Anime has grown into a powerful force in the entertainment industry in recent years, drawing in millions of viewers from every corner of the world. With its rise in popularity, streaming platforms are now offering countless titles and trying to move in on the industry by gaining exclusive access to titles.
However, longtime anime fans are already feeling the effects of the shifting landscape surrounding anime and how it’s consumed. With many varying factors, fans are now considering different options aside from streaming as prices increase and the availability of titles becomes more exclusive.
Anime Has Grown Increasingly Popular in Recent Years
Anime’s rise over the past decade has been difficult to ignore. While it may once have been considered a niche interest, anime is now a growing force in mainstream media, capturing Hollywood’s attention.
This shift became especially apparent in 2025, a year that was marked by record-breaking success for the anime industry as films dominated the global box office. Demon Slayer in particular stands out with the film Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza’s Return becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all of 2025, shattering records both domestically and internationally.
Other titles further prove this shift, including Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, which exceeded both early expectations and updated…