Crunchyroll Study Finds 82% of Teen Viewers Watch Mostly Anime
The Global State of Anime Fandom 2026, from Crunchyroll and National Research Group, drew on 5,000 viewers in 10 markets plus 500 in Japan.
National Research Group and Crunchyroll released the Global State of Anime Fandom 2026 study at the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum in New York, according to cartoonbrew.com. The study surveyed 5,000 anime viewers ages 13-54 across 10 international markets, plus 500 additional viewers in Japan.
Among surveyed teen viewers, 82% said anime accounts for at least half of what they watch. Respondents began watching anime at age 14 on average, and 79% started by age 17.
The study also measured how anime sits alongside other habits: 52% of respondents listen to anime music or soundtracks at least weekly, and 66% read manga, manhua, or webtoons at least monthly.
On the spending side, 48% of respondents purchased anime-related collectibles in the past year.
About the Forum
The Global State of Anime Fandom 2026 was presented for the first time at the Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum, the event's inaugural edition, held in New York.
Quick answers
What is the Global State of Anime Fandom 2026?
It is a study conducted by National Research Group and commissioned by Crunchyroll, presented at the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum in New York.
How many people were surveyed for the study?
It surveyed 5,000 anime viewers ages 13-54 across 10 international markets, plus 500 additional viewers in Japan.
At what age do anime viewers start watching?
Respondents began watching anime at age 14 on average, and 79% started by age 17.