With a dedicated Studio Focus at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, Crunchyroll offered an in-depth look into the forces behind anime’s explosive popularity and its role as a cultural phenomenon.
We had the opportunity to attend the panel Crunchyroll, Niche No More – Anime’s Global Growth is Delighting Fans Worldwide, presented by Mitchel Berger, Executive Vice President of Global Commerce at Crunchyroll.
Speaking to a captivated audience, Berger explored anime’s remarkable evolution from a niche subculture to a dominant force in global entertainment, offering thoughtful commentary on how Crunchyroll has both shaped and responded to this transformation.
“We’re not just talking about stories or characters, but about a movement. Anime has gone from sub- to mainstream culture. From cult following to a global phenomenon. We’re not just seeing more people watch anime, we’re seeing it become a cultural phenomenon in its own right.”
Berger emphasized that anime defies traditional genre classifications, describing it instead as “a storytelling medium that speaks to fans worldwide.” He spoke to its deep emotional resonance: “For most fans, anime is an instant love. The dynamic characters, stunning visuals, and unique storytelling set in extraordinary worlds create a strong emotional connection that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
Crunchyroll’s growth reflects that global passion:
“Just last Spring, Crunchyroll announced that our streaming service serves more than 17 million subscribers in more than 200 countries and territories. That’s 17 million fans who Crunchyroll talks to each and every day, and who watch each and every day.”
With the world’s largest dedicated anime library —featuring over 50,000 episodes and 25,000 hours of content— Crunchyroll is more than a content provider. It’s a global cultural platform. Yet Berger was clear that size alone isn’t the goal: “It’s about curation, authenticity, and experience,” he said. “We often simulcast new episodes within hours of their debut in Japan. And we localize in over 10 languages—including English, German, French, Spanish, and more—making anime truly accessible to fans across continents.”
Crunchyroll’s global influence continues to expand through a full 360-degree fan experience, from streaming to theatrical releases, merchandise, gaming, collectibles, and immersive live events. “Crunchyroll is more than just a streaming service,” Berger noted. “It’s a lifestyle and a purpose-built platform for fans.”
2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards & Crunchyroll Game Vault
This year, Crunchyroll once again celebrated anime’s cultural power at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards—an event hailed by New York Magazine as “The Oscars of Anime.” With over 51 million votes cast, the ceremony was a global celebration of fan favorites and creative excellence. Fans around the world tuned in to see Solo Leveling crowned Anime of the Year. The nominees represented more than 50 series and films developed by over 35 studios—underscoring the diversity and creative depth of the anime industry today.
The event itself was a star-studded affair, drawing anime superfans and pop culture icons alike—from Grammy-winning singer Kacey Musgraves, to Stranger Things stars Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, to Italian rocker Damiano David, drag superstars Pabllo Vittar and Plastique Tiara, global music artist J Balvin, and Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim, among others. It was a true reflection of anime’s growing influence across cultures, generations, and entertainment sectors.
Crunchyroll is also doubling down on games, a key touchpoint where anime fans and gamers intersect. Through the Crunchyroll Game Vault—which includes more than 50 titles—and popular standalone games like One Punch Man: World and Overlord: Lord of Nazarick, Crunchyroll is keeping fans not only entertained but actively engaged in its ever-expanding anime ecosystem.
And the pace isn’t slowing down. In just the past three years, Crunchyroll has more than doubled the number of new anime titles released per season, growing from 20 to over 50, an extraordinary feat that underscores both audience demand and Crunchyroll’s commitment to super-serving its global community.
As Berger concluded, anime is more than entertainment, it’s a cultural engine:
“Anime is a dynamic artform that is fueling pop culture. It lives in people’s feeds, hearts, and hoodie collections. And it’s inspiring millions around the world.”
Crunchyroll’s role in that movement is clear: building community, amplifying creativity, and delivering anime to fans — anytime, anywhere.
Two Crunchyroll’s series at the official TV Films competition
Crunchyroll’s presence at Annecy extended beyond the panel. Two of its series, Metallic Rouge and Anne Shirley, were included in the official TV Films competition, offering distinct storytelling experiences that highlight the diversity of anime today.
Metallic Rouge, directed by Motonobu Hori and produced by BONES, explores a futuristic universe where humans coexist with androids known as Neans. When a radical group called the Immortal Nine threatens society, the story follows Rouge Redstar and investigator Naomi Orthmann on a mission to Mars—though Rouge’s simple craving for chocolate adds a playful twist to this high-stakes narrative.
In contrast, Anne Shirley, directed by Hiroshi Kawamata and animated by The AnswerStudio, adapts the beloved Anne of Green Gables tale. Set against the backdrop of Prince Edward Island, the series traces the journey of an orphan girl discovering love, friendship, and her place in the world, from childhood through to her return home as a grown woman.
Through engaging narratives, strategic growth, and cultural relevance, Crunchyroll continues to redefine how global audiences experience anime. At Annecy, the message was clear: anime isn’t just thriving—it’s redefining entertainment for a worldwide generation.
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Curated by Beatrice Revello
