Top News

Anime is no longer niche in India. Surveys and streaming data show a surge in popularity, especially among young viewers. In fact, India ranks second only to China in anime viewership. Market research firm JetSynthesys found that anime captured 83% of Indians’ preference for animated content. Industry analysts project the Indian anime market will grow at a double-digit rate (around 13% CAGR through 2028). Anime hit series and movies now frequently land on Indian OTT platforms, drawing in Gen Z and millennial fans. As Crunchyroll ’s Asia-Pacific marketing director Akshat Sahu notes, “anime’s popularity in India has skyrocketed…We’ve seen double-digit year-on-year growth in engagement and viewership, particularly among Gen Z and young millennials”.


Streaming platforms fuel growthMajor streaming services are racing to meet this demand. Crunchyroll launched its dedicated service in India in January 2024, and even Prime Video now offers an anime channel (“Anime Times”). Netflix India has steadily expanded its anime catalog, recently releasing One Piece Film: Red with Indian subtitles. By one estimate, 73% of Indians watched anime in 2020, reflecting a growing appetite. In this competitive environment, Crunchyroll reports that 60% of its expected growth will come from India, which has just become its second-largest market (surpassing the US, behind China). Surveys show Indian anime fans spend an hour or more per day watching anime—a large slice of their 61-minute average daily streaming time. In short, streaming platforms have made anime readily accessible, and Indian viewers are tuning in by the millions.


Local languages and stars connect fansA key to India’s anime boom is localization. Crunchyroll is the only global anime streamer currently dubbing shows in Hindi, Tamil , and Telugu. Over 800 anime titles are available in India on Crunchyroll, with more than 80 shows featuring Indian-language dubs. Industry experts report that dubbed titles like Solo Leveling and Kaiju No. 8 have “seen strong uptake… particularly among younger audiences and viewers outside metropolitan areas”. Even classics are getting dubbed: recent seasons of Naruto were released with Hindi, Tamil and Telugu voice tracks.

Bollywood stars have lent credibility to anime in India. Actor Rana Daggubati voiced a major role in Solo Leveling in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, thrilling fans at conventions. Another star, Ali Fazal, voiced a character in Solo Leveling Season 1. For Bollywood icon Rashmika Mandanna and action star Tiger Shroff , anime is personal: both appeared in Crunchyroll’s first Indian ad campaign and even co-presented the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo. Such celebrity endorsements “bring fresh energy and credibility, helping us bridge anime with mainstream entertainment in India,” says Crunchyroll’s Sahu. Even TV kids’ channels have embraced anime; Devika Prabhu of Disney Star reports that long-running shows like Shin Chan, Pokémon and Doraemon are “household names” and that roughly half of Disney’s kids’ programming is now anime. Disney localizes voices and story details to make anime “relevant to kids in India”. This blend of local language tracks and familiar voices is pulling wider audiences into the anime world.


Hit shows, fan culture and events
Popular anime titles in India range from older hits to new sensations. Longtime favorites include Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Death Note, and Attack on Titan. Among newer hits, Demon Slayer, One Piece, and the Korean-origin Solo Leveling have built big fanbases. Crunchyroll finds that its mix of “nostalgia and novelty” keeps fans engaged. The fandom is vocal and active online. For example, thousands of Indian fans signed petitions to bring anime movies (like Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Weathering with You) to local cinemas, successes that “marked the beginning of the rise of anime in India,” according to content creator Aman Budgujar. Social media and local YouTube channels dedicated to anime have also made it easy for newbies to discover shows.

Fan events are on the rise. Mumbai’s Comic Con now hosts anime voice-actor meet-and-greets – in early 2024, Japanese voice actors of One Piece flew in for fan panels. Crunchyroll’s collaboration with Indian theaters has brought anime films to the big screen (such as Solo Leveling – ReAwakening) and launched regional conventions. Cosplay and anime merchandise are a growing trend, too. Retailers report a noticeable increase in anime-themed apparel and collectibles, especially among ages 10–30. A store owner noted that many fans underestimate anime’s popularity, recalling that everyone grew up on Pokemon, DBZ, Naruto and even Shinchan cartoons. This enthusiasm suggests a promising market for licensed toys, apparel and DVDs.

An Opportunity for Studios and RetailersAll these signs point to a largely untapped business opportunity in India. Crunchyroll and Netflix have seen that original anime releases (including anime-inspired local productions) can attract huge viewership in India. Streaming giants are exploring licensing partnerships: for example, Crunchyroll is seeking Indian franchise partners and plans India-specific content based on local stories, indicating a shift toward catering to Indian tastes. On the merchandising side, Bandai Namco India and others are seeking new franchise deals, and local startups like Otaku India Store (anime merchandise e-commerce) are emerging. Even foreign brands such as Pokémon and Converse have noted anime’s sway in India, reflecting global crossover appeal. Event organizers see potential too: anime conventions and screenings can draw thousands of paying fans.

Analysts say brands should localize and engage communities to unlock this potential. With India’s 500-million-strong OTT audience still only a fraction engaged, there is room for massive growth. As Crunchyroll’s executive warns, tapping into India’s anime fandom means understanding its young fans and embracing local culture. In short, India’s anime wave—bolstered by streaming, stars and fan passion—is just beginning, making the country a rich frontier for studios, retailers and events alike.