The most lucrative mangas of all time!
The thriving anime market has been rapidly expanding since its inception.
Thanks to the rise of streaming and online broadcasting, anime has established itself as a true global phenomenon. This colossal industry, generating several billion dollars, continues to grow and undoubtedly represents one of Japan's most influential and major cultural exports.
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With an almost infinite variety of series and fascinating universes, even the most devoted fans struggle to keep up with all the new releases. The lasting success of a franchise is mainly measured by its commercial performance and the revenues it generates.
The anime industry is booming, with some iconic franchises reaching massive revenues through anime, merchandise, and other media. While new releases continue to enjoy great success, classic series endure through the decades. This list has been updated according to the latest editorial standards from CBR, incorporating a greater number of the most profitable franchises.
25. Astro Boy, a historical and iconic anime franchise
Estimated revenue: 3 billion dollars
Created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy is a pioneering series that paved the way for many masterpieces of the genre. It tells the story of a young android with exceptional powers, dedicated to defending justice and peace to protect humanity.
This franchise, launched in 1951 as an anime, immediately achieved striking success, quickly becoming one of the most recognized anime worldwide and establishing Tezuka as an undisputed master. The original 1963 anime further strengthened its global reputation.
24. Hamtaro, a lasting triumph with the Japanese audience
Estimated revenue: 3.02 billion dollars
Although Hamtaro quickly succeeded abroad, especially at its launch in 2000, its popularity quickly declined outside Japan, particularly in the United States where the franchise faded into obscurity by the mid-2000s.
However, on Japanese soil, Hamtaro remains an extremely lucrative brand. Beyond anime, the franchise includes four full-length films, several video games, and a wide range of merchandise still widely distributed. Its tender charm and endearing aesthetic have made this franchise an essential part of Japanese children's culture.
23. Beyblade: a renewed passion thanks to the Transformers collaboration
Estimated revenue: 4.16 billion dollars
Beyblade chronicles the adventures of the Bladebreakers seeking to win the world championship. Launched in September 1999, it came with the release of the famous spinning tops. Created by Takao Aoki, the franchise soon enjoyed great success, followed by an animated series in 2001. Several sequels and derivative anime further revived public interest.
There are four categories of Beyblades: Endurance, Attack, Balance, and Defense. Distributed by Hasbro in the West, the franchise sold nearly 5 billion tops in the United States in 2003. Fans eagerly await the Beyblade X Transformers line, launched in July 2024.
22. Slam Dunk, a major sports series in the anime universe
Estimated revenue: 4.81 billion dollars
Slam Dunk was a pioneer in the sports anime genre, significantly shaping this storytelling style. Launched in 1990, the anime scored exceptional success with over 170 million copies sold. The 1993 anime adaptation elevated the franchise's popularity to a new level.
Still today, Slam Dunk is a must-see for sports anime fans, especially in Asia, where it greatly influences basketball culture. The film "The First Slam Dunk," released in 2022, also enjoyed immense worldwide success, ranking among the highest-grossing animated movies alongside Demon Slayer and Studio Ghibli works.
21. Detective Conan, one of the oldest and most popular animated series
Estimated revenue: 6.06 billion dollars
Detective Conan is a remarkably successful anime franchise, begun in 1994 in Weekly Shonen Sunday. The anime, launched in 1996, quickly gained worldwide fame.
With over 1,000 episodes and an ongoing anime series (107th volume expected by April 2025), Detective Conan remains a major force in the anime world. The series has sold about 270 million copies.
20. Digimon returns in 2024 with a new web novel series
Estimated revenue: 6.3 billion dollars
The Digimon franchise started in 1997 with the Digital Monster toy. A one-shot anime followed, then several animated series and films, the first in 1999.
Over 24 million original toys have been sold. The 20th-anniversary edition rekindled fan interest. The latest game Digimon Survive was released in 2022, followed by the film Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning in 2023. In March 2024, Digimon Con revealed a new online novel series, Digimon Liberator, launching in April.
19. Bleach continues success with a final arc and a new video game
Estimated revenue: 7.24 billion dollars
Bleach tells the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler with Shinigami powers protecting his town from evil spirits. The anime ran from 2004 to 2012, and the sequel started in 2022 to cover the final arc.
With 74 volumes and 130 million copies sold, Bleach ranks among the most popular anime. More than 20 video games have been released, with a new title, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, scheduled for 2025.
18. Doraemon, Japan's most profitable film franchise
Estimated revenue: 7.29 billion dollars
Doraemon, the time-traveling robotic cat, is a Japanese cultural icon. In 2008, he was named the first “anime ambassador” by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promoting Japanese culture to children worldwide.
Doraemon originated as a children's anime published from 1969 to 1996. Three anime series (1973, 1979, 2005) followed, along with a spin-off anime airing from 1995 to 2001 inspired by the Doraemon 2112: The Birth of Doraemon (1995) film. The franchise continues with weekly episodes and annual films, making Doraemon the country’s most lucrative cinematic franchise.
17. Pretty Cure, the flagship magical girl of the 2000s
Estimated revenue: 8 billion dollars
Though less known outside Japan, Pretty Cure is one of the most profitable anime franchises in the country. Launched in 2004, it became the benchmark magical girl series of the 2000s.
Most revenue comes from merchandise, with nearly 9 billion dollars generated. Each new series targets a new generation, ensuring the franchise's longevity and popularity, placing it despite everything in the last quarter of this ranking.
16. Demon Slayer has sold over 150 million anime volumes
Estimated revenue: 9.32 billion dollars
Thanks to remarkable animation and a captivating story, Demon Slayer rose from a surprise hit in 2019 to the most lucrative anime ever created, boosting sales of Koyoharu Gotouge's manga.
More than 150 million copies of the 23 volumes have been sold worldwide. The anime concluded in June 2024, while Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Mugen Train remains the highest-grossing film in Japan.
15. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure revolutionized Shonen storytelling
Estimated revenue: 9.8 billion dollars
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure saw a true rise in the English-speaking world in 2012 thanks to its anime, but in Japan, it has been profitable since 1987. With 190 episodes, it follows the Joestar family adventures through generations. The anime has sold over 120 million copies.
The franchise expanded to video games and live adaptations, profoundly transforming shonen storytelling, influence still visible in current anime.
14. Rilakkuma, an iconic Japanese mascot
Estimated revenue: 10 billion dollars
Like Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma is a beloved mascot in Japan, with numerous merchandise, toys, and TV series. Fans enjoy the bear and friends, who live adventures as captivating as Sanrio characters'.
Its popularity exploded after the stop-motion Netflix series, followed by a sequel. Rilakkuma is now everywhere, with collaborations, pop-up shops, and themed cafés. A third anime is in preparation, produced by the studio behind Ghost in the Shell.
13. Naruto, an anime with global cultural significance
Estimated revenue: 10 billion dollars
With its worldwide cultural impact, Naruto ranks among the most profitable anime. Its success is mainly based on the anime, recognized as one of the three greats of Shonen Jump, which greatly contributed to its fame.
Movies, video games, and crossovers with other franchises have boosted its popularity. The controversial sequel Boruto: Naruto Next Generations also contributed to the franchise's profitability. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, determined to overcome prejudice to bring peace and become a hero.
12. Neon Genesis Evangelion brought new depth to the Mecha genre
Estimated revenue: 12 billion dollars
Neon Genesis Evangelion innovated by revealing the dark side of piloting giant robots. Following teenagers fighting monsters with their Evangelions, the series revolutionized the mecha genre, becoming one of the greatest anime of all time. The 23-episode anime dates back to 1996, complemented by 1997 movies offering alternative endings.
Evangelion remains very profitable, especially thanks to pachinko machines and royalties from its music. Its total sales approach 9 billion dollars.
11. Sailor Moon, a major pioneer of anime
Estimated revenue: 14 billion dollars
Sailor Moon, broadcast since 1992, has retained its status as the premier shojo and magical girl anime. Centered on Usagi Tsukino, the series marked a turning point in a male-dominated universe, becoming one of the most profitable anime. Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2016) is a more faithful adaptation of the anime.
Several movies accompany the series, including Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos The Movie, released in 2023 in Japan and expected on Netflix in August 2024. Most current revenue comes from merchandise.
10. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, a historical institution in Japanese animation
Estimated revenue: 16 billion dollars
KochiKame is little known outside Japan but is one of the most profitable and historic anime in the country. It was serialized from 1976 to 2016, and the franchise continues generating revenue through reprints, merchandise, and anniversary reruns.
Though it no longer offers many new releases, KochiKame remains an influential sitcom and a cultural icon, even if it is less famous in the West than the three big shonen series.
9. Ultraman sparks renewed interest with Avengers Team-Up
Estimated revenue: 20 billion dollars
The Ultraman franchise, born in 1966 with Ultra Q, saw its main character appear the following season. It includes over 100 series, films, and video games. The Ultraman anime, launched in 2011, is inspired by the original series.
Ultraman was streamed on Netflix from 2019 to 2023, followed by the Ultraman: Rising film in 2024. The franchise was highlighted at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con with the presentation of Ultraman X Avengers by Marvel, scheduled for August 2024.
8. Yu-Gi-Oh!, the Duel Monsters card game
Estimated revenue: 20 billion dollars
Yu-Gi-Oh! stood out thanks to its card game, around which the franchise was built. Initially an anime in Weekly Shonen Jump, it tells the story of Yugi Muto, a legendary duelist, but primarily serves to promote the game.
Card game sales have surpassed 11 billion dollars, constituting the main revenue source, though the anime and movies have also seen financial success.
7. One Piece, a consistent audience since 1999
Estimated revenue: 21 billion dollars
One Piece is one of the longest-running anime, with over 1,112 episodes aired. Its popularity is based on a massive fanbase and an endless story following Monkey D. Luffy and his crew in their quest for the legendary treasure.
Since 1999, viewership and revenue have never waned. Sales of merchandise and video games represent a significant part of the franchise, which is experiencing renewed popularity in the West in 2024. As One Piece enters its final arc, its earnings are expected to continue growing.
6. Fist of the North Star helped anime establish internationally
Estimated revenue: 22 billion dollars
Fist of the North Star, born in the '80s, helped anime gain global footing. In a post-apocalyptic world, Kenshiro, a martial arts expert, protects the innocent. Published in 1983, the anime quickly succeeded in cinemas and expanded to other media.
Despite its age, the franchise remains very profitable, mainly thanks to pachinko machines generating 14 billion dollars. Recent releases remain rare but respectable.
5. Dragon Ball, an epic and popular franchise
Estimated revenue: 23 billion dollars
Dragon Ball is a shonen classic, following Son Goku from childhood to adulthood, around the mystical Dragon Balls. Born in the '80s, it retains intact popularity.
Video games and merchandise constitute a major share of revenue. Recent films have reinforced its status as one of the most profitable anime, with many projects upcoming. Few series have generated more revenue.
4. Mobile Suit Gundam owes its success to its toys and model kits
Estimated revenue: 26 billion dollars
Mobile Suit Gundam is famous for its Gunpla model kits, which outsell all other franchise products. Each new anime is adapted to its era, renewing interest generation after generation.
In 2024, the franchise recorded its best annual sales, confirming its lasting success.
3. Anpanman, an extremely popular children's anime in Japan
Estimated revenue: 60 billion dollars
Little known outside Japan, Anpanman tells the story of a superhero with a pastry face, protecting the world from the germ Baikinman. Launched as an anime in 1973 and as a series in 1988, it is still ongoing.
Almost all revenue comes from children's merchandise and the Anpanman Museum in Yokohama, which has generated nearly 14 billion dollars.
2. Hello Kitty, cartoons serving merchandising
Estimated revenue: 80 billion dollars
More mascot than anime character, Hello Kitty derives most of its revenue from merchandise. The cartoons were often simple advertisements for these products. The character appeared on a coin purse well before the first animated series in 1987.
In 2014, its annual revenue was estimated at 8 billion dollars, a figure likely higher now. Series and movies are not the main source of income.
1. Pokémon, the most profitable animated franchise of all time
Estimated revenue: 100 billion dollars
Debuted in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Blue games, followed by the first animated series and anime, the franchise surpassed 100 billion dollars in net worth in 2022, an unprecedented phenomenon.
Despite a diverse offering of anime, card games, and video games, licensed merchandising remains Pokémon's main engine. Merchandise sales far surpass those of other media, securing Pokémon the title of the most profitable animated franchise, a status destined to endure.
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