1. Pokemon
The Pokemon Franchise is the highest grossing franchise of all time with an estimated revenue of about $100 Billion. “Pokémon” is not just an anime but a global cultural phenomenon. The franchise started with a video game in 1996 and quickly expanded into an anime series, trading card game, movies, merchandise, and more. At 2019 the franchise net worth was about $71 Billion and in 2021 it reached its peak net worth of over $100 Billion.
The anime follows Ash Ketchum and his adventures to become a Pokémon Master. It has aired over 1,200 episodes across multiple regions and generations of Pokémon, making it one of the longest-running anime series.
2. Anpanman
“Anpanman” is a beloved children’s anime in Japan, created by Takashi Yanase. The total estimated revenue of its franchise is about $60 Billion. The show features a superhero with a face of anpan, which is a sweet bread filled with red bean paste for a head, who protects the world from evil. The anime isn’t widely known outside Japan, but it is popular within Japan.
The anime has been on the air since 1988 and has become a cultural icon in Japan, particularly among younger audiences. The franchise’s massive revenue comes largely from merchandise like toys, snacks, and clothing.
3. Dragon Ball
Created by Akira Toriyama, “Dragon Ball” began as a manga in 1984 and quickly expanded into an anime series that has captivated audiences worldwide. It is one of the most watched anime series of all time with an estimate Revenue of about $30 billion.
The franchise includes “Dragon Ball,” “Dragon Ball Z,” “Dragon Ball GT,” “Dragon Ball Super,” and numerous spin-offs and movies. It’s known for its iconic fight scenes, memorable characters, and the popularization of the shonen genre globally. Video games and a wide range of collectible merchandise make up most of its revenue.
4. Fist of the North Star Franchise
“Fist of the North Star” is a post-apocalyptic martial arts series that aired in the 1980s. The franchise helped anime find its footing abroad. The total estimated net worth of franchise is about $22 Billion. The story follows Kenshiro, a warrior with the ability to kill his enemies using a secret martial art, as he protects the weak in a barren world.
The series was immensely popular in Japan and internationally, and its success led to numerous adaptations, merchandise, and a lasting influence on the action genre in anime.
5. One Piece
“One Piece” created by Eiichiro Oda, has become one of the most successful anime series in history since it began airing in 1999. It is one of the most watched anime series of all time along with manga and is one of the most long running anime and is still continuing it’s story. It’s total estimated revenue is about $20 billion.
The story follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the legendary One Piece treasure. The anime is known for its rich world-building, deep story arcs, and a vast array of unique characters. With over 1,000 episodes, “One Piece” continues to be a massive commercial success, with revenue coming from manga sales, merchandise, games, and more.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
“Neon Genesis Evangelion,” directed by Hideaki Anno, is a seminal anime series that aired in 1995. It is known for its complex narrative, psychological depth, and innovative approach to the mecha genre. The total estimated net worth of franchise is about $12 Billion.
The series explores themes of existentialism, mental health, and the human condition. The franchise’s revenue is bolstered by DVD and Blu-ray sales, merchandise, and continued popularity through re-releases and remakes, such as the “Rebuild of Evangelion” movies.
7. Naruto
“Naruto,” created by Masashi Kishimoto, is a story about a young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. It is one of the most successful anime and is one of the most watched anime series of all time with total estimated revenue of about $10 billion.
The franchise has had a significant impact on global pop culture, with its blend of action, drama, and coming-of-age themes. Revenue sources include manga, anime, movies, video games, and a vast array of merchandise. Naruto furthered its success through movies, video games, and crossovers with other equally massive anime franchises.
8. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has achieved an estimated total revenue of over $8.75 billion, making it one of the most successful anime franchises in history. The franchise’s success is largely driven by its manga, which has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, and its anime adaptation produced by Ufotable. The anime, praised for its exceptional animation quality and compelling storytelling, played a pivotal role in boosting the manga’s popularity
The story follows life of Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, with his sister Nezuko being the sole survivor—only to be turned into a demon herself. The franchise also benefited from strong marketing strategies, timely merchandise releases, and global streaming platforms, which made the series easily accessible to international audiences.
9. Bleach
Bleach, created by Tite Kubo, has amassed an estimated total revenue of around $7 billion. This success is driven by its manga, which has sold over 130 million copies worldwide, and the anime adaptation, which aired from 2004 to 2012 and consists of 366 episodes.
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who gains the abilities of a Soul Reaper after accidentally obtaining them from Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who is injured while protecting him from a Hollow—a malevolent spirit.
10. BeyBlade
Beyblade is a highly successful franchise with an estimated total revenue of around $5 billion. The franchise began with a toy line launched by Takara Tomy in 1999, featuring spinning top toys that could battle each other in arenas. The success of Beyblade can be attributed to its innovative toy concept and strong multimedia presence. The spinning tops were not only visually appealing but also incorporated various customizable parts that added to the play experience.
Beyblade follows a group of passionate young Bladers who compete in high-stakes battles using spinning tops called Beyblades. The story centers on Tyson Granger, a talented blader who forms a team with his friends, each with their unique Beyblade and skills.