Top 25 Most Popular Anime of All Time, Ranked
25. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch anime that is steadily on the rise. Not only is it fantastic in every sense of the word, but it also captivates viewers from start to finish. The story revolves around Yuji Itadori, a modest yet incredibly powerful young man, who finds himself entangled in a fierce battle between jujutsu sorcerers and the malevolent curses they strive to eliminate.
Itadori has been sentenced to execution after ingesting a piece of the malevolent Sukuna, branding him as a dangerous individual. To temporarily avoid this grim fate, he must embark on a mission to locate and eliminate Sukuna’s remaining body parts, eradicating the threat from the world.
With an incredibly talented cast that includes the captivating character Gojo as one of the most popular in the medium, this manga has become an unstoppable force, resulting in its first season being hailed as essential viewing. The upcoming second season, scheduled for release in summer 2023, is set to elevate the intensity even further.
24. Sailor Moon
During the anime renaissance of the 90s, Sailor Moon emerged as an essential series, providing young girls worldwide with a relatable and inspiring hero. If the phrase “fighting crime by daylight” doesn’t immediately make you think of “winning love by daylight,” then I’m not sure what else to say.
Incorporating a classic magical girl trope, the story unfolds as the absent-minded Usagi Tsukino crosses paths with a talking feline companion. Entrusting her with a magical brooch, Usagi gains the ability to transform into Sailor Moon, the protector of Earth. Along her journey, she encounters other girls who join her as fellow Sailor Scouts, and also crosses paths with the enigmatic Tuxedo Mask. This encounter leads to a climactic moment featuring an iconic line read, etched in the history of dubbing.
There have been various adaptations of the story, including a 2014 anime adaptation that faithfully recreated the lore of the original manga in a reimagined manner.
23. Astro Boy
With Astro’s longevity, it’s inevitable for him to establish his prominence. Astro Boy, the oldest figure on this roster, initially appeared as a manga in the early 1950s. Since then, it has been transformed for the screen numerous times, making it challenging to keep count. This includes three anime series, a 2009 CGI film, and a few spinoffs as well.
The main character of the story, Astro Boy, also known as Mighty Atom in Japan, is an android created by a professor who designed him to resemble his late son. In addition to facing various adversaries that pose a threat to society, Astro also struggles with his own understanding of what it means to be human. Although the concept has similarities to RoboCop, the level of violence and gore is considerably reduced.
Determining the ultimate best anime series largely boils down to personal preference, considering the significant gap of seventeen years between their premieres. With the evolution of anime over the decades, each series possesses its own distinctive appeal. Nevertheless, if forced to select one, the original 1963 series stands out. During its peak, it captivated a staggering 40% of Japanese viewers who had access to a television, making it incomparable in terms of popularity and buzz.
22. Pokemon
Pokemon served as the introduction to anime for countless individuals. As someone who grew up in the 90s, there was nothing quite like beginning the day with the invigorating phrase, “Gotta Catch Em’ All.”
The Pokemon anime gained immense popularity, largely due to the games, when it was first released in 1997. It followed the exciting journey of Ash Ketchum as he aspired to become a Pokemon master.
Until now, the series maintains its position as the anime movie with the highest lifetime earnings, currently standing at $85,744,662. Pokémon the Movie 2000 is not too far behind, securing third place with a lifetime gross of $43,758,684.
Although its popularity may not be as high as it was in the past, the series remains strong even today. With over 1000 episodes, it continues to be one of the most-watched shows on Netflix.
21. Doraemon
Doraemon’s presence on this list might puzzle those in the West, since its fame primarily stems from its success abroad. Nevertheless, this anime is incredibly popular in India, China, and Japan, compensating for its relatively limited recognition in the West.
The central theme of Doraemon is the journey of a robotic cat without ears, who travels through time from the 22nd century to assist a fifth-grade student named Nobita Nobi. The series focuses on overcoming challenging obstacles in life while also embracing the concept that making mistakes is acceptable.
Doraemon, with its 1787 episodes airing from 1973 to 2005, holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running anime series. Moreover, the franchise’s movies have achieved remarkable success at the box office, grossing a staggering $1.7 billion worldwide across 41 films as of 2020.
20. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
If you have ever visited Twitter a few times, it is highly likely that you have come across the trending HxH or HunterxHunter tag. This is because Hunter x Hunter (2011), despite its last airing in 2014, continues to be one of the most popular shows within its genre.
In Hunter x Hunter (2011), we embark on an awe-inspiring adventure alongside Gon Freecs, a determined young boy with aspirations of following in his father’s footsteps as a professional hunter, despite having faint memories of him. Throughout this perilous world, Gon experiences the true essence of friendship, discovers the wonders of his surroundings, and overcomes countless challenges that shape him into a skilled and respected hunter. This magnificent journey showcases the arduous path one must tread to attain the title of a pro hunter.
It would be a challenge to come across a more adored anime within its genre than this one. Its narratives and characters are frequently mentioned as personal favorites among fans.
Many people regard the Chimera Ant arc as a masterpiece, with Gon, Killua, and Hisoka consistently ranking high in popularity polls.
19. Neon Genesis Evangelion (Series)
If you’ve ever enjoyed a mecha anime and considered it amazing, it’s highly likely that the credit goes to the immense popularity of Neon Genesis Evangelion, both in the past and present. This series portrays the challenging existence of Shinji Ikari, a young individual compelled to pilot a colossal robot in order to combat an alien invasion.
Although the premise may appear simple initially, the plot of Neon Genesis Evangelion delves into profound themes such as psychology, environmentalism, and gender roles, among others. This richness allows the series to become more relatable and accessible to many viewers.
The show and its subsequent movies have a permanent spot on the Netflix trending list due to the irresistible combination of psychological themes and thrilling mech fights, appealing not only to hardcore anime enthusiasts but also to casual viewers.
18. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The phrase “Is that a JoJo’s reference?” has become closely associated with anime. Similar to The Simpsons, JoJo’s has successfully intertwined its content with pop culture, making it universally relatable. As a result, it has gained popularity and established itself as a significant presence in the entertainment industry, both domestically and internationally.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, which premiered in 2012, has emerged as one of the most popular anime series due to its eccentric narratives revolving around the Joestar family and their extraordinary abilities. Spanning across six distinct story arcs, each part centers around a different family member’s quest to overpower supernatural adversaries by harnessing their exclusive Stand powers.
According to Parrot Analytics, the demand for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in the United States has exceeded that of Japan, making it highly popular in the US. In fact, its demand is 23.4 times higher than the average TV series in the country over the past 30 days.
17. One Punch Man
When it comes to popularity, One Punch Man undoubtedly stands out as the most captivating show on this list. Initially originating as a webcomic in 2012, the series gained immense attention when it was adapted into an anime in 2015, solidifying its position as one of the hottest anime of recent years.
The series centers around Saitama, an immensely powerful superhero who has become disenchanted with his abilities. With every battle he faces ending swiftly with a single punch, Saitama finds himself bored. This unique premise blends comedy seamlessly with a satirical take on the shonen genre, highlighting its exaggerated and extravagant fight sequences.
Fans were absolutely hooked on this one-of-a-kind parody of shonen anime, showering it with praise for its outstanding animation, hilarious humor, captivating characters, and remarkably intricate fight sequences. The series gained such immense popularity that fans began drawing comparisons between it and other renowned titles in terms of animation quality and character development. It’s nearly impossible to come across a platform discussing power scaling without stumbling upon debates surrounding Goku and Saitama.
Despite the comparisons, the reason it doesn’t rank higher on the list is due to the disappointing season two. Fans had been eagerly waiting for four long years, only to be met with subpar animation and an underwhelming storyline. The fights in particular took numerous shortcuts, greatly diminishing the impact of the narratives being portrayed.
Despite this, fans remain eagerly anticipating the third season, hopeful that it will restore the show’s former prominence.
16. Death Note
Death Note is frequently hailed as the ultimate anime, known for its unique portrayal of the protagonist as the antagonist. Moreover, it is often recommended as a gateway anime due to its captivating storyline and relatable characters, making it easily accessible and engaging for newcomers.
The story revolves around Light Yagami, an exceptionally intelligent teenager who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. Before long, with the guidance of the Shinigami Ryuk, Light comprehends that this journal bestows its possessor with the ability to eliminate anyone whose name is inscribed within its pages.
Although his initial intentions appear noble, Light becomes corrupted by the power he wields, developing a god-complex that leads to chaos, murder, and a desperate effort to conceal his actions. This intriguing and fast-paced story will captivate any mystery enthusiast.
Death Note has gained immense popularity, resulting in four Japanese movies and two American films (with one currently in progress). The Japanese live-action adaptations of Death Note generated an impressive revenue of over $41 million, while the American Netflix adaptation was deemed a significant triumph, leading to the development of a sequel.
15. Akira
Akira is consistently recognized as one of the most significant anime of all time, often holding the top spot. Although it may not be as overt as other contenders, its lasting impact on the industry is undeniable. Its influence on pop culture has been instrumental in propelling the growth of anime and entertainment in the Western world.
Thanks to Akira, lesser-known shows like Fist of the North Star, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Dirty Pair gained popularity in the US. Akira’s premise encouraged fans to explore a wider range of anime. Its distinctive science fiction setting, visuals, and animation had a significant impact on subsequent media such as The Matrix, Stranger Things, and many others. These works often pay tribute to Akira in various ways.
The film, which was released in 1988, has generated a worldwide revenue of $80 million through home video sales and has gained a dedicated following, solidifying its status as a cult classic.
Title: Unveiling the Finest Anime of Each Decade, as Featured on The Mary Sue
14. Anpanman
It is quite challenging to find the appropriate place for this one, as Anpanman appears to be an international misspelling of One Punch Man (which, not coincidentally, drew inspiration from the former character).
Perhaps you haven’t come across this superhero before, but the young ones in Japan certainly have. Even in 2014, this 70s character ranked high in popularity polls for that age group. Anpanman, a hero known for having a scrumptious red bean pastry for a head, safeguards the people from the villainous Baikinman, hailing from the Germ Planet.
Since October 1988, there has been a continuous anime adaptation of this series, which is truly impressive and only a few could accomplish such a feat. Although it may not be the most captivating or complex story for its intended audience, sometimes you just want to witness a simple-minded superhero defeating some villainous bacteria. It’s the little pleasures in life.
13. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is often one of the initial recommendations that comes to mind when seeking an anime that remains timeless. Despite its release in 1997 and limited run of 26 episodes and a movie, this show continues to be highly regarded and cherished by fans. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its groundbreaking narratives, well-developed characters, thought-provoking themes, and exceptional musical score.
Set in the year 2071, Cowboy Bebop chronicles the escapades of a group of rogue bounty hunters, offering a glimpse into their diverse array of thrilling exploits. Although some narratives unfold in a linear fashion, every tale seamlessly merges various genres, blending sci-fi, western, and noir elements within the vast expanse of outer space. Moreover, the series delves into profound themes such as isolation, the meaning of existence, and the weight of sorrow.
Because of its innovative concepts and captivating narratives, Cowboy Bebop has garnered numerous accolades for its exceptional anime and voice acting. It has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Seiun Awards and the Anime Grand Prix on multiple occasions.
12. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia has been a global anime sensation since 2016, achieving tremendous mainstream success. The mainline TV show and three spinoff movies have consistently garnered massive viewership and popularity worldwide.
The immense popularity of My Hero Academia can largely be attributed to its captivating storyline. Set in a world where approximately 80% of the global population possesses a distinctive superpower called a Quirk, the series revolves around Izuku Midoriya, one of the rare individuals who lacks any special abilities.
In due course, he ultimately becomes the recipient of One For All, the most formidable Quirk known to mankind. Armed with this newfound ability, he embarks on a journey to unravel the secrets of becoming the most legendary hero in history. The concept is straightforward yet captivating, as it subverts the conventional notion of a select few possessing powers.
With the addition of incredible character designs, unique quirks, and numerous underlying themes, it becomes evident why this anime has emerged as one of the largest in the world.
If you require additional evidence of this achievement, simply observe the exceptional performance of each of the My Hero Academia movies. Collectively, these films have achieved a remarkable worldwide box office revenue of $98,380,147 since 2018.
11. Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle is widely regarded as one of the most beloved movies from the immensely popular anime studio, Studio Ghibli. While all of Studio Ghibli’s films have achieved significant popularity, Howl’s Moving Castle holds a special place in the hearts of many fans.
In 2004, Hayao Miyazaki’s timeless masterpiece was unveiled, immersing viewers in a realm where magic and 20th-century advancements coexist harmoniously. Amidst the backdrop of an ongoing war between two kingdoms, the tale unfolds, focusing on Sophie, a budding milliner whose fate takes a treacherous turn when she is cursed by a malevolent witch, aging her prematurely.
To break the curse, she needs to place her trust in a Wizard named Howl and embark on a journey through his extraordinary moving castle, powered by magic. This captivating tale delves deep into the consequences of living amidst a war, revealing the complexities of life, love, loyalty, and sorrow.
Even now, Howl’s Moving Castle holds its position as one of the most triumphant anime films ever made, securing the fourth spot by accumulating a remarkable worldwide total of $236,269,142 in earnings.
In addition to its success at the box office, Howl’s Moving Castle garnered numerous accolades, including four Tokyo Anime Awards, the prestigious Nebula Award for Best Script, and a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
10. Fullmetal Alchemist (Series)
Fullmetal Alchemist is often the go-to recommendation for someone new to anime seeking their first series. It has a wide appeal, making it equally enjoyable for both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
The story is divided into two separate series: Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Both series revolve around the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who undergo a tragic incident while attempting to resurrect their deceased mother through Alchemy. Stripped of their physical bodies, the brothers embark on a quest to obtain the fabled Philosopher’s Stone in order to restore themselves to their original state.
This is a timeless adventure filled with thrilling action and captivating storytelling. It is arguably the finest representation of the Seven Deadly Sins in its genre, surpassing even Nakaba Suzuki’s work. As a result, both series continue to be highly popular and widely watched on Netflix.
In 2006, the Japanese television network TV Asahi conducted two separate online polls to determine the most popular anime series, which served as evidence of the show’s overwhelming dominance and popularity. Remarkably, the original Fullmetal Alchemist secured the top spot in both polls. Additionally, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood stands out among anime on Rotten Tomatoes with a flawless 100% score across 14 different critics.
9. Sword Art Online
Whether you adore it or despise it, Sword Art Online is a permanent fixture in the entertainment landscape. This unique isekai, which defies traditional isekai conventions, unfolds within a virtual reality realm where enthusiastic players seeking the ultimate immersive MMORPG experience find themselves confronted with unexpected challenges. Trapped within the game’s confines, their only hope for escape lies in conquering each treacherous dungeon floor. Adding to the stakes, a fatal demise in the game equates to a grim outcome in reality.
Kirito, the lone adventurer, is one of the few who possesses the potential to overcome the system. Alongside his comrades Klein, Agil, and the extraordinary Asuna, he sets out on a quest in the virtual world. Although SAO’s narrative may lack depth, its captivating action sequences in diverse fictional realms have struck a chord with an entire generation.
Even after more than a decade since its initial release, the anime still manages to generate significant excitement with the release of new movie adaptations, underscoring its enduring impact.
8. Bleach
Although often overshadowed by The Big Three, it is undeniable that Bleach is one of the most beloved anime series of all time. The narrative revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki, a young teenager who gains the ability to Reap Souls. His newfound duty involves protecting humanity from malevolent spirits and guiding departed souls to the afterlife.
The following story focuses heavily on rebellion and friendship, introducing a multitude of new characters and storylines that deeply connect with viewers. Bleach gained popularity for its incredible fight scenes, such as the memorable clash between Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki that continues to be a topic of discussion even today.
It is important to acknowledge that Bleach experienced a decline towards the end of its initial run, with the storylines and writing reaching a level almost as poor as the show’s comedy. This is why it ranks a bit lower on this list. However, its popularity remains widespread.
Despite a decade-long break, the recent release of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has managed to captivate audiences with its incredible storyline, making it one of the most popular animes currently airing. This achievement is particularly impressive considering the fierce competition it faces from other renowned shows like Spy x Family, My Hero Academia, and Chainsaw Man.
7. Spirited Away
Despite being released in 2001, Spirited Away, another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, remains one of the greatest anime films of all time. The movie follows the journey of a 10-year-old girl who, during her family’s relocation to the suburbs, accidentally enters a realm governed by deities, witches, and ethereal beings, where humans are transformed into creatures.
Initially enchanting, the situation quickly takes a turn for the worse when the girl becomes ensnared by a witch’s clutches and compelled to toil relentlessly. Now, her utmost priority is to devise a strategy to escape this predicament and return to her ordinary yet cozy existence in the tangible realm, employing any methods deemed necessary.
More than two decades ago, Spirited Away captivated its audience, breaking box office records with a whopping worldwide earning of $355,725,195.
Spirited Away, known as the highest-grossing Japanese film for 19 years, achieved remarkable milestones during this time. It not only won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Animated Feature but also impressed the global audience by securing the fourth position in BBC’s list of the best films of the 21st century. These accolades demonstrated that the film’s acclaim and popularity transcended the boundaries of dedicated anime enthusiasts.
6. Your Name
Despite being a relatively recent release, Your Name deserves recognition as a standout anime film that contributes to the genre’s growing popularity. The movie revolves around the unexpected phenomenon of a high school boy and girl swapping bodies.
As their comprehension deepens, each individual establishes guidelines and offers guidance on how to navigate each other’s lives, aiming to prevent any untoward disruptions. The ensuing narrative unfolds as a poignant account of enigma and sorrow, enriched by evocative and intricate storytelling, accompanied by music and animation.
Despite being one of the more recent additions to this list, having been released in 2016, the undeniable truth remains: Your Name generated a staggering $357,986,087 in global box office revenue.
The movie was also honored with the Best Animated Feature accolade at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, 49th Sitges Film Festival, and the 71st Mainichi Film Awards. Additionally, it received a nomination for Best Animation of the Year at the 40th Japan Academy Prize. Currently, Paramount is actively working on a live-action American remake of the film.
5. Naruto (Series)
After extensive research, we have successfully reached the section of the list where Naruto, the series featuring the beloved knucklehead ninja, has gained considerable recognition. It is only appropriate that Naruto takes the lead in this regard.
The tale of Naruto revolves around Naruto Uzumaki, a youthful ninja yearning for acknowledgement from his village and aspiring to be its revered leader, the Hokage. However, this endeavor is far from easy as he is ostracized by the villagers due to the menacing beast dwelling within him.
Naruto, since its launch in 2002, has solidified its place on the pinnacle of anime in pop culture. The show has become so iconic that it has spawned a meme centered around mimicking the running style seen in the series, known as the “Naruto run.” The immense popularity of the show earned it a spot among The Big Three, a term referring to the three most beloved running series during Shonen Jump’s golden era in the mid-2000s.
Even though the nine Naruto movies did not receive the same level of global marketing and releases as Demon Slayer, they still managed to achieve a commendable performance, accumulating a total gross of $35,094,962.
Thanks to the merchandise and video games that originated from the anime, Naruto has contributed significantly to its entire franchise, which now holds a value of approximately $4.35 billion.
4. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer, a recent addition to this list, has earned its high position primarily through the tremendous impact it has had. Despite its relatively short existence since 2019, the series has become one of the most widely discussed anime of all time. This is largely attributed to Ufotable’s exceptional animation and the intricately crafted fight scenes.
In Demon Slayer, we accompany Tanjiro Kamado, a determined teenager who seeks to avenge his family’s tragic demise and restore his sister’s humanity. To achieve his goal, he embarks on a path to become a Demon Slayer. Throughout his adventure, he encounters numerous kindred spirits, deceitful demons, and even adversaries whose intentions are misconstrued.
This new series has created a fervor among fans due to its remarkably high satisfaction rates (nearly 50%) and its unprecedented success at the box office. Specifically, the film “Demon Slayer — Kimetsu No Yaiba — The Movie: Mugen Train” has earned a staggering $503 million from the sale of over 41 million tickets, thereby securing its position as the top-grossing film of 2020, as well as the highest-earning anime and Japanese film ever.
The Demon Slayer franchise, in addition to smashing box office records, generates an approximate annual sales revenue of $8.75 billion. This substantial amount encompasses all its merchandise sales, solidifying its position among the most lucratively successful media franchises in history.
3. One Piece
Without a doubt, One Piece reigns supreme among The Big Three, solidifying its status as one of the most renowned anime series ever created. Boasting an extensive catalogue of over 1,000 episodes and still growing, this captivating tale unravels the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a young lad gifted with the extraordinary ability to stretch his body like rubber, a power bestowed upon him unknowingly upon consuming a Devil Fruit.
This rubber boy, accompanied by a cheerful gang of pirate outcasts, harnesses his recently acquired abilities to search for the world’s most coveted treasure, the One Piece, with the ambition of claiming the title of King of the Pirates. The series has garnered widespread acclaim from both viewers and critics for its compelling narrative, captivating artwork, well-developed characters, and delightful humor.
The cultural influence of One Piece is so significant that it has even led to the naming of a fruit fly gene as Baramicin. The popularity of the series extends to both Eastern and Western audiences, as evident by its domination in polls asking for favorite anime and anime character.
One Piece, as a complete franchise, holds an approximate value of $14.5 billion, mainly attributed to the success of its merchandise and video games derived from the original anime.
2. Attack on Titan
It’s challenging to find an anime that generates as much buzz and popularity as Attack on Titan. Every week, fans eagerly gather to discuss the latest captivating developments and plot twists in each episode, making it a must-watch and a topic of conversation at the water cooler.
Ever since its premiere in 2013, the anime has rapidly gained popularity due to its captivating narrative. The series takes place in a world where humanity faces imminent extinction due to the appearance of colossal beings known as Titans. The plot revolves around Eren Yeager, who becomes a victim of a Titan assault, and his journey alongside his comrades to unravel the enigmatic nature of these creatures.
Attack on Titan has achieved the highest rating on IMDB among all anime, with an impressive 60% of votes giving it a perfect 10/10. Out of the 300,000 voters, nine episodes received ratings of at least 9.9, and one episode even received a flawless 10. This outstanding performance easily explains why the series holds the top spot in terms of ratings.
Attack on Titan has not only gained a dedicated fan following but has also found favor in mainstream media. Its presence can be seen in various forms, from appearing in popular shows like The Simpsons to being featured in Snickers commercials. In a surprising turn of events, during the commencement of the 2019 San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers game, the Colossal Titan mascot took center stage by delivering the ceremonial first pitch. Later, Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda, donning the Colossal Titan baseball glove, commemorated the occasion with a photo-op alongside the mascot.
When Attack on Titan finally concludes, only time will reveal if it will emerge as the most popular anime of all time. No other anime has even come close to replicating the immense hype that surrounds this franchise week after week.
1. Dragon Ball (Series)
Without Dragon Ball, where would anime be? Regardless of how you feel about its plot, structures, or characters in comparison to modern anime, it is undeniable that Akira Toriyama hit the jackpot when he first introduced the series in 1986.
Taking inspiration from the timeless novel Journey to the West, Dragon Ball traces the remarkable journey of Son Goku. Beginning as a young extraterrestrial, referred to as a Saiyan, who unexpectedly lands on Earth, Goku’s life unfolds into that of an immensely formidable warrior in the universe. Throughout various series, fans witness the evolution of Goku’s extraordinary abilities, encounter distinctive adversaries, forge invaluable friendships, and explore the mystical powers that continue to influence and shape the landscape of anime.
Although its newer versions may not have gained the same level of popularity as Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z, the immense fan following and popularity surrounding those two series alone compensate for it.
If someone with no knowledge of the genre were to be asked to name an anime, it is highly probable that the answer would be Dragon Ball, specifically Dragon Ball Z. This also applies to Goku as an anime character, as he is undoubtedly the most well-known and prominent figure in the industry.
The total worth of the Dragon Ball franchise is estimated to be approximately $30 billion. Although a significant portion of this value can be attributed to sales from manga and various merchandise, it does not diminish the fact that the Dragon Ball series holds the title for being the most financially successful media in the realm of anime.
