Anime’s Global Surge Propels Crunchyroll to 150 Million users,Challenging Hollywood’s Dominance
Annecy,france – Anime is no longer a niche interest,but a global cultural force,and streaming platform crunchyroll is at the forefront of its expansion. Sony’s acquisition of crunchyroll, once considered a risky venture, has proven remarkably accomplished, boasting 150 million registered users worldwide – 17 million of whom are paying subscribers – according to Sony executive Asensi. This growth is fueled by a simultaneous release model, delivering Japanese premieres to international audiences almost concurrently, creating viral sensations and disrupting traditional entertainment distribution.
The rise of anime reflects a broader shift in global entertainment preferences, notably among younger generations. Titles like Demon Slayer, Ne Zha 2, and The K-pop Warriors demonstrate a demand for narratives offering visual innovation, fantastical worlds rooted in diverse cultural traditions, and emotionally resonant storytelling-qualities Asensi suggests Hollywood has increasingly struggled to deliver.Crunchyroll’s success isn’t simply about numbers; it signals a fundamental change in the media landscape, with Asian narratives poised to become a permanent fixture in global culture, a trend Asensi confidently predicts will continue: “Those who do not like will have to endure, as the phenomenon has simply come to stay.”