picture books, films, collectibles, and more, generating an estimated revenue of $60 billion worldwide.
The franchise’s accessibility and wholesome appeal have made it a staple in Japanese culture.
The charm of the series comes from its simple yet powerful themes aimed at young audiences. Its storytelling is engaging and includes relatable characters that foster early lessons in empathy and friendship for its target audience. The franchise’s accessibility and wholesome appeal have made it a staple in Japanese culture.Anpanmanachieved financial success through extensive merchandising, particularly toys and food products,making it one of the most lucrative anime franchises.
Pokemon
Created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori,Pokémonis a multimedia franchisethat has become one of the most successful entertainment properties worldwide, encompassing more than just anime. Since its debut in the mid-’90s as a pair of video games focused on capturing and training creatures, the franchise quickly expanded into anime, films, trading cards, collectibles, and more.With an estimated $100 billion in revenue,Pokémonis the highest-grossing anime IP globally, surpassing others by a $40 billion margin.
The franchise’s enduring popularity comes from themes of adventure, friendship, and growth. Its gameplay and expansive worldbuilding connect with fans in a way that other series can’t match. The anime’s relatable characters and storytelling foster emotional bonds spanning generations of viewers, while the trading card game and other merchandise consistently engage a diverse global audience. With decades of momentum,Pokémonhasbecome a cultural phenomenon and maintains its place as the highest-grossing anime property.
