Since its inception, anime has proven itself to be a market with exponential growth. Indeed, with the rise of streaming services and digital distribution, anime has transcended borders, becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
It is interesting to observe how this multi-billion dollar industry, which originated in Japan, has become one of the country’s most influential cultural exports. This success is not a mere coincidence but the result of a combination of creativity, innovation and global reach.
The vastness of the anime universe is something worth emphasizing. With a creative, constantly changing and diverse plot, and a rich cast of characters, the anime can please any fan.
The success of an anime franchise can be measured in many ways, but the most tangible way is certainly commercial success and financial income. This commercial aspect is important because it reflects not only the popularity but also the cultural relevance of the work.
Here are the 15 highest-grossing anime franchises in history:
15. Pretty Cure: The domination of magical girls
Estimated net worth: $8 billion
14. Kimetsu no Yaiba: A new phenomenon of contemporary anime
Estimated net worth: $9 billion
13. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Innovative work of the shounen genre
Estimated net worth: $10 billion
12. Naruto: Works that have influence in the world
Estimated net worth: $10 billion
11. Sailor Moon: A pioneering work on changing tastes in the anime world
Estimated net worth: $14 billion
10. KochiKame: An influential historical and symbolic work
Estimated net worth: $16 billion
9. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Reinventing the Mecha genre
Estimated net worth: $17 billion
8. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Not just an anime
Estimated net worth: $20 billion
7. One Piece: Epic journey of continuous success
Estimated net worth: $21 billion
6. Fist of the North Star: A generation-defining classic
Estimated net worth: $22 billion
5. Dragon Ball: A legacy of grandeur and fame
Estimated net worth: $23 billion
4. Mobile Suit Gundam: The power of toys and models
Estimated net worth: $26 billion
3. Anpanman: Children’s anime tycoon in Japan
Estimated net worth: $60 billion
2. Hello Kitty: Global merchandising icon (Most of Hello Kitty’s revenue comes from merchandise sales)
Estimated net worth: $80 billion
1. Pokémon: Most profitable anime franchise of all time
Estimated net worth: $100 billion
“Pokémon” is the most profitable anime franchise of all time with an impressive net worth. In addition to the anime line, card games, and video games, licensed merchandising is the real driver of the franchise’s financial success. In fact, sales of toys, books, and other licensed products surpass sales of video games, comics, trading cards, and anime. This market dominance demonstrates the extraordinary power of the Pokémon brand and its ability to attract fans across multiple platforms.