Anime Streaming Shifts as Netflix Surpasses Crunchyroll in Global Survey

A new global survey suggests a quiet but significant shift in how audiences watch anime, with Netflix emerging as the most widely used platform outside Japan and China, overtaking long-standing specialist service Crunchyroll.

The finding comes from GEM Partners’ 2026 Anime Global White Paper, which drew on responses from roughly 15,000 people across 15 countries. The study set out to measure viewing habits and platform preferences at a time when anime continues to expand well beyond its traditional fan base.

According to the report, Netflix ranked as the leading platform for anime in seven of nine major markets surveyed. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Brazil, markets that have historically supported dedicated anime platforms with strong fan communities.

Crunchyroll, long regarded as the primary destination for committed anime viewers due to its extensive catalogue and simulcast releases, trailed behind in those regions despite offering a broader volume of titles.

Netflix’s position appears to reflect both its scale and its wider audience reach. The company has previously said that more than half of its global subscribers now watch anime, suggesting that the format has become part of mainstream viewing habits rather than a niche interest.

The survey also points to differences in taste across regions. Established franchises such as Naruto and Boruto continue to perform particularly well outside Japan, while titles like Jujutsu Kaisen maintain consistent popularity across multiple countries.

At the same time, Netflix has secured exclusive titles that are not available on Crunchyroll, including Cyberpunk Edgerunners and Devilman Crybaby. These exclusives, while fewer in number compared to Crunchyroll’s overall library, appear to play a role in drawing broader audiences.

The competitive landscape is also shifting on the business side. Earlier this year, Crunchyroll confirmed a subscription price increase and outlined plans to expand into games alongside its anime offerings. Netflix has offered a similar gaming option since 2021, reflecting a wider trend among streaming platforms to diversify beyond video content.

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The survey captures a moment where accessibility and platform reach may be weighing more heavily than catalogue size alone. For viewers, the choice increasingly sits between depth and convenience, a balance that continues to evolve as streaming services adjust their strategies.