The anime industry has seen a remarkable surge in growth since its inception. Thanks to the widespread availability of streaming platforms and traditional networks, anime has evolved into a global sensation. It stands as one of Japan’s most significant cultural exports, boasting a multibillion-dollar market that continues to thrive unabated.
Despite the plethora of shows and narratives available, even the most ardent enthusiasts find it challenging to keep pace with the constant stream of releases.
While there are various metrics to gauge the success of an anime franchise, commercial prosperity and financial earnings stand out as the most evident indicators.
The value of an anime franchise fluctuates in tandem with the prevailing cultural trends and the reception of its latest offerings or the absence thereof. In light of this, we have expanded our list to encompass five additional top-grossing anime series.
Pretty Cure and 14 Other Most Profitable Anime Series of All Time
Here is a list of the top 15 anime series that were way more profitable for the creators.
15. Pretty Cure
While Pretty Cure may not enjoy the same level of recognition globally as it does in Japan, it stands tall as one of the nation’s most lucrative anime franchises.
Despite emerging on the scene long after the magical girl craze had waned, Pretty Cure made an immediate impact upon its debut in 2004, swiftly asserting itself as the dominant force in magical girl anime throughout the 2000s.
The bulk of Pretty Cure’s revenue stemmed from its extensive range of merchandise, raking in an impressive sum of nearly $9 billion solely through sales. A key factor in its enduring success and dedicated fanbase lies in its accessibility.
Each new installment of Pretty Cure caters to a fresh generation of viewers, ensuring the franchise’s perpetual relevance in the high-grossing anime.
While its sales figures are certainly commendable, Pretty Cure finds itself at the lower end of the spectrum among the top earners despite amassing a substantial $8 billion in revenue.
14. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer stands out as the lone contender from the 2010s to secure a spot among the highest-grossing anime of all time. A fusion of impeccable animation, gripping narrative, and fortuitous timing propelled this standout series from a surprise hit in 2019 to a powerhouse of profitability in the anime world.
The immense success of Demon Slayer not only raised its status but also catapulted the original manga by author Koyoharu Gotouge to the summit of best-seller lists.
Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer) | ufotable
At present, Demon Slayer boasts a staggering global sales figure exceeding 150 million manga volumes. Its formidable net worth is further augmented by stellar television and streaming ratings, while its cultural and political relevance only serves to enhance its already illustrious reputation.
With the anime adaptation still ongoing, Demon Slayer’s financial success is poised to ascend even higher before it reaches its much-anticipated end.
13. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
For many English-speaking enthusiasts, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure truly gained traction in 2012 with the release of its anime adaptation.
However, in Japan, the saga had already established itself as one of the highest-grossing anime franchises since its inception in 1987. Prior to its anime breakthrough, Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure enjoyed immense success as a manga, boasting sales exceeding 120 million copies.
Jonathan Joestar From Jojo | Hirohiko Araki
The franchise’s triumph in Japan transcended mere manga sales, as it ventured into worlds ranging from video games to live-action adaptations.
Yet, perhaps the most significant measure of its groundbreaking impact lies in its transformative influence on the shonen storytelling.
The innovative approach of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure reshaped the conventions of narrative delivery in the genre, leaving an indelible mark that continues to reverberate throughout contemporary anime.
12. Naruto
Given its profound cultural impact on audiences worldwide , it comes as no surprise that Naruto’s financial standing has propelled it to the ranks of the highest-grossing anime in history.
The martial arts odyssey of Naruto primarily owes its success to its manga roots, yet its anime adaptation, immortalized as one of Shonen Jump’s Big Three, undeniably played a pivotal role in solidifying its status as a household name.
Jiraiya (Naruto Shippuden) | Pierrot
Naruto’s triumph extended beyond animation, branching out into movies, video games, and collaborations with other equally iconic anime franchises. A key factor in its enduring prosperity lies in its sprawling narrative, which seems boundless in its scope.
Despite the divisive reception of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations as a legacy sequel, it undeniably contributed to sustaining Naruto’s profitability.
At its core, Naruto is a profoundly resonant tale centering around the indomitable spirit of its protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki.
His journey, marked by unwavering determination and a commitment to surmounting prejudice and enmity, resonates deeply as a timeless saga of perseverance, redemption, and the pursuit of global harmony.
11. Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon chronicles the valiant efforts of Usagi Tsukino to safeguard Earth as the eponymous magical girl. Beyond its amazing narrative, Sailor Moon holds a distinguished position as a trailblazer within the anime.
Breaking barriers in a predominantly male-dominated world, it emerged as one of the pioneering blockbuster shojo anime and soared to become one of the highest-grossing anime franchises of all time.
Sailor Moon | Netflix
Debuting in 1992, Sailor Moon swiftly ascended to the zenith as the quintessential shojo and magical girl series, a title it has retained ever since. While the original Sailor Moon anime ended its main storyline years ago, its enduring legacy continues to thrive primarily through merchandise sales.
Nevertheless, Sailor Moon’s journey is far from over, with new movies and other ventures slated for the future, ensuring its enduring presence in the annals of anime history.
10. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Police
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Police may not ring a bell for most audiences outside of Japan, yet within its home country, it holds an esteemed position as one of the highest-grossing anime in history.
More than just a cultural footnote, KochiKame stands as a veritable institution within both the anime industry and Japanese society at large.
KochiKame | Gallop
Commencing its serialization in 1976 and ending a remarkable four decades later in 2016, KochiKame remains a financial powerhouse, generating revenue through reprints, merchandise sales, and commemorative reruns of its anime and movies.
While new content may be scarce, KochiKame persists as an enduring sitcom and cultural touchstone, solidifying its status as one of the premier anime series in terms of financial success despite its relative obscurity in the Western hemisphere compared to the juggernauts of shonen anime.
9. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion revolutionized the mecha genre by offering a groundbreaking portrayal of the darker aspects of piloting giant robots, subverting traditional anime tropes.
Through its depiction of teenagers compelled to combat monsters with their Evangelion, the series introduced a level of gravitas previously unseen in mecha anime, earning it acclaim as one of the greatest anime of all time.
Neon Genesis Evangelion | Tatsunoko Production
Despite its enduring legacy and status as one of the highest-grossing anime franchises, a significant portion of Evangelion’s revenue stems from pachinko machines.
Additionally, the franchise garners substantial profits from the royalties of its iconic music. In total, Evangelion’s sales have surpassed nearly $9 billion, cementing its position as a financial juggernaut in the anime.
8. Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh! stood out in the anime with its focus on a card game, providing it with a distinct advantage over its counterparts.
While ostensibly centered around Yugi Muto’s journey to become a legendary card duelist, the series’ true priority lay in serving as a promotional platform for its titular card game.
Yu-Gi-Oh! | Netflix
Unsurprisingly, Yu-Gi-Oh!’s advertising strategy proved highly effective. Sales from the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game alone soared to over $11 billion, emerging as the franchise’s primary and most lucrative revenue stream.
Meanwhile, the anime series and movies of Yu-Gi-Oh! Enjoying financial success, their earnings pale in comparison to the staggering profits generated by the cards themselves.
7. One Piece
One Piece stands as one of the longest-running anime series of all time , boasting an impressive tally of over 1,087 episodes. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its vast and devoted fanbase, as well as a narrative that seems boundless in its scope.
The anime chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they begin on a quest to discover the fabled One Piece treasure and secure Luffy’s title as the King of the Pirates.
Luffy In Gear 5 From One Piece (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)
Since its debut in 1999, One Piece has maintained unwavering ratings and earnings.
While the anime series and movies have achieved blockbuster success, the bulk of One Piece’s net worth is derived from merchandise and video game sales.
As the series progresses into its final arc, it is anticipated to continue its financial ascent, further solidifying its status as one of the most lucrative franchises in anime history.
6. First Of The North Star
Fist of the North Star emerged as a revolutionary franchise during the 1980s, playing a pivotal role in establishing anime’s presence overseas. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the narrative revolves around Kenshiro, a formidable martial artist on a quest to safeguard the innocent and vulnerable from various adversaries.
First Of The North Star | Tetsuo Hara
Despite its vintage origins, Fist of the North Star remains among the highest-grossing anime franchises to date. Surprisingly, a significant portion of its financial success stems from pachinko machines, which have generated a staggering $14 billion in sales.
While the quintessentially ’80s Fist of the North Star may have fewer releases in recent years, each new installment continues to command a respectable sum upon its release.
5. The Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball stands as an enduring icon among the highest-grossing anime of all time, with amazing audiences since its inception in the ’80s, and continues to thrive to this day.
A beloved shonen classic, the series traces the journey of Son Goku from his youth to adulthood, with its title derived from the mystical Dragon Balls that possess wish-granting powers when collected in full.
A significant portion of Dragon Ball’s revenue stems from video games and merchandise sales, underscoring its immense commercial success.
Goku | Dragon Ball (Credits Akira Toriyama)
Recent blockbuster movies have further solidified its status as a titan in the anime industry. With its impeccable animation and unwavering popularity, Dragon Ball shows no signs of slowing down, with plans for future releases already in the pipeline.
Renowned for its broad appeal among action enthusiasts worldwide, Dragon Ball ranks among the highest-grossing anime of all time.
Its enduring legacy is a witness to its unparalleled resonance and cultural significance, placing it among the elite few in the anime that have achieved such monumental success.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam
It’s widely recognized that Mobile Suit Gundam soared to become one of the highest-grossing anime franchises in history, largely due to its toy sales.
While the classic Mobile Suit Gundam anime and its numerous retellings enjoyed success, the franchise owes its very existence to its model kits, known as Gunplas, which consistently outsell all other merchandise.
Mobile Suit Gundam | Yoshiyuki Tomino
A pivotal factor in Gundam’s enduring prosperity lies in its ability to adapt to contemporary trends. Despite maintaining its core themes and narratives, each new Gundam anime installment is tailored to resonate with the sensibilities of its respective era’s youth.
This deliberate approach ensures that a fresh Gundam tale is crafted for every decade and generation, further solidifying its relevance and appeal across diverse audiences.
3. Anpanman
Anpanman may not be a household name beyond Japan, but within the country, it reigns as a beloved children’s anime. The series revolves around a superhero whose head is a delectable cake filled with red bean paste—a traditional Japanese treat known as “anpan”—who defends the world against the villainous germ, Baikinman.
Anpanman | TMS Entertainment
Parents understand the unwavering dedication children have to the things they love. It’s no surprise then that nearly all of Anpanman’s revenue stems from retail sales of Anpanman-themed merchandise for kids.
Additionally, a significant portion of its earnings, amounting to nearly $14 billion, can be attributed to ticket sales for the Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum.
2. Hello Kitty
To many, Hello Kitty epitomizes a merchandising icon rather than a prominent anime character. Notably, Hello Kitty’s revenue stream is predominantly fueled by merchandise sales, prompting some to view its numerous, albeit often overlooked, anime as little more than promotional vehicles for licensed goods and apparel.
Hello Kitty | Yuko Shimizu
This perception gained validation in 2014 when estimates suggested that Hello Kitty could rake in a staggering $8 billion annually. It’s reasonable to assume that this figure has only escalated in the years since.
While Hello Kitty’s cartoons and movies may not serve as lucrative cash cows, it appears that maximizing profits through media ventures was never the primary focus of this franchise.
1. Pokémon
It comes as no surprise that Pokémon reigns as the highest-grossing anime franchise in history. While The Pokémon Company ceased publicizing Pokémon’s total worth in 2019, estimations placed its value at approximately $71 billion at that time. By 2022, this figure purportedly surged to surpass $100 billion.
Despite boasting an immensely successful anime, trading card game, and video game lineup, licensed merchandising emerges as Pokémon’s primary revenue driver.
Pokémon | Satoshi Tajiri
Sales of licensed merchandise, including toys and books, consistently surpass those of Pokémon’s video games, manga, cards, and anime combined.
With its formidable presence across various mediums, this juggernaut franchise has solidified its status as the highest-grossing anime of all time and shows no signs of relinquishing its title in the foreseeable future.
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Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
The Lord of the Rings is the most famous fantasy franchise globally, inspiring numerous anime series and other works.
The books and films are hugely successful, influencing many stories across different genres. Its storyline has shaped the fantasy genre for decades to come.
The Lord of the Rings has made its mark across various mediums, and anime is no exception. Alongside the development of an anime prequel film.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, there are numerous anime that skillfully embrace the high fantasy style that made The Lord of the Rings famous.
Whether they stay true to the original or offer a humorous take on its concepts, these anime capture the essence of Tolkien’s world.
1) Konosuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!
Studio Drive’s Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! follows the typical setup of an isekai anime, with protagonist Kazuma Satou transported to a fantasy world to defeat the demon king.
However, Kazuma is far from the heroic figure one might expect, as he is lazy and self-centered by preferring to avoid his responsibilities.
Accompanied by a party comprising a lazy and dimwitted goddess, a masochistic knight, and an eccentric mage who can only cast one spell, Kazuma sees no reason to change his ways anytime soon.
Konosuba God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World! (Credit: Studio Deen)
Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! has emerged as one of the most beloved isekai anime of recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
Featuring a cast of largely self-centered characters and a storyline that cleverly mocks the conventions of isekai fantasy and fantasy in general, Konosuba is a delightful fantasy parody from start to finish.
It playfully subverts many tropes that stories like The Lord of the Rings often take seriously.
Fans of such stories will surely appreciate Konosuba’s witty and irreverent approach. With a third season on the horizon, the series’ parody elements are set to become even more pronounced.
2) Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
In Studio Bind’s Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, the protagonist begins as an obese shut-in who is evicted from his home after his parents pass away.
Despite his unfulfilled life, he saves some children from a speeding truck, which becomes the only meaningful action he takes.
Following his death, he is reincarnated into a fantasy world as Rudeus Greyrat, a young boy gifted with a natural talent for magic.
Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation (Credit: Studio Bind)
Determined to make the most of his new chance at life, Rudeus sets out to create a future he can truly be proud of.
While Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is the godfather of isekai anime, it has far more to offer. Not only does it have some of the best art and animation of any anime in recent years.
But Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’s story does a great job of playing into the aesthetic of high fantasy writing, whether it’s through the overall plot or the cast, specifically.
Controversial elements of Rudeus’ character aside, it’s a gorgeous fantasy anime, and it’s one that offers everything great about The Lord of the Rings and more.
3) Goblin Slayer
Liden Films’ Goblin Slayer unfolds in a classic fantasy where adventurers from different classes to take up on quests to vanquish monsters, particularly goblins, who wreak havoc across the land.
While goblins are generally seen as weak foes, there are instances where they acquire skills that pose a significant threat even to seasoned adventurers.
Enter the enigmatic Goblin Slayer, the only one who comprehends the true danger posed by goblins. Driven by a relentless determination, he stops at nothing until every last goblin meets its end at his hands.
Goblin Slayer (Credit: White Fox)
While certain aspects, particularly in the notorious first episode, may not be suitable for all viewers, Goblin Slayer remains a noteworthy fantasy anime.
Its premise offers a compelling deconstruction of classic fantasy tropes, and the writing and worldbuilding contribute to a dark and immersive interpretation of Dungeons & Dragons-style fantasy.
This influence even extends to the overarching lore of the series. Goblin Slayer is an excellent choice for fans of classic fantasy, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts of The Lord of the Rings.
4) Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic
A-1 Pictures’ Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic transports viewers to a fantasy inspired by Arabian Nights, where individuals brave deadly dungeons in pursuit of immense power and wealth, capable of elevating their status in society.
Among these adventurers are Aladdin and Alibaba, who takes up on a journey across the world, seeking thrilling adventures within these dungeons.
However, their quest soon entangles them in intricate political schemes and magical conspiracies that pose a grave threat to the world’s very existence.
Magi The Labyrinth Of Magic (Credit: A-1 Pictures)
Joined by allies, they must take action to prevent catastrophe and safeguard their world from destruction.
While Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic may not share the same visual style as The Lord of the Rings, fans of the latter can still find much to enjoy in it.
With a fantastic cast and thrilling action, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic excels in its portrayal of fantasy themes, thanks to its intricate magic system and rich worldbuilding.
While its Arabian Nights aesthetic may differ from that of The Lord of the Rings, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic offers a unique and compelling experience that is definitely worth watching for fans of fantasy anime.
5) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Studio Madhouse’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End centers around Frieren, an elf mage who appears to age very slowly, if at all. She was part of an adventurer party that successfully defeated the demon lord.
Initially, Frieren didn’t think much of her time spent with her companions. However, upon the death of the Hero, Himmel, she comes to realize how much she truly cared for them.
Filled with regret over not treasuring their time together, Frieren takes up on a new journey to learn how to better understand and appreciate the people around her.
Frieren Beyond Journey’s End (Credit: Madhouse)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has captured the hearts of the anime community, and its appeal is evident. The series’ thoughtful and philosophical take on fantasy provides a refreshing contrast to the abundance of isekai anime in recent years.
Notably, its poignant and well-crafted character development stands out, drawing viewers into its world. With stunning animation and masterful direction, each episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a visual feast from start to finish.
Given its poetic exploration of the genre, it’s no surprise that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is considered the ultimate anime for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
6) Berserk
Berserk is a renowned dark fantasy series following Guts, a traveling swordsman armed with a massive sword, as he seeks vengeance against the malevolent God Hand.
Along his journey, Guts confronts and slays demonic Apostles who stand in his path. While there have been multiple adaptations, the most well-known is the original 1997 anime by OLM, Inc.
This adaptation predominantly delves into the Golden Age arc, delving into Guts’ transformation into the dark and violent individual seen at the outset of the series.
Berserk (Credit: Millepensee, GEMBA)
The original Berserk anime stands out as its best adaptation, and it’s clear why. Not only does it boast the most consistent and well-executed art and animation among the adaptations.
But its direction effectively captures the unrelentingly dark atmosphere of its world, despite its abrupt ending. As one of the finest fantasy anime out there, it’s an excellent choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
7) Re:Zero
In White Fox’s Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, the protagonist Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary boy, is unexpectedly transported to a fantasy.
Instead of gaining overpowered abilities, Subaru is bestowed with the ability to return to specific points in time whenever he dies.
The series frequently explores this unique power by subjecting Subaru to increasingly gruesome deaths as he becomes entangled in the darker aspects of his new reality.
ReZero (Credit: White Fox)
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World’s greatest strength lies in its dark storytelling. While Subaru’s frequent and gruesome deaths are prominent.
The series goes beyond typical isekai anime by delving into Subaru’s self-loathing and the immense effort he must exert for every achievement.
This results in a more serious and thought-provoking take on the genre. Coupled with impressive worldbuilding, exhilarating fight scenes, and compelling character development.
Re:Zero emerges as a fantastic fantasy series suitable for all audiences, particularly fans of The Lord of the Rings.
8) Delicious In Dungeon
In Studio Trigger’s Delicious in Dungeon, the story begins with Laios and his adventurer party facing a devastating defeat at the hands of a fierce dragon, resulting in Laios’ sister, Falin, being devoured alive.
With only a limited window of opportunity to rescue Falin, the party must navigate back through the dungeon and find a way to revive her.
To sustain themselves during this perilous journey, Laios decides to utilize the monsters they encounter as a source of food, a plan he had secretly harbored for some time.
Delicious In Dungeon (Credit: Trigger)
Despite being a relatively recent series, Delicious in Dungeon has quickly earned acclaim as a standout fantasy anime. Its adept parody of fantasy tropes is noteworthy.
But what truly sets it apart is the meticulous attention to detail in its worldbuilding. With each episode, the creative and immersive world of Delicious in Dungeon unfolds, viewers with its ingenuity.
Coupled with Studio Trigger’s stunning animation, the series serves as a delightful homage to classic fantasy, making it an excellent choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
9) Slayers
J.C. Staff’s Slayers features Lina Inverse, a formidable sorceress who roams the land in search of ways to earn fast money, often inadvertently causing more trouble than she solves.
Alongside her friends, Lina occasionally becomes entangled in the eternal conflict between the forces of two supreme deities who rule over their world.
Despite her reluctance to be involved, Lina frequently finds herself thrust into the role of world savior during times of crisis.
Delicious In Dungeon (Credit: E&G Films)
When it comes to fantasy anime, few strike the balance between comedy and serious storytelling as well as Slayers.
While the focus is primarily on the comedic antics of the cast, the series also boasts intricate and worldbuilding.
The seamless integration of humor and worldbuilding results in truly remarkable storytelling. Despite being nearly 30 years old, Slayers has stood the test of time remarkably well, remaining a fantasy tale even to this day.
10) Record Of Lodoss War
Studio AIC’s Record of Lodoss War follows the journey of Parn, a young knight determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s disgrace and restore his family’s honor.
Along the way, Parn forms a diverse party of adventurers, each with their own quests and motivations.
As their adventures unfold, Parn and his companions find themselves thrust into a greater conflict, becoming the last hope to save the land of Lodoss from impending destruction.
Drawing inspiration from its origins as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, Record of Lodoss War adeptly captures the essence of classical fantasy.
Record Of Lodoss War (Credit: AIC)
With its richly developed characters and intricate worldbuilding, the series embodies the quintessential elements of a Dungeons & Dragons-style narrative.
Despite any clichés, the straightforward writing style of Record of Lodoss War lends it a genuine sincerity from beginning to end.
As one of the most iconic traditional fantasy tales in anime, it is an ideal choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
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