How Many Anime Are There In The World

How Many Anime Are There in the World? A Deep Dive

Figuring out the exact number of anime out there is trickier than you might think. It's not like there's a central anime database tracking absolutely everything! We need to consider a few things before getting to a possible number. This includes what counts as anime, how we define "anime," and where we're looking for our data.

Defining "Anime"

For most of us, "anime" refers to animation originating from Japan. But even that definition isn't always clear-cut. What about co-productions with other countries? Or anime-inspired shows made outside of Japan? For this article, we'll stick to animation primarily produced in Japan.

We also need to distinguish between different types of anime. Are we only counting TV series? Or do we include movies, OVAs (Original Video Animations), ONAs (Original Net Animations), and specials? For our purposes, let's try to include everything, but we need to be aware that complete data for every single category is hard to come by.

Estimating the Total Number

Okay, let's get to the fun part: estimating the total number of anime. Several sources give us clues, but they all have limitations.

One of the most comprehensive resources is MyAnimeList (MAL). MAL is a community-driven website where users can track the anime they've watched, rate them, and write reviews. As of late 2024, MAL lists over 18,000 anime titles. That's a significant number, but it's important to remember that MAL is not exhaustive. Some older or more obscure titles might be missing.

Another helpful resource is Anime News Network (ANN). ANN also maintains an extensive database of anime, with similar features to MAL. While their numbers might differ slightly, they offer another valuable perspective on the scale of the anime industry.

However, keep in mind that these databases often include different versions or adaptations of the same story. For instance, "Fate/stay night" has multiple anime adaptations, including the original series, "Unlimited Blade Works," and "Heaven's Feel" movie trilogy. Each of these is listed as a separate entry, even though they all stem from the same source material. This is important because we are talking about total number of unique anime.

Considering Production Numbers

To get a broader sense of the anime landscape, let's look at annual production numbers. According to various industry reports, Japan produces hundreds of new anime series each year. In recent years, this number has consistently been above 200 new anime series annually.

If we assume an average of 200 new anime series per year for the past 60 years (since the early days of anime), that alone would account for 12,000 titles. Add in the countless anime movies, OVAs, and ONAs produced during that time, and the total number grows significantly.

It's also worth noting the increase in anime production in recent years, fueled by the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation. These platforms have invested heavily in anime, both licensing existing titles and commissioning original productions. This has led to an explosion of new anime content, making it even harder to keep track of everything.

The Challenge of Obscure Titles

One of the biggest challenges in estimating the total number of anime is accounting for obscure or forgotten titles. Many older anime series or OVAs may not be well-documented online, making them difficult to find and count. Furthermore, some short-form anime or web animations may never get added to major databases like MAL or ANN.

These forgotten anime represent a significant unknown factor in our estimation. It's impossible to say for sure how many of these exist, but it's safe to assume that they add a substantial number to the overall count.

A Realistic Estimate

Taking all of these factors into account, a reasonable estimate for the total number of anime in the world is between 18,000 and 30,000 titles. This range acknowledges the limitations of existing databases, the continuous production of new anime, and the existence of obscure or forgotten titles.

It is likely that the higher end of this range is more accurate, as new content is constantly being created and older content is being rediscovered by fans. Moreover, the definition of anime is ever-evolving, bringing us to new productions every year.

Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Anime

While it's interesting to speculate about the precise number of anime, it's important to remember that the true value of anime lies in its cultural impact. Anime has become a global phenomenon, influencing art, fashion, music, and storytelling around the world.

From classics like "Astro Boy" and "Akira" to modern hits like "Attack on Titan" and "Demon Slayer," anime has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people. It offers a unique blend of creativity, emotion, and cultural insight that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Ultimately, whether there are 20,000 or 30,000 anime titles out there, the sheer volume of content is a testament to the vibrancy and creativity of the anime industry. So, next time someone asks you how many anime there are, you can confidently say: "A whole lot!"