Anime has been an exponentially increasing market since its inception. With the help of streaming and network distribution, anime has also become a worldwide phenomenon. A multibillion-dollar industry that doesn't show any signs of stopping, anime is probably Japan's largest and most influential cultural export.

With a seemingly endless supply of shows and stories, even the most dedicated fans couldn't keep up with everything being released. There are lots of different ways to measure the success of a franchise, but the most obvious one would be in terms of its commercial success and financial revenue.

Updated on February 26th, 2025 by Chelsea Steele: Anime is an ever-increasing market, with franchises raking in billions of dollars in sales through manga, merch, and more. While popular new titles will always be big sellers, the most iconic franchises have a staying power that's lasted for decades. We've updated this list to meet Cbr's current publication standard,...