Top 5 Anime that revived the industry and made billions
In recent decades the anime industry has seen waves of revival thanks to a handful of breakthrough titles. These shows and films not only drew global audiences with compelling stories and innovative style, but also generated enormous revenue – from blockbuster anime box office ticket sales to multimillion‐dollar merchandise lines.
Below are five anime that reshaped the market. Each title combined creative vision with runaway popularity, helping revive anime worldwide while raking in literally
billions
in revenue and franchise value.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Dark mecha masterpiece
Credits: Crunchyroll
When Neon Genesis Evangelion debuted in 1995, it injected new energy into a flagging anime scene. Its blend of psychological depth and giant-robot action captured fan fascination. Evangelion's emotional storytelling and iconic characters (like Rei Ayanami and Asuka) sparked a merchandising craze: within two years Evangelion merchandise and media sales topped $400 million.
By the mid-2000s the franchise had earned over $2 billion in total (counting DVDs, soundtracks, toys and more).
Home video sales of the series were so strong that Japan's economy saw
'considerable impact in the billions of yen'
thanks to Eva. Fans embraced the show's dark tone and complex themes, and EVA is often credited with reviving interest in anime during the 1990s. Its long-term cultural impact endures in every series that followed its introspective style.
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Pokémon: The global franchise juggernaut
Credits: Crunchyroll
Few anime titles have reached the global footprint of Pokémon. Launching in the mid-1990s with the TV series and video games, Pokémon turned the anime industry into a worldwide phenomenon. The adventures of Ash and Pikachu drew millions of young viewers, and blockbuster movie tie-ins kept momentum strong – for example,
Pokémon: The First Movie
alone grossed about US$85.7 million in the U.S.. Critically, Pokémon's success extended far beyond the screen into video games, card games and toys.
Today the Pokémon franchise is estimated to be worth over $100 billion. In short, Pokémon became a cultural juggernaut: its anime series made kids (and grown-ups) everywhere hungry for more, and its merchandising empire – from stuffed animals to trading cards – dwarfed competitors.
By popularizing Japanese anime characters on a massive scale, Pokémon helped revive and expand the anime industry globally, proving that smart storytelling and beloved characters can create both cultural impact and enormous revenue.
Dragon Ball
: Enduring Shōnen power
Credits: Crunchyroll
Long before streaming, Dragon Ball (manga 1984, anime 1989–96) proved that shōnen action-adventure could be a cash cow. The saga of Goku and his friends combined fast-paced fight scenes with humor and fantasy, winning legions of fans in Japan and abroad. Dragon Ball quickly became one of the highest-grossing anime franchises of all time: today its brand (including sequels like
Dragon Ball Z/Super
, video games, clothing and films) is valued in the tens of billions.
Movies from the series often hit big box-office numbers, and video games topped sales charts. Fans fueled this success – Dragon Ball's signature blend of epic battles and memorable characters has sold countless DVDs and figurines. In fact, Dragon Ball's movies and merchandise drove so much revenue that the franchise ranks with the very biggest names in animation.
By proving anime could sustain a long-running, lucrative action series, Dragon Ball helped cement anime's international popularity in the 1990s and beyond.
Naruto
: Global ninja phenomenon
Credits: Crunchyroll
Naruto (2002–2017) became a worldwide smash, especially appealing to young viewers with its inspiring underdog hero and themes of friendship and perseverance. In Japan and overseas, Naruto's cultural impact was immense: the manga alone has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making it one of history's bestselling comic series. Its financial success is a testament to fan enthusiasm – Naruto's billions of copies in print translated into a multi‐billion‐dollar franchise when counting anime licensing, video games, toys and apparel.
The anime and manga boosted anime's global viewership, drawing in new fans across Europe, North America and Asia. High-speed ninja battles and heartfelt character arcs resonated deeply: fans attended conventions in droves, cosplayed as ninjas, and bought Naruto gear in huge numbers. In these ways, Naruto helped revive interest in anime during the 2000s era, spreading Japanese pop culture worldwide and proving that a relatable story could translate into enduring anime success.
Demon Slayer
– Kimetsu no Yaiba: Record-breaking newcomer
Credits: Crunchyroll
Demon Slayer's meteoric rise in the late 2010s proved anime's continuing power to surprise. The TV series (2019) and especially its sequel film
Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train
smashed box-office records. Mugen Train earned over $507 million worldwide, instantly becoming the highest-grossing anime film ever. In Japan it shattered long-standing records – hitting about ¥32.5 billion (around $300+ million) in just 73 days, surpassing even Studio Ghibli's
Spirited Away
.
Demon Slayer's success owed as much to emotional storytelling as to flashy action. Audiences connected with its characters' family bonds and struggles, while the anime's lush animation style drew praise from critics and fans alike. The franchise quickly spawned hit songs, merchandise and more. In short, Demon Slayer reignited the anime film market globally: it captured the anime box office spotlight and demonstrated that a well-crafted anime could capture billions in revenue while touching hearts (for instance, its theme song became a cultural sensation).
Its record-breaking run has encouraged studios and theaters worldwide to invest in anime – a true modern revival.
Conclusion:
Each of these top anime represents a turning point where creativity met mass appeal. Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Naruto and Demon Slayer all combined rich storytelling with broad emotional resonance. Their success shows how anime can drive huge economic growth – from the largest highest-grossing anime films to tiny collectibles selling by the millions – while inspiring fans and influencing other media.
Together, they demonstrate that when anime captures the public's imagination, the industry thrives: rebuilding itself between eras and generating billions in revenue through box office, merchandise, streaming and more. These series didn't just make money; they helped shape the global cultural impact of anime, ensuring it remains a vibrant, mainstream art form today.
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